Enlarged prostate: foods to avoid

The prostate è una ghiandola che svolge un ruolo importante nella funzione riproduttiva maschile. Con l’avanzare dell’età, è comune che la prostata si ingrossi, causando sintomi urinari fastidiosi. 

Theenlargement of the prostate, better defined as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a common condition in men over 50 years of age.

There are several medications available today to treat it, but diet can play a significant role in managing the symptoms of BPH. Here are some foods to avoid and the scientific reasons behind these recommendations.

Foods rich in saturated fats

L’assunzione totale di grassi non sembra correlata a problemi alla prostata e alcuni, come gli acidi grassi omega-3, sembrano avere dei benefici. Tuttavia, un elevato apporto di grassi saturi, come quelli presenti nei prodotti a base di carne grassa, è stato associato a un rischio più elevato di sviluppare patologie a carico della prostata.

Biological mechanisms:Saturated fats can increase levels dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone that stimulates the growth of prostate cells (source). 

Caffeine

The caffeina può agire come diuretico, aumentando la frequenza e l’urgenza urinaria, sintomi comuni della BPH.

Biological mechanisms: Caffeine stimulates the central nervous system and may increase urine production and contractility of the smooth muscles of the lower urinary tract, worsening the urinary symptoms associated with BPH (source).

There is no evidence that coffee can cause BPH, but there is evidence that it can reduce the risk of prostate cancer (source).

Alcol

Alcohol can irritate the bladder and increase urine production, making BPH symptoms worse.

Biological mechanisms: Alcohol can negatively affect testosterone and DHT levels, hormones that regulate prostate growth. Additionally, alcohol can cause inflammation and oxidative stress, which can damage prostate cells (source).

Dairy products

Dairy products are high in saturated fat and can increase DHT levels.

Biological mechanisms: Saturated fats in dairy products can promote inflammation and increase DHT levels, stimulating the growth of prostate cells. Additionally, some studies suggest that dairy products can negatively affect levels of insulin and IGF-1, hormones that can contribute to prostate growth.

Foods Rich in Sugars and Refined Carbohydrates

Sugars and refined carbohydrates can increase insulin levels and inflammation in the body.

Biological mechanisms: High sugar consumption can lead to insulin resistance, which is associated with increased IGF-1 levels. IGF-1 can stimulate the proliferation of prostate cells. Furthermore, sugars can increase oxidative stress, damaging prostate cells.

Crustaceans

Shellfish can contribute to inflammation, a key factor in BPH.

Biological mechanisms: Shellfish are rich in purines, which in the body are metabolized into uric acid, an element that stimulates the inflammatory response. Additionally, shellfish may contain high levels of cholesterol, which has been associated with an increased risk of BPH.

Spicy foods

Spicy foods can irritate, worsening urinary symptoms associated with BPH.

Biological mechanisms: La capsaicina, il composto attivo nei peperoncini, può irritare la vescica e l’urethra, e aumentare l’infiammazione e il dolore, aggravando ulteriormente la condizione.

There is no evidence that chili peppers can cause BPH, but there is evidence that they can reduce the risk of prostate cancer (source).

Chocolate

Chocolate can increase urinary frequency.

Biological mechanisms: The effects of chocolate on the urge to urinate are due to the presence of caffeine and theobromine, two substances that can stimulate the bladder. Additionally, chocolate can be high in sugars and saturated fats, which can contribute to inflammation and worsen BHP symptoms. The dark chocolate in fact, has many fewer contraindications than milk.

Beer

The birra ha effetti sulla prostata, causando una specie di congestione che porta peggiorare la capacità di urinare.

Biological mechanisms: La birra contiene contiene alcol, che aumenta lo stimolo a urinare. Nel luppolo sono presenti fitoestrogeni come la 8-prenilnaringenina, che, se assunti in quantità eccessiva, possono alterare l’equilibrio ormonale negli uomini e influenzare negativamente la salute della prostata (source).

Although evidence confirms a role for these foods in worsening the symptoms of BPH, there is no clear evidence that they may be the cause.