The prostate is the largest accessory sex gland in the male body and a male-specific organ that controls male urination. The prostate also contains many glands, and one of its important functions is to secrete an important component of male semen - prostatic fluid, so the prostate also plays an important role in male fertility.
In daily life, the health of the male prostate can be challenged by stimulating foods such as alcohol, caffeine, and spicy foods. For example, drinking alcohol can cause prostatic congestion, aggravating the clinical symptoms of chronic prostatitis. Long-term cycling or sitting may also cause pelvic congestion, increasing the chances of inducing prostatitis.
For the prevention and treatment of prostatitis, drug therapy is certainly important, but relying solely on medication while ignoring other therapies may not be effective. How can we protect the prostate in daily life? Below, I will recommend three protective measures to all male friends to keep you away from the troubles of prostate diseases.
1. Regular check-ups are key
Experts point out that the first step in protecting prostate health is "prevention before it happens." The shape of the prostate is like an upside-down chestnut, located below the bladder neck, surrounding the opening of the bladder where it meets the urethra. To give an analogy, the position of the bladder and prostate is like an inverted gourd, with the bladder being the large belly at the top of the gourd and the prostate being the small belly at the bottom. The "handle" of the gourd is the urethra that passes through the middle of the prostate and leads out. Therefore, the prostate guards the upper part of the urethra, so if there's a problem with the prostate, urination will be affected first.
In the early stages of prostatitis, symptoms are not very obvious, therefore, regular check-ups at professional urology hospitals are crucial for preventing prostate diseases.
2. Dietary adjustments are important
Besides proteins, various enzymes, and organic substances, prostatic fluid also contains many trace elements, with zinc being the most abundant. Foreign medical researchers have found that apple juice has amazing therapeutic effects for zinc deficiency. Therefore, compared to high-zinc drugs, apple juice is even more beneficial for prostate health, and it is safe, easy to digest and absorb, and more acceptable. Therefore, experts suggest that patients with chronic prostatitis often eat some apples or drink apple juice, which is a very beneficial dietary therapy.
In addition, patients with prostatitis should avoid spicy foods such as onions, garlic, peppers, and black pepper. Some patients with chronic prostatitis have the habit of eating spicy foods, and they often control their diet when symptoms are severe, but when symptoms ease, they indulge in spicy foods again, leading to a recurrence of the condition. Moreover, nicotine, tar, nitrosamines, carbon monoxide, and other toxic substances in cigarettes not only directly harm prostate tissue but also interfere with the nerve function that controls blood vessels, affecting the blood circulation of the prostate and exacerbating the swelling of the prostate. Therefore, patients with prostate diseases should especially focus on quitting smoking.
3. Daily exercise is essential
Research shows that actively participating in fitness exercises helps delay the spread of inflammatory cells in the prostate, such as walking, running, swimming, playing tennis, cycling, and gymnastics, which are all suitable exercise methods for patients with prostatitis. Studies have also found that men over 65 who frequently participate in sports activities have about a 70% lower chance of developing prostate cancer than ordinary people. Data proves that if men over 65 engage in more than 3 hours of active exercise per week, the likelihood of developing prostate disease will significantly decrease.
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