Navigating the challenges of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) can be daunting, but adopting a targeted diet can make a significant difference in managing symptoms and improving overall prostate health. An enlarged prostate can lead to discomfort and urinary issues, but incorporating specific foods and nutrients into your daily routine can help mitigate these effects. In this blog post, we’ll explore the essential components of an enlarged prostate diet, highlighting foods that promote prostate health, reduce inflammation, and support overall wellness. Whether you're seeking to alleviate symptoms or take preventative measures, understanding the dietary choices that benefit prostate health is a crucial step towards a healthier, more comfortable life.
The prostate, a small gland located in the pelvis, plays a vital role in the male reproductive system. It’s responsible for converting testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone that can cause prostate cells to enlarge when present at high levels. The foods and drinks you consume can significantly influence prostate health due to their impact on testosterone and other hormones. Studies indicate that a diet abundant in whole fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats can enhance prostate health and help slow its enlargement.
Studies show that a Mediterranean diet, rich in healthy fats, fruits, and vegetables may benefit prostate health. Switching to this type of diet not only slows down prostate growth and improves your overall health, but it can also lower the risk of developing prostate cancer.
Diets like the Mediterranean diet, which are naturally rich in antioxidants and healthy fats, can offer protective benefits for the prostate. Key foods to incorporate into such a diet include:
Fish – Certain fish are rich in "good fats" that, unlike saturated animal fats, do not cause inflammation. These beneficial fats are particularly abundant in cold-water fish such as salmon, sardines, mackerel, and trout.
Scientists consider inflammation in the prostate to be a significant risk factor for cancer, as it can create an environment conducive to cancer development.
Berries – Blueberries, strawberries, blackberries, and raspberries are rich in antioxidants and vitamin C. Why is this important? Antioxidants help fight free radicals in the body which can lead to the development of cancer. Vitamin C can help prevent BPH symptoms and is also a powerful healing agent.
Cooked tomatoes – are rich in lycopene, an antioxidant beneficial for prostate cells. Cooked tomatoes, such as those found in grilled tomatoes, tomato juice, and tomato soup, are particularly advantageous as they contain higher levels of lycopene than their raw counterparts.
Kale – While all vegetables are good for prostate health, kale is a clear leader and should be eaten regularly. Kale is packed with vitamin C, and like other vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, and bell peppers, contains an abundance of fiber, calcium and other nutrients and vitamins that are beneficial for the prostate.
Nuts – Full of healthy fats and trace minerals such as zinc that can nurture prostate health, nuts are another essential ingredient in an enlarged prostate diet. Brazil nuts and pumpkin seeds are also high in zinc which is beneficial for the male reproductive health and is also thought to balance DHT and testosterone. Other foods rich in zinc include shellfish and legumes. Nuts are great for eating on the go but avoid salted nuts where possible.
Green tea – There is also continuing research about the benefits of drinking green tea to manage the symptoms of BPH. As a beverage, green tea is the second most consumed drink globally apart from water and has the added health benefits of polyphenols. In a recent animal trial, one particular polyphenol, Epigallocatechin-3-gallate, lowered cell production and even prevented the onset of BPH.
An enlarged prostate diet goes beyond eating healthy foods, it also involves avoiding or limiting certain other foods or beverages which aren’t good for the prostate, such as:
Red meat - High in saturated fats, red meat can cause inflammation. Avoiding red meat or consuming less of it, can benefit prostate growth and muscle tone.
Sodium – Consuming high levels of salt can increase the urinary problems associated with BPH. Avoiding processed foods and not adding salt to your meals, can be helpful for some men.
Caffeine – Those mugs of coffee that you enjoy several times each day may also be contributing to the urinary symptoms of BPH. Caffeine is a diuretic that affects the frequency and urgency of urination.
Alcohol – Alcohol is a potent diuretic which can lead to more frequent urination. Furthermore, alcohol can mess with the medications prescribed to treat an enlarged prostate like alpha-blockers. This makes it more difficult to reduce the size of the gland and manage the symptoms.
While dietary changes are effective in the management of BPH, some lifestyle changes can also be beneficial. These include:
If despite adopting an enlarged prostate diet and certain lifestyle changes, your BPH is harming your quality of life, your doctor may recommend medication or surgery.
Here at MINT, we offer prostate artery embolization (PAE), a minimally invasive treatment to eliminate the issues caused by an enlarged prostate. The procedure involves shrinking the prostate gland to relieve the symptoms and help you get back to normal.
Who is a candidate for PAE?
All men diagnosed with BPH and experiencing symptoms that are difficult to control with medication, and those who want to avoid invasive surgery are candidates for PAE. They must, however, have kidneys that are functioning reasonably well and not have allergies to contrast dye used in the procedure.
Want to know more?
Why not schedule a consultation with the board-certified vascular and interventional radiologists at our locations in St Louis, MO, Evergreen Park, IL, Chicago, IL and Swansea, IL? We look forward to meeting you.
