An enlarged prostate can surface due to any reason. You might have heard that consuming specific foods increases or decreases the prostate size. We have found 5 foods men should avoid if they have an enlarged prostate.
- Dairy products
Dairy products are generally considered as healthy for humans, however, there is plenty of evidence now that claims otherwise.
Dairy products, which are made from cow milk, aren’t suitable for human consumption. On top of that, dairy contains a ton of chemicals and antibiotics that work to kill just enough bacteria that could be dangerous to human beings.
But all of that antibiotic goes into your system as you consume dairy. Also, the fact that dairy products are so high in saturated fats isn’t helping at all.
Plenty of studies has proven that regular consumption of full-fat dairy products can significantly affect the progression of prostate cancer.
If you can’t live without milk though, try instead to opt for plant-based milk products.
Each one is different and you will need to find a flavour that you like, but overall, plant-based milk products are much safer for patients with prostate cancer.
- Red meats
If you missed the memo, red meats are amongst the top culprits when it comes to a variety of cancers.
When cooked in high heat, red meats produce HCAs or heterocyclic amines, which are carcinogens typically found in red meats that are cooked very well.
Now, carcinogens are cancer-inducing components that should never be put in the body. However, since red meats are such a common part of many people’s diets, you may find it hard to avoid this type of meat.
Red meats include beef, luncheons, bacon, pork meats and sausages. If you are already struggling with prostate cancer, it would not do to add more carcinogens into your body, this will only make everything a ton worse.
Per an article titled “Red and Processed Meat Increases Risk of Prostate Cancer” by the Physicians Committee for Reproductive Medicine publication, red meat consumption is dangerous to your prostate health.
It cites a study where more than 175,000 men assessed under a NIH-AARP Diet and Health Study were evaluated for their eating habits and prostate cancer predisposition.
Men who consumed most red meat were 30% more likely to contract this form of cancer, than those than took the least quantity.
So, avoid it at any cost, or at best, reduce its consumption to only a few times per week. Instead, you can try plant-based meat alternatives.
Mushrooms and tempeh are especially growing in popularity as a meat substitutes.
- Refined sugar and junk food
If you are already struggling with enlarged prostate, refined sugar must be avoided at all costs.
Studies have shown that refined sugar that directly affects your blood sugar level also plays a role in worsening your prostate cancer.
The progression of said cancer becomes more aggressive when blood sugar levels are high, and if a patient also suffers from diabetes alongside prostate cancer, he is more likely to die from the complications.
Many types of bottled beverages are rich in refined sugars and they can prove to be life-threatening for a man who has prostate cancer.
Meanwhile, junk food that is often consumed with sugary beverages also adds to the intake of highly saturated fats which can worsen the progression of prostate cancer.
You are advised to avoid these types of easy foods for the sake of your health. Although some cancers can’t be cured, they can at least be slowed down.
- Alcoholic beverages
Adult men of all ages enjoy a good alcoholic drink every now and then, however, excess consumption of alcohol has been linked to the aggressive development of prostate cancer.
Studies have concluded that alcohol consumption is highly linked to prostate cancer in adult men over the age of 60.
Also, research done by the Prostate Cancer Prevention Trial found that men who consume alcohol excessively are twice as likely to develop prostate cancer later on in life.
And so, men who are already struggling with an enlarged prostate should avoid drinking any type of alcoholic beverage at all costs.
We do tend to drink alcohol for increasing a festive mood, and if you must avoid alcohol, you can opt for alcohol-free mojitos and other similar types of drinks.
Adding sparkling water or a juice of lemon/lime can typically enliven your drinking situation even when you are not having a beer or any other alcoholic beverages.
- Caffeinated and carbonated drinks
Coffee and other caffeinated drinks have a two-pronged effect on prostate cancer. Taking coffee doesn’t cause prostate cancer per se, as per an article, “Can Coffee Help Prevent Prostate Cancer,” can actually reduce this risk.
The WebMD publication states that taking one to four cups of coffee reduce the risk of aggressive prostate cancer by 60% for those already suffering this condition.
But it work when the brew is boiled as this activates the kahweol acetate and cafestol, which slow cancer cells progression.
An issue with an enlarged prostate typically makes your habit of urination more complicated. On top of that, in some men, an enlarged prostate could make urinating painful.
But large volume is bad. It causes insomnia, irritability and headache, which could trigger inflammation, on top of toilet visits. As such, you don’t want to have a frequent desire to make visits to the bathroom. Well, caffeinated and carbonated drinks are both a type of diuretic, which means they make you want to pee more.
Of course, in the case of otherwise healthy men who happen to also have a healthy daily habit of drinking plenty of water, this diuretic effect can be a good thing.
This is because this allows impurities to be removed from the body. However, if your prostate gland has become enlarged, this could be a totally different story.
As best you can stick to just drinking purified water plenty of times throughout the day and don’t hold back your urge to pee when it comes.
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- Saturated fat
Transfat is used in deep-fried and baked foods. But excessive consumption of this cooking ingredient has been associated with heart disease and prostate cancer.
Some studies have found a link between this LDL-inducing fat and prostate cancer progression. Though studies are producing conflicting results, it’s good to limit the consumption of transfat.
Men who consume meals rich in this fat routinely are at an increased risk of prostate cancer. Red meat, salad dressing, and baked and processed meals, all contain a high concentration of transfat.
Transfat is believed to accelerate the secretion of bad cholesterol. This causes inflammation and plaque deposits within the vessels. It’s these residues that impact hormonal functions, distorting the prostate cells.
Thus when you regulate the consumption of foods cooked using this fat, you protect and limit exposure to prostate cancer.
You can also prepare food using alternative frying oil. Applesauce is a perfect alternative to saturated fats.
- Grilled meat
Meat from fattened livestock is already bad for the cells’ DNA due to high levels of trans fat.
Grilling at high temperature distorts the meat structure. The open flame chars the meat during flaming and as it burns, produces two byproducts, per an article titled “Meat consumption, Cooking Practices, Meat Mutagens and Risk of Prostate Cancer.”
The 2011 PubMed Central publication notes that doing meat well using high temperature grilling and barbequeing generate carcinogenic substances.
Processed meat, grilled red meat, hamburgers, and well-done red meat increased the risks of advanced prostate cancer.
The heterocyclic aromatic amines (HCAs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). These chemicals alter cells’ DNA structure, mutating them and increasing their responsiveness to cancerous distortion.
In the prostate, these compounds alter the prostate tissues even after a brief exposure. They are thus the tumor initiators and progressors.
Meaning that men who take well-done meat increase their chances of acquiring prostate cancer. Besides, for those who are already predisposed, the growth accelerates due to this high-fat, high-temperature preparation.
In this situation, advanced prostate cases are significantly higher than localized cases. Consuming 1.5 servings of meat-derived HCA plays a significant role in the progression of prostate cancer, by approximately 50%, whether or not, it caused the tumor.
The findings were published in the 2011 PubMed Central.
In conclusion, we have discussed five foods men should totally avoid if they have concerns related to an enlarged prostate. We hope that with the provided food chart, you can add or remove specific food from your diet.
SIMILAR QUESTION
Are Eggs Bad For Enlarged Prostate?
Introduction
Enlarged prostate is a common condition in men, especially those over the age of fifty. This condition is caused by an increase in the size of the prostate gland, which can cause urinary symptoms like frequent urination, difficulty initiating urination, and a weak urine stream. While medications and lifestyle changes can help manage the symptoms of an enlarged prostate, many people are looking for dietary solutions to help manage their condition. One food that has been studied in relation to prostate health is eggs. This paper will discuss whether or not eggs are bad for enlarged prostate.
Are Eggs Bad for Enlarged Prostate?
There is no definitive answer as to whether or not eggs are bad for enlarged prostate. Some research suggests that eggs may have a positive effect on prostate health, while other research suggests that eggs may have a negative effect.
Some studies have suggested that eggs may help reduce the risk of prostate cancer. One study found that men who consumed at least six eggs per week had a lower risk of developing prostate cancer compared to those who ate fewer. However, other studies have found no association between egg consumption and prostate cancer risk.
The link between eggs and enlarged prostate is less clear. Some studies have suggested that eating eggs may reduce the risk of developing an enlarged prostate, while other studies have found no association. One study found that men who consumed at least six eggs per week had a lower risk of developing an enlarged prostate than those who ate fewer. However, other studies have found no association between egg consumption and enlarged prostate risk.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the evidence regarding the effects of eggs on enlarged prostate is mixed. Some studies suggest that eggs may have a positive effect on prostate health, while other studies suggest that eggs may have a negative effect. More research is needed to determine the effects of eggs on enlarged prostate. Until then, it is best to consult with a healthcare professional for advice on the best dietary choices for managing enlarged prostate symptoms.
