Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)

What is it?

BPH is a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland that can lead to urinary symptoms in men, especially as they age. It is common and usually develops over time, causing problems with urination.

What are the symptoms?

Frequent urination, especially at night (nocturia)
Difficulty starting urination
Weak or interrupted urine flow
Dribbling after urination
Feeling like the bladder is not completely empty

What else could it be? (Differential diagnosis)

Prostate cancer
Urinary tract infection (UTI)
Bladder stones
Overactive bladder
Prostatitis (inflammation of the prostate)

What are the aggravating factors?

Aging (more common in men over 50)
Obesity
Sedentary lifestyle
Excessive alcohol or caffeine consumption

What types of food are helpful?

Saw palmetto: Commonly used to support prostate health, though evidence is mixed on its effectiveness.
Antioxidant-rich foods: Foods like tomatoes (rich in lycopene), cruciferous vegetables, and berries can help maintain prostate health.
Low-fat diet: Limit high-fat foods, especially animal fats, which may exacerbate BPH symptoms.

Sample Recipe: Tomato and Spinach Salad with Olive Oil

Ingredients: Fresh spinach, cherry tomatoes, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic.
Directions: Toss fresh spinach and tomatoes with olive oil and balsamic vinegar for a prostate-friendly salad.

What are the traditional treatments?

Alpha-blockers: Medications that relax the muscles of the prostate and bladder neck to improve urine flow (e.g., tamsulosin).
5-alpha-reductase inhibitors: Drugs that shrink the prostate (e.g., finasteride).
Surgical treatments: In severe cases, surgery may be needed to remove part of the prostate (TURP).
Lifestyle changes: Reducing fluid intake before bed, and practicing pelvic floor exercises (Kegels).

What are the natural and alternative treatments?

Saw palmetto: Thought to reduce the size of the prostate and improve urinary symptoms, though research results are varied.
Pygeum: A herbal remedy that may help with BPH symptoms.
Beta-sitosterol: A plant extract found in various foods and supplements that may support prostate health.
Zinc: Important for prostate function; supplementation may improve symptoms in some men.