Prostate enlargement is common in older men, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, or the NIDDK. The NIDDK reports half of men in their 60s and 90 percent of men in their 70s and 80s have enlarged prostates. Because certain foods can affect prostate enlargement and its symptoms, a diet for prostate enlargement may help.
Description
The prostate is a walnut-sized gland that is part of the male reproductive system. As the prostate enlarges, it can cause frequent urination, uncontrollable urges to urinate, leaking urine or an interrupted stream of urine, according to the NIDDK. The medical term for this condition is benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BPH. In the United States in 2000, there were 4.5 million visits to physicians for symptoms of BPH, the NIDDK reports. Drugs or surgery may eventually be needed to treat an enlarged prostate, but the NIDDK says these medical treatments may not be necessary early on because symptoms of an enlarged prostate clear up in as many as one-third of mild cases. For men who would like to try natural remedies, dietary changes could be just the ticket.
Include in Diet
In a 2007 Johns Hopkins University study of men ages 46 and older, vegetable consumption was associated with a lower risk of BPH. The men in the study who consumed veggies rich in beta-carotene, lutein or vitamin C were less likely to have enlarged prostates. Carrots and sweet potatoes are high in beta-carotene, while tomatoes, kale and broccoli are good sources of vitamin C, according to the American Dietetic Association, or the ADA. The ADA also says kale and broccoli are excellent sources of the micronutrient lutein. Additionally, zinc, a mineral found in seafood, pumpkin seeds and eggs, has been shown to reduce the size of an enlarged prostate, according to naturopath Paul Anderson, clinical professor of naturopathic medicine at Bastyr University in Seattle.
Exclude from Diet
Saturated fats, found in animal products such as red meats, whole milk and ice cream, may aggravate symptoms of an enlarged prostate, according to Anderson. Consider steering clear of these foods if you suffer from BPH symptoms. Drinking excessive amounts of liquids, especially before bed, can worsen BPH-associated urinary frequency symptoms. (See References 5) Also, limit coffee and alcohol, since these substances may irritate the urinary system, according to Anderson. Additionally, alcohol can reduce absorption of BPH-protective zinc, Anderson adds. Another reason to cut back on alcohol: Heavy alcohol consumption may increase the risk of aggressive prostate cancer, according the Mayo Clinic.
Considerations
In addition to food and beverage changes, adding certain herbs to your diet or taking them as supplements may be helpful for BPH. The U.S. National Library of Medicine indicates that the ripe fruit of the saw palmetto plant is used to make a botanical medicine best known for decreasing symptoms of an enlarged prostate. According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, this food supplement might modestly reduce BPH urinary problems. Stinging nettle, another common herb, may also help BPH urinary symptoms, according to Anderson. Consult your doctor before trying these or other herbs for symptoms of an enlarged prostate.
Warning
If symptoms don't resolve with dietary changes, it's important to see your doctor for an evaluation. Medical treatment may be needed if BPH worsens, causing a danger to a man's health or a major inconvenience due to urinary symptoms, according to the NIDDK. Some signs of BPH and prostate cancer are the same, but BPH doesn't seem to increase the risk of prostate cancer, according to the NIDDK. A man with BPH may have undetected prostate cancer at the same time or develop prostate cancer in the future, however. The American Cancer Society recommends that all men over 40 be screened for prostate cancer yearly.
References
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases: Prostate Enlargement
- Mayo Clinic: Prostate Cancer Prevention
- Pubmed.gov: Fruit and vegetable consumption, intake of micronutrients, and benign prostatic hyperplasia in U.S. men
- U.S. National Library of Medicine: saw palmetto
- Paul Anderson, naturopath, clinical professor of naturopathic medicine at Bastyr University, Seattle
