The prostate is a male gland the size of a walnut. With age, the prostate sometimes starts to enlarge, and this condition is referred to as benign prostate hyperplasia, or BPH. According to the National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse, more than half of men in their 60s have some symptoms of BPH, including frequent and painful urination and a weak stream. Having BPH can increase your risk of urinary tract infections and other bladder and kidney complications. Some foods and supplements can help shrink prostate size in those with BPH and alleviate symptoms.
Anthocyanin From Soybeans
Anthocyanin is an antioxidant substance produced by some plants. The December 2010 issue of the "Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry" investigated the effects of anthocyanin extracted from black soybeans on rats with BPH. It was found that this antioxidant prevented prostate enlargement, and the researchers noted that anthocyanin might be effective in decreasing prostate size. Further studies are warranted to check whether these effects will be replicated in humans. Other good sources of anthocyanin include berries, red wine, green tea and red cabbage.
Pumpkin Seeds
Pumpkin seeds are useful for the management of BPH, says the June 2011 issue of "Urologia Internationalis." Researchers found that rats given pumpkin seeds were less likely to develop BPH following hormonal induction, compared with rats not given the seeds. Prostate weights in the rats given the seeds were significantly lower than the control rats. This might be due to some components of the seeds normalizing the testosterone, affecting estradiol hormone ratio.
Saw Palmetto
Saw palmetto has been used for centuries in herbal medicine. This extract, obtained from the fruit of the African palm tree, has been found to be effective in treating the symptoms of BPH, according to the May 2008 issue of "American Family Physician." Dr. Jonathan Edwards reported that half of German doctors more often prescribe saw palmetto for BPH than conventional drugs. Saw palmetto is sold over the counter, but if you wish to take it, consult your doctor first.
Zinc
The January 2011 issue of the "Indian Journal of Urology" reported that patients with BPH and prostate cancer had low zinc levels. Increasing the intake of this mineral might be beneficial. Good food sources of zinc include oysters, red meat, beans, dairy products and nuts. You might also want to consider a zinc supplement, but remember that you should always consult your doctor before starting a new supplement.
References
- National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse: Prostate Enlargement -- Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
- "Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry"; "Anthocyanin Extracted from Black Soybean Reduces Prostate Weight and Promotes Apoptosis in The Prostatic Hyperplasia-Induced Rat Model"; Hoon Jang et al.; December 2010
- "Urologia Internationalis"; "Inhibition of the Experimental Induction of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia: A Possible Role for Fluted Pumpkin (Telfairia occidentalis Hook f.) Seeds"; Chukwunonso E.C.C. Ejike et al.; June 2011
- "American Family Physician"; "Diagnosis and Management of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia"; Dr. Jonathan Edwards; May 2008
- "Indian Journal of Urology"; "Zinc Status of Patients with Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia and Prostate Carcinoma"; Pamela Christudoss et al.; January 2011
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