As men age, one of the most common health concerns is prostate enlargement or prostate cancer. While there is no surefire way to prevent these conditions, there are some simple strategies that men can follow to reduce their risk.

Here are ten easy ways to protect your prostate.

Eat a Healthy Diet

The first step in prostate protection is to eat a healthy diet. This means consuming plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein sources like fish, chicken, and beans.

Men should also limit their intake of saturated fats, which are found in red meat and high-fat dairy products, and avoid trans fats altogether.

Exercise Regularly

In addition to eating a nutritious diet, men should also make time for regular physical activity. Exercise has been shown to reduce the risk of prostate cancer and improve prostate health overall.

Even simple activities like walking, swimming, or gardening can be beneficial.

Maintain a Healthy Weight

Obesity is a risk factor for many chronic diseases, including prostate cancer. By maintaining a healthy weight, men can reduce their risk of developing this condition. This can be accomplished through a combination of diet and exercise.

Avoid Smoking and Alcohol

Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption have both been linked to an increased risk of prostate cancer. By avoiding these habits, men can reduce their risk.

If you are having trouble quitting smoking or cutting back on alcohol, speak to your doctor for help.

Get Regular Check-Ups

Regular check-ups are essential for maintaining good prostate health. Men over the age of 50 should have a prostate exam and PSA test every year to screen for any early signs of cancer.

Those with a family history of prostate cancer or other risk factors may need to start screenings earlier.

Drink Plenty of Water

Staying hydrated is crucial for overall health, but it is especially important for prostate health. Drinking plenty of water can help flush out any toxins and keep the prostate gland functioning properly.

Avoid Sitting for Prolonged Periods

Sitting for long periods of time can lead to a host of health problems, including poor prostate health. Men who have desk jobs or spend a lot of time driving should make an effort to get up and move around every hour or so.

Take Breaks During Long Trips

Long car trips can be especially hard on the prostate gland. Frequent breaks can help reduce this risk. Try to stop every hour or two to stretch your legs and use the bathroom.

Manage Stress

Chronic stress can have a negative impact on prostate health. Men should make an effort to manage stress through stress-management techniques like meditation, deep breathing, or yoga.

Practice Safe Sex

Finally, practicing safe sex can help reduce the risk of inflammation and infection in the prostate gland.

Use condoms during sex to protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and be sure to practice good hygiene habits to reduce the risk of infection.