Benign prostate enlargement, also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), is a common condition that affects men as they age. While several medical treatments are available, some men prefer to manage their symptoms through nutrition and diet. In this article, we will discuss the role of nutrition in managing BPH and provide tips for incorporating prostate-friendly foods into your diet.
- Plant-Based Foods: Research has shown that a diet rich in plant-based foods can help reduce the risk of BPH and manage its symptoms. This includes fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains. These foods are high in antioxidants and phytochemicals, which help reduce inflammation and promote prostate health.
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Omega-3 fatty acids, found in fatty fish like salmon, tuna, and sardines, have been shown to reduce inflammation and improve urinary symptoms associated with BPH. If you don’t eat fish, you can also get omega-3s from walnuts, flaxseeds, and chia seeds.
- Lycopene: Lycopene is a powerful antioxidant found in tomatoes, watermelon, and other red fruits and vegetables. Studies have shown that lycopene can reduce the risk of BPH and improve urinary symptoms. Cooking tomatoes can actually increase their lycopene content, so try incorporating them into your diet in dishes like spaghetti sauce, tomato soup, and salsa.
- Zinc: Zinc is an essential mineral that plays a role in prostate health. Studies have shown that men with BPH tend to have lower levels of zinc in their prostate tissue. Zinc can be found in foods like oysters, beef, and pumpkin seeds.
- Green Tea: Green tea is rich in antioxidants called catechins, which have been shown to reduce inflammation and promote prostate health. Try drinking a cup of green tea each day or adding it to your smoothies for an extra boost of nutrition.
Incorporating prostate-friendly foods into your diet can help manage the symptoms of BPH and reduce the risk of developing the condition. However, it’s important to remember that nutrition alone cannot cure or treat BPH. If you are experiencing urinary symptoms, it’s important to talk to your GP about the best treatment options for you. By working with your GP or urologist and making lifestyle changes like improving your diet, men with BPH can find relief and improve their quality of life.
Author: Neil A Haldar MBBS MD FRCS
Consultant Urological Surgeon
The Pelvic Specialists