What is the prostate?
The prostate is a walnut-shaped gland that is part of the male reproductive system. The main function of the prostate is to make a fluid that goes into semen. Prostate fluid is essential for a man’s fertility. The gland surrounds the urethra at the neck of the bladder. The bladder neck is the area where the urethra joins the bladder. The bladder and urethra are parts of the lower urinary tract. The prostate has two or more lobes, or sections, enclosed by an outer layer of tissue, and it is in front of the rectum, just below the bladder. The urethra is the tube that carries urine from the bladder to the outside of the body. In men, the urethra also carries semen out through the penis.
What is Prostate Enlargement?
Prostate enlargement, also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BHP) is a condition where the prostate gland grows bigger in size. This condition affects almost all men as they grow older, particularly those over 50 years of age. The prostate gland is one underneath the bladder. When this gland grows bigger, it can block the flow of urine through the urethra- the tube that carries the urine from the bladder out of the body through the penis. If not treated in time, it can cause urinary tract, bladder or kidney problems.
What are the Symptoms of Prostate Enlargement?
- A weak flow when urinating
- Inability to urinate
- Pain with urination or blood in urine
- A feeling that your bladder has not emptied properly
- Needing to urinate more often, especially at night
- Dribbling urine after you finish urinating
- Sudden urge to urinate
- Incontinence.
What are the Causes of Prostate Enlargement?
While the exact cause of a prostate enlargement is still not known, there are a few factors that may cause increased risks. A few risk factors include:
- Age
- Hormone Levels
- Health conditions
- Obesity.
Here are few foods for healthy prostate gland
Broccoli has anti-cancer properties
Broccoli is a source of some very critical nutritional benefits that are not listed on a nutrition label. As a member of the cruciferous family, which is also populated by cauliflower, Brussel sprouts, kale, and many other vegetables, broccoli contains high amounts of the phytonutrients sulforaphane and the indoles, both of which have anticancer properties.
Sulforaphane enhances the activity of the body’s detoxification enzymes, which helps to eliminate potentially cancer-causing elements more quickly. That indole-3-carbinol, which occurs naturally in broccoli and its cousins, suppressed the growth of prostate cancer cells and also inhibited the production of prostate specific antigen (PSA).
The most healthful way to enjoy broccoli is lightly steamed for no more than five minutes. If the vegetable is cooked longer than that, the anticancer abilities of its phytonutrients fade.
Green tea can help reduce PSA levels
The amazing medicinal powers of green tea are attributed to few antioxidant compounds called catechins, a type of polyphenol that has been shown to destroy certain bacteria and viruses, boost the immune system, and fight several forms of cancer, including prostate cancer. Although there are several different kinds of catechins, experts have identified epigallocatechin gallate, EGCG, as the most potent.
That all know the green tea polyphenols, primarily EGCG, can particularly lower the levels of PSA and two biomarkers for prostate cancer, hepatocyte growth factor and vascular endothelial growth factor. Green tea catechins also may help men who have pre-cancerous prostate lesions, also known as prostate intraepithelial neoplasia (PIN), a condition that signals a high risk of developing “full-on” prostate cancer.
The men who drink at least three cups of green tea each day have a reduced risk of prostate cancer. Experts have found that green tea compounds interfere with the activity of an enzyme that has a role in initiating prostate cancer, and that the compounds also prompt prostate cancer cells to “commit suicide.”
Mushrooms can help reduce prostate tumors
Mushrooms suppressed tumor spread in mice implanted with human colon and breast cancer cells. In an earlier study, lentinan inhibited development of human colon cancer in mice. Thus far, no studies have looked specifically at the impact of shiitake mushrooms on prostate cancer.
Asian mushrooms also contain a potent antioxidant called L-ergothioneine. An ergothioneine is present in very high concentrations in shiitake, oyster, king oyster, reishi, and maitake mushrooms. Ergothioneine forte is exerting its potent antioxidant properties to protect the cells throughout the body, including the prostate. Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine research recently found that ergothioneine provided protection to cells from damage associated with toxins and other substances.
Pumpkin seeds help reduce an enlarged prostate
Pumpkin seeds offer some unique health benefits for the prostate, especially for men who have benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH). This condition, which involves enlargement of the prostate gland, commonly affects men 50 years and older. One thing that contributes to BPH is over stimulation of the prostate cells by testosterone and another hormone, dihydrotestosterone. The oil that is present in pumpkin seeds can generally help prevent the hormones from triggering multiplication of the prostate cells.
Pumpkin seed oil also contains carotenoids and omega-3 fatty acids. Research shows that men who have higher levels of carotenoids in their diet have a reduced risk of BPH.
Men are generally worried about prostate health, so you can follow above of them. By eating all the above foods you can also follow few natural home remedies for a healthy prostate gland. Apart from foods you can also consult your doctor for treatment.
Thank you for giving me those worthy tips