Men’s Health: Nutrients You Must Love

It is a fact that men of age 50 or more have a 1 in 2 chance of contracting BPH or Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy, and 1 in 6 men will likely suffer the woes of prostate cancer. When the prostate is enlarged, there is really a cause to take serious preventative measures – and it’s best to talk to your doctor about it.

According to MedlinePlus, prostate enlargement happens to almost all men when they get older. As their glands grow, it press on the urethra, that tube through which urine passes. This is why men suffering this complain of constant urination and other bladder problems.

There are symptoms you need to watch for, like:

Difficulty Urinating
Incontinence
Incomplete Emptying of the Bladder
Waking up at Night, 2-3 times, to Urinate
Painful Urination
Blood in Urine
Forcing to Urinate
Sudden Urge to Urinate
Dribbling after Urination

Your doctor will take a complete medical history and run a digital rectal exam, plus a series of several tests. You may see here for details of these tests.

Early prevention is very crucial in this stage and men will be smart to stock up their bodies’ pile of these essential nutrients:

1. Lycopene

This plant compound makes your fruits and veggies red. More than that, it’s a carotenoid that’s rich in antioxidants, which is great not only in fighting prostate cancer – but diseases of the heart as well.

2. Selenium

Low selenium levels mean an increased risk of having prostate cancer. Studies have shown that taking selenium daily may reduce the incidence of contracting this disease. This nutrient can even be responsible for killing those prostate cancer cells.

3. Magnesium

One of the most essential minerals in our body, magnesium plays a vital role in your bone and muscle health. Those who suffer magnesium deficiency are at greater risk for heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, asthma, and migraines. This compound is found in your dark, leafy greens, whole grains, nuts, and yummy avocados.

4. Soy

This staple as ancient as man’s first civilization is your top source of vitamins, proteins, minerals, and phytonutrients. Phytonutrients are the super compounds found in your plants, giving you that invincible shield against free radicals and cancer-causing agents around you.

Being healthy is as important as staying healthy. Find your natural balance and love your fruits and greens. It might take time getting used to a healthy habit and lifestyle, but the investment, is good for the long time running.

Take Charge of Your Health!

A video on BPH by Sasah Wainastein, MD ( FACS, Urology ):