An enlarged prostate, or benign prostatic hyperplasia, is a condition in which your prostate, a walnut-size gland in the male reproductive system, grows and may cause urinary difficulties and, in severe cases, infections and loss of urinary function. BPH is common and rarely triggers symptoms before age 40, according to the National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse. Over half of men in their 60s and most older men experience symptoms. In addition to medical treatments, dietary changes may help prevent or reduce your symptoms.
Fruits and Vegetables
Fruits and vegetables are top sources of antioxidants, such as beta carotene and vitamin C, which strengthen your body's ability to defend itself from infections and disease. According to a study published in the "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition" in February 2007, increasing your fruit and vegetable intake may also help prevent prostate enlargement. In the study, the dietary habits and prostate health of over 24,000 men ages 46 to 81 were analyzed. Men who consumed diets rich in fruits and vegetables showed the lowest risk for BPH. For potentially similar benefits, incorporate antioxidant-rich varieties, such as berries, cherries, tomatoes, leafy greens, broccoli, bell peppers, carrots and winter squash, into your meals and snacks routinely.
Whole Grains
Whole grains contain all nutrient- and fiber-rich parts of the grain. Replacing refined grain products, such as white bread, instant rice, and enriched pasta and cereals, may help alleviate constipation, which may occur during recovery from BPH surgery. Fiber-rich foods may also reduce strain during bowel movements, which can worsen inflammation and pain associated with BPH. Whole grain foods particularly high in fiber and nutrients include steel-cut oats, brown rice, wild rice, barley, quinoa, air-popped popcorn, breads, cold cereals and pasta.
Fish and Seafood
Fish and seafood provide significant amounts of protein and less saturated and overall fat than processed, red and fried meats. Cold-water fish, such as salmon, herring, halibut, herring and albacore tuna, are prime sources of omega-3 fatty acids -- essential fats that may help reduce inflammation. Fish and seafood, such as salmon, halibut, shrimp and tuna, are also valuable sources of magnesium, which may help suppress BPH symptoms, according to co-authors of "The Prostate Health Program" Daniel Nixon, president of the Institute for Cancer Prevention, and Max Gomez, an Emmy-winning health commentator for NBC-TV. For heightened benefits, prepare fish and seafood using low-fat cooking methods, such as baking, poaching and broiling.
Soy Products
Soy is a nutritious legume that contains more protein than other plant-derived foods. The nutrients known as isoflavones in soy may help regulate testosterone levels, according to Nixon and Gomez, and minimize BPH symptoms. Nutritious soy-based foods include edamame; boiled soybeans; soy milk; and grilled, baked or steamed tofu. Soy milk and cheeses also provide heart-healthy, calcium-rich alternatives to whole milk and high-fat cheeses, which may worsen inflammation.
References
- National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse: Prostate Enlargement: Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
- "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition"; Fruit and Vegetable Consumption, Intake of Micronutrients and Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia in U.S. Men; Sabine Rohrmann, et al.; February 2007
- "The Prostate Health Program"; Daniel Nixon, Max Gomez; 2004
