If you’re a man, the shape of blood vessels in your prostate can have a significant impact on your future health. Researchers have discovered a simple stress-free method to encourage your body to shape these vessels in a way that defends against the harmful effects of prostate tumors: go for a daily brisk walk.
“Prior research has shown that men with prostate tumors containing more regular shaped blood vessels have a more favorable prognosis compared with men with prostate tumors containing mostly irregularly shaped blood vessels,” explains researcher Erin Van Blarigan, Sc.D., an assistant professor in the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics at the University of California, San Francisco. She continues: “In our study, we found that men who reported walking at a brisk pace had more regular shaped blood vessels in their prostate tumors compared with men who reported walking at a less brisk pace.”
Research involving over 500 men diagnosed with prostate tumors found that walking at a pace of 3.3 to 4.5 miles per hour (around 18 to 13 minutes per mile) considerably increases the likelihood that men with prostate cancer have less aggressive tumors. This offers a potential explanation for how exercise might improve outcomes for men dealing with this disease.
Van Blarigan asserts that, although more data from randomized controlled trials is necessary before we can definitively conclude that exercise leads to a change in vessel regularity or improves clinical outcomes in prostate cancer patients, there is a growing body of evidence that highlights the benefits of exercise—particularly brisk walking—for these men.
Why Brisk Walking Matters
You might be wondering why walking briskly, instead of at a leisurely pace, makes a difference in shaping blood vessels in the prostate and positively impacts one’s health. The answer can be found in how our bodies react to exercise.
During exercise, our bodies release chemicals called endorphins that alleviate pain and improve our mood. Additionally, physical activity improves blood circulation, delivering valuable oxygen to vital organs and enabling them to function effectively.
When you walk at a brisk pace, your heart rate increases, which amplifies the benefits of exercise, including better circulation. This improved circulation may influence the shape of blood vessels in the prostate, ultimately protecting against the harmful effects of prostate tumors.
Other Benefits of Walking for Prostate Health
In addition to improving the prognosis of men with prostate cancer, walking can also help reduce the risk of developing the disease in the first place. A study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology found that men who walked for more than 90 minutes per week at a normal to brisk pace had a 46% reduced risk of prostate cancer progression compared to those who walked for shorter durations at a slower pace.
Furthermore, engaging in regular physical activity can help men maintain a healthy weight, which is crucial in preventing prostate cancer. A study published in Cancer found that obesity increases the risk of developing aggressive prostate cancer. By walking regularly and maintaining a healthy weight, men can significantly reduce their risk of developing this life-threatening disease.
Walking: An Accessible and Effective Exercise
One of the most appealing aspects of walking is its accessibility. Unlike other forms of exercise that may require specialized equipment or a gym membership, walking requires little more than a comfortable pair of shoes and a safe environment in which to stroll. This ease of access makes it simple for men of all fitness levels to incorporate brisk walking into their daily routines.
A regular walking routine can easily be adapted and tailored to meet individual fitness levels and health needs. Beginners can start with shorter distances and gradually progress to covering longer distances and walking at a brisker pace. Walking can also be a social activity, allowing men to engage with friends or family members while improving their health and reducing their risk of prostate cancer.
In conclusion, a daily brisk walk offers men a simple, accessible, and effective method to protect their prostate against cancer. By engaging in this form of exercise, men can experience improved blood circulation, better overall health, and possibly even a more favorable prognosis if they are diagnosed with prostate cancer. So, lace up your walking shoes, and take a step towards supporting your prostate health today.
