About half of men 50 years of age suffer from an enlarged prostate. When not caused by cancer, it’s called benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH). The condition causes urination problems. The proportion of sufferers increases to about 80% at age 70. So it’s a very common problem. The good news is that enlarged prostate risk is reduced by drinking alcohol.
Enlarged Prostate Risk
Symptoms
The symptoms of benign enlarged prostate vary. However, the most common ones involve changes or problems with urination.
- Urgent need to urinate.
- A weak, interrupted stream.
- Leaking or dribbling.
- Frequent urination, especially at night.
Prevention
Men who have two or more alcoholic drinks per daily are 33% less likely to develop enlarged prostate. That’s compared to abstainers.
Those who have at least four servings of vegetables each day also enjoy reduced risk. But eating red meat daily increases the risk. So does eating high levels of fat. Dietary supplements have no effect on enlarged prostate risk.
The symptoms of BPH are similar to those of other conditions. Men are wise to discuss their symptoms and with their doctor.
Better safe than sorry.
You might be interested in these.
Resources
YouTube
Popular Books
- Bazar, R. The Prostate Health Diet.
- Jones, J. The Complete Prostate Book.
- Klein, E., et al. So You’re Having Prostate Surgery.
- Taguchi, Y. The Prostate. Everything You Need to Know about the Man Gland.
Scientific
- Paolone, D. Benign prostatic hyperplasia. Clin Geriat Med, 26(2), 223-239
- Parsons, J., and Im, R. Alcohol consumption is associated with a decreased risk of benign prostatic hyperplasia. J Urol, 182(4), 1463-1468.
Source
- Kristal, A., et al. Dietary Patterns, Supplement Use, and the Risk of Symptomatic BPH. Results from the Prostate Cancer Prevention Trial. Am J Epi, 167(8), 925-934.
Note
- This site gives no advice. Please see your doctor about enlarged prostate risk concerns.