Benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) is the medical term to describe an enlarged prostate, a condition that occurs when the cells of the prostate gland begin to multiply. These additional cells cause your prostate gland to swell, which squeezes the urethra and limits the flow of urine.
What Signs Of Enlarged Prostate Should You Look Out For?
Symptoms of enlarged prostate can include:
*Difficulty starting urination
*A weak urine stream or a stream that stops and starts
*Frequent urination or urgent need to urinate
*Getting up frequently at night to urinate
*Dribbling at the end of urination
*Inability to completely empty the bladder.
What Causes Enlarged Prostate?
The actual cause of prostate enlargement is unknown. However, factors linked to aging and changes in the cells of the testicles may have a role in the growth of the gland, as well as testosterone levels.
Men with the following factors are more likely to develop prostate enlargement:
*age 40 years and older
*family history of prostate enlargement
*medical conditions such as obesity, heart and circulatory disease, and type 2 diabetes
*lack of physical exercise.
The complications of an enlarged prostate can include:
*Sudden inability to urinate (urinary retention).
*Urinary tract infections (UTIs).
*Bladder stones
*Bladder damage
*Kidney damage
Most men with enlarged prostate do not develop these complications. However, kidney damage in particular can be a serious health threat when it occurs.
What Foods Can You Eat To Prevent It?
Some studies have shown that certain foods may decrease the risk of BPH and also improve symptoms:
Citrus Fruits
Oranges, lemons, limes, and grapefruits are all high in vitamin C, which may help to protect the prostate gland. Vitamin C may also help ease benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) symptoms by promoting urination and reducing swelling.
Fatty Fish
Fatty fish, such as salmon, mackerel, sardine and trout, contain healthful omega-3 fatty acids. Studies show that omega-3 fats modulate enlarged prostate development, likely because of their anti-inflammatory effects, and ultimately inhibiting tumor growth.
Onion And Garlic
People who eat onion and garlic regularly may also benefit from a lower risk of BPH. Onions and garlic are often used in natural medicine to fight infection and help strengthen your immune system.
Nuts
Nuts are also full of healthy fats and contain trace minerals that can promote prostate health. Great nuts for men include pecans, almonds, and walnuts.
Tomatoes
Tomatoes are rich in lycopene, an antioxidant that may help lower the risk of developing prostate enlargement. The bioavailability (how well your body can absorb the nutrient) of lycopene is increased when tomatoes have been cooked, or blended into juice.
Vegetables
Eating more vegetables can help lower your risk of BPH. Green leafy vegetables are especially important because they are rich in antioxidants. Cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli also reduce the risk of prostate problems, including BPH and prostate cancer.
