It’s estimated that around 40 percent of men over 50 and up to 90 percent of men over 80 develop an enlarged prostate gland.
Although most cases are benign and accompanied by only mild symptoms affecting urine flow, prostate enlargement can progress into bladder stones and kidney disease if left unmanaged.
Discover the early warning signs of an enlarged prostate and discover how making beneficial dietary changes can help support prostate gland health.
What is an enlarged prostate?
The prostate gland is a small, walnut-sized organ located beneath the bladder that surrounds the urethra, which is the tube that carries urine from the bladder out of the body.
This gland plays a crucial role in male reproductive health as it produces prostatic fluid, a key component of semen that nourishes and protects sperm.
An enlarged prostate, also called benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), occurs when the prostate gland grows in size due to an overgrowth of prostate tissue. This enlargement can compress the bladder neck, partially blocking urine flow and making it difficult to fully empty the bladder.
As the prostate enlarges, it can squeeze the urethra, leading to various urinary symptoms. One of the first signs often noticed is a frequent need to urinate at night, a condition known as nocturia.
According to a report published by the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), prostate enlargement doesn’t increase the risk of prostate cancer, although both conditions can occur simultaneously in some men.1
This highlights the importance of regular screenings to differentiate between prostate tissue enlargement and prostate cancer, ensuring timely and appropriate treatment.
Watch the video below to learn about the most common cause of prostate enlargement.
Symptoms of an enlarged prostate
Early stages of prostate enlargement often present without any noticeable symptoms. However, as the prostate continues to grow, it can begin to cause various urinary and bladder symptoms.
Common symptoms associated with an enlarged prostate include:
- Frequent urination, especially at night
- Weak or interrupted urine flow
- Incontinence
- Difficulty starting or stopping urination
- Inability to fully empty the bladder
- Abdominal pain or discomfort during urination
If left untreated, prostate enlargement can lead to more serious complications, such as frequent urinary tract infections, bladder stones, impaired bladder muscle function, and kidney damage.
What causes prostate enlargement?
Testosterone plays a crucial role in regulating prostate tissue, and there’s a common misconception that elevated levels of testosterone contribute to prostate enlargement.
However, it’s actually the age-related decline in testosterone levels in combination with increasing estrogen concentrations that can trigger prostate growth in older men.
Research published in Steroids highlights the growth-promoting effect of estrogen on prostate tissue, particularly when not balanced by sufficient testosterone levels.2
The authors summarize, “The relative levels of free circulating estrogens increase as men age, which can increase estrogenic action in the prostate gland.”
The crucial role of hormonal balance in prostate health helps explain why individuals with hormonal imbalances are at a higher risk of prostate gland enlargement.
Risk factors for developing an enlarged prostate include:
- Older age
- Family history of BHP
- Excess body weight
- Erectile dysfunction
- Metabolic syndrome
- Diabetes
- Cardiovascular disease
3 ways to support prostate health
One of the best strategies for supporting optimal prostate function is to promote hormonal balance, support metabolic health, and maintain a healthy lifestyle through proper diet and regular exercise.
Here are three ways to support a healthy prostate gland.
1. Incorporate zinc-rich foods
The prostate contains the highest concentration of zinc in the body, where it supports prostatic enzyme activity and protects prostate cells from oxidative damage and inflammation.
In addition, zinc is critical for maintaining balanced male sex hormones, including testosterone, further supporting optimal prostate gland function.
Evidence published in Frontiers in Oncology found that men with zinc deficiency had a significantly higher risk of developing prostate enlargement and prostate cancer, confirming the vital role of this mineral in male reproductive health.3
Some of the best zinc-rich foods include oysters, shellfish, beef, and organ meats. Regular intake of these foods can help ensure adequate zinc levels, promoting prostate health and reducing the risk of prostate-related issues.
2. Avoid alcohol
Alcohol is a significant contributor to hormonal imbalances as it promotes the conversion of androgens into estrogens. This can lead to increased estrogen levels, which may contribute to the growth of prostate tissue and the development of related health issues.
Furthermore, chronic alcohol consumption can cause zinc deficiency, weight gain, poor cardiovascular health, and metabolic imbalances, all of which are associated with an increased risk of prostate disorders.
3. Limit carbohydrates and sugars
Sugars and carbohydrates such as bread, rice, and pasta are quickly absorbed and spike blood sugar levels, which triggers the release of the hormone insulin.
“Not only does insulin help regulate blood sugar levels, but it also stimulates an enzyme that converts testosterone into estrogen,” explains Dr. Berg. “This means that those following a high-carb diet are more prone to hormonal imbalance and estrogen dominance.”
Following a low-carb ketogenic diet can help maintain hormonal balance, particularly by supporting a healthy testosterone-to-estrogen ratio in men. This may promote prostate health and reduce the risk of prostate enlargement.
How is an enlarged prostate diagnosed?
An enlarged prostate is typically diagnosed through a combination of tests and physical examinations.
A blood test measuring prostate-specific antigen (PSA), a protein produced by the prostate, can help detect potential prostate issues. Elevated PSA levels may indicate prostate enlargement, chronic prostatitis, or even prostate cancer, warranting further evaluation to determine the cause.
In addition, a digital rectal exam (DRE) is a physical examination to assess the prostate’s size and shape, which can help indicate enlargement, irregularities, or signs of inflammation.
Prostate treatment options vary based on severity. In some instances, it may be necessary to destroy prostate tissue using laser therapy or transurethral procedures.
In other cases, making dietary and lifestyle changes can be highly effective to help manage symptoms of an enlarged prostate and support overall prostate health.
When to see a doctor
If you’re experiencing enlarged prostate symptoms such as unexplained urinary issues, frequent nighttime urination, or pain while urinating, it’s important to consult a healthcare provider immediately.
Additionally, individuals with a family history of prostate enlargement or prostate cancer should consider regular screenings to monitor their prostate health and detect potential issues early.
Early evaluation and detection of prostate enlargement can help determine the best treatment options to prevent complications and achieve better long-term outcomes.
Key takeaways
The risk of developing an enlarged prostate increases with age and is typically associated with hormonal imbalances, particularly in the ratio of estrogen to testosterone.
Symptoms indicative of prostate enlargement include urinary issues such as frequent urination, difficulty starting or stopping urination, weak urine flow, or incomplete bladder emptying.
Avoiding alcohol, following a low-carb diet, and prioritizing zinc-rich foods is an excellent strategy to promote hormonal balance, which supports prostate health and may help minimize the risk of prostate enlargement.
FAQ
1. Is it possible to shrink an enlarged prostate?
Yes, it may be possible to reduce an enlarged prostate, especially when hormonal imbalances play a role.
Avoiding alcohol and a high-carb diet while prioritizing zinc-rich foods such as oysters, beef, and organ meats can support hormonal balance and promote prostate health.
2. What can I do to support prostate health?
Beneficial dietary and lifestyle habits that promote hormonal balance, particularly the ratio of testosterone to estrogen, are essential for supporting prostate health.
These include following a nutrient-dense, low-carb diet rich in zinc-containing foods, avoiding alcohol, maintaining a healthy body weight and metabolic balance, and engaging in regular exercise.
3. What are the warning signs of an enlarged prostate?
Warning signs of an enlarged prostate include frequent urination, difficulty starting or stopping urination, weak urine flow, and a feeling of incomplete bladder emptying.
In some cases, prostate enlargement may also cause lower abdominal pain, blood in the urine, or urinary retention, all of which require immediate medical attention.
4. How is benign prostatic hyperplasia diagnosed?
An enlarged prostate, also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), is typically diagnosed through a combination of physical examinations and a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test.
Urinary flow studies and ultrasounds may also be used to assess prostate size and rule out other conditions, such as prostate cancer or bladder disorders.
5. How is benign prostatic hyperplasia treated?
BPH is typically treated through lifestyle and dietary changes, medications to relax the prostate, or procedures to remove excess prostate tissue, such as transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP).
In some cases, minimally invasive treatments or laser therapy may also be used to relieve BPH symptoms.
