The prostate is a small gland found in men that is responsible for the production of semen, the fluid that carries sperm. As a man ages, the prostate gland often enlarges, causing symptoms such as urinary urgency, frequency and inability to empty the bladder. Changes in dietary habits may help reduce an enlarged prostate. Check with a doctor before making any significant dietary changes.
Fruits and Vegetables
Fruits and vegetables are natural sources of antioxidants. These compounds neutralize substances known as free radicals that can cause cellular damage if left intact. A 2007 study published in the "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition" found that men who regularly consumed fruits and vegetables had a lower incidence of an enlarged prostate. Research suggest that antioxidants that occur naturally in fruits and vegetables appear to support the recommendation for a diet rich in these foods.
Protein
Protein is an important nutrient, but not all proteins have the same effects. According to Johns Hopkins Health Alerts, men who consumed higher protein diets had less risk of developing an enlarged prostate gland. In addition, avoiding red meat also seems to help. The University of Rochester adds that increasing the intake of soy proteins, such as tofu and soy milk, may provide health benefits for the prostate gland. More research is needed to provide support for the influence of soy protein for an enlarged prostate.
Fat
Decreasing consumption of fat, particularly saturated fat found in animal proteins, can help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease that increases with age. In addition, the University of Maryland Medical Center explains that a diet high in saturated fat may increase testosterone levels. This effect encourages the enlargement of the prostate gland. Avoiding red meat and emphasizing white meat skinless poultry, soy protein and low-fat dairy products can help decrease testosterone levels and may reduce an enlarged prostate.
Alcohol
Research regarding alcohol and it's effect on an enlarged prostate is mixed. The University of Rochester Medical Center recommends that men with an enlarged prostate avoid drinking alcohol, particularly after dinner. This can help decrease urinary urgency. In contrast, Johns Hopkins Health Alerts reports that research has shown that men who drink alcohol regularly have a decreased risk of an enlarged prostate.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Prostate Cancer
- National Kidney & Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse: Prostate Enlargement: Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
- Mayo Clinic; Enlarged Prostate - Does Diet Play a Role?; Jennifer Nelson, et al.; January 2010
- "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition; Fruit and Vegetable Consumption, Intake of Micronutrients, and Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia in US Men.; Sabine Rohrmann, et al.; 2007
- Johns Hopkins Health Alerts: The Importance of a BPH-Friendly Diet
- University of Rochester Medical Center: Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)
