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 (Ụgbọghọrọ).
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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