Researchers have not been idle and there is a mounting number of research works that depicts physical exercise as one of the key factors in helping the body ward off the threat of prostatic ailments as enlargement (Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia) and malignancy (Prostate Cancer) as well as male potency problems (ED).
What is the connection between physical exercise and Prostate Health?
By now, we have all knew about the great value of regular physical exercise in maintaining good health. Literally, innumerable number of studies conducted over more than half a century demonstrate that regular exercise reduces the risk of developing some deadly problems, including heart disease, stroke, and some types of cancer. It also curbs the toll of chronic ailments as Diabetes, high blood cholesterol, high blood pressure, and arthritis.
Elderly man warming up for run
What may come as a surprise is that medical professionals have been lately advocating the direct positive impact of exercise of prostate health in particular. Among their various implications is the suspicion that Belly fat is linked to a bigger risk of various malignancies, among which is prostate cancer. Exercise combined with a healthy diet can help you thwart that risk. Moreover, Exercise has been revealed to be a natural antioxidant. Antioxidants fight off and combat the harmful free radicals in the body. Free radicals have been linked to increase probability of formation of cancer cells, including prostate cancer.
Recent studies found that men with physically demanding jobs were less likely to develop prostatic enlargement (benign prostatic hyperplasia, BPH), than men with desk jobs. Men who found time for 5 + hours of exercise / week (just < an hour a day), whether job-related or for fun, were 30% – 50% less likely to develop prostatic enlargement than those who exercised fewer than 2 hours a week.
What Type of and How Much Exercise for Prostate Health?
So how much exercise should we do if we are concerned about prostate health? What activities can we do? Do we have to take up jogging? Must we spend hours huffing and puffing on a treadmill at a gym to keep our prostate healthy?
In general, physical exercise that is good for the heart is good also for prostate health. Collectively speaking, 30 minutes of an aerobic exercise, like swimming, jogging, or biking, for 5 days per week would be ideal. These exercises will help your body shed off extra-weight, burn calories, improve your blood circulation and build stamina.
Even low to moderate-intensity physical activity, such as walking regularly at a reasonable pace, delivers big benefits. In fact, walking has been hailed as an almost perfect exercise because people of all ages and fitness levels can do it. Walking is also safe for nearly everyone. It doesn’t jar joints or raise the heart rate to a level that would be dangerous, even for someone who is not in good shape.
Article by:
Dr. Ashraf Kamel
Medical Director – GMC
Urology Surgery Specialist
