Foods to Avoid When You Have an Enlarged Prostate
When most men reach middle age, their prostate gland begins to expand. Often, a condition known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) may occur. Benign prostatic hyperplasia is a nonmalignant enlargement of the prostate gland. BPH typically begins in a man's 30s, slowly evolves, and usually only causes symptoms after he turns 50. In some men, it doesn't ever become a problem, but for many men, this condition causes much discomfort and needs to be treated.
Symptoms include difficulty urinating, increased urination, and weak urination streams. Depending on the individual, there can be other symptoms, such as pain during urination. Many men with BPH may find that certain foods can aggravate or trigger their symptoms. Let's examine what foods you wish to avoid and which may help. You should also use the process of elimination to see how different foods affect you.
Foods to Avoid
Some foods may cause a strong reaction or flare-up of enlarged prostate symptoms. These foods may contain tyramines, vaso-active amines, and MSG.
Spicy Food
Spicy and acidic foods bother many men with enlarged prostates. If you notice more problems after eating chili, hot pepper sauce, or other spicy or acidic foods, then you're among those men, and you should tone it down.
Dairy
· Ripened & aged cheeses
· Blue-veined such as Roquefort, Stilton, Gorgonzola, Oregon blue, Maytag blue, and French Bleus
Fruits
· Yellow cherries
· Citrus (particularly orange juice) *the exception is pink grapefruit
· Bananas
· Red plums
· Pineapple
Vegetables
· Zucchini
· Acorn squash
· Broad Beans
· Tomatoes
· White Corn
· Pickled or Fermented Foods
· Sauerkraut
· Pickled Herring
Protein
Although you can have meats when following a natural BPH treatment diet, the following proteins should be avoided:
· Aged beef or game
· Dried salted fish
· Sausage, pepperoni, salami, bologna & similar meats
Beverages
Beverages, especially caffeinated beverages and wines, can also cause flare-ups of enlarged prostate symptoms.
· Red wine (especially Chianti)
· Coffee
· Soft Drinks
· Tea
Soups
Soups may also aggravate BPH symptoms.
· All soups should be avoided as they may contain protein extracts.
· Miso soup is made from fermented soybean curd and should be avoided.
Try eliminating all the most common food sensitivity and allergy culprits and monitoring any improvement of symptoms. Once a certain level of improvement occurs, you may add the foods back in one by one.
The Mayo Clinic recommends that men with an enlarged prostate avoid drinking large amounts of liquid at one time and also avoid drinking any beverages for one or two hours before bedtime.
Foods that can help
Foods with anti-inflammatory properties, such as ginger, onions, berries, pumpkin seeds, and apples, are excellent support for prostate health.
Lycopene-Rich Foods
Lycopene is a carotenoid pigment, a phytochemical that gives fruits and vegetables vibrant colors, especially red. Lycopene is a powerful antioxidant. Cooked tomatoes are your best source of lycopene but also look for bright red foods such as berries. Eating lycopene-rich foods with healthy fats, such as olive oil or avocado, dramatically increases absorption rates. The following foods contain lycopene.
- Guava
- Watermelon
- Pink grapefruit
Enjoy selenium-rich foods such as fish and shellfish, Brazil nuts, and garlic.
Some men with minimally enlarged prostate glands may experience symptoms, while other men with much larger glands may have few symptoms. BPH is very common among older men, affecting about 60% of men over age 60 and 80% of men over age 80.
Early symptoms of BPH may take many years to become more significant problems. In most cases, these symptoms may point to an enlarged prostate, but they may also be a sign that other, more severe conditions require prompt attention. If you are experiencing these early symptoms, it is an excellent time to see your doctor.
Prostate problems and BPH are a standard part of growing older for many men. You can, however, take a very comprehensive formula that includes Saw Palmetto, Zinc, Lycopene, Beta-Sitosterol, Pygeum Africanum, and Stinging Nettle, a total of over 30+ ingredients; a complete formula; Prostate Health Essentials (click here to view). Prostate Health Essentials contains 30+ natural ingredients shown to support prostate health.