by Dr. Fred Harvey   

Prostate health is a significant concern for aging men. As men grow older, it is common for the prostate gland to undergo some growth increases nighttime trips to the bathroom. Various factors can cause benign prostate hyperplasia. The prostate gland shares similarities with breast tissue and responds to hormones similarly.  

Both testosterone and estrogen can cause the gland to grow. The aging process alters hormone production, transformation and elimination in both men and women. Men experience a decline in testosterone production as they grow older, while estrogen levels can increase either directly or in relation to the lower testosterone levels. These changes subsequently contribute to growth of the prostate gland. 

Prostate cancer is a major concern for men, the second most common cancer after skin cancer. The likelihood of diagnosis increases with age. Approximately one in 456 men under 50 could be diagnosed with prostate cancer, and the risk factors rise significantly after age 50. The About one in 54 men will receive a diagnosis in their 60s; one in 19 will be diagnoses from the ages of 60–69; and one in 11 will be diagnosed over the age 70. It is important to note that smoking remains a serious risk factor for developing this disease. 

To increase prostate health, you will need to consider lifestyle and dietary factors. A daily 20-minute walk (especially those who have previously been sedentary) can reduce the risk of recurrent prostate cancer by 30 percent. Eliminating toxins (particularly hormone disruptors such as pesticides) from the diet, and avoiding artificial fragrances in cosmetics and cleaning solutions can also help reduce the burden on the prostate.  

Alcohol consumption can increase estrogen production by affecting hormone metabolism in the liver, so it is advisable to limit your intake to one ounce or less per day to maintain healthy hormone levels. Additionally, incorporating squats and lunges into your exercise routine can naturally boost testosterone production and contribute to lower extremity strength. 

Insulin plays a role in driving prostate hyperplasia, and clinical evidence suggests that metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance and pre-diabetes contribute to this problem. Therefore, controlling the intake of simple sugars and excess starches found in processed foods is a simple yet effective approach to maintaining prostate health. Remember that artificial sweeteners can cause insulin resistance and diabetes, so it is ideal to eliminate them altogether. 

Nutritional health also benefits the prostate. Taking a nutrient-dense multivitamin, incorporating Omega-3 supplements, and consuming fat-soluble antioxidants like vitamins A, D, and E can support the fatty prostate gland. Additionally, herbs rich in phytochemicals (such as saw palmetto) can further contribute to healthy hormone levels. While there are no guarantees, these simple steps should promote excellent prostate health.  

Dr. Fred Harvey is the Medical Director of Functional Medicine Florida. He is quadruple board-certified in Internal Medicine, Geriatric Medicine, Functional Medicine, and Holistic-Integrative Medicine, specializing in chronic illness recovery and prevention, as well as defiant aging. For more information, visit FunctionalMedicineFlorida.com. 

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