Top 8 Foods Good For Enlarged Prostate
The most common prostate problem among men over age 50, is enlarged prostate. By age 60, half of all men will have an enlarged prostate and by age 85, the proportion reaches 90% . It is, however, important to note that such condition does not increase your risk of getting prostate cancer or having sexual problems but unfortunately it can very much affect quality of life, specifically by causing annoying and embarrassing urination problems . It happens slowly that is why most men wont notice the signs of enlarged prostate easily. Frequent trips to the bathroom may appear natural part of aging for them but actually it is a sign of enlarged prostate. It is important then to understand enlarged prostate and its symptoms.
Personal And Family Medical History
Taking a personal and family medical history is one of the first things a health care provider may do to help diagnose benign prostatic hyperplasia. A health care provider may ask a man
- what symptoms are present
- when the symptoms began and how often they occur
- whether he has a history of recurrent UTIs
- what medications he takes, both prescription and over the counter
- how much liquid he typically drinks each day
- whether he consumes caffeine and alcohol
- about his general medical history, including any significant illnesses or surgeries
Foods That Shrink The Prostate Gland
Benign prostatic hyperplasia becomes a common ailment as we age. It is an enlargement of the prostate gland and causes various urinary symptoms.
BPH is not cancer, but sometimes the prostate gland grows too much, and doctors decide to practice surgery. But if you have a slightly increased gland, you may need non-invasive treatment instead.
The normal prostate is made up of a given number of cells. In a prostate with BPH, the number of cells increases.
The exact cause is unknown, but aging and hormones are both critical factors. It is the primary cause of urinary symptoms in men, especially urinary retention and frequent urination.
Urination becomes frequent and sometimes difficult and wakes them up at night. Some patients may also have erectile dysfunction, but this symptom is usually due to other health conditions.
The majority of these problems can be solved by reducing the size of the prostate gland. But is it possible? How can you shrink the prostate gland with foods?
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Enlarged Prostate Doesnt Just Affect Your Bladder
According to research, as many as half of the men aged 51 to 60 will develop BPH or benign prostatic hyperplasia. An enlarged prostate. The good news about BPH lies in that one little, yet the uber-important word benign. To have an enlarged prostate doesnt indicate that you have prostate cancer, or that your risk for cancer is substantially higher. It can mean that you have to face a few unpleasant symptoms, though.
The most common symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia revolve around urination. Because your prostate gland is adjacent to the bladder, its enlargement can cause the blockage. This may result in frequent urination, difficulty starting urination, a sensation of fullness after urination, dribbling, and weak urine flow. These are the symptoms that most men have been told or experienced for themselves. But theres more. BPH can also affect your sex life. Heres how:
- Reduced sex drive and sexual satisfaction. This is related to the loss of sleep that stems from having to urinate frequently through the night more than it does any other aspect of BPH. Additionally, when the bladder feels uncomfortably full due to pressure from the blockage, anxiety may coincide with sex, diminishing the overall experience.
How Common Is Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
Benign prostatic hyperplasia is the most common prostate problem for men older than age 50. In 2010, as many as 14 million men in the United States had lower urinary tract symptoms suggestive of benign prostatic hyperplasia.1 Although benign prostatic hyperplasia rarely causes symptoms before age 40, the occurrence and symptoms increase with age. Benign prostatic hyperplasia affects about 50 percent of men between the ages of 51 and 60 and up to 90 percent of men older than 80.2
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Which Food Items Could Make The Prostate Healthy
- Berries
Berries like strawberry, raspberry, blackberry can be helpful in reducing the production of prostate cells that lead to enlargement of the prostate. These berries contain Vitamin C and antioxidants that inhibit free radicals, which cause oxidative stress in the prostate. These free radicals contribute majorly in increasing the prostate size. Thus, eating berries regularly is highly recommended to reduce the risk of an enlarged prostate.
Berries can be consumed as it is or can also be consumed as fruit slush or smoothies or juices.
Nuts
Nuts such as almonds, pistachios, and walnuts can provide relief from the symptoms of enlarged prostate. Studies suggest that:
Almonds contain Vitamin E and manganese that help to fight with free radicals and strengthen immunity.
Pistachios are a good source of arginine , which helps in making the blood vessels healthy and contributes in proper blood flow through the reproductive system.
Walnuts contain omega-3 fatty acids, which have the ability to fight against inflammation, which further prevents urinary abnormalities.
- Beans
Beans are highly enriched with proteins and the diet of a person suffering from prostate must be rich in proteins. It is also recommended to replace animal proteins with plant proteins so as to balance fatty acid profile of the body. Plant protein can be consumed in the form of beans such as black beans, chia, hemp seeds, etc.
- Soy
- Lycopene-containing food items
Plums
- Pumpkin seeds
Foods To Eat And Avoid To Prevent An Enlarged Prostate
Disclaimer: Results are not guaranteed*** and may vary from person to person***.
As we get older, our bodies can sometimes become more susceptible to certain perilstake for example an enlarged prostate.
Fifty percent of men who are over the age of 60, and 95% of men over the age of 85, suffer from an enlarged prostate gland or benign prostatic hyperplasia . BPH typically occurs as a man agesthe prostate gland can enlarge and compress the urethra, obstructing the flow of urine.
In men, urine flows from the bladder through to the urethra. BPH blocks the flow of urine through the urethra. The prostate cells will slowly begin to multiply, creating an enlargement that places pressure on the urethra . The bladder needs to use more force to push urine through the body as the urethra narrows.
Eventually, the bladder muscle will become stronger and thicker, yet much more sensitive, resulting in the need to urinate frequently. Since the bladder muscle cant overcome the effect of the narrowed urethra, urine remains in the bladder and is not completely emptied.
Youre probably asking: What can I do to prevent an enlarged prostate?
I have good news for you: If you follow a diet that is rich in certain vitamins and minerals, you can keep your prostate healthy and lower your risk of developing BPH.
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What Is A Prostate Diet
Most of us have been told by our physicians that lowering salt, sugar, fat and trans fat from our daily diets, though boosting the amount of proteins, vegetables, fruits, fluids, fiber as well as vitamins are crucial for ideal health. This isnt only talking, nevertheless is backed with many medical research. The study also has recognized foods required to support functions of our organs.
How do eat right diet for prostate health aid men prevent prostate problems in the life? What foods men should use in their diet for healthful prostate function, decrease the likelihood of developing enlarged prostate, kidney and bladder attacks and prostate cancer?
Tips For Coping With An Enlarged Prostate
When a man reaches about age 25, his prostate begins to grow. This natural growth is called benign prostatic hyperplasia and it is the most common cause of prostate enlargement. BPH is a benign condition that does not lead to prostate cancer, though the two problems can coexist.
Although 50% to 60% of men with BPH may never develop any symptoms, others find that BPH can make life miserable. The symptoms of BPH include:
- a hesitant, interrupted, weak urine stream
- urgency, leaking, or dribbling
- a sense of incomplete emptying
- more frequent urination, especially at night.
As a result, many men seek treatment. The good news is that treatments are constantly being improved. Patients and their physicians now have more medications to choose from, so if one doesn’t do the trick, another can be prescribed. And thanks to some refinements, surgical treatments are more effective and have fewer side effects than ever before.
But there are some things men dealing with BPH can do on their own. When symptoms are not particularly bothersome, watchful waiting may be the best way to proceed. This involves regular monitoring to make sure complications aren’t developing, but no treatment. For more troubling symptoms, most doctors begin by recommending a combination of lifestyle changes and medication. Often this will be enough to relieve the worst symptoms and prevent the need for surgery
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How To Add More Pomegranate Juice To Your Diet
You can buy pomegranate juice at most grocery stores. If drinking the juice plain is too intense, consider diluting it with plain water or adding some sparkling water.
You can also add pomegranate seeds to homemade salad dressing to sweeten up your favorite salad.
Summary
Pomegranates are high in antioxidants. Animal and test-tube studies have shown that pomegranate juice could inhibit the production of some prostate cancer cells.
Natural Remedies For Enlarged Prostate
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The prostate grows
The prostate is a walnut-shaped gland that wraps around the urethra, the tube that urine flows out of. The prostate is part of the male reproductive system. One of its main jobs, along with other organs, is to add fluid to semen. This is the fluid that carries sperm.
The prostate gland starts out small and has two main phases of growth. It doubles in size during the teenage years, then continues to grow again after age 25 throughout the rest of a mans life.
An excessively enlarged prostate results in a disease known as benign prostatic hyperplasia . Eventually, an enlarged prostate can clamp down on the urethra and restrict the flow of urine from the bladder. This leads to problems such as:
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What Foods Should You Avoid If You Have An Enlarged Prostate
While the exact cause of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia is not entirely understood, we do know that what you eat can have a big influence on the health of your prostate. While some foods can help to reduce the risk of developing BPH, as well as lessening the severity of your symptoms, there are others which can actually aggravate the problem including:
- Red meat
- Dairy
- Alcohol.
Unfortunately gentlemen, as we can see, it is often some of our favourite foods that can cause inflammation flare-ups and bladder problems however, knowing the main culprits could help you to manage your symptoms better.
Get Your Finger On The Pulse
An 11-year study done in Italy showed that men whose diet favoured processed cereals and some types of meat while being low in vegetables and pulsesalso known as legumes, they include beans, soybeans, lentils, peanuts and other groundnutssuffered more from BPH symptoms. The research involved nearly 3,000 men and examined their diet in great detail. Citrus fruit was also found to be helpful in alleviating the severity of symptoms.
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Foods To Avoid: Caffeine
Avoiding or limiting your caffeine intake, including coffee, tea, energy drinks and fizzy drinks, is another thing that can make a big difference to your urinary health.
Caffeine has a diuretic effect which means it can increase the urge to go to the toilet. On top of this, drinking these beverages, especially late at night, can irritate the bladder and so will make it more likely that you’ll need to use the loo. As it is difficult for men with an enlarged prostate to empty their bladder completely anyway, consuming caffeinated drinks will only add to the problem.
There are now so many caffeine-free drinks available that it shouldn’t be too much of a challenge to swap your usual brew for something a little kinder to your bladder.
Chamomile tea is particularly beneficial as it has anti-inflammatory properties. If you favour coffee, though, then Bambu, our caffeine-free coffee, is a great alternative.
On top of this, another important drink for your prostate is water. It’s vital you stay well hydrated if you suffer from the condition but remember not to drink anything at least 2 hours before bedtime.
Top Foods That Help Prevent An Enlarged Prostate
1. Salmon: Salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Fatty acid deficiency could lead to prostate problems. You can also get your omega-3s from ground flax seeds, walnuts, kidney beans, and canola oil.
2. Tofu: A study that was published in The Journal of Urology revealed that Asian men have a reduced risk of developing BPH when compared to western men. One reason could be that Asian men consume more soy. According to a study published in The Prostate, soy isoflavones have been linked to lowering the risk of developing an enlarged prostate. You can get soy isoflavones in low-fat soymilk, roasted soybeans, and soy yogurt.
3. Bell peppers: Bell peppers have more vitamin C than any other vegetablevitamin C is said to play a role in fighting BPH. However, according to some studies, only vitamin C from vegetables can lower the risk of enlarged prostate. You can also try cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, and broccoli.
4. Sesame seeds: Sesame seeds contain high levels of zinc, which is essential in maintaining a healthy prostate. Men who either have BPH or prostate cancer have low levels of zinc in their bodies. You can also try pumpkin seeds, adzuki beans, and almonds.
5. Avocadoes: Avocadoes are rich in the plant sterol beta-sitosterol. The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews states that beta-sitosterol helps reduce symptoms associated with BPH. It can strengthen the immune system as well as reduce inflammation and pain. You can also try soybeans, pecans, and wheat germ.
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What Are The Healthy Super Foods
Though there is absolutely no legal or medical meaning. Superfoods are the nutrient powerhouses which are packed with vitamins, polyphenols, and antioxidants. Eating them can decrease the threat of chronic disease and folks who eat even more of these are healthier and leaner than folks who dont. Find out about several foods which are believed super, what health advantages they offer, and exactly how to match them into your daily diet. Read more about healthy super foods.
How To Add More Green Tea To Your Diet
If you like the taste of green tea, start by drinking a cup each morning in place of your regular coffee.
If you prefer to skip caffeine, try a decaffeinated version. If you dont like warm tea, try cooling it in your refrigerator and adding ice for a refreshing beverage.
If you arent a fan of the taste, try using cooled green tea as the liquid in homemade smoothies, or adding green tea powder.
Summary
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Foods To Avoid: Eggs & Poultry
A study published in the January 2006 issue of Urology explored the connection between diet and BPH symptoms.1 It found that eating eggs and poultry appeared to increase symptoms. This may be to do with the fact that egg yolks have high levels of arachidonic acid, which, as mentioned earlier, increases inflammation.
Now, I’m not suggesting that you must cut eggs and chicken out of your diet completely this is just one study and more research would be needed to make a more thorough conclusion on the issue. However, I would advise you not to focus your diet around these foods and to get more variety instead. Vegetables are an excellent option as they contain and array of nutrients and can be incorporated into meals like curries and soups, as well as snacks.
Super Foods For Prostate Health To Make You Feel Better
The prostate gland earned a reputation of an ongoing health destroyer. Hypertrophy of the prostate gland that impacts almost every ageing male. This bothersome condition can make urination more difficult and also escalates the threat of bladder attacks and kidney harm. However, there are numerous Superfoods which may already become a part of your daily diet that will help prevent prostate problems. Read this article and find out the 13 super foods for prostate health that make you feel better.
Its important to keep in mind to obtain a healthy balance diet keep the prostate healthful, including antioxidants, supplement E from the nuts, seeds, and also drink lots of clear liquids to aid flush out the bladder. Stay away from caffeine, alcoholic beverages, as well as spicy foods. Maintaining your weight in balance can help maintain a wholesome prostate.
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Foods To Avoid: Sugary Foods
Refined sugar is another no-go for those with prostate problems as this can increase inflammation.
Sugar is abundant in some obvious sources such as fizzy juice and cake, but don’t forget it is also added to processed foods to give them extra flavour. This includes ready meals, crisps, some cereals, white bread and ready-made sauces. You could try cutting down your intake of these things in order to reduce the pressure on your prostate.
They say fresh is best for a reason, so try swapping these processed foods for wholegrain products, fresh fruit, vegetables, nuts and seeds. Not only are these better for the prostate, they are also highly nutritious and healthy too!