It seems strange to think that seasons may play a role in prostate health, but according to a 2010 study, they do. The work noted that cold and dry weather is closely correlated with incidences of poor prostate health.
The researchers of the study, which was published in the International Journal of Health Geographics, suggest it may have something to do with “meteorological effects on persistent organic pollutants,” namely pesticides and other industrial byproducts.
But it might be more than that.
One of the top recommendations for a healthy prostate is physical activity. Most people aren’t moving as much in the winter; they are inside where it’s warm, and they can be a little more sure-footed.
Not only does the cold winter keep many confined to the couch, but it makes it very difficult to get enough vitamin D.
Spending more time indoors, limited sunlight, and covering up mightily to brave the elements can all lead to significant drops in blood levels of vitamin D.
There are associations between low vitamin D and increased risk for genetic mutations in the prostate.
Your diet may also change during the winter, especially during the holidays. Eating more fatty comfort foods is common, which can all contribute to inflammation and poor prostate health. Seasonal candies and sugary beverages like eggnog don’t help either.
All of these factors can make the winter an essential season for your prostate health. To take a little extra care this winter, consider the following:
- Don’t spend too much time on the sofa. Stand up and walk around your home for at least five minutes every hour. Just a few trips back and forth down the hall might make a difference.
- Plan for exercise. Work daily activity into your routine. It might mean investing in a treadmill, or some warm clothes or ice picks for your boots, but getting in some walking or another form of physical exercise for at least
- 30-minutes per day is recommended.
- Try to include as many whole fresh fruits and vegetables in your diet as possible. Limit fatty and high-sugar foods to special occasions.
- Supplement with vitamin D