The prostate is a male gland that produces most of the contents of seminal fluid, except sperm cells. Benign prostatic hypertrophy, or BPH, is the most common prostate problem among older men. BPH is thought to be caused by dietary factors and hormonal changes primarily. BPH is not a cancerous process, although it is a risk factor for prostate cancer. Changing your diet and adding certain supplements may shrink your prostate gland, although consultation with a health professional is recommended prior to embarking on such a strategy.
Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy
BPH is a slow and progressive enlargement of the prostate gland not due to cancerous processes or infection. BPH is linked to dietary and lifestyle factors that alter hormone levels in men. Overproduction of some hormones, such as prolactin, cause increases in dihydrotestosterone, or DHT, which leads to prostate cell growth and enlargement, as cited in "Human Biochemistry and Disease." Because the prostate is so close to the bladder and urethra, enlargement causes problems with urination, especially initiating and stopping the process. Dietary changes and supplements can balance hormone levels and reduce prostate cell growth.
Foods to Avoid
Risk factors for BPH include being older than 50, being an African American and having a family history of the condition, although dietary factors are very important also, according to "Professional Guide to Diseases." In general, high-fat, low-fiber diets drastically increase your chances of developing BPH. Red meat high in saturated fat, highly refined foods and salty foods should all be avoided. Alcohol -- especially beer and liquor -- as well as coffee, soda pop and black tea should be reduced or avoided. Simply preparing more meals from scratch and reducing your restaurant visits, particularly to fast-food chains, can make a big impact on prostate health.
Foods to Add
Substituting fish for red meat is a healthy start, especially ones high in omega-3 fatty acids such as tuna, salmon and herring. Omega-3 fats and other fish oils are beneficial for cardiovascular health, which secondarily benefits the prostate. Fresh fruits and vegetables, eaten raw, steamed or grilled, are excellent sources of fiber, vitamins and minerals, as are whole grains and legumes. Vegetables especially high in antioxidants and able to eliminate toxins and free-radicals include broccoli, carrots, red peppers, yams and tomatoes. Carrots are rich in beta carotene and tomatoes are high in lycopene, and both carotenoids have been proven to shrink prostate tumors and BPH in studies, according to "Biochemical, Physiological and Molecular Aspects of Human Nutrition."
Soy products are rich in phytoestrogens and can affect the hormones that lead to prostate growth. In terms of a snack, pumpkin seeds are tailor-made for prostate health because they contain carotenoids, omega-3 fatty acids, fiber and zinc.
Supplements
Saw palmetto berry extract is a well-known natural remedy for BPH and has demonstrated the ability to inhibit the synthesis of DHT, which is the steroidal hormone linked to prostate growth, as cited by "The New Healing Herbs." Pygeum bark, vitamin B-6 and zinc also inhibit DHT synthesis. Other strong antioxidants that can reduce deterioration and aging of the prostate include vitamins, A, C and E.
References
- "Human Biochemistry and Disease"; Gerald Litwack; 2008
- "Professional Guide to Diseases: Ninth Edition"; Springhouse Publishing; 2009
- "Biochemical, Physiological and Molecular Aspects of Human Nutrition"; Martha Stipanuk; 2006
- "The New Healing Herbs"; Michael Castleman; 2010
