What Is BPH And How Can I Prevent It?

It is believed that Benjamin Franklin originally coined the phrase: “The only things in life that are certain are death and taxes.” Well, if you’re asking about BPH and how to prevent it,  there are certain other things we can’t control, like our age and our family.

We are kind of stuck with both of those realities, and when it comes to BPH, they play a significant role.

What Is BPH?

Benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BPH, is a condition that occurs as men age. The prostate gland surrounds part of the urethra, which carries urine and semen, and it is about the size of a walnut. The prostate doubles in size during a man’s teens and then begins to grow again at about age 25 all through adulthood.

If the prostate gets too big, it can squeeze the urethra and trigger urinary issues. Approximately 50% of men have an enlarged prostate by age 50, and 90% of men have an enlarged prostate by the time they reach age 80.

Risk Factors Affecting BPH

Obviously, a man’s age has an effect on his prostate. Family history can also play a significant role in the development of BPH.

If a man’s father or brothers have had an enlarged prostate, there is a higher risk that he will develop the same issue. In addition, white and black men have a higher risk of experiencing BPH problems compared to Asian men.

When to See a Doctor About BPH

Common symptoms of BPH include dribbling after urinating, frequent urination of more than 8 times a day, finding it difficult to start and stop urination, waking up to urinate at night, and a weak stream.

Don’t wait to seek treatment. It’s time to see your doctor immediately if you become incontinent and cannot control urination, experience pain or a burning sensation when urinating, or discover blood in the urine.

No Time Like The Present

You can’t turn back the clock or change your family, but you can manage prostate health at whatever age you are right now. There are lifestyle changes you can adopt today to improve prostate health and manage any symptoms.

Consider the Prostate Diet as a way to minimize symptoms. Some guidelines for this diet include the following:

• Become more active and exercise regularly since obesity increases the risk of developing BPH.
• Limit red meat and fatty foods. Choose more plant protein over animal protein because they have been proven to reduce the incidence of prostate disease.
• Men with BPH have a lower level of zinc in their bodies. You can find sources of natural zinc in foods like sesame seeds, almonds, and pumpkin seeds.
• Add salmon to your weekly diet plan. Salmon contains omega 3 fatty acids beneficial for the prostate gland.
• Salad greens and vegetables are all healthy foods that help to keep your prostate in check. Include tomatoes, green peppers, avocados, broccoli, and kale in your salads.
• Avoid antihistamines and decongestants whenever possible as they can exacerbate BPH symptoms. Limiting caffeine and alcohol can also help to reduce these symptoms.
• It’s easier said than done, but avoiding stress seems to go hand in hand with a healthy prostate.