Prevention from Prostatitis


The following measures may help to prevent prostatitis:

  • Ensure an adequate intake of fresh fruits and vegetables as they are rich in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and fiber which protect against infection and prevent inflammation.
  • Get a sufficient intake of healthy fats such as omega-3 fatty acids and monounsaturated fats. They help to promote good health of the prostate. Reduce your intake of unhealthy fats since they may contribute to increased inflammation in the body.
  • Opt for foods rich in plant protein instead of animal protein. Plant protein provides your body with essential nutrients and is also known to lower the rate of prostate disorders.
  • Drink green tea as it contains catechins which are powerful antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents. Studies have shown that catechins help to reduce infection in the prostate gland.
  • Certain foods, additives and supplements which are detrimental to prostate health should be avoided. These include meat, sugary foods and chondroitin.
  • Supplements such as quercetin, zinc, vitamin D, saw palmetto, stinging nettle and green tea extract are known to be helpful in reducing the symptoms of prostatitis. However you should consult your doctor before using any supplements.
  • Drink clean and pure water in order to stay hydrated. Low levels of fluid intake may lead to dehydration and increase the risk of developing urinary tract infections.
  • Try to maintain a healthy weight since being overweight can make you susceptible to various illnesses including prostatitis.
  • Engage in regular exercise to enable your body to heal well and also to strengthen your immune system
  • Stress can weaken your immune system and cause fluctuations in hormonal levels. Try to manage stress effectively to prevent prostatitis symptoms from worsening.
  • Bacterial prostatitis may occur due to sexually transmitted diseases such as gonorrhea.
  • Avoid injury or trauma to the perineal region. Your doctor may advise you to refrain from activities such as riding a bike or horse riding.
  • Cranberry juice is known to help in curbing urinary tract infections. Since urinary tract infections occur along with prostatitis in many cases, it may help to drink cranberry juice.
  • Go to the bathroom regularly to avoid putting strain on the urinary tract. Avoid straining your bladder while urinating as this can cause irritation.
  • Reduce or restrict your intake of alcohol as it may worsen the symptoms of prostatitis.
  • Eat high fiber foods to ensure easy bowel movements. Constipation can worsen prostatitis symptoms due to the strain on the intestinal tract.
  • Avoid eating spicy foods as they may aggravate the symptoms.
  • Caffeinated beverages, chocolate and colas may cause irritation to the prostate and trigger prostatitis symptoms. Therefore avoid consuming these drinks.

References
  1. Richard Chen, J.Curtis Nickel, Acupuncture ameliorates symptoms in men with chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome, Urology, Volume 61, Issue 6, June 2003, Pages 1156-1159, ISSN 0090-4295, 10.1016/S0090-4295(03)00141-9.
  2. V. Steenkamp, M.C. Gouws, M. Gulumian, E.E. Elgorashi, J. van Staden, Studies on antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity of herbal remedies used in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia and prostatitis, Journal of Ethnopharmacology, Volume 103, Issue 1, 3 January 2006, Pages 71-75, ISSN 0378-8741, 10.1016/j.jep.2005.07.007. (http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0378874105004630)