How to Care for the Prostate in Winter?
As winter arrives, facing the season of abrupt temperature drop and strong, dry winds, our body's special organ—the prostate—is particularly sensitive to the cold. Therefore, the number of patients with prostate diseases visiting the clinic noticeably increases during this season. This is because low temperatures can stimulate the prostate tissue, coupled with some unhealthy lifestyle habits, making individuals more prone to prostate diseases.
So, how can men take care of the prostate during winter? Here are some suggestions:
1. Local Warmth
The male prostate is sensitive to cold in cold weather, so it's essential to keep it warm. It is recommended that clothing be adjusted promptly according to the weather. Failure to keep warm can lead to developing or worsening prostate diseases after exposure to cold.
Cold stimulation causes the muscles and blood vessels of the prostate to contract, slowing down blood circulation, and exacerbating congestion, swelling, and discomfort, leading to symptoms such as frequent urination, difficult urination, or local heaviness and pain. Therefore, men should prioritize staying warm in winter, especially avoiding sitting on cold surfaces.
2. Avoid Holding Urine
Holding urine can lead to urine reflux, which can stimulate the prostate, causing excessive congestion and leading to the occurrence of prostate diseases. Symptoms may include frequent urination, urgency, split urination, discomfort or pain in the lower abdomen or perineum, and backache. Holding urine can also result in urinary system infections. Therefore, it is advisable not to hold urine in daily life and to urinate promptly when feeling the urge.
3. Stay Hydrated
Even in winter, it is crucial to drink an adequate amount of water. This not only helps dilute urine but also increases the frequency of urination, flushing the urethra to prevent bacteria from accumulating in the prostate. Adequate hydration can also prevent urinary system infections and the formation of stones.
4. Avoid Prolonged Sitting
In the cold winter, many people are reluctant to exercise and often sit indoors for extended periods. Prolonged sitting is one of the causes of prostatitis because it compresses the prostate, leading to congestion and swelling. It may also affect the blood supply to the prostate, increasing the risk of prostate disease. Therefore, men are advised to avoid prolonged sitting, whether in a cold environment or sitting for an extended time while driving or cycling. It's essential to stand up and move around periodically.
5. Moderate Sexual Activity
Frequent sexual activity can lead to excessive congestion in the prostate, triggering the onset of prostatitis with symptoms like frequent urination, urgency, and discomfort or pain in the perineum. Therefore, it's essential to moderate sexual activity, preventing repeated congestion and allowing sufficient time for the prostate to recover and rest. However, prolonged abstinence can lead to poor drainage of prostate fluid, accumulation in the gland, and the occurrence of prostatitis. Therefore, moderate sexual activity is not only beneficial for marital relationships but also for the overall health of the male prostate.
6. Avoid Spicy and Opt for a Mild Diet
It is advisable to minimize the consumption of spicy and strongly stimulating foods such as chili peppers. Spicy foods can stimulate the prostate, leading to congestion and swelling. Over time, this may increase the likelihood of developing prostate diseases or worsen pre-existing prostate conditions. Therefore, men should reduce their intake of spicy and stimulating foods. To prevent prostate diseases in winter, men should choose foods beneficial to the prostate, such as pumpkin seeds, tomatoes, apples, etc.
7. Avoid Alcohol Consumption
Alcohol is detrimental to the male prostate. Alcohol can stimulate the prostate, causing repeated congestion, swelling, and an increase in size. This can lead to the recurrence of prostate diseases, resulting in symptoms like frequent urination, urgency, discomfort or pain in the lower abdomen and perineum, difficulty urinating, and even acute urinary retention. This can significantly impact our health. It is advised that individuals with prostate diseases avoid alcohol consumption as much as possible.
8. Regular Exercise
Many people are reluctant to exercise in the cold winter, but exercise benefits the prostate. It promotes local blood circulation and reduces congestion and stasis in the prostate, preventing the occurrence or recurrence of prostate diseases. To effectively enhance physical fitness, it is recommended to choose a suitable exercise method, such as jogging, playing badminton, practicing Tai Chi, etc.. However, it is important to avoid exercises that may compress the prostate, such as prolonged cycling.
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