The prostate is a gland located just below the urinary bladder in men. Prostate enlargement, which is a dangerous condition, especially for men over the age of 40, can develop due to quite different factors. The application of the right methods and the patient’s compliance with the doctor’s recommendations are the determining factors in the treatment. So, can prostate enlargement be prevented, and what should be the ideal prostate size?
What Is The Prostate?
The prostate is a gland located in the lower part of the bladder and around the urethra. The prostate gland, found only in men, is responsible for the secretion of fluid in the semen.
The ideal weight of the prostate gland, which is 20 grams or less, is approximately the size of a walnut. Its volume is around 15-25 ml.
What Is Benign Prostate Enlargement?
In men, a slow enlargement of the prostate gland is observed with advancing age. After the age of 45, structural changes occur in the prostate, and prostates that grow more than the average are called prostate enlargement. The rate of growth may differ from person to person and may accelerate in some periods. This enlargement, especially in the inner part of the prostate, may be carcinogenic in some patients. This is not the case in benign prostatic enlargement.
Benign prostatic enlargement, which usually develops with age, is a fairly common disease and is not a cause for concern. Various hormonal changes are the main causes of benign prostate enlargement, which is observed with various symptoms in men over the age of 45-50. This disease, which is one of the most frequently diagnosed problems in urology, can cause lower urinary tract symptoms and affect the way a person urinates.
The most common benign prostate symptoms are:
- Frequent urination
- Weak and intermittent urine stream
- Delayed onset of urine output
- The need for straining during urination
- Increased need for urine at night
- A feeling of incomplete emptying of the bladder
- Dripping at the end of urination
- Burning and stinging sensation during urination
- Frequent urinary tract infections
- Urinary calculus
Diet To Slow Down Prostate Growth
Benign prostate enlargement is usually treated not because it poses a health problem, but because it negatively affects the patient’s quality of life. Growth continues throughout life and can become irritating at some point. In prostate enlargement, the cause of which is not yet fully understood, it is thought that the patient’s nutrition program and habits affect the growth rate. Although it is not possible to shrink an enlarged prostate without surgery, it is estimated that consuming foods that positively affect prostate health and complying with the necessary dietary rules slow down the rate of prostate growth. It is important to consume foods that strengthen the immune system and prevent inflammation, especially after the age of 40.
In addition, it is recommended to pay attention to the following:
- Prostate enlargement is a disease that develops with inflammation, and consuming colorful vegetables is effective in preventing this symptom. It is necessary to consume raw or slightly boiled seasonal vegetables at least 4 times a week.
- 1 spoonful of apple cider vinegar should be used when washing fruits and vegetables.
- Vitamin C has a slowing effect on prostate enlargement. For this reason, rosehip tea, capia pepper, and red fruits should be added to the nutrition list.
- Foods with low animal fat content are thought to be good for prostate enlargement. For this reason, vegetable oils, which are of higher quality and healthy fats, should be used instead of animal fats.
- In addition, no more than 2-3 servings of milk per day and no more than 5 portions of red meat per week should be consumed.
- Protein intake should be met mostly from white meat. It is also known that fish rich in Omega-3 helps to protect prostate health.
- Foods such as green lentils, chickpeas, oats and pumpkin seeds must be included in the nutrition plan.
- Consuming antioxidant-rich foods more often is good for prostate enlargement.
- The role of the immune system in prostate enlargement is great. Therefore, it is important to add foods that will strengthen the immune system to the diet.
- Avoiding refined and packaged foods; Not overdo it while consuming foods such as flour, salt, rice, and pasta, and drinking enough water is good for many diseases as well as prostate health.
Unfortunately, it is not possible for the prostate to return to its former size in prostate enlargement, but the benign prostatic enlargement is a very common condition and does not pose a health risk. Growth can be slowed down by following doctors’ recommendations and adopting healthy living habits. In this case, the complaints caused by prostate enlargement are minimized and the patient’s quality of life does not decrease.