Prostate enlargement affects about half of all men over age 50 and up to 90% of men over age 80. This condition, known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) does not indicate prostate cancer risk. Yet some researchers suggest that whatever hormones or other influences cause BPH to develop may also spur the onset of cancer. The early symptoms of BPH are the same so check with your doctor if you have:

  • A frequent and urgent need to urinate, especially at night
  • Trouble starting a urine stream or making more than a dribble
  • A urine stream that is weak, slow, or stops and starts several times
  • The feeling that you still have to go, even just after urinating
  • Small amounts of blood in your urine

Two of the main risk factors for BPH are advancing age and family history of the disease, neither of which you can change. That’s why some very healthy men end up getting the disease while some unhealthy men do not. Even though you cannot control all the risk factors for BPH, there are several lifestyle habits you can adopt in preventing BPH.

Lifestyle Changes

Certain lifestyle changes may help to relieve symptoms and are particularly important for men who choose to avoid surgery or drug therapy. They include:

  • Eat a diet low in saturated and trans-fats, focusing instead on the healthier monounsaturated and omega-3 fats.
  • Limit or avoid alcohol and caffeine.
  • Limit beverages in the evening. Avoid drinking fluids after your evening meal.
  • Practice “double voiding.” Urinate as much as possible, then relax for a few moments, and then urinate again.
  • Urinate while sitting down instead of standing.

Try Natural Therapies

Homeopathy, herbal treatments, biofeedback, massage, stress management methods, nutritional supplements, and hormone restoration are some of the natural prevention and cure approaches for prostate health and BPH.

Enrich Your Diet With Fruits And Vegetables

The substances that prevent inflammation like vitamins, fiber, polyphenols, minerals, and antioxidants are available in great amount in vegetable and fruits. It has been proven that potent phytonutrient-rich foods decrease the chances of having BPH.

Avoid Medications That Can Aggravate Symptoms

Men with BPH should avoid, if possible, any medications for the treatment of colds and allergies that contain decongestants, such as pseudoephedrine (Sudafed). Such drugs, known as adrenergics, can exacerbate urinary symptoms by preventing muscles in the prostate and bladder neck from relaxing to allow urine to flow freely.

Stay Away From Sugars

Sugars especially from the artificial source are especially damaging for the prostate. Avoid sweets and try and satisfy your sweet cravings with fruits.

REQUEST AN APPOINTMENT

Select a Location

Call Us Text Us
Skip to content