People with an enlarged diet often wonder, “Does diet play a role in symptoms of an enlarged prostate?” But before answering, let us understand what enlarged prostate mean. The prostate is a small walnut-shaped gland situated behind the blander in a man. The prostate produces semen, a nutrient-rich fluid that enriches sperm and helps in the secretion of sperm during orgasm. As men get older, there is an increased chance of prostate enlarging, a condition also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia. Almost 50 percent of men show signs of BPH by the age of 50. With the proper diet and exercise, one can effectively manage BPH symptoms such as increased urinary urgency.
There is no magic bullet to suppress BPH, but a combination of proper food and treatment can help reduce the symptoms. This post gives a clear picture of what one should eat and avoid with an enlarged prostate. Following the diet shows significant benefits on prostate enlargement treatment in India.
The relationship between diet and enlarged prostate
The prostate is affected by several sex hormones, and testosterone is one of them. The prostrate convert testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT). In case the levels of DHT increase, the prostate size also enlarges. Certain foods are known to have a considerable impact on the levels of testosterone and other sex hormones. Research suggests that a diet primarily compromising dairy products and meat escalates the risk of BPH and prostate cancer. The risk of enlarged prostate is high in people who don’t consume enough vegetables.
Foods to eat
A diet abundant in fruits, vegetables, and healthy fat is considered to protect the prostate from enlargement. Some common foods one can include in their diet are as follows:
Salmon
According to top doctors, obesity may increase the risk of enlarged prostate. Incorporating omega-3 fatty acids along with regular exercise keeps obesity under control. Salmon has a profuse amount of Omega-3 fatty acid. It helps keep the inflammation of the prostate under control. Healthy fat also has various other benefits and protects people from cardiovascular disease, cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, and weight gain. The cold water fishes such as sardines and trout are also rich in healthy fats.
Tomatoes
Tomatoes have a profuse amount of lycopene, a carotenoid that gives tomatoes their characteristic bright red color. According to the National Cancer Institute, lycopene lowers the risk of prostate cancer and also helps to manage the signs of BPH. A study found that tomatoes slowed the progression of benign prostatic hyperplasia. Incorporating tomato in cooked form can be good as cooking releases lycopene and makes it readily available for the body.
Sesame seeds
Sesame seeds are packed with zinc. According to a study conducted by the Indian Journal of Urology, zinc is necessary for prostate health. Men with cancer or BPH might have lower levels of zinc in the body. In some cases, the level of zinc might dip below 75 percent than in people with a healthy prostate. The body absorbs zinc from food readily than zinc supplements. Snack on some sesame balls or bars to boost the levels of zinc in the body.
Bell peppers
According to much research, vitamin C in vegetables play a huge role in competing symptoms of enlarged prostate. Bell peppers have ample vitamin C, one cup of bell peppers packs 200 percent of vitamin C required by an average adult. Other vitamin-rich vegetables are broccoli, cauliflower, kale, and Brussels sprouts.
Nuts
Nuts have high zinc concentration. Zinc balances the testosterone and DHT concentration in the prostate. Apart from nuts, one can also consume legumes and shellfish to boost zinc in the body.
Berries
The berries such as blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries supply ample antioxidants to the body. The antioxidants help the body to eliminate the free radicals, byproducts of metabolic reactions in the body. The free radicals damage the body and cause various diseases over time.
Foods to avoid
As much healthy diet is important to maintain a healthy diet, it is important to avoid certain foods to reduce the chances of enlarged prostate. Here is a list of food that one should avoid preventing BPH:
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Red meat and processed meat
A diet primarily comprising processed meat and well-cooked meat is often associated with a high risk of developing prostate cancer. Daily consumption of red meat triples the chances of developing BPH. Instead of red meat one can consider lean poultry, like skinless turkey, fresh or canned fish, beans and legumes, and nuts for protein.
Dairy
Like red meat, dairy is also associated with an increased risk of enlarged prostate. Avoiding or reducing butter, cheese, and milk will help minimize the symptoms of BPH.
Caffeine
Caffeine in some cases acts as a diuretic factor. This means, caffeine increases the number of time and urgency of wanting to urinate. Cutting back on coffee, tea and soda will help improve the symptoms of BPH.
Alcohol
Alcohol may stimulate the urgency to urinate often. Avoiding alcohol consumption manages the symptoms of BPH.
Sodium
A high salt diet may increase the urinary tract symptoms related to BPH. Practicing a low-sodium diet without salt in the meals and cutting processed foods may be helpful for some men.
Managing enlarged prostate
Diet along with exercise is the most important factors to maintain symptoms of enlarged prostate. Here are some bonus tips to manage BPH.
- Managing stress
- Quitting smoking
- Avoiding intake of excessive fluids in the evening to decrease night-time urination
- Performing pelvic floor exercises
- Bladder training exercise.
Bottom line
The success of enlarged treatment largely depends on the strict followed by patient. Hence, for an effective treatment, stick to the diet without any cheating.