A balanced diet that includes nutrient-rich foods such as tomatoes, avocados, fatty fish, oysters, cruciferous vegetables, and citrus fruits helps improve prostate health.
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a common disease in men over 50 years old. People who are more likely to have BPH include those who are obese, have cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, erectile dysfunction, are not physically active, and have a family history of the disease.
The cause of the disease is not yet known, but research suggests it may be related to the natural decline in testosterone with age and changes in other hormones. Certain foods and drinks are thought to affect prostate health because they affect hormones in the male body, including testosterone.
Your doctor may recommend lifestyle and dietary changes for people with mild symptoms, such as reducing fluid intake and avoiding or limiting caffeinated beverages and alcohol. Eating some of the following foods may help improve prostate enlargement and control symptoms.
Tomato tomatoes are rich in the plant compound lycopene. This is an antioxidant that helps protect the body from free radicals (unstable molecules that can damage DNA and other cellular structures). The high lycopene content in tomatoes has been linked to prostate health and a reduced risk of prostate cancer.
Cooked tomatoes contain more lycopene than fresh tomatoes. Other good sources of lycopene include red fruits and vegetables such as watermelon, grapefruit, apricots and guava.
Avocado and the oil of this fruit is rich in monounsaturated fats, fiber, vitamins, minerals and plant sterols such as beta-sitosterol. Beta-sitosterol has the ability to improve lower urinary tract symptoms associated with prostate enlargement.
Citrus fruit Like oranges, grapefruits are rich in vitamin C with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Other foods rich in vitamin C include peppers, strawberries, kiwi, broccoli, cabbage.
Oranges are rich in vitamin C. Photo: Ha Phuong
Cruciferous vegetables include broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, bok choy, kale, and Brussels sprouts. They are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and bioactive plant compounds that may help the body fight disease. Some studies have shown that the compound sulforaphane in cruciferous vegetables may benefit prostate health, helping to prevent, delay, or reduce the growth of prostate cancer.
Fishespecially fatty fish like salmon, tuna, and mackerel, which are high in healthy omega-3 fats, provide excellent lean protein. A 2017 trial in Iran of 100 men found that men with prostate enlargement who took omega-3 fats during treatment had greater and longer-lasting improvements than those who took medication alone.
Oysters are high in zinc, which can prevent prostate enlargement due to its ability to increase testosterone. Other sources of zinc include crab, shrimp, beef, pork, turkey, nuts and dairy products.
If your doctor recommends surgery, you may need to temporarily change your diet. You should eat a light meal or liquid diet close to the day of surgery and drink plenty of fluids. After surgery, a nutritious diet helps your body recover and heal. Protein plays a big role in tissue repair and muscle recovery. Lean protein options include chicken, fish, beans, and nuts.
If nausea occurs, the patient should eat bland foods in small amounts. Spicy, acidic foods such as citrus fruits, tomatoes, caffeine, and alcohol should be avoided until fully recovered.