Foods That Inflame Your Prostate

Prostatitis is a condition in which your prostate gland, which produces seminal fluid and helps transport sperm during ejaculation, becomes inflamed. Prostatitis can arise suddenly, develop gradually or occur with no notable symptoms. When symptoms do arise, they typically include pain and urinary difficulties. Treatment for prostatitis may include medications, lifestyle changes, including a healthy diet, and, in severe cases, surgery. Limiting foods that promote inflammation may help prevent or reduce your symptoms.

Spicy Foods

Spicy foods can increase heat in your body and stimulate or worsen inflammation. The University of Maryland Medical Center suggests avoiding spicy foods as a useful dietary step toward managing prostatitis. Particularly spicy meal components include red pepper flakes, spicy barbecue sauce, salsa, Indian curries, particularly those containing vindaloo paste, Mexican dishes and Asian dishes. When dining out, request mild spiciness or have spicy sauces served "on the side." Less spicy seasoning options include garlic, oregano, basil and orange juice.

High-Fat Dairy Products

High-fat dairy products are high in saturated fat, which may promote inflammation, and calcium. Though sufficient calcium intake is important for maintaining healthy bones and heart rhythms, a Western-style, high-calcium diet has been linked with prostate diseases, including prostate cancer and prostatitis, according to a report published in "Molecular Nutrition & Food Research" in February 2009. Diets consumed in Greece, however, which are typically rich in fruits and vegetables and lower in high-fat dairy products, contribute to a lesser prostatitis risk. To lower your saturated fat and calcium intake, cut back on whole milk, heavy cream and high-fat cheeses, and incorporate more fresh, colorful produce into your meals.

High-Fat Meats

Meats provide rich amounts of protein and micronutrients, such as iron and B vitamins. High-fat varieties are top sources of saturated fat, however, and may trigger or worsen inflammation. A meat-rich diet also leaves little room for cold-water fish, which provides omega-3 fatty acids -- essential fats that may reduce inflammation, according to the UMMC. Highest-fat items include organ meats, steak with visible fat, fried chicken, dark-meat poultry and poultry skin, bacon, sausage, beef, lamb, hot dogs and luncheon meats.

Added Sugars

Urologist and author of "Smart Medicine for a Healthy Prostate" Dr. Mark W. McClure recommends eliminating added sugars from your diet and eating more fiber-rich, nutritious foods, such as whole grains, legumes and flaxseed, for reduced prostatitis symptoms. Added sugars provide sweet flavor and calories, but few nutrients to foods. They may also offset your blood sugar levels and lead to increased appetite and overeating. A calorie-rich diet also increases your risk for an inflamed prostate. When purchasing prepared foods and beverages, examine ingredient lists and avoid those that list sugar, corn syrup, dextrose, maltose, brown rice syrup or honey as the main ingredients. Common sources include regular soft drinks, candy, sugary breakfast cereals, granola bars, pancake syrup, jelly/jam, frozen desserts, pies, cakes and pastries.