What you eat and drink can play an important role in preventing or managing benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), or an enlarged prostate. Vegetables, fruits, and fish are some foods that can help.
This article will explore what foods can help an enlarged prostate, how to modify your diet for dietary restrictions, and more.
Enlarged Prostate and Diet: What’s the Link?
Lifestyle changes, including diet modification and certain nutritional supplements, can positively influence symptoms of BPH.
While the cause of BPH is not fully understood, it is known that it affects mainly people over the age of 50. Researchers think this may be related to the natural decline in testosterone with age and changes in other hormones.
Certain foods and beverages are thought to affect prostate health because of their effects on testosterone and other hormones. A healthcare provider may recommend some diet-related lifestyle changes for individuals whose symptoms are mild, such as:
Decreasing intake of fluids, especially before going out in public or before going to bed
Avoiding or reducing intake of caffeinated beverages and alcohol
In addition to these recommendations, eating more of certain foods and avoiding others may help improve prostate health.
Young or Middle-Age People Recommended to Make Dietary Changes
If you are a young or middle-aged person assigned male at birth and your healthcare provider or urologist recommends making changes to your diet for prostate health, know it is in your best interest.
Some individuals are more likely to develop BPH, such as those with a family history of BPH, who have obesity, heart and circulatory disease, type 2 diabetes, and/or erectile dysfunction, or do not regularly engage in physical activity.
Making dietary changes early can help improve prostate and overall health in hopes of preventing BPH.
Foods for Enlarged Prostate
While a healthy and balanced diet is good for overall health, certain foods may be especially beneficial for prostate health, including:
Tomatoes
Avocados
Citrus fruit
Cruciferous vegetables
Fish
Oysters
Green tea
Saw palmetto
Tomatoes are high in the plant compound lycopene, which is an antioxidant. Antioxidants help protect the body from free radicals (unstable molecules that can damage DNA and other cell structures). Research has shown that higher levels of lycopene may be beneficial for prostate health and reduce the risk of prostate cancer.
Cooked tomatoes, such as sun-dried tomatoes or tomato paste, tend to have higher concentrations of lycopene than fresh tomatoes. Other good sources of lycopene include other red-hued fruits and vegetables, such as watermelon, grapefruit, apricots, and guava.
Avocados and their oil may have protective effects when it comes to an enlarged prostate. Avocados are rich in healthy monounsaturated fats, fiber, vitamins and minerals, and plant sterols like beta-sitosterol. Beta-sitosterol has also been linked to improved lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) associated with BPH, though more research is needed in this area.
Citrus fruits, such as oranges and grapefruit, are high in vitamin C. Vitamin C has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Other foods high in vitamin C include peppers, strawberries, kiwi, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and cabbage.
Cruciferous vegetables, such as broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, bok choy, kale, and Brussels sprouts, are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals (bioactive plant compounds that may help protect against disease).
Some studies suggest that sulforaphane, a phytochemical found in many cruciferous vegetables, is beneficial for prostate health and may help prevent, delay, or reduce prostate cancer growth.
Fish, especially oily fish, such as salmon, tuna, and mackerel, have healthy omega-3 fats and are excellent sources of lean protein.
A 2017 randomized controlled trial found that people with BPH who included omega-3 fats in their treatment plan with medications saw more and longer-lasting improvements than those who took medication alone. However, these studies are limited. More research is needed to verify the effects of omega-3 fats on prostate health.
Oysters are high in zinc. Some researchers suggest that zinc may play a role in BPH in relation to testosterone. One study showed that people with BPH had lower levels of testosterone and zinc compared to healthy individuals.
Other good sources of zinc are other seafood such as crab and shrimp, beef, pork, turkey, pumpkin seeds, fortified cereals, nuts, and dairy products.
Green tea has been studied for its benefit in improving symptoms for people with BPH. One study found that people who took a green and black tea blend had improved LUTS associated with BPH. However, overall research on this topic has not been conclusive, and additional studies are needed to evaluate these effects fully.
Saw palmetto is an herb many people use to help relieve symptoms of BPH. However, research is still unclear whether it is effective in easing the signs and symptoms of BPH.
Recommended Timing
Following a healthy diet daily is important for improving prostate health. If your healthcare provider recommends surgery as part of your treatment, you may need to alter your diet temporarily depending on what surgical treatment you are having performed.
Before and After Surgery
In the days leading up to surgery, you can usually follow your normal diet. As surgery gets closer, you may be advised to eat lighter meals or to follow a clear liquid diet the day before surgery. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water. Follow your healthcare provider's instructions regarding if and when to stop eating and drinking.
After surgery, it’s important to maximize nutrition to help your body recover and heal. Protein plays a big role in tissue repair and muscle recovery. Lean protein options include skinless chicken and turkey, fish, beans, nuts, and seeds.
If you are nauseous, eating bland foods in small amounts may be helpful. You may also be advised to avoid certain foods and beverages, such as spicy foods, acidic foods like citrus fruits and tomatoes, caffeine, and alcohol until you have fully healed.
Everyday Eating
Eating a healthy, balanced diet rich in vegetables, fruits, lean protein, and healthy fats will provide a variety of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fiber that support prostate health. Modeling a Mediterranean-style diet may be beneficial for BPH, and prostate cancer prevention.
A Mediterranean-style diet is rich in minimally processed plant-based foods (vegetables, fruits, whole grains, nuts, seeds, beans, and lentils). Fish, poultry, eggs, and low-fat dairy are enjoyed in small to moderate amounts. Olive oil is the primary fat source.
Diet for Enlarged Prostate and Prostate Cancer
Dietary patterns have been shown to influence prostate cancer risk, though exactly what and how remains unclear. Nevertheless, if you have an enlarged prostate and prostate cancer, diet can play a critical role in maintaining overall health, easing symptoms, and working together with other aspects of your treatment plan to help improve outcomes.
Work closely with your healthcare team to help determine the best dietary pattern for your needs and treatment plan. You may be referred to a registered dietitian to help guide you in finding foods and beverages that fit your lifestyle and treatment plan.
Dietary Restrictions and Modifications
If you have an enlarged prostate and also follow a specific dietary pattern or have certain dietary restrictions, it can be complicated to determine what to eat. You may need to be creative or work with a registered dietitian to help achieve desired outcomes. But it is possible to make modifications to allow for required dietary changes and still benefit prostate health.
Keto
The keto diet is a high-fat, very-low-carbohydrate diet. While there is little research on the keto diet and BPH, it should be noted that historically, high-fat diets have been shown to negatively affect prostate health.
Research suggests that diets high in saturated fat may increase obesity and inflammation, which can raise the risk of an enlarged prostate and associated symptoms.
However, if you are careful to ensure the types of fats you consume are healthy for you and your prostate, such as the healthier unsaturated fats found in fish, avocados, olives, nuts, and seeds, then you may be able to safely follow a prostate-friendly (and more heart-healthy) ketogenic diet.
If you have BPH and want to follow the keto diet, talk to your healthcare provider about potential pros and cons so you can decide if it is right for you.
Vegetarian
Plant-based diets, such as vegetarian diets, are often abundant in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, and healthy fats. These foods are good for prostate health and overall health and well-being. Studies suggest that individuals who follow a vegan diet (consume only plant-based foods) may have a lower risk of prostate cancer.
Anti-Inflammatory
Inflammation has been associated with an increased risk of BPH and LUTS. An anti-inflammatory diet may improve symptoms. The Mediterranean diet is anti-inflammatory.
All foods listed above that are good for an enlarged prostate can be included in an anti-inflammatory diet. Avoid pro-inflammatory foods high in saturated fats, refined carbohydrates, added sugars, and sodium.
Celiac Disease and Gluten Intolerance
People with celiac disease and gluten intolerance must avoid gluten in their diet. Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye grains. While this may eliminate some whole grains from the diet, other gluten-free whole grains can be included in a prostate-friendly diet.
Some nutrient-rich gluten-free whole grains are brown rice, quinoa, oats (certified gluten-free), amaranth, teff, and sorghum.
Diet and Natural Prevention of Enlarged Prostate
While diet and lifestyle changes can aid in the prevention and management of an enlarged prostate, they are only one piece of a larger puzzle. Following the recommended prevention or treatment plan set out by your healthcare team, such as taking medication, can help maximize outcomes and benefit your efforts in making positive lifestyle changes.
Enlarged Prostate vs. Carnivore Diet
The carnivore diet is an eating pattern that only includes meat and fish and may allow for other animal foods like eggs and certain dairy products. This eliminates many nutrient-rich foods, such as fruits, vegetables, beans, nuts, and seeds. It is an extreme form of ketogenic diet.
Research is lacking on the use of a carnivore diet for an enlarged prostate. While there are some individual accounts of people benefiting from it, it's important to consult with a healthcare provider for personalized recommendations before making any dietary changes.
Summary
Research suggests that diet can influence the risk of developing an enlarged prostate or benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) and the management of symptoms. Including nutrient-rich foods such as tomatoes, avocados, fatty fish, oysters, cruciferous vegetables, and citrus fruits may help improve prostate health.
Additionally, green tea and the herb saw palmetto have been used for an enlarged prostate, though more research is needed. Diet before and after surgery for an enlarged prostate may vary depending on the procedure being performed and your healthcare provider's instructions.
A generally balanced, nutrient-rich, and anti-inflammatory diet, such as a Mediterranean-style diet, can help improve prostate and overall health. These eating patterns are abundant in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, lean protein, and healthy fats.
Certain dietary restrictions, such as celiac disease or gluten intolerance and vegetarian diets, may require modifications. If following the keto diet, additional thought and planning may be needed. The carnivore diet has not been studied well in relation to prostate health and does eliminate many nutrient-rich, anti-inflammatory foods.
Always talk with a healthcare provider before making changes to your diet.
Read the original article on Verywell Health.