Maintaining a healthy heart isn’t just about cardiovascular well-being—it’s also a key factor in safeguarding prostate health. Studies reveal a profound connection between heart health and prostate issues, with cardiovascular disease often intersecting with prostate cancer. Embracing heart-healthy habits not only protects against heart disease but also extends benefits to prostate health, highlighting the importance of holistic wellness for men.
Protecting the Prostate Through Heart-Healthy Habits
Prostate health thrives on the same lifestyle choices that promote cardiovascular wellness. By integrating certain habits into daily life, men can mitigate the risk of developing prostate conditions such as cancer or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Here are several lifestyle adjustments that support both heart and prostate health:
Heart-Healthy Diet
Choose a diet that is abundant in nutrients which promote the health of both the heart and prostate. Prioritize foods low in unhealthy fats like saturated and trans-fatty acids, and instead incorporate monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats into meals. Embrace fatty fish, avocados, nuts, seeds, and lean poultry while reducing consumption of red meats and processed meats like bacon and sausage. Amplify intake of fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains for added vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fiber—a cornerstone of heart and prostate health.
Regular Exercise
Commit to at least 30 minutes of aerobic exercise daily, complemented by strength training sessions twice a week. Regular physical activity not only benefits cardiovascular fitness but also contributes to prostate health. Activities like brisk walking, jogging, swimming, or cycling can reduce the risk of prostate issues and support overall wellbeing.
Maintain a Healthy Body Weight
Monitor weight and strive to maintain a healthy body composition, particularly focusing on abdominal obesity. Excessive weight gain, especially around the waistline, is a shared risk factor for heart disease and prostate cancer. Keep waist circumference in check, aiming for measurements below 35 inches to mitigate health risks associated with central obesity.
Quit Smoking
Kick the habit of smoking to safeguard both heart and prostate health. Smoking not only harms the heart and blood vessels, increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease, but it also heightens the likelihood of prostate cancer and mortality from the disease. Research underscores the detrimental impact of smoking on prostate health, emphasizing the importance of quitting to mitigate health risks and enhance overall well-being.
Conclusion
Recognizing the intricate link between heart and prostate health underscores the significance of holistic wellness practices for men. By prioritizing heart-healthy habits, individuals can fortify not only cardiovascular fitness but also safeguard prostate health, fostering a foundation of vitality and longevity.
Dr. David Samadi is the Director of Men’s Health and Urologic Oncology at St. Francis Hospital in Long Island. He’s a renowned and highly successful board certified Urologic Oncologist Expert and Robotic Surgeon in New York City, regarded as one of the leading prostate surgeons in the U.S., with a vast expertise in prostate cancer treatment and Robotic-Assisted Laparoscopic Prostatectomy. Dr. Samadi is a medical contributor to NewsMax TV and is also the author of The Ultimate MANual, Dr. Samadi’s Guide to Men’s Health and Wellness, available online both on Amazon and Barnes & Noble. Visit Dr. Samadi’s websites at robotic oncology and prostate cancer 911.
