Though the pooled community prevalence of prostate cancer among Nigerian men is approximately 1.07% (about 1,070 cases read more Friendly fruits to shrink enlarged prostate gland
Though the pooled community prevalence of prostate cancer among Nigerian men is approximately 1.07% (about 1,070 cases per 100,000 men aged 40 and above), it accounts for roughly 11% to 29.1% of all cancers diagnosed in Nigerian men. That is, depending on the specific registry and hospital data.
While the median age for diagnosis is between 67 and 71 years, studies show that about 8.7% of cases occur in younger men under the age of 55.
Up to 75% of Nigerian men are diagnosed at an advanced (locally advanced or metastatic) stage, largely due to a lack of routine screening, low awareness, and cultural stigma
Read also:Best fruits for old people
Symptoms:
According to the National Health Service (NHS), the main symptoms of an enlarged prostate, or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), involve changes in urination caused by pressure on the urethra. A urine stream that is slow, weak, or stops and starts. There is trouble starting the urine stream or having to strain and push. Also, there is an increasing need to urinate much more often during the day.
Another symptom is called nocturia meaning waking up multiple times during the night to urinate and sometimes a sudden, strong need to rush to the bathroom. With incomplete emptying, the feeling that your bladder is still full after you finish urination remains, while severe sign shows blood in the urine Frequent urinary tract infections (UTIs) take place because the bladder does not empty fully. But urinary retention is the total inability to pass urine, which causes severe lower belly pain and is a medical emergency.
Recommended fruits:
While diet alone cannot completely reverse or heavily shrink a severely enlarged prostate (Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia, or BPH), incorporating specific fruits rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and plant sterols can help slow down prostate growth, reduce inflammation, and ease urinary symptoms.
A report published on Healthline platform suggests that consuming specific fruits on a daily basis may be able to reduce the size of an enlarged prostate without causing any adverse consequences. Amongst the recommended fruits are tomatoes, avocado, litmus fruits, watermelon, walnut and berries.
With regards to tomatoes, they are recommended to be consumed on a daily basis to lessen the size of your prostate.
Packed with lycopene, a powerful antioxidant it slows down the progression of BPH and lowers prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels.
Cooking tomatoes or pairing them with healthy fats (like olive oil or avocado) significantly increases lycopene absorption.
As for watermelon and Pink Grapefruit are excellent alternative sources of lycopene if you want to mix up your fruit intake.
On their part, avocados are one of the richest sources of beta-sitosterol, a plant sterol that clinically aids in improving urinary flow and reducing the amount of residual urine left in the bladder.
Worthy of note is that berries (Strawberries, Blueberries, Raspberries, Blackberries) are on their own loaded with vitamin C and anthocyanins. These antioxidants neutralise harmful free radicals and lower inflammation within the prostate gland
. Coming next are citrus fruits (Oranges, Lemons, Limes, Grapefruits): They are all packed full or high in Vitamin C, which helps protect the prostate cells and has been severally linked in studies to a lower risk of experiencing enlarged prostate symptoms.
Pomegranates are truly rich in cell-protecting antioxidants and ellagitannins, which support overall prostate tissue health and reduce swelling
Trending on social media is the report that adding a teaspoon of honey to three slices of onion with the additional squeezing of the juice of one lemon goes a long way in shrinking enlarged prostate gland.
On nutritional comparison, tomatoes and watermelon being rich in lycopene slows prostate tissue growth and reduces PSA. Avocados boast of beta-sitosterol that improves urinary flow and bladder emptying.
On their part, Berries and Citrus possess high levels of Vitamin C and anthocyanins which lowers cellular inflammation and swelling
Other Dietary Tips to Support the Prostate include the eating of cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, brussels sprouts, and kale because they contain phytochemicals that lower the risk of prostate cellular damage.
You are well advised to incorporate healthy fats: Wild-caught salmon, pumpkin seeds, and walnuts provide zinc and omega-3 fatty acids, which regulate prostate function.
Food items to reduce include caffeine, alcohol, red meat, and highly processed sugary foods, as these can drastically worsen urinary tract inflammation and BPH symptoms.
Disclaimer: If you are experiencing severe urinary issues, such as difficulty urinating or a frequent, urgent need to go at night, please consult a urologist.
Dietary changes are an excellent supportive measure but should not replace professional medical treatment or prescribed medications.
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