A healthy diet is a simple and highly effective treatment method for prostatitis. Prostatitis is a painful condition in males aged 30 to 50 that is characterized by inflammation of the prostate gland.
A healthy dietary approach may prevent the need for medication and surgery for those with different conditions such as chronic prostatitis flare ups, chronic bacterial prostatitis, acute prostatitis, chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP, CPPS), asymptomatic prostatitis cancer, and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).
If you have questions regarding prostatitis and your diet, schedule a consultation with the team at the Urology of Greater Atlanta.
Our expert Urologists have provided personalized treatment plans for many patients with prostatitis. So call or schedule an appointment online today!
How Does Diet Affect Prostatitis?
Making healthy and specific dietary changes has been known to cause positive results in those with all different types of prostatitis.
Many studies that have been conducted over the years have shown that certain foods and drinks, such as alcohol and spicy foods, can aggravate symptoms.
Studies have also shown that foods high in fiber and healthy fats can improve symptoms of prostatitis.
Foods to Eat
Foods rich in healthy fats and fiber can protect the prostate gland.
Foods that can help improve the symptoms of prostatitis include:
- Tomatoes: Tomatoes are full of an antioxidant called lycopene that studies show can benefit the prostate gland. Tomatoes are best eaten cooked in a soup or tomato sauce to get the full effect of the lycopene on the body.
- Cruciferous vegetables: Cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, bok choy, cabbage, and Brussel sprouts contain a chemical called sulforaphane. Sulforaphane is thought to promote a healthy prostate.
- Citrus fruits: Citrus fruits such as lemons, oranges, limes, and grapefruits are high in vitamin C, which may aid in protecting the prostate gland.
- Nuts: Nuts are rich in mineral zinc. There is a high concentration of zinc that is naturally found in the prostate gland. Zinc is thought to help balance hormones such as DHT and testosterone.
- Fish: Fish such as salmon, sardines, and trout are rich in omega-3 fatty acids and other healthy fats. Healthy fats can prevent and reduce inflammation in the entire body, including the prostate gland.
- Berries: Berries such as blueberries, strawberries, blackberries, and raspberries are full of antioxidants. Antioxidants are known to remove free radicals in the body and benefit prostate gland cells. Free radicals can cause disease and damage to the different organs throughout the body, including the prostate.
Foods to Avoid
To improve the symptoms of prostatitis, you must not only eat good food but avoid foods that could worsen your symptoms.
Some of the foods that are considered unhealthy for those who have prostatitis include:
- Dairy: Dairy products such as butter, milk, and cheese have been linked to increased prostatitis in males.
- Red Meat: Research and studies have shown that those who reduced their consumption of red meat or even went red-meat-free improved the health of their prostate in time. Red meat is thought to increase the risk of an enlarged prostate.
- Alcohol: Studies have shown that many men who gave up alcohol had improved their prostatitis symptoms. Alcohol is also known to stimulate urine production which could result in a split urine stream and other lower urinary tract symptoms.
- Sodium: A high intake of sodium or salt may increase the likelihood of urinary tract infection which is an associated symptom of prostatitis. Avoiding processed foods and food with a high salt content can be helpful.
- Caffeine: Caffeine can act as a diuretic and increase the frequency of urination and other urinary symptoms. Cutting back on drinks and foods with caffeine such as soda, coffee, tea, and chocolate may improve prostate health in those with prostatitis.
Conclusion
If you would like more information on the treatment options and dietary questions regarding chronic prostatitis, please contact our expert group of urologists at Urology of Greater Atlanta.
We have multiple practices located throughout the state of Georgia. Call or schedule an appointment online today!
