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Carbohydrate Consumption in Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

Question

Can an excess of carbohydrates influence the development of benign prostatic hyperplasia? Should one regulate the intake of one of the main sources of carbohydrates – bread and other flour-based products – when diagnosed with this condition? Which sweets are permissible, and which should be completely avoided?

Answer

Carbohydrate Diet in BPH

Carbohydrates are one of the main sources of energy required for the proper functioning of the human body, but, like other nutrients, they are not perfect. Excess sugar in the blood, which occurs after consuming carbohydrate-rich foods, places a burden on the endocrine system and can often lead to dysfunctions. Benign prostatic hyperplasia is a condition that can arise from such imbalances, meaning that in BPH, the prostate perceives these increases as triggers for growth.

An essential aspect of treating benign prostatic hyperplasia is a significant reduction in the consumption of animal fats and proteins of the same origin. The resulting energy deficit must be compensated with other sources. Often, patients, without fully understanding the situation, attempt to resolve the problem by simply increasing carbohydrate intake indiscriminately. This is a serious mistake.

About the Glycemic Index

How can one make informed food choices? Today, one of the most effective ways to regulate carbohydrate intake is to understand the glycemic index. This value indicates how a particular food affects blood sugar levels after consumption. It is rarely found on product packaging or labels but is widely available online (you can search for: glycemic index of foods). Optimal and relatively clear information on the glycemic index is often presented in comparative tables. I have not included these tables in full here because I noticed that glycemic index values for the same foods can vary significantly between sources. Logically, it is unreasonable to dismiss these differences as mere carelessness or whimsy of the compilers.

Without analysis, it is clear that different varieties of grapes or apples (sour-sweet, sweet) affect blood sugar differently. Similarly, when preserving fruits, each household uses different ingredients and recipes in varying proportions. I believe the same applies to commonly consumed products such as white bread. Standards today are conditional, and its preparation varies by region (different recipes, flour quality, and ingredient proportions). Nevertheless, there is no alternative but to use the available data. It is better than remaining uninformed and doing nothing.

The concept is simple: the higher the glycemic index of a product, the stronger its effect on blood sugar, and its inclusion in the diet at mature or older age should be either very limited or completely avoided. High-index foods have values of 65–70 and above, low-index foods 40 and below, and anything between 40 and 65 is considered medium.

How should one apply this knowledge? Numerous supposedly balanced diets exist, but some specialists recommend them while others refute them. Most advice is primarily aimed at managing diabetes and obesity. This content addresses the problem of benign prostatic hyperplasia. Therefore, my recommendations are presented specifically in the context of this condition.

Harm, like benefit, is systemic. You should know that excess blood sugar not only overloads the endocrine glands. Frequent fluctuations in blood composition, for example, thin vascular tissue and make it fragile, leading to further negative consequences. Increased stiffness and fragility of blood vessels reduce the quality of circulation, and impaired circulation in the male pelvic area creates a predisposition for BPH development.

I deliberately do not list overtly harmful products such as sweet carbonated drinks, modified starch, or potato chips, as these are strictly prohibited in benign prostatic hyperplasia and chronic prostatitis. Their harm is systemic, and they are entirely unnecessary for the body.

Keep in mind a list of common foods with a high glycemic index (various types of white bread, sweet rolls, sticky rice, sugar, honey, semolina, most potato dishes, canned fruits) and make a conscious effort to reduce their consumption. Some items can be substituted without harm. For example, completely avoiding white bread is safe, and switching to rye or wholegrain bread, which has a medium glycemic index, is simple. Yeast-free bread is also highly recommended and is included in my diet.

Instead of fried potatoes (index – 95) or mashed potatoes (index – 85), one can prepare boiled potatoes in their skins, which have a much lower index – 65. By consulting glycemic index tables, you will also understand why beer is harmful, not only because it is a low-alcohol carbonated drink but primarily due to its very high index (110).

In most cases, positive changes will become noticeable fairly quickly. Everything becomes even clearer if you use commonly available medical devices for self-monitoring – a blood pressure monitor, thermometer (to observe how your body temperature changes immediately after consuming certain foods), and, if available, a glucometer.

There is no need to fear test results. Reasonable concern is justified only when the problem is insurmountable. The word “test” shares a root with “analyze” and is intended to help analyze how you are managing benign prostatic hyperplasia or chronic prostatitis and to correct the problem. After making the necessary adjustments, focus on your personal indicators such as sleep quality, work capacity, irritability level, and appetite.

Analyze Your Diet

In my practice, there have been many cases where even a single dietary recommendation became a key factor in improving the healing process. Once, I consulted a patient diagnosed with early-stage benign prostatic hyperplasia. He enthusiastically followed my “Without Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia” method. By nature, he was sociable and showed a pleasant curiosity, eager to understand the finer details of the healing process, and he applied the advice diligently.

In addition to benign prostatic hyperplasia, he was also diagnosed with first-degree arterial hypertension, which had persisted for over two years. The treatment process went smoothly, and the first positive results appeared. The patient completely stopped taking blood pressure-lowering medications. He did not use drugs for BPH, specifically 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors and alpha-blockers designed to act on the prostate. I emphasize that he approached treatment responsibly, conducting regular self-monitoring.

However, a problem arose. He noticed that in the mornings after waking, and often in the evenings, his blood pressure exceeded normal levels (145/90 millimeters of mercury). Normal blood pressure is one of the essential conditions for recovery; without it, further progress is impossible.

We began analyzing the situation together. His physical activity was reasonable and performed correctly, and after exercise, his blood pressure normalized for extended periods. No mental stress occurred during this period. Then we examined his diet. At first glance, all restrictions seemed to be followed. To address the problem, I took a short pause. A few days later, I asked how much bread and other flour-based products he consumed daily. It turned out to be excessive. I advised temporarily removing them from the diet. Within a day, his blood pressure stabilized. It remained only to adjust the consumption of similar carbohydrates to safe levels. Subsequent progress improved significantly.

Carbohydrates and Natural Remedies for Enhancing Potency

There is a lot of information online (sometimes conflicting) about aphrodisiacs—substances that enhance potency, usually found in harmless forms in certain foods. Almost no one mentions that when using stimulants, it is important not to combine them with antagonists that suppress libido (anaphrodisiacs). You can eat as many nuts (walnuts, pine nuts, almonds, hazelnuts, Brazil nuts, and others), parsley and onions, shrimp and oysters, and spices (cinnamon, ginger, saffron) as you like, but if you combine them with white bread (glycemic index often reported as 75 or higher) or oven-baked potatoes (glycemic index – 95), the desired effect is unlikely to occur. This is rarely discussed, yet a stable increase in blood sugar is one of the key causes of reduced potency. From this, it is clear that aphrodisiacs, especially plant-based ones, are beneficial in BPH and prostatitis and do no harm.

What Is Allowed and What Is Not

Which sweets can remain in the diet with benign prostatic hyperplasia, and which should be avoided? Here is the answer. I once read that several centuries ago, annual sugar consumption (the basis of sweet dishes) was two kilograms per person per year. I cannot verify the accuracy, but today statistics indicate this amount has increased twentyfold. However, it is said that the human body does not particularly need sugar. Be moderate and selective. Fresh fruits and berries are beneficial (apricots, tangerines, cherries, pears, pomegranates, grapefruit, cranberries). However, some fruits have a fairly high glycemic index, such as dates and pumpkin. Melon and watermelon are not the best choices. Every plant-based product is naturally seasonal, but this shortage can be avoided. Many of us can prepare and store useful products. In my family, some fruits and berries are frozen for long-term storage, and I recently started using a food dehydrator for fruits, berries, and vegetables, which works very well.

I strongly recommend avoiding store-bought sweets, especially in combination with confectionery “bread” (sponge cake, shortcrust, custard, puff pastry). I also advise limiting complex multi-ingredient dishes, or at least checking their recipes before consumption. In home cooking, I follow a simple psychological rule: consume sweets prepared by my spouse not always, and when eating, take half the usual portion, but do so slowly (psychologically, this leads to better satiety). Chocolate or sugar-based products (caramel, toffee, chocolate and chocolate candies, lollipops, candied fruit, and similar) should be avoided, not only due to a high glycemic index but also because their quality has become questionable, especially products from major manufacturers.

If cravings are strong, a small amount is acceptable, particularly when the prostate is healthy, that is, no signs of BPH. I recommend buying sweets designed exclusively for small children. This minimizes the risk of consuming harmful substances.

Is coffee allowed? This beverage is better avoided, especially when combined with sugar.

The conclusion is simple. Acquiring knowledge is never harmful. Familiarizing yourself with this information takes little time and increases your understanding of overall health.

Respectfully, Gennadiy Plotyan, author of content on the symptoms, diagnostic nuances, and treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia.

Further, a more useful introduction to prostate treatment methods is available: Русский, Українська, English, Türkçe, العربية, Deutsch, Français, Italiano, Español, Português, Język Polski.
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