Prostate Care

[will1939]

  I have read that tomato juice is especially good.

[Sandra]

I have read that tomato juice is especially good.

Too drink or squirt it up your bum?

[will1939]

Too drink or squirt it up your bum?



Well, live and learn.  I thought people only drank the stuff, never knew they squirted it up their bum.

[Sandra]

Tomato juice may benefit prostate health due to its high content of lycopene, an antioxidant that can help reduce the risk of prostate enlargement and cancer.

Regular consumption of tomato juice is recommended for men looking to support their prostate health.

When someone is diagnosed with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), also known as an enlarged prostate, managing your lifestyle becomes increasingly important. BPH requires careful attention to your diet, as certain foods and beverages can exacerbate symptoms and impact your overall prostate health. People often view dieting as focusing solely on food, but it's equally important to consider your beverage choices, as many drinks can worsen symptoms like frequent urination, urgency, and discomfort.

Below, we will discuss the five types of drinks to avoid and highlight better alternatives that may support prostate health.

1. Caffeinated Drinks

Men with an enlarged prostate should be cautious about drinking caffeinated beverages, as they can significantly affect urinary function. Caffeine acts as a diuretic, which means it can increase the need to urinate more frequently. Frequent urination can worsen urinary urgency and lead to more frequent bathroom visits, both of which are distressing symptoms of BPH. Men with BPH need to limit or avoid caffeinated drinks to manage their symptoms better and improve their overall comfort.
Caffeinated Drinks to Avoid:

    Coffee
    Black tea
    Energy drinks
    Soft Drinks containing caffeine

2. Alcohol

Alcohol is another common drink that's been proven to irritate the bladder and worsen urinary symptoms associated with an enlarged prostate. Alcoholic beverages can increase inflammation in the prostate, causing blockages in urine flow and leading to an increased urgency to urinate. Urinary retention may also be another symptom of excessive alcohol consumption, as the alcohol can cause the bladder to become overactive and interfere with normal urinary function. Even more concerning, research suggests that heavy alcohol consumption may be associated with an increased risk of prostate health issues, including prostate cancer.
Alcoholic Drinks to Avoid:

    Beer
    Wine (red and white)
    Spirits (vodka, whiskey, tequila, etc.)
    Cocktails

3. Dairy Drinks

Dairy products can also be problematic for men with prostate issues. Most dairy products are high in saturated fats, which causes inflammation, making BPH symptoms worse. Dairy also contains hormones that can lead to increased prostate enlargement, further exacerbating symptoms such as urinary urgency and frequency.
Dairy Drinks to Avoid:

    Whole milk
    Chocolate milk
    Milkshakes
    Coffee with creamer

4. Fruit Juices

While fruit juices can be healthy, some types, especially those heavily processed, high in acidity, or loaded with sugar, can irritate the bladder and worsen urinary issues. For men dealing with BPH, this can mean more frequent and urgent trips to the bathroom. Being mindful of which juices you consume can make a big difference in managing your symptoms and avoiding unnecessary bladder irritation.
Juices to Avoid:

    Orange juice
    Grapefruit juice
    Fruit punches
    Lemonade

5. Carbonated Beverages

Carbonated beverages can increase symptoms of urinary urgency and bladder irritation. They contain dissolved carbon dioxide, which makes the bladder more acidic, increasing the urge to pee. Most carbonated drinks are also loaded with sugar and artificial sweeteners, which can lead to increased inflammation and further irritation.
Carbonated Beverages to Avoid:

    Sodas (regular or diet)
    Sparkling waters
    Energy drinks
    Seltzers

Drinks That Are Good for an Enlarged Prostate

While it may seem like there are many drinks that men with an enlarged prostate should avoid, some beverages can actually promote prostate health and reduce symptoms of BPH. Choosing the right drinks can effectively support overall prostate health and alleviate uncomfortable symptoms. For example, staying hydrated is crucial for maintaining urinary function, and certain antioxidants can help combat inflammation associated with prostate issues.
Prostate-Friendly Drinks:

    Water: Keeps you hydrated and helps flush out toxins, reducing urinary symptoms.
    Green Tea: Rich in antioxidants that may lower inflammation and support prostate health.
    Tomato Juice: High in lycopene, which may help reduce prostate enlargement and improve function.
    Citrus Juice: Packed with vitamin C and antioxidants that can reduce inflammation and support overall health.

[ugga1968]

As I don't drink alcohol, I am a fan of Virgin Bloody Mary. That should be good for my prostate 

https://www.skinnytaste.com/virgin-bloody-mary/

[Sandra]

As I don't drink alcohol,

Why?

This mocktail is actually highly nutritious! Tomato juice contains a wide variety of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, and it's rich in lycopene, a powerful antioxidant with impressive health benefits.

When choosing a tomato juice, make sure to read the labels. Certain types of tomato juice can be high in sodium and may contain added sugars. Look for a tomato juice that is low in sodium with no added fruit or sugar.

[ugga1968]

Why?

This mocktail is actually highly nutritious! Tomato juice contains a wide variety of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, and it's rich in lycopene, a powerful antioxidant with impressive health benefits.

When choosing a tomato juice, make sure to read the labels. Certain types of tomato juice can be high in sodium and may contain added sugars. Look for a tomato juice that is low in sodium with no added fruit or sugar.

I only buy pure tomato juice without sugar, salt or any other additive 

[ugga1968]

Why?

This mocktail is actually highly nutritious! Tomato juice contains a wide variety of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, and it's rich in lycopene, a powerful antioxidant with impressive health benefits.

When choosing a tomato juice, make sure to read the labels. Certain types of tomato juice can be high in sodium and may contain added sugars. Look for a tomato juice that is low in sodium with no added fruit or sugar.

Why? Do you mean why I don't drink alcohol? I'm an alcoholic, so I don't drink alcohol.

[Sandra]

I only buy pure tomato juice without sugar, salt or any other additive

Thats good organic tomato juice    and being a alcoholic is a good reason not to drink it, alcohol is one of things that is NOT good for your prostate.

Alcohol is another common drink that's been proven to irritate the bladder and worsen urinary symptoms associated with an enlarged prostate. Alcoholic beverages increase inflammation in the prostate, causing blockages in urine flow and leading to an increased urgency to urinate. Urinary retention may also be another symptom of excessive alcohol consumption, as the alcohol can cause the bladder to become overactive and interfere with normal urinary function. Even more concerning, research suggests that heavy alcohol consumption may be associated with an increased risk of prostate health issues, including prostate cancer.

[jack1566hard]

Aside from the dietary suggestions it is critically important to get at least an annual prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test done.  Having a baseline is key to recognizing when your numbers begin to spike abnormally. Spotting the spike in PSA levels early is key to early detection and treatment.

[ugga1968]

Aside from the dietary suggestions it is critically important to get at least an annual PAS blood test done.  Having a baseline is key to recognizing when your numbers begin to spike abnormally. Spotting the spike in PSA levels early is key to early detection and treatment.

I'm 56 and I had my first PSA test done a few weeks ago.

As the yellow man in USA would say it: I ACED THAT TEST!

[Sandra]

Experts have developed a new saliva test which analyses genetic variants in a man's DNA.

The simple test, which can be performed at home and does not require a visit to a doctor, appeared to perform better than the current method for assessing prostate cancer risk, according to a new study.

The prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test is a blood test which is currently used to check for prostate conditions including prostate cancer or an enlarged prostate.

There have been an increasing number of calls for the test to be rolled out across health services and officials have been assessing the feasibility of new prostate cancer screening.

But some have argued that widespread use of the test could identify cases which may not have caused problems or needed treatment.

The new saliva test could be used as an additional screening tool, experts said, as it reduced the number of false positive results and picked up a higher proportion of aggressive cancers than the PSA test.

This means the use of the test could lead to fewer men being sent for unnecessary testing, they added.

Researchers at The Institute of Cancer Research, London, and The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust wanted to assess the effectiveness of a new tool they had developed called a polygenic risk score.

This risk score uses spit to assess 130 genetic variants known to be associated with an increased risk of prostate cancer.

It can then determine whether or not a person is at high risk of disease. The new trial used the tool to assess 6,300 men aged 55 to 69 in the UK.

Some 745 (12%) were deemed to have a high risk score during the study, nicknamed Barcode 1. These men were invited to have prostate cancer screening including an MRI scan and a biopsy, with some 468 taking up the offer.

Prostate cancer was detected in 187 men and, of these, 103 had cancer that was deemed to be "higher risk", so treatment was offered.

Of the 187 men, 118 had a PSA level below 3.0ug/L - which is considered "normal" and would usually indicate that no further screening is required.

Writing in the New England Journal of Medicine, researchers said cancer "would not have been detected" in 74 of these men using the "diagnostics pathway" currently in use in the UK - which includes a high PSA level and an MRI.

Experts concluded that for the men with the highest genetic risk, the test falsely identified fewer people with prostate cancer than the PSA test.

It also picked up people with cancer who would have been missed by the PSA test alone and it detected a higher proportion of the aggressive cancers than the PSA test.

The test also accurately identified men with prostate cancer that was missed by an MRI scan.

A separate trial has been launched which will directly compare the saliva tests to the PSA test and an MRI scan.

"With this test, it could be possible to turn the tide on prostate cancer," said Professor Ros Eeles from London's Institute of Cancer Research:

"We have shown that a relatively simple, inexpensive spit test to identify men of European heritage at higher risk due to their genetic make-up is an effective tool to catch prostate cancer early.

"Building on decades of research into the genetic markers of prostate cancer, our study shows that the theory does work in practice - we can identify men at risk of aggressive cancers who need further tests and spare the men who are at lower risk from unnecessary treatments."

Professor Kristian Helin, Chief Executive of The Institute of Cancer Research, London, said: "With prostate cancer cases expected to double by 2040, it's crucial to establish a robust way of picking up clinically significant cases of prostate cancer at an earlier stage.

"The current PSA test often leads to unnecessary treatments and, more concerningly, fails to detect some cancers. There is an urgent need for a better screening test.

"This research represents a promising advancement towards that goal and underscores the life-saving potential of genetic testing."

Naser Turabi, from Cancer Research UK, said: "Right now, there's no reliable method to detect aggressive prostate cancer, but this study brings us a step closer to finding the disease sooner in those people who need treatment."