Foods and Minerals for BPH

The risk of an enlarged prostate, also called benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), increases with age. By age 50, half of men will show signs of enlarged prostate. It may be possible to manage BPH symptoms such as increased frequency and urgency of urination by making some healthy changes to your diet and exercise habits.

The following measures may lessen an enlarged prostate symptoms, although there is no magic bullet:

  • Avoid liquids a few hours before bedtime or before going out

  • Limit caffeine and alcohol as these may stimulate the urge to urinate

  • Eat a low-fat diet

  • Eat a large variety of vegetables each day

  • Eat a few servings of fruit daily, and be sure to include citrus fruits

  • Participate in moderate to vigorous physical activity most days of the week

  • Maintain a healthy weight

The role of total protein in the diet and its link to BPH is unclear. Some studies found an increased enlarged prostate symptoms in men who ate more red meat. But other studies found a decreased enlarged prostate symptoms in men with a high total protein intake, especially protein intake of leaner forms of protein such as fish.

Studies on dietary supplements and herbal therapies — such as saw palmetto, lycopene and beta-sitosterol — and BPH have had mixed results. Zinc is a mineral that inhibits the production of dihydrotestosterone, a male hormone that, when produced in high levels, can cause prostate enlargement symptoms. Asparagus, onions, whole grains, figs, eggplants, celery, potatoes, radishes, sweet potatoes, papayas and peaches are good foods for the prostate due to their high zinc content, as are shellfish, eggs, and beef liver

Ask your urologist for advice before taking supplements.

It has been proven that avocado, walnuts, pumpkin seeds are excellent to improve the prostate enlargement symptoms.


What's the bottom line? Healthy habits such as regular exercise, watching your waistline, eating vegetables and fruits, and keeping an eye on dietary fat may help with your prostate enlargement symptoms as well as lower your risk of erectile dysfunction, diabetes and heart disease.