People can naturally lower prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels by eating plenty of fruits and vegetables, increasing physical exercise, and reducing stress.
Maintaining a healthy prostate gland is essential as people age. The gland plays a vital role in the reproductive system and produces a significant portion of the seminal fluid that nourishes and transports sperm.
Additionally, a healthy prostate is crucial for urinary function.
The prostate is a small gland in biological males that appears below the bladder and in front of the rectum. Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is a protein that the cells of the prostate gland produce.
It is a marker for prostate health — elevated PSA levels
While medical interventions can help address elevated PSA levels, many individuals are interested in exploring natural approaches to lower PSA levels.
This article explores how to naturally lower PSA levels, covering lifestyle modifications, dietary choices, and alternative strategies that may offer potential benefits.
It may be possible to lower PSA levels naturally, although these methods should not replace medical advice or regular prostate health screenings.
Some
- making dietary changes
- being more physically active
- reducing stress
What is PSA?
PSA is a protein that cells in the prostate gland produce. Noncancerous cells and cancerous cells may produce PSA.
Laboratories can measure PSA with a blood sample and report levels as nanograms of PSA per milliliter (ng/mL) of blood.
There is no specific typical or atypical level of blood PSA in the blood. At one time,
In general, however, the higher the PSA level, the more likely the person has prostate cancer.
Disclaimer regarding lowering PSA levels
Manipulating one’s PSA value does not necessarily correlate with improved health. An elevated PSA level should be taken seriously, given an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.
Diet plays a significant role in prostate health and can potentially affect PSA levels.
Consuming a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats may have benefits.
- Tomatoes: Tomatoes are particularly prostate-friendly as they are rich sources of lycopene. Some
research suggests that eating lycopene may reduce the risk of developing prostate cancer in people with a family history of the disease. - Cruciferous vegetables: People can try including many cruciferous vegetables such as cabbage, kale, and Brussels sprouts. These vegetables are high in antioxidants and other essential vitamins and minerals. Eating these vegetables may lower the inflammation associated with the risk of prostate cancer.
- Berries: Berries are another suitable dietary choice. Strawberries, blackberries, blueberries, and raspberries contain powerful antioxidants known as anthocyanins, which neutralize and remove damaging free radicals from the body.
- Green tea: Drinking green tea
may also decrease the risk of prostate cancer. It is a source of antioxidants known as catechins, which are anticarcinogenic and anti-mutagenic, meaning they prevent healthy cells from mutating into malignant cells. - Coffee: Coffee is another prostate-friendly beverage, with studies showing that it can help prevent prostate cancer.
Regular exercise is crucial for overall well-being and helps people maintain a moderate weight. It can also have positive effects on prostate health and PSA levels.
Maintaining a moderate weight helps reduce the risk of advanced prostate cancer. This may be because having a high body mass index can complicate PSA readings. Individuals with obesity are more likely to have lower PSA readings even though their levels may be concerning.
People can aim for at least
Stress causes many negative effects on the body and may increase a person’s prostate health. One
Therefore, effective stress management techniques could improve prostate health and overall quality of life. Here are some strategies to consider:
- Relaxation techniques: Engaging in relaxation exercises, such as deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, or guided imagery, helps promote a sense of calm and relaxation.
- Mindfulness: A person can practice meditation or mindfulness exercises regularly. These practices involve focusing on the present moment and cultivating a nonjudgmental awareness of thoughts and sensations.
- Social support: A person can maintain strong social connections and seek support from friends, family, or support groups. Talking with others about concerns or participating in activities with loved ones can provide emotional support and help alleviate stress.
- Time management: An individual can prioritize tasks and organize time effectively to avoid feeling overwhelmed. They can break larger tasks into smaller, manageable steps and practice setting realistic goals. This can help reduce stress and increase productivity.
Managing prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels naturally may help maintain prostate health. While natural methods should not replace medical advice or regular screenings, incorporating lifestyle modifications can potentially contribute to lower PSA levels and overall prostate well-being.
These methods include eating a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables, getting regular exercise, including aerobic and strength training, and managing stress with relaxation exercises, meditation, and social support.
A person needs to remember that regular screenings and consultations with healthcare professionals are essential for monitoring prostate health and detecting any potential issues early on. Additionally, natural approaches should complement medical recommendations and not replace them.