Foods That Damage The Prostate

The prostate gland plays an important role in the male reproductive system. Changes in the prostate are normal as you age, but pain, difficulty urinating and/or bloody urine might indicate an illness such as prostatitis or prostate cancer, which is the third-most-common form of cancer in men, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. However, prostate cancer is highly treatable, particularly when diagnosed early. Limiting certain foods might help prevent or reduce prostate damage.

Saturated Fat

Saturated fat is a form of fat found primarily in animal-based foods that, when consumed in excess, increases your risk for diabetes, heart disease and certain forms of cancer. Limiting saturated fat might help prevent prostate cancer, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Excessive saturated fat intake also might contribute to enlarged prostate, or benign prostatic hyperplasia. Limit or avoid foods and beverages high in saturated fat such as organ meats, porterhouse steak, lamb, pan-fried or roasted pork, beef ribs, fried chicken legs, sausage, bacon, whole milk, high-fat cheeses, heavy cream, egg yolks and butter.

Enriched Flour

Enriched flour results from a process in which nutritious whole grains are ground and refined, resulting in a fine powder with significantly reduced nutritional benefits. Eating excessive amounts of enriched-flour products leaves little room for foods that promote prostate health, such as antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables and fiber-rich whole grains. Enriched-flour products are also associated with unhealthy blood sugar levels and weight gain, which can increase your risk for prostate problems. According to research published in the "Journal of the National Cancer Institute" in November 2007, refined carbohydrates also might contribute to prostate cancer. In the study, mice injected with prostate cancer cells were fed either a diet high in refined carbohydrates or a diet low in carbohydrates yet high in fat. After nine weeks, the mice fed the refined-carbohydrate-rich diet showed the greatest tumor growth. For best results, replaced enriched breads, pasta, cereals and snack foods with whole-grain equivalents.

Added Sugars

Added sugars can disrupt your blood sugar levels and potentially contribute to prostate cancer, according to Daniel Nixon and Max Gomez, authors of "The Prostate Health Program: A Guide to Preventing and Controlling Prostate Cancer." Avoid foods and beverages rich in added sugars, such as regular soft drinks, candy, chocolate, pies, ice cream, cookies, cakes, pancake syrup, jam and jelly. When you buy packaged foods, check the ingredients lists and avoid foods high in added sugars such as corn syrup, cane sugar, brown rice syrup, maltose, dextrose, fructose, honey or brown sugar.