Prostate Support
According to the American Cancer Society, one in seven men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime. In fact, prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in men overall. That’s why it’s important to maintain a healthy prostate through regular urological examinations, (especially if you’re over aged 40), and the right nutrition through a healthy diet and support supplements.
The Prostate - Its Function and Diseases
The prostate gland is slightly larger than a walnut and technically part of the male sex organs. Its sole purpose is to secrete fluids, necessary to protect sperm. If you are a male, over the age of 40, you may be at risk for certain prostate related diseases and conditions.
Prostate Cancer
You may be at risk if:
Family history - You have a family history of the disease. Your chances of developing prostate cancer are double if you have a close male blood relative who has(d) the disease. This includes your father, brother, or uncle.
Diet - If you eat a low fiber diet and large quantities of red meat and fat, you may increase your risk of prostate cancer.
Race - African American males are twice as likely to develop prostate cancer than white males.
Age - Men over 55 are more likely to develop prostate cancer than younger males, however regular screenings with a PSA (prostate specific antigen) test and a physician’s exam should begin at age 40.
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)
This is also known as an enlarged prostate. In this case, the prostate gland may block or squeeze the urethra, cutting off the flow of urine from the bladder.
Symptoms include:
• Slow or weak urinary stream
• Feeling of incomplete emptying of bladder
• Difficulty starting urination
• Urgency to urinate
• Getting up at night to urinate frequently
• Urinary stream that starts and stops
• Dribbling urine
• Returning to urinate minutes later
Though the prostate is not cancerous, BPH can lead to more serious conditions and infections.
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