An enlarged prostate, or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), is a common condition in older men. It occurs when the prostate gland becomes enlarged, making it difficult to urinate and leading to other urinary issues. While the exact cause of BPH is unknown, medications are often prescribed to help manage the symptoms. Lifestyle changes may also be recommended, such as exercising regularly, maintaining a healthy weight and avoiding or limiting the intake of caffeine and other stimulants.
Caffeine is a natural stimulant most commonly found in coffee, tea and cocoa beans. It is also found in energy drinks, sodas and certain medications. Caffeine works by stimulating the central nervous system, heart and muscles. It can improve alertness, focus and energy levels. It is also known to enhance physical performance and help with weight loss. However, too much caffeine can lead to insomnia, anxiety and restlessness, and it can make prostate symptoms worse.
Caffeine can also:
If you have an enlarged prostate, it is best to talk to your doctor about the best treatment plan for you. They can help you determine if caffeine is contributing to your symptoms and advise you on the best way to manage them.
If caffeine is a contributing factor and you find it difficult to reduce your intake, here are nine ways to help you.
1. Start Slowly
Gradually reduce the amount of caffeine you consume each day. Start by cutting back on your daily cups of coffee or soda by half.
2. Choose decaf
If you enjoy the taste of coffee or tea, try switching to a herbal or decaf version. This can help to reduce your overall caffeine intake while still allowing you to enjoy a hot beverage.
3. Limit Your Intake
Avoid drinking caffeine late in the day or in the evening. Caffeine can interfere with your sleep and make it harder to fall asleep. This is because it blocks the production of a chemical called adenosine, which is a neurotransmitter responsible for inducing feelings of tiredness
4. Read Labels
Many products, such as energy drinks and chocolate, contain caffeine. Read labels carefully and be aware of how much caffeine you are consuming.
5. Try Alternatives
Instead of caffeine, try getting your energy boost from other sources such as exercise, healthy snacks and good sleep habits.
6. Take Breaks
If you need a break from caffeine, try taking a few days off each week. This will help your body adjust to lower levels of caffeine and reduce withdrawal symptoms.
7. Get plenty of rest
Sleep deprivation can cause you to feel fatigued and make you more likely to reach for a caffeinated beverage. Make sure you get enough rest each night to keep your energy levels up.
8. Eat a balanced diet
Eating a balanced diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can help to provide your body with the energy it needs to function properly and reduce the need for caffeine.
9. Drink water
Water helps to regulate your body temperature, and keeps you energized and alert. When you feel tired, it is important to hydrate instead of reaching for a cup of coffee or tea. Drinking water throughout the day will help to keep your energy levels up and reduce your cravings for caffeine. Aim to drink 8-10 glasses of water a day.
While it is important to limit caffeine intake if you have an enlarged prostate, it is also worth keeping in mind that the stimulant isn´t the only factor that can contribute to BPH. Therefore other lifestyle changes, such as getting regular exercise, reducing stress, avoiding excessive quantities of salt and eating a healthy diet, can also help to reduce symptoms.
If an enlarged prostate doesn’t respond to lifestyle changes such as reducing your caffeine intake, other options are available that don´t involve major surgery.
Prostate artery embolization is a minimally invasive treatment option for men suffering from benign prostatic hyperplasia. During the procedure, an interventional radiologist inserts a catheter into an artery in the groin and threads it through the arterial system to the arteries that supply blood to the prostate. Tiny particles are then injected into the artery, blocking the blood supply to the prostate and causing it to shrink in size. This can provide symptom relief, such as improved urinary flow, reduced frequency of urination and improved quality of life.
Additionally, prostate artery embolization is associated with fewer side effects than other treatments for BPH, such as medications or surgery.
Regain Your Quality of Life with PAE at the Midwest Institute for Non-surgical Therapy. The Midwest Institute for Non-surgical Therapy (MINT) offers PAE on an outpatient basis. Our Prostate center is the first and only outpatient facility in St. Louis to offer PAE treatment for enlarged prostates.
If you would like to learn more about this treatment option, please get in touch with us.
Simply call MINT or book an appointment online at one of our 5 convenient locations, including Chicago, IL.
