THE PROSTATE POWER HOUSE
Prostate problems plague many American men of all races. Most men are uninformed about the prostate and some don’t even know about its existence, let alone its functions and importance for a healthy life. Most are under the impression that prostate problems are something they might have to worry about when they are much older. The truth is, taking care of your prostate, especially in your 30’s, can help you avoid prostate problems altogether when you’re older.
WHAT IS YOUR PROSTATE
The prostate is a small acorn shaped gland located between the base of your penis and your rectum. Having a healthy prostate is key for reproduction as one of its main functions is to supply seminal fluid to sperm upon ejaculation. The prostate also plays a role in the emptying of your bladder. Problems with the prostate can lead to a number of inconveniences in your daily life, so keeping your prostate healthy and functioning properly is in every man‘s best interest.
SIGNS OF PROSTATE PROBLEMS:
- Frequent trips to the bathroom
- Loss of sleep due to being awakened by urge to urinate
- Loss of ability to completely empty the bladder
- Weak erection / impotence
- Loss of sex drive
- Dribbled ejaculation
- Premature ejaculation
- Pain and stiffness in the pelvic and rectal area
HOW ARE PROSTATE PROBLEMS BROUGHT ON?
The medical community has not come to a direct cause for prostate problems. However, there are three main conditions that can ail the prostate:
- PROSTATITIS: Infection or inflammation of the prostate
- PROSTATE CANCER: Growth of cancerous cells inside the prostate, which can spread to other parts of the body
- BENIGN PROSTATIC HYPERPLASIA(BPH): Age related enlargement of the prostate gland
Prostate health becomes more of a concern as we age, but we should always be conscious of keeping it healthy no matter what age we are.
WAYS TO KEEP THE PROSTATE HEALTHY
- MAINTAINING A HEALTHY WEIGHT: You can never go wrong maintaining a heathy weight. It is beneficial to the body as a whole.
- EXERCISE REGULARLY: Something as simple as a walk a couple times a week can do wonders for you, especially if your daily life doesn’t call for much physical activity.
- REDUCED ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION
- AVOID SMOKING
- HEALTHY BALANCED DIET
- DRINKING PLENTY OF WATER
THE PELVIC FLOOR AND THE PROSTATE
The pelvic floor muscles work with the prostate to start and stop the flow of urine. One of the most common ailments with prostate dysfunction is incontinence/ bladder leakage. Strengthening the pelvic floor can greatly improve your ability to urinate completely and to prolong ejaculation. The pelvic floor, most notably the PC muscle, when contracted, squeezes the prostate. Contracting and releasing the pelvic floor brings on a massage-like effect to the prostate, which helps keep it small and soft, a characteristic of a healthy prostate.
Other approaches to massaging the prostate include accessing the prostate via unconventional methods and may make most men uncomfortable. A non-invasive alternative is to simply rub your perineum, the space between your genitals and your anus, firmly, which can also massage your prostate and help ease discomfort. The prostate and the pelvic floor are vital to a man’s sexual performance. From ejaculation to your erection, this duo being out of sorts can make your sexual experience less than ideal. Strengthening the pelvic floor with exercise movements like the goblet squat can help to ensure the prostate is properly supported.
AGING
Prostate problems tend to come about when men are between 40-50 years of age, if at all. Some men never have prostate issues, but prevention is always better than needing a cure. Exercise is one of the best ways to ease aging and keep your prostate healthy. You owe it to yourself to invest in your health.
Stress can play a role in encouraging many sicknesses that can take form within the body. We can often get lost in working and providing for our loved ones so much so that we forget to take care of ourselves. Meditation practices can relieve stress and help you to reconnect with yourself. It is important to take time to clear your head and evaluate your head space, clearing out any thoughts that might be causing tension.
There are many approaches to meditation. With a little research it will be easy to find a way to meditate that fits in with your way of life. Something as simple as a big exhale with a big inhale filling your lungs with fresh oxygen, then completely exhaling again can only do you some good. In the least, you should put aside some time weekly for yourself that allows you to connect with yourself.
AFTER 30
For most men, we take our abilities as a young man for granted. Our 20’s come and go and for most, this will be the height of their health. As you creep closer to 40, your natural metabolism slows drastically, making it harder every year to maintain a healthy weight. Therefore, it is even more important to maintain healthy dietary practices and regular exercise. Diet and exercise alone in your 30’s will ensure you have a healthy prostate in your 40’s.
DEBT TO YOUR SELF
In the least, you owe it to yourself to do a little research on the prostate and how to keep it healthy. As a man, the prostate and pelvic floor are easily overlooked when it comes to male performance. By including practices that maintain the prostate and strengthen the pelvic floor, being the best version of yourself is all the more possible. I am not a medical professional: if you’re having any problems with your body, you should always consult a medical health professional before exposing your body to any remedy.
