13 Jan 2016

PROSTATE HEALTH AWARENESS

The job of the Kidney is to remove waste. Blood passes through the kidney several times to be filtered. As the blood is filtered, Urine is formed and stored in the Urinary Bladder.
Below the bladder and surrounding the urethra is the Prostate Gland which makes the Seminal Fluid stored in the Seminal Vesicle.
After age 40, for reasons that may be hormonal, the Prostate Gland begins to enlarge, squeezes the urethra, and a man begins to notice changes in the way he urinates. His urine stream becomes weak, cannot travel a long distance and sometimes may come straight down on his legs. Not many men will be worried. But other symptoms begin to show.

Terminal Dripping: The man begins to notice that after urinating, urine still drops on his pants. 

Hesitancy: At this point you wait longer for the urine flow to start. But because of obstructions in the Urethra, you wait long for the flow to start.

Incomplete Emptying: You have this feeling immediately after urinating that there is still something left.

Then the more serious complications start. Stored urine gets infected and there may be a burning sensation when urinating. Stored urine forms crystals. Crystals come together to form stone either in the bladder or in the kidney. Stones may block the urethra. Chronic urinary retention sets in. The bladder becomes overfilled and may leak, leading to wetting/urinary incontinence. Also the volume may put pressure on the kidney and may lead to kidney damage. Then, he wakes up one day and he is not able to pass urine.
Everything described above is associated with Prostate Enlargement, technically called Benign Prostate Hyperplasia.
There are other Diseases of the Prostate:
1. Prostatitis: Inflammation of the prostate
2. Prostate Cancer: Cancer of the prostate.

This discussion is on Prostate Enlargement. Every man will have prostate enlargement if he lives long enough. And, there are life style changes that can help the man after 40 to maintain optimum prostate health.

Nutrition: Look at what you eat. 33% of all cancers, according to the US National Cancer Institute is related to what we eat. Red meat and milk every day, and not taking fruits/vegetables daily increase your risks. Tomatoes are very good for men. They contain lycopene which is the most potent natural antioxidant. Foods that are rich in zinc are also good for men, e.g., Pumpkin seeds (gbghr). Zinc is about the most essential element for male sexuality and fertility. It is also important for alcohol metabolism. Your liver needs zinc to metabolize alcohol.

Alcohol Consumption: As men begin to have urinary symptoms associated with prostate enlargement, it is important they look at alcohol consumption. More fluid in means more fluid out. Drink less. Drink slowly.

Exercise: Exercise helps to build the muscle tone. Men over 40 should avoid high impact exercise like jogging. It puts pressure on the knees. Cycling is bad news for the prostate. We recommend brisk walking.

Sitting: When we sit, two-third of our weight rests on the pelvic bones. Men who sit longer are more prone to prostate symptoms. Do not sit for long hours. Walk around as often as you can. Sit on comfortable chairs. We recommend a divided saddle chair if you must sit long hours.

Dressing: Men should avoid tight underwear. It impacts circulation around the groin and heats it up a bit. Pant is a no go for men. Wear boxers. Wear breathable clothing.

Smoking: Avoid smoking. It affects blood vessels and impact circulation around the groin.

Sex: Regular sex is good for the prostate. Your prostate gland is designed to empty its contents regularly.

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