As a male reproductive gland, your prostate gland is responsible for secreting, producing and carrying sperm during sexual climax. It is located below your bladder, near the front of the rectum. As you age, your prostate may enlarge due to infection or other ailments. Incorporating healthy foods into your diet can prevent or reduce prostate infections.
Vegetables and Fruits
Consuming certain vegetables and fruits may encourage recovery and reduce your risk of developing other prostate conditions. They contain powerful antioxidants, minerals and vitamins that strengthen your immune system and promote prostate health. For example, adding tomatoes to your diet can decrease prostate infections or your risk of developing prostate cancer because they contain lycopene, a powerful antioxidant, notes Dr. Daniel Nixon in the 2004 publication "The Prostate Health Program." Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, mustard greens, cauliflower, turnips, cabbage and kale also contain antioxidants, such as vitamins C, E and A, which may improve a prostate infection. Oranges, strawberries, blueberries, apples, watermelon and cantaloupes also contain prostate-healthy vitamins.
Healthy Fats
Healthy fats, such as polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats, are beneficial for prostate infections and overall health functions. They also contain omega-3 fatty acids and protein nutrients, which can enhance your prostate's ability to defend itself against infection. Healthy fats are commonly found in fish, walnuts, walnut oil, canola oil, peanuts, sunflower oil, safflower oil, flaxseed and flaxseed oil. Avoid foods with trans or saturated fat.
Whole Grains
Whole grains are not processed or stripped of their nutrition values, unlike refined grains. As a result, they retain a host of antioxidants, B vitamins and fiber, which promote recovery from prostate infections. They also help you maintain a healthy weight, which is beneficial for managing prostate health. For best results, replace refined grain foods with brown rice, wild rice, whole wheat bread, pearled barley, popcorn, oatmeal and other whole grain foods.
Fluids
According to "The Prostate Health Program" by Dr. Daniel Nixon, it is important that you drink at least 64 oz. of water daily to promote prostate health and ward off infections. Drinking water and other fluids allows your body to flush toxins away and hydrate your organs to optimize their functions. Green tea also contains antioxidants that may help prostate infections and other health problems.
References
- National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse: What I Need to Know About Prostate Problems
- MayoClinic.com: Prostate Cancer Prevention: What You Can Do
- MayoClinic.com: Enlarged Prostate: Nutrition and Healthy Eating
- "The Prostate Health Program"; Dr. Daniel Nixon; 2004
- "Mayo Clinic on Prostate Health"; Dr. Michael Blute; 2003
- Prostate Cancer Foundation: Prevention
