Disorders of the prostate gland 4

Effect of diet change on BPH and cancer of the prostate

Benign prostatic hyperplasia and cancer of the prostate, like majority of diseases that afflict the human body occur as a result of what we eat and drink. There is a saying that even if you desire to eat animal products, let your prostate gland be a vegetarian. A change of diet from animal products, refined and processed food to vegetables, fruits, grains, seed and healthy fats have led to the conclusion that certain types of food must be eliminated from our diet in order to maintain a positive prostate health.

Some risk factors associated with BPH are food related. For example, obesity and the kind of foods that such individuals consume. High fat and high carbohydrate diets, processed, defined and preserved foods. These should be avoided. Rèd meat with fatty portions, which are known to give rise to what is known as arachidonic acid, which causes inflammation will also have to be eliminate from our diet.

The prostate gland is controlled by hormones and it is dependent on certain vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients for its functions. These are majorly plant-based products and to make them available to the body, one will have to adopt a diet of raw vegetables, fruits, grains and nuts, along with oysters and fresh cold water fish.

Recommended healthy diet to keep the prostate gland healthy and to prevent BPH and prostate cancer
Omega 3 fatty acid

Tuna, salmon and other cold water fish, walnuts, flax seed and kidney beans.

Healthy fats, such as omega 3 fatty acids are found in the foods listed above. Omega 3, not only prevents cardiovascular disease and cancer, it has also been detected that deficiencies of it is associated with BPH and prostate cancer. Also, omega 3 fatty acid plays a significant role in the build up, strength and stability of the cell membrane of the cells in the body. Where there is deficiency, the cells become weak and susceptible to inflammation. Inflammation of the prostate, prostatitis, is one condition that frequently occurs in the prostate. This is also found in cases of BPH.

Zinc

By far the most important mineral for the health of the prostate gland is zinc. The highest concentration of zinc in the body is found in the prostate gland. According to researchers in India, lower levels of zinc have been detected in the blood of men with either BPH or prostate cancer. Sources of zinc include oysters, crab, sesame seed, pumpkin seed and almonds. Zinc from food sources have been found to be better absorbed than supplemental zinc. Make sure to add these seafoods and seeds to your diet.

Vegetables and fruits

Several different types of vegetables and fruits contribute to the wellbeing of the prostate gland and help to prevent one prostate-specific disease or the other.
Tomatoes, watermelon, pawpaw (papaya), pink grape fruits and apricots

These are types of vegetables and fruits that contain the carotenoid phytochemical known as lycopene. Lycopene is an antioxidant, which protects the cells and tissues of the body by neutralizing free radicals. It reduces the risk of cancer of the prostate and BPH by reducing the blood level of PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen).

As an antioxidant, it not only prevents cancer of the prostate, lungs and stomach, but also prevents cardiovascular disease and reduce blood pressure by reducing the level of LDL (bad) cholesterol. Tomato juice, boiled with olive oil provides more lycopene than a glass of fresh tomato juice.
Red pepper, the cruciferous vegetables (Brussel’s sprouts, cauliflower, broccoli, cabbage etc) and other leafy green vegetables.

These are vegetables that have a high concentration of vitamin C. Vitamin C is an antioxidant which plays a positive role in reducing the risk of BPH.
Apart from the cruciferous vegetables and other green vegetables, garlic and onions, which are antibacterial in nature, fight against prostatitis as they boost the immune system.

Avocados, pumpkin seed, wheat germ, and soybeans

These are rich in the plant sterol known as beta-sitosterol. Sitosterol is a phytochemical which helps to eliminate the symptoms of BPH. Such symptoms as frequency, urgency and dribbling of urine may get better. Soybean (Tofu), low fat soy milk and soy yogurt. The phytochemical isoflavone, found more commonly in soy bean and its products have been linked with a lower risk of BPH.