The prostate is a gland present in the male reproductive system, which is the roughly around the shape and size of a walnut. Unfortunately, there are many men who suffer from prostate problems, especially an enlarged prostate (also known as Benign Prostate Hyperplasia or BPH), inflammation and prostate cancer. Some of the first signs of prostate problems include problems urinating, traces of blood in the urine and changes in the color of urine. While prostate problems are a lot more common in middle-aged and older men, they can affect just about anybody. It has been seen that men who consume a more calories than is required on a daily basis are a lot more likely to develop prostate problems, as compared to the others. Apart from the intake of excess calories a diet that is very high in animal-based protein could also increase the risks of prostate problems. Caffeine too should be restricted from a healthy prostate diet so soda, coffee, tea and chocolate should be consumed only in limited quantities. Almost all health experts state that it is important for men to follow a healthy prostate diet right from an early age, so that they can avoid prostate problems as they age. The diets that are recommended for various prostate conditions may vary, based on the type of problem, as well as severity of the ailment.
Enlarged Prostate Diet
Most people prefer to treat an enlarged prostate naturally, which includes certain foods. Given below are the nutrients that should be a part of the best prostate diet for an enlarged prostate:
- Beta-sitosterol, which is found in sugarcane pulp and herbs, such as saw palmetto and pygeum
- Omega-3 fatty acids, present in flaxseed oil, basil, tuna, salmon oil, halibut and cod liver oil
- Zinc, generally found in poultry, pork, dairy products, shellfish, eggs, red meat and oysters
- Vitamin D, which can be found in milk, green leafy vegetables and liver
- Vitamin E, present in foods like dry or roast almonds, peanut butter, broccoli, wheat germ oil, sunflower oil and spinach
Inflamed Prostate Diet
An irritated prostate diet should include be very high in foods that contain antioxidants, as they enhance the immune system, making it stronger. Some of the foods that should be a part of an irritated or inflamed prostate diet include:
- Red berries
- Green leafy veggies
- Red wine
- Black tea
- Citrus fruit
It is absolutely essential for people to consume a high amount of water for prostate health. There are several prostate dietary supplements also available in the market, which can make up for the lack of adequate nutrients in a diet. However, it is important for people to check with a doctor for daily recommended doses, before adding any supplement to their diet. In fact, men who are elderly or are suffering from any other preexisting medical condition should make sure that they consult a doctor before making any changes to a diet.
In order to maintain good prostate health, it is absolutely essential for men to make sure that they eat the healthy prostate foods at all times. There are certain prostate foods to avoid as they could trigger off prostate problems in men. Given below is a list of some of the bad prostate foods, which should be eaten only in limited quantities:
- Processed foods, which are very high in trans-fats. This usually includes all commercially prepared food items, such as pastries, pie crusts, canned soup, frozen entrees, fast food and anything else that may be made using hydrogenated vegetable oil, or even partially hydrogenated vegetable oil. Foods that contain margarine or shortening are also unhealthy for the prostate.
- Animal based products, such as cream, butter, dark meat poultry, beef fat, pork, cheese, whole milk, full cream dairy products, beef, poultry with skin and lamb should be avoided, or eaten in limited amounts. It is best to opt for plant based sources of fat, such as olive oil, palm kernel oil, cocoa butter, palm oil and coconut oil.
- Refined grains or carbs that have been totally stripped of healthy nutrients, like vitamins and fiber, during the processing stage. Hence, baked goods, polished rice, candies, ice cream, sugar, enriched bread and cereals.
Fortunately, there are certain good prostate foods to eat too, which should be a regular part of all men’s diet. Given below are some of the healthy enlarged prostate foods:
- Cod liver oil
- Dark green leafy vegetables
- Flaxseed and flaxseed oil
- Herbs, like basil, pygeum and saw palmetto
- Low fat dairy products
- Peanuts and peanut butter
- Roast almonds
- Salmon and salmon oil
- Skinless poultry
- Sugarcane pulp
- Sunflower oil
- Wheat germ oil
However, some of these foods may not be ideal for people who are suffering from other medical conditions and therefore, it is important to consult a doctor before making any dietary alterations.
Juice For Prostate
Several men check with health experts about the benefits of juice for prostate problems. Data shows that drinking juice for prostate health can be very effective, as it can treat and prevent major health issues, such as prostate cancer. However, it is important to use the right juice for prostate cancer; commercially prepared juices may not be very effective as they contain high amounts of preservatives and sugar, which reduce their nutritional value. Men should drink homemade fresh juice for prostate improvement.
Cranberry juice for prostate is very effective, especially in case of those men who are suffering from prostatitis. It prevents infections, by flushing the bacteria out of the bladder. It also acidifies the urine, so that urethritis and other prostrate problems can be avoided. Cranberry juice contains anti-cancer properties and therefore, it can prevent prostate cancer.
Health experts also claim that drinking carrot juice for prostate can be useful, as it can prevent cancer. Another common recommendation from health experts is the consumption of pomegranate juice for prostate cancer.
Men also check about the benefits or lime or lemon juice for prostate health. Data shows that taking some amount of lemon or lime juice for prostate can be beneficial, as it boosts immunity and keeps the digestive tract healthy.