Benign prostate enlargement (BPE), also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is the medical term used to describe a condition that is very common in men aged over 50, and that 9 in 10 men will have by the time they’re in their 80’s. As Benjamin Franklin once said: “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” So, today, we’re talking about how to prevent prostate enlargement, because treatment without prevention is unsustainable.
What Is The Main Cause of Prostate Enlargement?
The direct cause of prostate enlargement is still unknown, but it’s believed to be linked to hormonal changes as men get older. The balance of hormones in our bodies changes as we get older and this may cause the prostate gland to grow.
Foods that Raise PSA Levels
Foods that raise prostate-specific antigen levels, like excessive high-fat dairy products, red and processed meat, alcohol, and saturated fat may also contribute to poor prostate health.
Who’s at Greater Risk?
You may have a greater chance of an enlarged prostate based on your:
- Age. BPH comes with age and doesn’t usually affect men younger than 40.
- Family history. If other men in your family have this condition, you have a higher chance of getting it, too.
- Ethnicity. BPH tends to affect caucasian and African-American men, more often than Asian men.
Symptoms of Benign Prostate Enlargement
Growth of the prostate gland, which is just below the bladder, is typical. But, problems with urination aren’t. Even if you don’t think it’s a big deal, in order to treat or prevent prostate enlargement, it’s worth getting checked out if you have common BPH symptoms, such as:
- Dribbling
- A hard time starting a stream
- Frequent urination (8 or more times a day)
- Waking up several times a night to urinate
A weak urine stream or similar problems
Prostate Cancer and Benign Prostate Enlargement
Many men worry that having an enlarged prostate means they have an increased risk of developing prostate cancer. This is not the case. Benign prostate enlargement is benign because it’s not cancer and usually not a serious threat to health, rather than an inconvenience. The risk of prostate cancer is no greater for men with an enlarged prostate than it is for men without an enlarged prostate.
How Is Prostate Enlargement Diagnosed?
To evaluate your condition, your doctor will start by asking detailed questions about your symptoms, medical history, and doing a physical exam.
Prostate Enlargement Test(s)
Several different tests might be necessary in order to diagnose an enlarged prostate. Prostate enlargement tests such as urine flow study, digital rectal exam, prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test, cystoscopy, ultrasound, or prostate MRI may be used to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other conditions that cause similar symptoms to BPE, such as prostate cancer.
Prostate Enlargement Treatment
A wide variety of treatments are available for enlarged prostate, including medication, minimally invasive therapies, and surgery. The best treatment choice will depend on several factors, including the size of the prostate, age, overall health, and the amount of discomfort.
What Foods Reduce Prostate Size?
The good news is that a diet rich in certain vitamins and minerals can keep your prostate healthy and prevent prostate enlargement. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats is thought to protect the prostate. Specific foods known to benefit the prostate include:
- Salmon
- Tomatoes
- Nuts
- Legumes and soybeans
- Citrus
- Broccoli
How to Prevent Prostate Enlargement? 5 Steps to a Healthy Prostate
Prevention always beats treatment. The good news is that there are actually many natural ways to promote better prostate health and lower the risk of prostate enlargement, by making a few lifestyle changes:
Eat a Prostate-friendly Diet
The prostate gland is controlled by powerful hormones. Certain foods and beverages are known to have an impact on prostate health because of their effects on testosterone and other hormones. Eating a balanced plant-based diet loaded with vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and beans will help, as well as reduce caffeine and fizzy drinks. Avoid foods that raise PSA levels, and incorporate food that reduces prostate size in your diet.
Exercise and Maintain a Healthy Weight
Maintaining a healthy weight by avoiding excess calories and being physically active is a good step to prevent prostate enlargement. Exercise can also help your bladder empty at a normal rate, by strengthening the pelvic floor muscles. On top of that, weight loss can reduce your risk for prostate cancer and help relieve prostatitis, too.
Take Supplements
Sometimes, you can’t get all the necessary general and prostate health nutrients through diet and inconsistent therapeutic quantities. So, supplements are a popular alternative to blocking the effects of hormones, thus preventing and reducing BPH symptoms.
Reduce Stress
Stress negatively affects prostate health. In fact, some men unknowingly tighten their pelvic muscles when stressed, which can create pelvic floor muscle problems and worsen symptoms such as urinary urgency, frequency, and pain.
Immuno Care – A Natural Remedy for Prostate Enlargement
Numerous studies have shown plant sterols, especially beta-sitosterol, encourage prostate health. A single capsule of Celt Naturals Immuno-Care® provides you with 300mg of plant sterols, with beta-sitosterol as a major component, making it one of the most effective natural, plant-derived supplements that accomplishes the goal of symptom relief and helps prevent, treat and manage prostate enlargement [1].
Once you realize that preventing prostate enlargement is tied to diet, weight, and a healthy lifestyle, you can start living with the goal of better prostate health in mind. Some things are beyond your control, but you can control the factors that lower your risk and give your body the best tools for fighting and preventing prostate enlargement, as well as other health problems.
- Klippel. A double-blind clinical trial of beta-sitosterol for BPH. Br J.Urol. 1997 Sep;80(3).

Jack was born and educated in Ireland and U.K. He has a varied education, mostly in engineering projects. Since then he has worked with a number of major companies with interests in various parts of the world. His personal interests include athletics, cross country skiing and especially long distance running. Jack has competed in many running events and some at an international level, including many marathons. He has always had a keen interest in maintaining a healthy lifestyle. More recently he has specialized in the areas of health and supplements, with a special focus on the immune system.