So you spent a month growing that moustache – but what is it all really for? Raising awareness about prostate cancer during the month of ‘Movember’, of course. But did you know there are many things you can do NOW to prevent prostate cancer? Let’s raise awareness about prevention, too.

Most men don’t often think of prostate health until they end up with urinary symptoms in their 40s or 50s. But it’s important to understand its purpose and how to take care of this vital part of the male reproductive system. The prostate is a small gland with the main function of secreting an alkaline fluid found in ejaculate which increases the chance of a sperm fertilizing an egg. It needs healthy male hormones to function properly and to reduce prostate disease risk.

If not given what it needs to be healthy, there are a number of conditions that affect the prostate, some benign and some malignant. Some less serious, but very painful and/or irritating conditions include acute or chronic prostatitis (infection of the prostate) and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH – an enlargement of the prostate). Prostatitis usually caused by bacteria and can be very painful. BPH, affecting 5-10% of men at age 30 and 90% of men over 85, causes difficulty urinating. One in seven Canadian men will develop prostate cancer during their lives.

What can you do now to protect yourself against all of these conditions??

1. Lean into it – When men have higher amounts of fat in their bodies, the fat cells start to turn testosterone into estrogen. This male hormonal imbalance can lead to enlargement of the prostate. Regular exercise including strength training will help you maintain a lean body and healthy body composition.
2. Are you in zinc? – Zinc is an essential mineral for prostate health and plays many vital roles in the body. It also enhances immune function making you less prone to infection – ie – prostatitis (ouch!). Pumpkin seeds are a rich source of zinc, so have a handful a day!
3. The alpha Omega – Increase your consumption of the right fats. Cold-water fish, nuts and seeds are great sources of omega-3s.
4. Super Selenium – Studies show that men taking this antioxidant micronutrient had reduced risk of prostate cancer. Brazil nuts are a great dietary source. Make a trail mix with your pumpkin seeds!
5. Get your F&V – High fruits and vegetables are the key to risk reduction in prostate cancer and will also help towards maintaining a healthy body composition. How much is enough? Daily consumption of 3-4 cups of veggies & 1-2 pieces of Long live lifestyle – Avoid smoking and excess alcohol consumption. These two factors are associated with an increased risk of prostate cancer (among many other serious health conditions).
6. What’s your beef? – A diet high in beef products increases the risk of BPH by 25%. A low saturated (animal) fat diet, with adequate healthy fats lead to over prostate disease risk reduction.

As you can see, prevention all comes down to three basic principles: a healthy diet, regular exercise and a health-conscious lifestyle. All prostate conditions can be treated naturopathically, but why wait? Mo sistas, share these tips with your Mo man and Mo bros. Let’s start with prevention today.

Best Regards,

Tara Marcinkowski, BAH, ND