A Healthy Weight Will Reduce Your Enlarged Prostate Symptoms
Carrying excess weight is associated with an increased risk of having an enlarged prostate. A review article in the Journal of Urology, for example, noted that most studies revealed that obesity increases the risk of clinical benign prostatic hyperplasia and that obesity increases the risk of lower urinary tract symptoms. In addition, a recent review in Current Opinions in Urology reported that being obese also reduces the effectiveness of drugs used to treat an enlarged prostate .
Losing weight is not always easy, but it beats medicines with unpleasant side effects.
Teas Liquids And Broths
Liquids are good for the male prostate gland as they make it easy for the body to digest and can help remove build up toxins in the prostate gland, bladder and kidneys, especially if the male already has urination issues related to an enlarged prostate.
Broths provide nutrients the prostate needs, which are not found in clear liquid, such as water. Last are teas. There are teas for prostate health, such as black pekoe tea or green teas. Green teas especially provide antioxidant benefits for the prostate gland. Antioxidants repair free radicals that are the cause of most illness and disease, and promote healthy prostate function.
Prostate Diet Dos And Donts: The Best & Worst Foods To Help Prostate Health
Understanding the difference between foods that help the prostate and the worst foods for prostate health is an invaluable tool for men with BPH or prostatitis.
For men with BPH or prostatitis, the idea of a specialized enlarged prostate diet made up of foods that shrink the prostate gland sounds like a godsend. Even though diet is only one piece of a larger picture when it comes to an enlarged prostate, researchers have been able to point to a number of foods that help prostate health due to the specific nutrients they contain, while also identifying which foods are bad for the prostate.
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Do Certain Foods Increase The Risk Of Prostate Cancer
Its not entirely clear which foods increase the risk of prostate cancer. Meat , fatty foods, carbohydrates, eggs, poultry, and milk are all prime suspects, however reports connecting these foods to prostate cancer are inconsistent . Several studies do raise a concern for dairy milk, specifically dairy calcium and protein. Recently, an extensive population study from the UK estimated that a 35g per day increase in dairy protein raises the risk of prostate cancer by 32% . This is the equivalent of drinking 4-5 cups of whole milk daily. If you are really concerned about your risk for prostate cancer, you may consider decreasing your meat and dairy intake.
Lifestyle Tips For Managing Bph
Lifestyle tips that may help someone manage the symptoms of an enlarged prostate include the following:
- Attempt to urinate at least once before leaving home to avoid urinary leakage or other incidents in public that can be very stressful and embarrassing.
- Double void by trying to urinate again a few minutes after urinating the first time, to drain the bladder as much as possible during bathroom visits.
- Try not to drink fluids in the 2 hours before bedtime to avoid going to sleep with a full bladder.
- Try to stay hydrated by drinking at least 2 liters of water daily.
- Try maintaining a healthy body weight as much as possible.
- Exercise regularly and as often as possible.
- Try not to drink too much at one time.
- Try to reduce or avoid stress to reduce the urge for urination.
- Avoid or limit products that cause dehydration, such as cold medications and decongestants
- Use absorbent urinary pads or pants to absorb urine leaks and decrease wetness and discomfort.
- Use urinary sheaths, which are condom-shaped and fit over the penis to drain urine into a small bag strapped to the leg.
- Use urethral massage, after urinating, by gently pressing the fingers upwards from the base of the scrotum to try to squeeze out any urine left in the urethra and prevent any leakage later.
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Black Bean Quinoa Salad With Sundried Tomatoes And Avocado Vinaigrette: A Recipe For Prostate Protection
Giving out a list of prostate cancer-fighting foods is helpful, but I want to take it a step further by combing some of the foods in a prostate protecting recipe. Time to put my chef coat on over my white coat and try to instill some evidence into a recipe.
I love tomatoesI eat them like my grandmother was from Tuscany, not Tuskegee. Aside from my love affair with tomatoes, I put them in them recipe because they are the most-studied source of lycopene. I decided to use sundried tomatoes because sundried tomatoes actually have higher amounts of lycopene than raw ones . Plus, sundried tomatoes add a meaty umami flavor to plant-based dishes. For those who dont work with sundried tomatoes often, taking them out of the jar is only preparation they require. The avocados and avocado oil also serve a specific purpose. A recent study demonstrated that avocados and avocado oil both enhance absorption of lycopene from tomatoes. The classic combination of avocado and tomato makes perfect sense from a taste perspective, but also from a scientific one. The carrots and the red peppers are both additional sources of lycopene. The beans, onions, and garlic add flavor and some extra prostate protection.
Nutrition
How Does Diet Affect Urological Health
The male urinary system consists of many important organs aside from the prostate. The kidneys, ureter, Vas Deferens the tube that is modified during a vasectomy, bladder, urethra, testicles, and penis make up the male urinary structure from top to bottom.
Eating a healthy diet can help the urinary system prevent bacteria, inflammation, and decrease the acidity levels within your urine. These issues, especially if chronic, can lead to many serious health concerns that men of all ages must stay on top of. Again, prevention is key in this case.
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Super Foods For Prostate Health:
1. Watermelon: The watermelon is loaded with vitamin A and C. In addition, it contains low fat, zero sodium, and it is another excellent way to obtain lycopene. The lycopene may also be found in apricots and grapefruit.
2. Berries: The Strawberries, blackberries, raspberries, and cranberries are packed with vitamin C and antioxidants. Cranberries help bladder health as well as vitamin C can help decrease symptoms of the enlarged prostate.
3. Tomatoes: The tomatoes include lycopene. It really is a great antioxidant, which has proven itself in a number of studies to contain properties that improve prostate health. The tomatoes antioxidant strength increases when these are processed. Tomato paste soup, juice, or sauce provides more antioxidant safety for the prostate than the fresh ones. The results of several studies also show that tomato products actually improve prostate health. Experts say that only one portion of tomato product daily can drive back the DNA harm which set up the stage for the prostate cancer. Tomatoes are ideal for controlling benign prostatic hypertrophy as well.
5. Beans: The beans are a great source of protein and complex fiber, which is vital for prostate function. Its important to increase this kind of protein source, though restricting the red meat protein. A red meat diet plan actually plays a part in center disease, cancer of the colon and prostate tumor.
Final Words:
Treating An Enlarged Prostate With Diet
The majority of American men will develop a pathologically enlarged prostate gland . The good news, though, is that like many other epidemics of chronic disease plaguing the Western world, it can be prevented and treated with a plant-based diet.
The prostate gland surrounds the urethra as it exits the bladder. If the gland gets too big it can constrict the normal flow of urine. Men can be left with a hesitant, weak urine stream, dribbling, irritation, and inadequate emptying of the bladder requiring multiple nightly trips to the bathroom. In the United States, it affects about 50% of men in their 50s and 80% of men in their 80s, but as I note in my 3-min. video Some Prostates Are Larger than Others its extremely rare in certain populations and diet may be to blame for our BPH epidemic. What if you already have it though?
According to a recent review I profile in my 3-min. video, Prostate Versus Plants, the most notable development in the epidemic of prostate enlargement and lower urinary tract symptoms is the recognition that modifiable lifestyle factors such as diet can substantially influence the progression of the disease. All men should consider eating a prostate-healthy diet that includes legumes certain vegetables and certain seeds and avoids refined grains, eggs, and poultry.
For more on the health benefits of garlic and onions see:
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How To Maintain Proper Prostate Health
Reviewed by Tracy Gapin, MD
Prostate canceris the second leading cause of cancer death in men living in the United States, with an estimated 180,890 new cases and 26,120 deaths from prostate cancer in 2016. Those are scary numbers, and besides cancer, there are a number of other prostate health problems that can become an issue as men age. Benign prostatic hyperplasia is said to affect 90 percent of men at the age of 70, and prostatitis is the most common reason for men under the age of 50 to see a urologist. Clearly, prostate health is an important issue, and education is one of the best ways to stay healthy.
With diet and lifestyle changes, you can reduce the risk of developing prostate health issues. And if youre already dealing with some of these problems, there are herbs and supplements that can help you to reduce inflammation, fight prostate enlargement and inhibit the growth of cancer cells.
What Is Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer refers to the uncontrolled growth of cells in the prostate gland. The prostate gland is a part of the male reproductive system. It is a small gland located just below the bladder and in front of the rectum , surrounding the urethra . The prostate has two main functions: producing and storing fluid that helps make semen and regulating bladder control.
Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in males in the US . Certain conditions increase the risk for prostate cancer. These include
- Age: The chances of getting prostate cancer increase with age. Most experts recommend considering screening when a man is 50 years old.
- Race: African-American men are at a greater risk of developing prostate cancer.
- Family history: There is a higher risk of prostate cancer in men who have a close family member diagnosed with prostate cancer at an early age .
- Heredity: Certain genetic conditions may increase the risk of prostate cancer.
- Diet and lifestyle: Men who have a diet rich in animal fat and low in fruits and vegetables may have greater chances of getting prostate cancer. Being obese or having a sedentary lifestyle also raises prostate cancer risk.
- Smoking: It increases oxidative stress in the body, causing an increased risk of several cancers, including prostate cancer.
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Best Foods For Prostate Health
We dont often think about the best foods for our prostate health. If it smells right and tastes good, its okay to eat.
However, studies have shown that lifestyle and diet play an enormous role in mens healthparticularly prostate health. Eating the rights foods is extremely beneficial to have a healthy prostate.
Regrettably, unhealthy foods are very present in the majority of everyday diets.
Large amounts of processed food, salty foods, and junk food are the norm.
These are bad for health generally, but especially for prostate health. They only increase the likelihood of developing prostate diseases and becoming obese.
Interestingly, the diet recommendations by leading health organizations around the world are the Paleo/Ketogenic diet. Fish, seafood, fresh fruit and vegetables, nuts, and healthy oils.
All of these are in the Paleo diet. If youre suffering from prostate issues, we highly recommend you check out the Paleo/Ketogenic diet. It is the best diet for fighting prostate disease, getting fitter, and losing weight.
Below we list 10 of the best foods that will help improve, support, and sustain prostate health.
What Other Bph Treatments Available
Treatments for BPH usually include one or more medications. For example, tamsulosin, finasteride, and others.
But most urologists are open to using phytotherapy, Ayurveda, and other side therapies. Moreover, they also recommend a few lifestyle changes to recover your prostate health.
Heres a list with some of them :
- Rye-grass pollen: Rye-grass pollen used by millions worldwide, and improves the most concerning urinary symptoms. Most patients report they are not urinating so frequently at night and sleeping better.
- Ganoderma lucidum: Extracts prepared with this fungus inhibit prostate growth. It inhibits 5 alpha-reductase, an important hormone in the progression of BPH and prostate cancer.
- Lycopene: Foods with carotenes, including lycopene, can inhibit the progression of BPH. It is found abundantly in tomatoes and other red-colored fruits.
Other recommendations include performing pelvic floor exercises, known as kegel exercises. They are meant to increase control of your pelvic muscle and help you control urination.
It is vital to eat a healthy and balanced diet based on fruits and vegetables. Do not forget to include cruciferous vegetables in your grocery list, and listen to the recommendations by your doctor.
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What Men Can Do To Improve Their Prostate Health
As males begin to age, a certain aspect of their health becomes vitally important, that is the health of their prostate. There are many different ways that men can maintain a healthy prostate. The most helpful components of a diet that can maintain a healthy prostate include vitamin C, zinc, Selenium and lycopenes. By eating foods rich in these nutrients, such as cooked tomatoes, pasta, and pomegranate, the prostate in an adult man is much more likely to remain healthy.
Another way that should be considered is taking a prostate complex vitamin. These vitamins contain saw palmetto and selenium, which support a healthy prostate and assist in men with BPH, benign prostatic hyperplasia, also known as an enlarged prostate. Many of these prostate complex vitamins are available, but they should be checked to insure that the ingredients include those listed in this article.
There are other items that are important for prostate health, most notably regular ejaculations, as well as an annual checkup. Studies have shown that these regular ejaculations, even into the 50s and 60s, may help to decrease the risk of prostate cancer. An annual checkup is also very important so that any physical changes to the prostate can be investigated.
In men, prostate cancer is the most prevalent type of cancer so the health of prostate should be of the highest concern. Do your part by incorporating the right foods into your diet, adding a prostate complex vitamin, and scheduling your annual checkup.
The Best Foods For Prostate Health
The prostate gland is an integral part of the male reproductive system. About the size of a walnut, it continues to change and grow during a mans lifetime. Maintaining prostate health should be of maximum importance to all men if they want to lead a long and healthy life.
Lets look at three medical issues that can arise as a result of the prostate gland, and some recommendations for the best foods for prostate health.
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Symptoms Of Prostate Cancer In Men
With painful ejaculation among prostate cancer symptoms, the disease can put a damper on your sex life. Other symptoms include:
- Difficulty urinating
- Frequent urination, especially at night
- Burning or pain when urinating
- Inability to urinate or difficulty starting or stopping urine flow
- Blood in the urine or semen
Its important to note that symptoms arent always presentespecially in the early stages of prostate cancerwhich is another reason to talk to your doctor if youre over 40.
Diet For Enlarged Prostate
Now, apart from following these natural remedial approaches, my cousin also found out that making some changes to ones regular diet and lifestyle can hasten the recovery process. When the right type of foods is taken on a daily basis, some of the symptoms associated with an enlarged prostate can be reduced to manageable levels.
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Cut Down Or Cut Out Alcohol And Processed Foods
Both alcohol and processed foods can cause unhealthy inflammation in your body. Youll want to eliminate processed foods, which are also low in nutrients and high in chemicals that could compromise your health.
When you shift your focus around eating to nutrition instead of taste alone, you may find that youre so full of pomegranates and cucumbers and other good foods that you dont have room for nutrition-poor processed foods, alcohol, and other indulgences.
Achieve Or Maintain A Healthy Weight
Maintaining a healthy body weight is important not only for your overall health but also for your prostate. If you need to lose weight, aim to lose 1-2 pounds per week for healthy weight loss.
Following the New American Plate guidelines is a simple way to create healthy meals to help manage your weight. YourNew American Plateshould consist of 2/3 vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and beans, and 1/3 of animal protein .
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Plant Protein Is A Better Choice Than Animal Protein
To protect your prostate, get the majority of your protein from plants rather than animals. Animal protein typically comes from red meat and dairy products.
Both red meat and dairy foods are associated with inflammation. In addition, consumption of red meat is associated with an increased risk of prostate cancer, while dairy foods were recently shown to significantly increase the risk of dying among men who had been diagnosed with prostate cancer. Plant protein sources include beans, amaranth and quinoa, seeds , lentils, and fermented soy.