Unlock the Power of Food in Your Battle Against BPH

By Dr. David Samadi

Men, in case you didn’t know, your food choices are crucial in managing and preventing benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or an enlarged prostate. While it may come as a surprise, what you eat has a role in managing BPH, just like medications or surgery. When your focus is placed on eating a nutrient-rich diet by choosing specific foods and beverages supporting prostate health, you can win at potentially easing symptoms such as frequent nighttime urination, rushing to find a bathroom, or incontinence, making your quality of life better. 

Why Your Diet Matters

Lifestyle changes, particularly in diet, can significantly impact BPH symptoms. What causes BPH remains unclear. What we do know is that BPH primarily affects men over 50, likely due to hormonal shifts such as declining testosterone. Certain foods and drinks influence these hormones, making dietary adjustments a key component of managing prostate health. Your healthcare provider might recommend reducing fluid intake, especially before bed, and reducing caffeine and alcohol.

Proactive Dietary Changes

If you’re younger or middle-aged and your doctor advises dietary changes for prostate health, it’s worth taking seriously. Factors like family history, obesity, heart disease, diabetes, and physical inactivity can raise the risk of developing BPH. Early dietary adjustments can help maintain prostate health and potentially prevent issues later in life.

Foods That Benefit Prostate Health

A balanced diet is a proven tool good for overall health, but certain foods are especially good for the prostate:

• Tomatoes: Rich in lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that may reduce the risk of prostate cancer.
• Avocados: High in beta-sitosterol, which may improve urinary symptoms associated with BPH.
• Citrus Fruits: Packed with vitamin C, an antioxidant with anti-inflammatory properties.
• Cruciferous Vegetables: Broccoli and kale contain sulforaphane, a compound that may protect against prostate cancer.
• Fish: Oily fish like salmon provide omega-3 fats supporting prostate health.
• Oysters: High in zinc, which may play a role in regulating testosterone levels.
• Green Tea: Some studies suggest it may alleviate urinary symptoms of BPH.
• Saw Palmetto: An herb commonly used for BPH, though research on its effectiveness is mixed.

Eating for Surgery and Recovery

If surgery is part of your treatment, your diet might need to change temporarily. Before surgery, you may need to eat lighter meals or follow a clear liquid diet. After surgery, focus on protein-rich foods to aid recovery, and avoid irritating foods like spicy dishes and caffeine until you have recovered.

Mediterranean Diet for Prostate Health

A Mediterranean-style diet is a great model for prostate health. This way of eating emphasizes plenty of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, nuts, and healthy fats, making it both anti-inflammatory and nutrient-dense. Incorporation of these nourishing foods into one’s daily dietary regimen can contribute to overall health maintenance and potentially aid in the mitigation of BPH and prostate cancer risks.

Special Diets and Prostate Health

Men, who may follow specific diets such as keto or vegetarian, can still support prostate health with some adjustments:

• Keto Diet: Focus on healthy fats like fish, avocados, and nuts while minimizing saturated fats.
• Vegetarian Diet: Emphasize plant-based foods rich in antioxidants and vitamins that benefit prostate health.
• Anti-Inflammatory Diet: The Mediterranean diet fits well here, helping to reduce inflammation linked to BPH.

Navigating Dietary Restrictions

Men diagnosed with celiac disease or gluten intolerance should choose gluten-free grains such as quinoa and brown rice, which are excellent alternatives. If you’re considering extreme diets like the carnivore diet, consult your healthcare provider, as these diets eliminate many prostate-friendly foods.

The Bottom Line

What you eat can significantly influence the management and prevention of BPH. You can support your prostate health by incorporating nutrient-rich foods like tomatoes, avocados, and fish and being mindful of your overall diet. It is imperative to seek guidance from your healthcare provider prior to implementing substantial modifications to your dietary regimen to ensure their compatibility with your treatment plan.

Dr. David Samadi is the Director of Men’s Health and Urologic Oncology at St. Francis Hospital in Long Island. He’s a renowned and highly successful board-certified Urologic Oncologist Expert and Robotic Surgeon in New York City, regarded as one of the leading prostate surgeons in the U.S., with a vast expertise in prostate cancer treatment and Robotic-Assisted Laparoscopic Prostatectomy.  Dr. Samadi is a medical contributor to NewsMax TV and is also the author of The Ultimate MANual, Dr. Samadi’s Guide to Men’s Health and Wellness, available online both on Amazon and Barnes & Noble. Visit Dr. Samadi’s websites at robotic oncology and prostate cancer 911.