Prostate growth is a natural part of life for most men, but the rate of growth and impairment of normal function may be influenced greatly by several factors entirely under our control. It is important to check prostate growth by avoiding known risk factors, because the symptoms range from the discomfort of being unable to completely empty the bladder to life-threatening urinary tract infections and reduced kidney function.
The prostate sits directly underneath the bladder, and the urethra passes through it. Hence, growth in the prostate may obstruct the flow of urine, though this is not always the case. Doctors do distinguish between normal growth and the type that causes symptoms. Since age is the biggest risk factor for benign growth of the prostate, learn more about the other risks that can help prevent unhealthy growth and later complications.
## Primary Prevention: Avoiding the Sedentary Lifestyle
Besides increasing the risk of many forms of chronic disease, a lack of exercise is known to lead to prostate growth and increase the risk of prostate inflammation and prostate cancer. Conversely, researchers have found that 180-300 minutes of moderate- to high-intensity exercise a week, including both aerobic and anaerobic forms, will reduce growth and even clear up symptoms of inflammation and pain.
One of the ways exercise helps is by increasing the resting circulation rate, so that hormones move through the body faster. Another way exercise helps is by increasing the production of melatonin. Besides the known connection to insomnia, the decrease in melatonin seen with aging can lead to reproductive problems. This sleepy hormone works at night to neutralize the effects of reproductive hormones in tissues, such as the prostate and testicles.
## Pharmaceuticals
Certain medicines have been proven to increase growth of the prostate, and they should be avoided or, at the least, carefully monitored in the case of an already enlarged prostate. Since the following list only contains those medicines known to cause further enlargement, it is important to check side effects of all medicines and supplements. Let the doctor know about dietary or herbal supplements being used. While there is no known association between these supplements and prostate growth, you can’t be too careful. Several herbal supplements, for instance, are known to promote testosterone production.
* Testosterone supplements of any kind
* Prescription diuretics, antidepressants, and narcotic pain-relievers
* Over-the-counter allergy medicines, including decongestants and antihistamines
## Dietary Precautions
Several classes of foods can increase prostate growth and the risks of developing complications and numerous chronic diseases. Avoiding high fat and cholesterol foods, as well as limiting the amount of refined sugars and processed flours, is one approach. Restrictive diets often fail though, because it is harder to not do something than it is to do something else. For this reason, it makes sense to focus on the types of food that can limit, and even reverse in some instances, prostate growth.
A high-protein, low-fat diet is a good starting point. Red meat, and processed meats, should be eaten once a week at most. Vegetables and complex carbohydrates found in whole grains should accompany a high-protein diet. Researchers have found that five or more servings of vegetables a day is good prevention for abnormal growth. Choosing vegetables high in zinc and vitamin C adds another layer of protection. Finally, excessive use of alcohol can promote growth of the prostate, but moderate intake is actually preventive. Drinks should be limited to two daily servings for men to realize the benefits.
Prostate growth is a fact of life for most men, but these simple strategies can keep the problem under control and prevent problems down the road.