How Do Lifestyle Changes Impact the Progression of BPH?
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Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is an exceptionally common condition among men, particularly those who are middle-aged and older. While BPH is not cancerous, nor does it increase a man's risk of developing prostate cancer, it can have some devastating consequences on someone's comfort, confidence, and quality of life overall. With healthy habits and positive lifestyle changes, however, patients can manage their BPH symptoms, potentially slow the progression of BPH, and improve their prostate health as a whole. Negative lifestyle changes, on the other hand, can actually accelerate the progression of BPH and lead to worsening symptoms, more difficulty with treatment, and other unwanted problems. Here, Jacksonville, FL board-certified urologists Dr. Ahmad Kasraeian and Dr. Ali Kasraeian of Kasraeian Urology outline the positive — and negative — dietary and lifestyle modifications that can impact prostate health and BPH symptoms.
How do I know if I have BPH?
BPH refers to a benign enlargement of the male prostate gland. In some cases, men with BPH have few or even no symptoms — particularly in early or mild cases — while others struggle with significant and highly disruptive BPH symptoms. Again, symptoms of BPH can vary widely in nature and severity and can evolve over time, but some of the most common symptoms of BPH often include:
- Difficulty urinating
- Urgency
- Frequent urination
- Nocturia (nighttime frequency)
- Spraying urinary stream
- Dribbling urinary stream
- Pushing or straining to void
- Incontinence
- Constant feeling of needing to void
Will BPH go away with weight loss?
Generally speaking, conditions associated with poor health overall — such as obesity, hypertension, poor diet, and others — are considered risk factors for BPH. Oftentimes, making healthy dietary and lifestyle changes can help to manage and improve BPH symptoms while potentially slowing or even preventing further prostatic enlargement. Some guidelines for lowering your risk of BPH and/or managing symptoms and slowing BPH progression include:
- Losing weight (if starting out overweight or obese)
- Exercising regularly
- Reducing your intake of red meat and processed foods
- Reducing alcohol intake
- Including a healthy balance of fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains in your diet
- Stopping tobacco and nicotine use
- Minimizing caffeine intake
What can make BPH worse?
Similar to the positive impact of healthy habits on your BPH, poor dietary and lifestyle choices can exacerbate your BPH symptoms and contribute to more rapid and/or severe prostatic enlargement. Some of the things to avoid to keep your BPH under better control include:
- Weight gain
- Obesity
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Diet high in red meat and processed foods/sugars
- Excess caffeine and alcohol intake
- Smoking
How is BPH treated?
At Kasraeian Urology, we understand the disruptive, uncomfortable, and even embarrassing nature of BPH, and we are committed to helping patients find appropriate and effective BPH treatment options that can restore their quality of life and self-esteem in the most convenient and longest-lasting way possible. Following a thorough consultation, exam, review of your health history, and other diagnostic steps, Dr. Kasraeian will discuss a personalized BPH treatment plan for you. We are proud to offer a comprehensive range of BPH treatment options to meet a diverse set of preferences and needs, including:
- Dietary and lifestyle modifications
- Oral medications
- Minimally invasive treatments and procedures
If lifestyle changes aren't effectively controlling your BPH symptoms, or if you are interested in learning how BPH treatments can boost your dietary and lifestyle efforts to manage your BPH even more effectively, don't hesitate to call our caring team to schedule a private consultation.
Don't let BPH hold you back any longer. Take charge with advanced BPH treatments in Jacksonville, FL
When BPH symptoms start disrupting your life and compromising your well-being, we are here to help you get the relief you deserve. For more information about controlling BPH with diet and lifestyle changes, or to learn more about our advanced BPH solutions, call Kasraeian Urology to schedule a discreet consultation with either of our Jacksonville, FL board-certified urologists Drs. Ahmad and Ali Kasraeian today.