2 Interesting Ways to Reduce Your Prostate Cancer Risks

If you have a family history of prostate cancer and if you are over the age of 50, then you are at an elevated risk of forming the cancer yourself. Your risks are even higher if you are African-American and if you live in the United States. However, regular screenings after the age of 40 can help to locate prostate swelling and precancerous conditions. If you are extremely concerned about cancer, there are also a variety of things you can do on your own to help reduce your risks.

Do Not Overdo the Supplements

Many people choose to take a wide variety of supplements as they age to help with the body's increasing need for nutrients. Nutrient needs increase as  stress and age cause the cells, tissues, and bones of the body to deteriorate at a much faster rate. These nutrients help the body rebuild damage and protect the body systems from advanced diseases like heart disease and diabetes.

However, supplements are not a miracle cure, and they can actually do more harm than good. Calcium supplements are an example of this, since many older individuals take calcium to keep the bones strong against osteoporosis and bone breaks. You may even take calcium because you have learned that the nutrient helps to reduce the risks of some forms of cancer. This may be true, but some studies show that an increase in calcium intake can actually increase prostate cancer risks. 

Selenium supplements are sometimes taken by individuals with elevated prostate cancer risks, too. However, research studies show vastly contradictory data on whether the nutrient is a help or a hindrance to those looking to prevent prostate cancer. Some studies say that selenium supplements reduce cancer risks, while others say that the nutrient has no effect at all. Other studies say that selenium supplements are linked to elevated rates of prostate cancer. Similar contradictory information can be seen when looking at studies involving vitamin E and other nutrients.

Eat a Healthy Diet

Instead of taking supplements to reduce your prostate cancer risks, make sure to eat a healthy diet instead. You can look at the recommended vitamin and nutrient intake amounts for your age, so you can make sure that you are receiving exactly what you need on a daily basis. With this information, also look at the fruits and vegetables you like to eat and see what nutrients these foods contain.

You may not be able to figure out exactly how much of each nutrient each food contains per serving, but by varying your diet and keeping track of what you do eat, you should be able to tell if one or more nutrients are lacking. If you find that this is the case, then think about talking to your prostate doctor about a multivitamin that will fill in the nutritional gaps without causing you any health issues.

Get Rid of Your Belly Fat

You probably already know that exercise is important for overall health and the reduction of disease risks. Specifically, exercise can help to keep you cancer free. However, if you want to reduce your risks of forming prostate cancer, then you not only need to exercise, but you need to focus on shrinking the fat that lines your abdomen.

Stomach fat is linked to body inflammation, and the swelling of the prostate can increase your risk of forming prostate cancer. The fat can also cause hormone imbalances and it can force your body to produce the stress hormone cortisol. These things are also bad if you want your prostate to remain in good health.

To target the fat around your abdomen, consider completing exercises like crunches, squats, lunges, leg lifts, and planks. Add these exercises to your aerobic exercise routine or complete them before you decide to run, swim, or bike. 

For a better idea of your treatment or prevention options, contact resources like International HIFU.