Treating BPH: How a Diet can Help Prevent an Enlarged Prostate

For those of us that don’t know, the prostate gland is located below the bladder. It produces prostatic fluid secreted during ejaculation. For most men over the age of 60, their prostate becomes enlarged. When this happens it is referred to as benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH. When men reach the age of 85, 90% contract BPH. However only about a third experience symptoms. To spot BPH the symptoms are : frequent urination, difficulty or even inability to urine at all. When this happens, drastic measure should be taken in order to prevent these problems from escalating. Most of these problems are associated with age but there are things you can do in order to control some of the symptoms. A change in lifestyle such as eating habits and or physical activity can help. The good news is that a rich diet in certain vitamins and minerals can keep your prostate healthy and lower your risk of BPH.

Salmon

Salmon is very rich in omega-3 fatty acids. These fats are known to be very healthy and prevent many diseases such as cardiovascular disease, cancer and rheumatoid arthritis. The lack of these fatty acids in your body can lead to prostate problems. Salmon is the fish known to carry the higher percentage of fatty acids therefore it is highly recommended to include in your diet. If you’re not a fan of fish there are also other means of acquiring fatty acids from omega-3. Walnuts, canola oil and kidney beans are big carriers of fatty acids and will contribute greatly if you implement into your new diet.

Tofu

Japan has always been consistent staying on top of the rankings for highest life expectancy. This is no surprise considering that their seafood diet and healthy eating options constantly place them on the top three. Studies show that Japanese men have a lower risk of developing BPH than American men. This is in no small part thanks to the heavy percentage of soy in their diet. Tofu is made from soy milk and is a steady part of the Japanese diet. Soybeans have been linked to a lower risk for an enlarged prostate and may reduce the risk of prostate cancer. Other examples of where soy is found or if you just plain don’t like tofu, try soy yogurt and meat substitutes made with soy.

Tomatoes

Tomatoes are a ubiquitous fruit (yes, that’s right, a fruit) and are consumed on a daily basis. What we didn’t know is that tomatoes may lower the risk of prostate cancer due to lycopene. Lycopene is the organic pigment that gives tomatoes its red color. It also helps lower men with BPH by regulating the blood level of antigen which is a protein connected to prostate inflammation and BPH. To obtain lycopene you don’t have to consume tomatoes daily but tomato products can perform the same function. Tomato juices, tomato soup, tomato sauce all contain lycopene.

As time passes the prostate enlarges, when this happens it places pressure on the urethra making it more difficult for urine to flow naturally causing the bladder to contract. This is what we know as the urge to urine frequently when in fact there is very little urine. When this happens, there is not an exact cure but with the help of a proper diet and treatment can help reduce symptoms. A Urologist New York City will begin to identify problems and work with you to recommend the best possible solution. A urologist NYC can assist you in recommending good diet plans and treatment for BPH. Luzato Medical Group has the Urologist Manhattan that is right for you. For more information on a urology doctor New York City, contact Luzato Medical Group today.