What Is The Prostate Gland?

The prostate is a gland that plays an important role in the male reproductive system. The gland sits under the bladder and on top of the muscles of our pelvic floor. It is like a ping pong ball and weighs around an ounce.

The prostate has two vital functions that help males reproduce. It produces a fluid that adds mobility to semen and helps it travel down the urethra. In addition, the prostate muscles push the semen with pressure down the penis to be ejaculated outwards.

If you want to take good care of yourself, it doesn’t just remain confined to some good exercise. Instead, you need to take care of your prostate health as well. Unfortunately, most men fail to do that – and often, it all boils down to some unhealthy diet. So, which are the worst foods for prostate health?

What Men Need To Know About Prostate Health

Men don’t usually talk about the prostate, but it’s vital to know a few things:

  • 8 out of 10 older adults will have an enlarged prostate. The prostate gland grows in size as men age. It can become as big as a lemon by the time a man turns 50. The condition is called benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and is non-cancerous.
  • Prostate cancer is the most common type of cancer in males. 1 out of 8 males will get prostate cancer during their life. However, most people recover fully when it is detected in an early stage.
  • Surgery is a suitable treatment for BPH and prostate cancer. BPH may not always need treatment unless the symptoms are problematic. Prostate cancer is slow to grow and often presents no symptoms.

    Surgery can be a cure for both cases, while radiation is also helpful for prostate cancer.

  • How To Keep Your Prostate Healthy

    Prostate health foods
    A little bit of effort can help you ensure your prostate health:

    • Eat a lot of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes as these are some of the prostate health foods
    • Exercise regularly and pump up your heartbeat to improve circulation
    • Get more antioxidants from drinks like green tea to help get rid of free radicals in your system
    • Keep a tab on your weight
    • Try to eat more fatty fish like trout and salmon for a healthy dose of omega 3 as these are the best foods to reverse prostate cancer
    • Work on managing your stress to improve your mental health
    • Always eat prostate health foods to support your reproductive system

    15 Worst Foods For Your Prostate Health

    Eliminate the following food items from your diet to ensure a healthy prostate:

    1. Red Meat

    Red meat and processed meat are the worst foods for prostate health. Research correlates meat intake with an increased risk of prostate cancer. The worst is when you cook your meat at high temperatures like grilling.

    In addition, processed meat is risky for prostate health. Both are foods that raise PSA levels.

    2. Non-Organic Foods

    Industrially-produced food items like meat, fish, and vegetables can contain preservatives. For example, research shows farmed fish contains a range of contaminants. These foods are bad for your prostate and overall health likewise. Therefore, organic produces are the best foods to reverse prostate cancer.

    3. Sugary Food

    Refined sugar and sweeteners are only a few of the worst foods for prostate health. They don’t cause cancer directly but feed the cancer cells. In addition, high sugar intake can increase inflammation and harm your prostate.

    As a result, always read the label before you buy something to check if it contains high amounts of sugar.

    4. Dairy Products

    Dairy Products
    Whole and low-fat milk increase the chances of fatal prostate cancer. The worst foods for prostate health also include dairy products that come from cows. They contain biochemical compounds that increase the risk of cancer.

    However, goat products come under ideal for prostate health. They do not fall under foods that raise PSA levels.

    5. Spicy Food

    Spicy food is among the worst foods for prostate health. Too much chili or spices can trigger the urinary symptoms of BPH.

    Therefore, eat a simple diet with less hot sauce and spices to lower your symptoms of an enlarged prostate and you can also try home remedies for enlarged prostate.

    6. Saturated Fat

    Diets heavy on saturated fat are surely not prostate health foods. The list contains many food items like butter, meat, processed food, and fried foods.

    Therefore, the best foods to reverse prostate cancer are low on saturated fat. Choose low-fat diet alternatives if you want a healthy prostate.

    7. Canned Food

    Canned food contains preservatives to increase shelf life. In addition, they leech bisphenol-A (BPA) that is present in the walls of the can. This chemical is highly toxic and makes canned food among the worst foods for prostate health.

    The market is oozing with different brands of processed, canned goods. However, canned items are also foods that raise PSA levels.

    8. Table Salt

    Salt is high in sodium and can make urinary symptoms associated with BPH worse. As a result, all prostate health foods should be low in salt. Try to cut out the use of table salt in your diet and go for unrefined salt. You can try Himalayan salt instead.

    9. Alcohol

    Alcohol Drawbacks
    Alcohol doesn’t come among the worst foods for prostate health. Drinking in moderation may bring down the risk of BPH. However, alcohol is also a diuretic and makes you pee more. As a result, it may cause more discomfort if you have BPH urinary symptoms.

    10. Artificial Trans Fats

    Artificial trans fats are some of the worst foods for prostate health. They are made by manipulating the temperatures of vegetable oils. You can find trans fats in many food items like microwave popcorn, pastries, margarine, and more.

    In addition, trans fats are foods that raise PSA levels and risks of prostate cancer.

    11. Unfermented Soy Foods

    90% and more of soy products are made from genetically-engineered seeds. You can find them in soy products like supplements, sauces, and cereals. Needless to say, such foods are unhealthy for your prostate. Instead, try fermented soy food items as they can be the best foods to reverse prostate cancer.

    12. Organ Meat

    We already know red meat is linked with high risks of prostate cancer. The same applies to any organ meat that comes from animals, like the liver. They contain high amounts of phosphorus that can raise the risks of lethal and advanced cancers.

    Be mindful of the kind of meat you are consuming. Essentially, the best foods to reverse prostate cancer exclude organ meat.

    13. Commercial Salad Dressings

    Salad is among the best prostate health foods. However, commercial salad dressing is not!

    Commercial salad dressings come with preservatives and chemicals that are bad for your health. In addition, they also contain unhealthy amounts of sodium and saturated fats. So, cut them out from your diet.

    14. Fizzy Drinks

    Fizzy drinks and colas are not the best options if you have an enlarged prostate. They may increase the urge to urinate and keep you up at night. Moreover, fizzy drinks contain refined sugar that feeds cancer. Switch to tea and natural fruit juices without sugar to stay fit.

    15. Deep-Fried Food

    Deep-Fried Food
    Cooking food at high temperatures is not healthy for your prostate. It can increase the risk of developing prostate cancer. Additionally, they may even lead to obesity and cardiovascular diseases. Therefore, go low on deep-fried food items. Besides, cut down fast food to stay healthy.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Prostate health foods are heavy on antioxidants like leafy vegetables and tomatoes. You can also try to get more omega 3s from fatty fish and nuts. Try to take foods that are high in nutrients, and avoid processed foods. You may also want to cut down on sugary foods, including your favorite drink of pop.

    Eat a plant-based diet and with more veggies and fruits if you have prostate cancer. You should also eat more lean protein and low-fat dairy products.

    Red meat and processed meat are a no-no for enlarged prostate. You should also cut out on sugar intake and artificial sweeteners.

    Final Thoughts

    An enlarged prostate is not a cause of concern. However, it can lead to urinary symptoms and may reduce the quality of life. You should eat a prostate-friendly diet that includes plant-based protein and lots of fruits and vegetables. Additionally, try to work out regularly to keep serious diseases at bay.

    Moreover, stay away from foods that raise PSA levels. The list includes red meat, dairy products, sugary food, canned food, deep-fried, and processed food. Cut down on the intake of these foods to maintain the health of your prostate.