From the Guidelines
Men with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) should avoid consuming packaged products, including processed meats and foods high in salt and sugars, as these may exacerbate symptoms. This recommendation is based on the most recent and highest quality study available, which emphasizes the importance of rethinking healthy eating in light of the gut microbiome 1.
When considering dietary modifications for BPH management, it's essential to focus on reducing consumption of substances that can irritate the urinary tract, cause inflammation, or affect hormone levels that may impact prostate size. Key foods and beverages to limit or avoid include:
- Caffeine found in coffee, tea, energy drinks, and chocolate, as it can irritate the bladder and increase urinary frequency and urgency
- Alcohol, which acts as a diuretic and can irritate the bladder, potentially worsening BPH symptoms
- Spicy foods, which may trigger inflammation and bladder irritation in some men
- Artificial sweeteners, which can irritate the bladder for some individuals
- Salt and sodium-rich foods, which can cause fluid retention and increase urinary symptoms
- Acidic foods like citrus fruits and tomatoes, which may irritate the bladder in sensitive individuals
- Red meat and high-fat dairy products, which contain hormones that might influence prostate growth
In addition to avoiding these substances, men with BPH can benefit from incorporating prostate-friendly foods into their diet, such as:
- Vegetables
- Fruits
- Whole grains
- Foods rich in zinc and omega-3 fatty acids
It's also crucial to stay well-hydrated with water, while avoiding large amounts before bedtime. By making these dietary modifications, men with BPH can potentially alleviate symptoms and improve their quality of life. The American Heart Association's dietary guidelines also support a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, while limiting salt and alcohol 1. Furthermore, guidelines for cancer prevention recommend limiting intake of animal-based products, especially red meats and high-fat dairy products, and eating five or more servings of fruits and vegetables a day 1. However, the most recent and relevant guidance for BPH management is provided by the study on rethinking healthy eating in light of the gut microbiome 1.
From the Research
Foods to Avoid with BPH
There is limited information available on specific foods to avoid with Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) in the provided studies. However, some general information on BPH management can be found:
- BPH is a common diagnosis among the ageing male population with increasing prevalence 2
- Many risk factors, both modifiable and non-modifiable, can increase the risk of development and progression of BPH and lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) 2
- Treatment options for men with BPH start at watchful waiting and progress through medical to surgical interventions 3, 2
- Combination therapy using alpha-1 adrenergic receptor antagonists (ARAs) and 5-alpha reductase inhibitors (5-αRIs) is beneficial in the treatment of BPH and the associated symptoms 4, 5, 6
Lifestyle Modifications
While the provided studies do not specifically mention foods to avoid with BPH, they do emphasize the importance of lifestyle modifications in managing the condition:
- Patients with LUTS undergo several key diagnostic investigations before being diagnosed with BPH 2
- The symptoms of BPH can be obstructive or irritative, and can affect the patient after micturition 2
- Treatment options are available to control the symptoms of BPH, and many pharmacologic and surgical treatments are available to manage the condition 3