In some men over 50, high levels of Dihydrotestosterone (DHT), the converted form of the male testosterone hormone, can cause the prostate gland to increase in size. Known as Benign Prostate Hyperplasia (BPH), an enlarged prostate causes life-altering urinary problems, while also increasing the risk of prostate cancer; the most common cancer in men.
However, the condition is easily treatable with medication, lifestyle alterations, and diet. For an effective treatment plan, visit a urologist. On that note, here are a few foods that ease BPH symptoms:
Table of Contents
1-Tomatoes:
The carotenoid Lycopene doesn’t just give tomatoes their signature red hue. It is also a powerful antioxidant that reduces prostate inflammation by slowing BPH progression and keeping the levels of Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) under control. This also keeps prostate cancer at bay.
Just make sure to cook before eating to help the lycopene easily enter the bloodstream and maximise its effects. Watermelons and avocados are also good sources of lycopene.
2-Broccoli:
Along with other leafy green vegetables, broccoli contains sulforaphane, a chemical that is essential for maintaining good prostate health and slowing BPH progression. It also suppresses cancer cell growth and may even treat advanced-stage prostate cancer, according to a 2015 study by the Texas A&M Health Science Center.
3-Berries:
Free radicals are byproducts of body-wide chemical reaction that, if allowed to accumulate, damage numerous bodily organs over time; the prostate gland being one of them. The infamous antioxidant properties of berries remove these free radicals to help regulate urination and reduce swelling in the urinary tract.
4-Salmon:
Inflammation is a major symptom and cause for concern with BPH, which is significantly reduced with the help of omega-3 fatty acid found in salmon and other cold-water fish like trout. Alternative omega-3 sources include kidney beans, ground flax seeds, chia seeds, and canola oil.
5-Nuts:
Men with BPH are deficient in zinc, an essential mineral for good prostate health according to a 2011 study in the Indian Journal of Urology. The high zinc content in all nut varieties helps rectify that by balancing testosterone and DHT levels, and counter the inflammatory effects of non-BPH friendly foods by relieving pressure on the prostate gland. Eat in moderation, however, as nuts are high in fat.
6-Pumpkin Seeds:
Like zinc, the oil present in pumpkin seeds keeps BPH from progressing further by keeping testosterone and DHT levels in check. Pumpkin seeds also reduce inflammation due to their high carotenoid and omega-3 contents. Sesame seeds also provide similar benefits.
7-Citrus and Pomegranate Juice:
Found in abundance within citrus fruits, vitamin C helps protect the prostate gland from further enlargement and damage, while also significantly reducing BPH symptoms. Bell peppers, broccoli, and cauliflower are some non-citrine sources vitamin C.
Abundant stores of the phytonutrient ellagitannin make pomegranate juice, and whole pomegranates ideal for maintain good prostate health It also keeps prostate cancer from progressing further by forcing cancerous cells to self-destruct and cutting off the tumor’s nutritional supply by inhibiting the growth of new blood vessels in the prostate.
While a good, balanced diet is a necessary accompaniment to medicinal BPH treatment, always consult with your doctor before making any dietary changes to make sure they don’t interfere with any medication.
You can also book an appointment with a top Urologist in Rawalpindi, Karachi and Islamabad through oladoc, or call our helpline at 042-3890-0939 for assistance to find the RIGHT Doctor for your prostate-related concerns.
