Gentlemen, unfortunately, your prostate is growing. That little walnut-shaped gland that wraps around your urethra has been tightening its grip since you were 25, and there is very little you can do about.
In fact, it’s going to grow no matter what. You can, however, potentially control how big and tight it gets and find ways to manage it.
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When the prostate becomes excessively large, it can result in a condition called benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BPH. It causes the prostate to clamp down and restrict urine flow, while also causing problems like:
- Frequent urination
- Intense urge to urinate
- Difficulty in completely emptying bladder
- Urine leakages
- Sleep disturbances
- Increased risk for urinary tract infections (UTIs)
The condition is typically treated with prescription medications that either relax muscles in the bladder or block hormones that contribute to prostate growth. Sometimes, a combination is used. There are also herbal treatments that might be effective for BPH management.
Research has also shown, however, that diet and lifestyle can play a role in delaying or managing BPH. A Chinese study noted that men who ate diets high in fruits and vegetables, for example, were less likely to get BPH, had weaker symptoms of BPH and were less likely to see symptoms worsen.
They also noticed that dark leafy green vegetables and tomatoes had a very close relationship to improved outcomes, but believed that individual foods were less important than all-around healthy diet and lifestyle.
That said, there are a number of foods that may have specific benefits for prostate health. As part of an overall healthy diet and lifestyle, the following foods have been identified as having benefits that may help prevent, delay, or ease BPH. They are:
- Sesame seeds
- Salmon
- Bell peppers
- Tomatoes
- Leafy dark greens
- Avocado
- Vegetables of any kind
- Onion
- Garlic
- Tofu
- Berries
- Broccoli
- Nuts
Eating a healthful diet in addition to other treatments might help make your BPH more manageable. Try including these foods in part of a healthy diet rich in plenty or colorful fruits and vegetables.
Devon Andre has been involved in the health and dietary supplement industry for a number of years. Devon has written extensively for Bel Marra Health. He has a Bachelor of Forensic Science from the University of Windsor, and went on to complete a Juris Doctor from the University of Pittsburgh. Devon is keenly aware of trends and new developments in the area of health and wellness. He embraces an active lifestyle combining diet, exercise and healthy choices. By working to inform readers of the options available to them, he hopes to improve their health and quality of life.
