As people age, the prostate gland can enlarge, resulting in a condition known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). However, studies show that dietary and lifestyle changes can slow prostate growth as well as support overall health. Food is not only a source of energy but also a way to promote the healthy functioning of different organs. A clean diet can keep a person away from many diseases. It goes the same in the case of prostate enlargement. A healthy diet for those with enlarged prostates should include fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats.
Certain foods, such as salmon, tomatoes, and berries, may be especially beneficial for prostate health.
In this article, you will learn what foods can ease the symptoms of BPH and support prostate health.
What is Prostate
The prostate gland, located in the pelvis, plays a crucial role in male reproductive health.
The prostate turns testosterone into the hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT). High levels of DHT cause prostate cells to grow. Certain meals and beverages have been linked to prostate health due to their impact on testosterone and other hormones. Research indicates that consuming fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats can enhance prostate health and limit its growth.
Symptoms of BPH include:
Increased urinary frequency and urgency
Difficulty starting urination
Weak urine stream or dribbling after urination
Interrupted urination
Frequent urination at night
Incontinence
Pain after ejaculation
Painful urination
Urinary retention or inability to urinate
Foods to eat for a healthy prostate
A diet high in fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats may improve prostate health. This diet has been shown to delay prostate growth, improve health, and lower the risk of prostate enlargement and cancer.
Whole grain, fruit, vegetable, fish, bean, and nut diets are naturally high in antioxidants and healthy fats, which can help protect the prostate. Some of the specific things a person should incorporate into their diet are:
Salmon: Rich in healthy fats that contain omega-3 fatty acids, which help prevent and reduce inflammation in the body. Others such as mahasheer, sardines, snow trout and Indian hill trout are also rich in omega-3 fatty acids.
Tomatoes: Tomatoes are packed with lycopene, an antioxidant that may benefit prostate gland cells. Cooked tomatoes help to release the lycopene and make it more readily available to the body.
Berries: Berries, including strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries, are high in antioxidants that help eliminate free radicals from the body. Free radicals are results of internal body events that can cause long-term damage and disease.
Broccoli: Broccoli and other cruciferous vegetables, such as cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, and cabbage, contain the chemical sulforaphane. This is supposed to target cancer cells while also improving prostate health.
Nuts: Nuts are high in zinc, a trace mineral. The prostate has large quantities of zinc, which is thought to assist regulate testosterone and DHT. Zinc-rich foods include shellfish and legumes, in addition to nuts.
Citrus: Citrus fruits such as oranges, lemons, limes, and grapefruits contain high levels of vitamin C, which may protect the prostate gland.
Some studies suggest that plant extract medicines, including saw palmetto, can improve prostate size and urine flow. More research is required, however.
Foods to avoid or limit
A healthy diet for an enlarged prostate entails more than simply eating nutritious meals. It also entails avoiding other types of meals that are bad for the prostate.
What to avoid?
Red meat: Red meat is high in saturated fat and may cause inflammation. Reducing red meat consumption in a balanced diet can improve prostate growth and muscle tone.
Caffeine: Caffeine may function as a diuretic, increasing the amount, frequency, and urgency with which a person needs to urinate.
Alcohol: High alcohol consumption can harm several physiological systems, including the prostate. Research indicates that it may raise the risk of acquiring prostate cancer.
Sodium: High salt intake may worsen BPH-related urinary tract symptoms. Some men may benefit from following a low-sodium diet, which includes avoiding processed foods and not adding salt to their meals.
Managing an enlarged prostate
Dietary modifications can be very beneficial in treating BPH symptoms, but other simple lifestyle adjustments can also assist. Strategies to alleviate BPH symptoms include reducing stress.
Quit smoking
Avoiding fluids in the evening can prevent nighttime urination.
Completely empty the bladder with urination.
Perform pelvic floor exercises.
Avoid drugs that can increase symptoms, such as antihistamines, diuretics, and decongestants, if possible.
Try bladder training exercises.
Limit liquid intake to 2 liters each day.
If these lifestyle changes are ineffective, medication or surgery may be recommended by a doctor.
Above mentioned prostate enlargement symptoms develop when an enlarged prostate gland restricts the urethra, the tube that connects the bladder to the rest of the body. This blockage can make passing pee difficult, if not impossible.
The degree of BPH symptoms determines how the condition is treated. Sometimes only simple lifestyle modifications are required. However, there are drugs and surgical techniques that can significantly reduce prostate size and BPH symptoms.