Smoothies
Smoothies that include plenty of vegetables can be quite beneficial for those suffering from an enlarged prostate, as well as those looking to prevent its occurrence in the first place. That’s because many vegetables, including spinach, beetroot, sweet potatoes and carrots, contain antioxidant properties. Antioxidants can impact cell growth and development which may, in turn, reduce the risk of an enlarged prostate.1
Research also shows that when men increase their vitamin C intake, they are less likely to experience symptoms of an enlarged prostate.1 This means it is particularly important to focus on vegetables with this vitamin such as broccoli, kale and Brussels sprouts (though, admittedly, this last option is less ideal for a smoothie…).
Being overweight can put you more at risk of developing an enlarged prostate but, as a diet full of vegetables has the benefit of helping to maintain a healthy weight, it has further benefits to those with an enlarged prostate, or those aiming to prevent its development.
Now, you might favour a smoothie with sweet fruits like mango or passion fruit, but vegetables can still make a tasty addition to this drink. Our apple and spinach smoothie, for example, balances sweet apple and honey with nutritious, subtle-tasting spinach. Alternatively, our banana and avocado smoothie has a delicious mix of fruit and vegetables to help you get those all-important antioxidants and vitamins into your diet.
Tomato juice
Tomato juice is an excellent source of vitamin C and antioxidants, making it another ideal drink for those suffering from an enlarged prostate.
Not only this, researchers believe that a nutrient in tomatoes known as lycopene could slow down prostate enlargement, thus easing symptoms such as frequent urination.2 The research, published in the journal of Oncology and Cancer Case Report, admitted that further investigation is needed to determine how exactly lycopene works but, so far, the results are pretty positive.
Lycopene isn’t easily absorbed into the bloodstream but the presence of antioxidants and vitamin C means that, if you suffer from an enlarged prostate, there are plenty of benefits to be gained from drinking more tomato juice.3
My Top Tip:
The drink is not from concentrate, meaning it has no added sugar or preservatives. It is packed with antioxidants and nutrients that contribute to overall wellness.
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Fresh orange juice
Oranges are beneficial for the prostate gland for a couple of reasons. First off, it contains that all-important vitamin C which, as I’ve already discussed, may prevent or ease enlarged prostate symptoms.
Further to this, vitamin C may prevent the growth of a molecule known as HIF-1alpha which can influence the growth of prostate cells. By inhibiting the action of HIF-1alpha in the prostate gland, vitamin C works to avoid any enlargement.
Now, orange juice is readily available in supermarkets but, as many products contain added sugar and preservatives, you’ll have to take care over which one you pick. Sugar is particularly bad for anyone suffering from an enlarged prostate as it can increase general inflammation, thus making symptoms like frequent, urgent urination more pronounced.
To get the most out of your orange juice opt for freshly squeezed and, if possible, make it yourself. Simply squeeze the juice from around 4 large oranges until you have enough for a glass. That’s it – simple!
Alternatively, mix some fresh orange juice into a smoothie of your choice – our mango and banana one is delicious!
Green tea
The health benefits of green tea have long been discussed but did you know this delicious drink could also help enlarged prostate symptoms?
Drinking green tea regularly can ease inflammation in the prostate gland. This, in turn, reduces pressure on the urethra, thus easing common enlarged prostate symptoms such as needing to use the loo at night.
Green tea is also beneficial as it has anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties that help to keep infections at bay. Men with an enlarged prostate often find it difficult to empty their bladder completely and this increases the risk of infections. Drinking green tea on a regular basis can, however, help to keep infections at bay.
Green tea does contain caffeine which can be problematic for enlarged prostate sufferers. The quantity is much lower than traditional tea and coffee, however, and the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties present outweigh any negatives.
Water
Drinking more may be the last thing you want to do when suffering from an enlarged prostate that causes you to use the toilet more frequently - surely it will only result in even more time spent in the bathroom? Well, the answer here is a surprising no.
Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of plain, still water means that the urine becomes less concentrated. As a result, urine is less likely to cause bladder irritation that could worsen any enlarged prostate symptoms.
Remember, though, sparkling and flavoured water will not have this affect and, since both are loaded with sugars, they may actually make symptoms worse. Instead stick to plenty of plain, still water – we need around 1.5-2 litres daily.
What drinks are bad for an enlarged prostate?
Caffeine is inflammatory in nature, meaning it’ll likely make the problem of an enlarged prostate worse. Breakfast tea and coffee are the biggest culprits here but don’t forget that many fizzy drinks and energy juices are also full of caffeine.
As I explained earlier in this piece, sugar can exacerbate any existing inflammation in the prostate gland so this gives further reason to avoid the likes of fizzy juice and energy drinks.
Another one to avoid if you have an enlarged prostate is alcohol. Again, this is inflammatory, though it also dehydrates us, drains our magnesium stores and increases the urge to urinate, all of which will make enlarged prostate symptoms more noticeable.
If you’d like to know more about alcohol and an enlarged prostate then take a look at my blog ‘How does alcohol affect an enlarged prostate?’.
