Quick diet tip for BPH sufferers

When a man has BPH, or benign prostatic hyperplasia, the prostate becomes enlarged. The urethra (the tube that brings the urine from the bladder out of the body) runs through the prostate. As the prostate becomes large, it can impede the flow of urine through the urethra, eventually leading to blockage. BPH can cause urine blockage and other symptoms like urinary dribbling, urinary hesitancy, and trouble starting the urine flow.

Elevated prolactin levels have been associated with benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH). One of the easiest ways to modify our diets to avoid stimulating prolactin is to stop drinking beer. Beer has been show to raise prolactin levels. Wine and sake may also raise prolactin levels, but probably to a lesser extent.

Researchers also wonder about the benefits and drawbacks of stopping alcohol consumption altogether. Research has shown that there is a correlation between coronary artery disease and BPH. So it’s possible that alcohol consumption, like a glass of wine a day or less, may have more of a protective effect on the heart than a detrimental effect on prostate through its ability to elevate prolactin levels, which could lead to further enlargement of prostate.

Next time you visit with your primary care doctor or urologist, bring this up and see what he or she says.