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Diet plays a crucial role in managing an enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH). Certain foods might worsen symptoms or contribute to prostate enlargement. 

An enlarged prostate diet emphasizes consuming more fruits, vegetables, and fiber-rich foods while reducing items that can exacerbate symptoms. Professional advice is crucial for personalized dietary recommendations.

Dietary adjustments focusing on nutrient-rich foods while limiting those that can worsen symptoms may positively impact prostate health. 

If you or a loved one are living with an enlarged prostate, your diet is vital to your overall health. Continue reading to learn about important prostate diet tips, including ten foods to avoid with BPH below. 

Selection of food that is good for the prostate

The Ten Worst Foods for Prostate Health

Maintaining prostate health involves making informed dietary choices. Certain foods may worsen prostate-related symptoms or contribute to prostate enlargement. 

Here are ten foods to avoid if you have an enlarged prostate:

  1. Red Meat: High consumption of red meat, particularly processed meats, may negatively impact prostate health.
  2. Dairy Products: Excessive dairy intake, especially high-fat options, might affect prostate health.
  3. Caffeine: Overconsumption of caffeine from coffee, tea, or energy drinks could irritate the bladder, worsening urinary symptoms related to an enlarged prostate.
  4. Alcohol: Excessive consumption of beer and spirits can irritate the bladder, exacerbating urinary symptoms associated with an enlarged prostate.
  5. Spicy Foods: Spicy meals and excessive spices might aggravate the urinary tract, potentially worsening symptoms.
  6. High-Sodium Foods: Foods rich in sodium, like processed or canned items, could lead to fluid retention, impacting urinary function.
  7. Sugar and Artificial Sweeteners: Too much sugar and artificial sweeteners may contribute to inflammation, affecting prostate health.
  8. High Oxalate Foods: Items high in oxalates, such as spinach and nuts, could increase the risk of kidney stones, affecting urinary flow.
  9. Fried Foods: Foods high in fat or fried in oil might negatively impact overall health and worsen prostate symptoms.
  10. Saturated Fats: Foods containing saturated fats, such as fast food or certain oils, might impact prostate health and should be consumed in moderation.

Understanding the impact of these foods can assist in making dietary adjustments for better prostate health. Always seek professional guidance for personalized nutritional recommendations.

A Sample Diet for Enlarged Prostate

Creating a diet that supports prostate health involves incorporating beneficial foods while avoiding those that may exacerbate symptoms. Here's a sample meal plan:

Breakfast

Mid-Morning Snack Options

Lunch

Afternoon Snack Options

Dinner

Evening Snack Options

Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting a new diet to ensure the foods you plan to consume are beneficial to your health. 

Tips for an Enlarged Prostate Diet

Creating a well-balanced diet with nutrient-rich foods can improve prostate health and overall well-being. Along with your PAE treatment, we encourage you to:

Learn How to Reduce Prostate Enlargement with Diet in Georgia 

Discovering the right dietary approach for managing an enlarged prostate is a crucial step toward promoting prostate health. 

You can positively impact your well-being by making informed food choices and adopting a balanced diet.

For personalized guidance and further insights into reducing prostate enlargement through diet, reach out to our team at Georgia Prostate Institute in Atlanta. Our experts are here to provide comprehensive support and tailored advice for better prostate health. We also offer non-surgical prostate treatment in Atlanta.

Contact us today to learn more and take proactive steps toward a healthier lifestyle.

Supplements have garnered attention as potential ways to improve prostate health. They aren't meant to replace medical advice or specialized treatment but rather supplement a healthy lifestyle.

If you or a loved one are hoping to improve your prostate health due to an enlarged prostate or any other diagnosis, know that you're not alone in this journey. 

At Georgia Prostate Institute in Atlanta, our dedicated team recognizes the significance of prostate health and understands the complexities that come with managing conditions like an enlarged prostate (Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia or BPH). 

We're committed to providing comprehensive guidance and support tailored to your unique health needs. If you're navigating concerns about your prostate health, our team is here to help you embark on a proactive path toward improved well-being and prostate health.

Continue reading to learn more about how some supplements may help with overall prostate health but remember that before incorporating any supplement into your routine, consulting a healthcare professional is crucial.

Close up of man with glass of water pouring supplement capsules from jar to hand

Should I Take Supplements for Prostate Health Improvement?

The short answer is “possibly.”

​​Deciding to take supplements for prostate health is something you should talk about with your prostate doctor. At Georgia Prostate Institute, our team of providers offer a non-surgical prostate treatment in Atlanta and can help you understand if supplements might be good for you. 

What are the Best Supplements for Prostate Health?

Understanding the best supplements for prostate health can help you decide if specific options suit you. Let's explore some natural supplements for prostate health below. 

Saw Palmetto for Prostate

Saw palmetto, derived from a palm tree native to the southeastern United States, is one of the most popular herbal supplements for prostate health. Its extract is renowned for possibly alleviating symptoms of an enlarged prostate, including difficulties with starting urination, weak urine flow, and frequent urination, especially at night. 

Beta-Sitosterol for Prostate 

Beta-sitosterol, a plant-derived compound found in various foods, has emerged as a supplement potentially beneficial for prostate health. Some studies indicate its potential to alleviate BPH symptoms, especially in promoting urinary flow and diminishing residual urine volume.

Pygeum For Enlarged Prostate

Pygeum, derived from the African cherry tree's bark, has been traditionally used to alleviate urinary symptoms related to an enlarged prostate. It contains compounds that reduce inflammation, help reduce nighttime urination frequency, and enhance urine flow.

Explore Supplements for an Enlarged Prostate in Georgia 

Your prostate health is our top priority at Georgia Prostate Institute in Atlanta. 

From offering expert advice on the best supplements for prostate health to recommending and completing minimally-invasive prostate treatment, including prostate artery embolization.

To learn more about the potential benefits of prostate supplements or to get help for enlarged prostate symptoms, we encourage you to contact us today. 

Men with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) often seek relief, so they want to shrink an enlarged prostate natural. Now, if you only wish to manage your symptoms of BPH, you can follow lifestyle changes (highlighted below). However, if you actually wish to reduce the size of the enlarged gland, medical interventions will be necessary. Let's explore your options, together, in this post.

mini model of doctor and male patient

Can you Shrink an Enlarged Prostate Naturally?

Only medical intervention will shrink an enlarged prostate. However, there are some lifestyle changes you can make if you want to simply manage some of your disruptive symptoms. (Including urinary frequency, dribbling at the end of a pee, and struggling to start the flow of urine). Even without shrinking your prostate, these lifestyle changes can improve your quality of life.

To help relieve BPH symptoms, you can:

Of course, these lifestyle swaps won't reduce the size of a prostate gland that's become enlarged. However, because they can significantly improve your symptom burden, many men consider natural treatment options to be their first line of defense against BPH symptoms.

When to Ask for Help

If lifestyle measures, medications, or other less invasive treatment options can't relieve your BPH symptoms, you can shrink an enlarged prostate with minimally invasive PAE (prostatic artery embolization). When we perform this procedure at the Georgia Prostate Institute, we physically shrink the prostate by cutting off blood flow to the gland. Afterward, men experience significant symptom relief without surgery, anesthesia, hospital stays or sexual side effects.

Do you want to see if you are a candidate for PAE? Our interventional radiologists in Georgia are ready to answer your questions and help you explore your options. Click here to request an appointmenttoday!

Prostatic artery embolization is a non-surgical, FDA-approved procedure that treats Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH). It relieves lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) associated with an enlarged prosate, and it does not result in sexual side effects. But what about the results: how long does prostate artery embolization last? This post will tell you that and more.

What is prostate artery embolization?

PAE is a procedure, performed via catheter and guided imaging, that deposits tiny particles that block blood flow to your prostate. As a result, the enlarged prostate shrinks, and you experience BPH symptom relief. The procedure avoids general anesthesia because it's performed in an outpatient setting, under moderate sedation. PAE typically takes about two hours to complete and you can usually go home on the same day as your procedure, avoiding the discomfort and expense of overnight hospital stays.

hour glass with falling sand

How long does prostate artery embolization last when it comes to relief?

Information presented at last year's Society of Interventional Radiology's Annual Scientific Meeting highlighted PAE's lasting efficacy. After following up with 1000 PAE patients in North America, the review found that their LUTS relief lasted as long as six years.

Senior study author Dr. Shivank Bhatia explained "Our study shows that PAE is a highly effective treatment whose long-term outcomes include sustained LUTS relief and significant improvement in quality of life."

And he noted the importance of sharing these results widely, since, "Of 18 million men in the U.S. eligible for BPH treatment, many avoid all treatments because of the widely known risks of surgery, particularly sexual side effects and leakage. PAE avoids these risks while achieving long-term positive clinical outcomes."

Want to learn more about PAE? Click here to request an appointment at the Georgia Prostate Institute. Together, we'll decide if this procedure is right for you!

If you have an enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BPH) you might be exploring treatment options. With this condition, you may experience mild to severe lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) that can only be relieved with medical intervention or lifestyle modifications. But how much relief can either option provide? And are there health risks you'll face if you don't treat BPH? Here's what you need to know!

stop sign

What is Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia?

This is a non-cancerous condition characterized by growth of the prostate gland. The enlarged prostate tissue then presses on the urethra, sometimes making it hard to urinate, or making you need to urinate frequently and urgently in other instances.

What other BPH symptoms will you face if you don't treat BPH? Many men notice that the flow of their urine is weak. Others have to wake up all night to pee. And, without treatment, many men face difficulties stopping or starting the flow of urine, along with more frequent urinary tract infections.

Is it Risky if You Don't Treat BPH?

Johns Hopkins University experts warn that avoiding or delaying BPH treatment could lead to bladder thickening; infections; bladder stones; kidney damage; or extensive urinary tract damage. Clearly, avoiding treatment for an enlarged prostate can lead to serious complications. Yet, each year, many men do exactly that. Why is that the case?

Here's the deal. Older treatments for BPH were highly invasive, and often left men dealing with sexual side effects, urinary leakage, and other unpleasant complications. But thanks to medical advancements, you can now treat BPH with Prostatic Artery Embolization (PAE). This is a minimally invasive procedure offered at the Georgia Prostate Institute. By blocking blood flow to the prostatic artery, it shrinks the enlarged gland to provide surgery-free symptom relief.

Do you want to learn more about PAE and see if you're a good candidate for this minimally invasive procedure? Click here to request an appointment at the Georgia Prostate Institute. When you come in, we'll help you find relief from BPH without surgery or overnight hospital stays!

While Princess Kate recovers from stomach surgery, King Charles is heading into hospital for benign prostate hyperplasia treatment. This condition is also called BPH, or an enlarged prostate. King Charles eagerly shared his health updates with the public, in the name of transparency. But his announcement left us pondering why the King of England would choose a procedure that requires hospitalization when you can treat BPH without staying overnight in the hospital by choosing minimally invasive Prostate Artery Embolization (PAE)!

king charles

Causes of an enlarged prostate

Men develop BPH due to accelerated prostate cell growth that leads to an increase in gland size. When that happens, your prostate starts to press on the urethra, and that leads to painful and unpleasant urinary tract symptoms.

Now, no one knows exactly why the growth of prostate cells accelerates. But there appears to be a link to increased dihydrotestosterone (DHT) production. With age, men's DHT levels rise, making BPH a common problem after your turn 60. And, clocking in at 75, King Charles is in the prime age group for seeking enlarged prostate treatment.

What are the Options for Enlarged Prostate Treatment?

When they aren't severe, you can manage BPH symptoms with lifestyle changes or medication. But if you don't find relief with these options, you have two choices: surgery or PAE. Today, many men prefer to choose PAE, the less invasive option, because it offers similar relief, but causes fewer side effects, and allows you to avoid general anesthesia and overnight hospital stays!

PAE in Georgia

Using catheter-based technology, PAE involves making a small incision in the groin or wrist; in contrast, surgical removal of your prostate involves a larger incision. Also, rather than remove your gland, PAE simply blocks blood flow to the prostate, allowing it to shrink and relieve your urinary tract symptoms.

The result? PAE offers a less traumatic enlarged prostate treatment option, with a reduced risk for sexual side effects and a shorter recovery period. Ready to see if you're a candidate for PAE? Click here to request an appointment[/ga-app-link] at the Georgia Prostate Institute.

PAE, or prostatic artery embolization is an FDA-approved treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH, also called prostate enlargement.) Now, this condition triggers Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms (LUTS) and there are several ways to relieve BPH symptoms, including changes to your lifestyle, medication, and surgery. But how can you know if you are a candidate for prostatic artery embolization? This post explains PAE candidacy, while taking an in-depth look at what's involved in the procedure.

doctors discussing who is a candidate for prostate artery embolization

Understanding PAE ?

This non-surgical procedure alleviates urinary symptoms of BPH. The procedure involves injecting embolic materials into a wire that accesses your prostatic artery; this reduces blood flow to your prostate. In turn, it shrinks, and you experience symptom relief.

PAE is an outpatient procedure that takes about about two hours to complete. You only need moderate sedation during the procedure. And that allows you to stay awake without any discomfort, meaning you won't need general anesthesia or hospitalization.

Am I a candidate for prostate artery embolization?

While minimally invasive PAE is a less risky procedure than surgery, you may experience side effects such as blood in the urine, rectal bleeding, and sudden urinary retention. As such, you should not choose PAE if you can find BPH relief by making lifestyle changes or by taking medication.

So, when would you be considered a candidate for prostate artery embolization? This is a great option if you suffer from BPH but can't find symptom relief with other, non-surgical options. You should also have decent kidney function and be able to tolerate contrast dye.

Ready to see if PAE can offer you BPH relief? Click here to request an appointment with our prostate specialists in Georgia. When you come into the office, we can determine if you are a PAE candidate!

If you're considering PAE to treat Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH, also called prostate enlargement) you'll want to know the cost of Prostate Artery Embolization. Now, since it's a minimally invasive treatment option approved for relieving BPH-related LUTS (lower urinary tract symptoms) it is already less expensive than surgical procedures. Even better, it carries a reduced risk for side effects, allowing you to avoid both costly hospital stays and expensive follow up care. But these savings don't even present the full picture. In fact, a recent Radiology study examined PAE cost-effectiveness through a lens of long-and-short-term considerations. And what they discovered? Well, the results are so so exciting that our Georgia Prostate Insitute specialists are thrilled to share them here!

stethoscope sitting on paper money

Cost of Prostate Artery Embolization: What to Consider

For the study in question, researchers began by examining PAE's ability to effectively relieve BPH symptoms, then compared that efficacy to both surgical procedures and other treatment options such as medical management. Quickly, they learned that PAE is a highly effective minimally invasive BPH treatment, superior to most other minimally invasive options.

Next, it considered the short and long-term costs association with the procedure. This included factors such as the potential for complications; the likelihood of recurring symptoms requiring medical care; and the overall improvement in quality of life and life expectancy. Here's the conclusion they reached. Compared to five other BPH treatment options, PAE is both the "most effective treatment strategy" and "the most cost-effective treatment strategy."

Ready to find cost-effective, lasting relief from BPH? Click here to request an appointment with our specialists at the Georgia Prostate institue, and discover if PAE is right for you!

PAE, or Prostatic artery embolization, is a newly FDA-approved treatment for BPH, or benign prostatic hyperplasia. Offering relief from symptoms such as difficulty urinating, urgency and more--all without medication or surgery--it's become a popular treatment for men who wish to or must avoid surgery, but can't get sufficient relief from other treatments. But how long does prostate artery embolization last? We'll tell you in a minute. But first, let's take a closer look at what to expect from this procedure.

What is Prostatic Artery Embolization?

PAE is a minimally invasive procedure that blocks blood flow your prostate. Performed with a father we insert through a small puncture in your groin, our experts guide it to the artery supplying blood flow to your prostate. Then, we deposit embolic particles that plug the artery, allowing the prostate to shrink over time. Most men experience noticeable relief after a month, with full relief achieved after six months, at which point your prostate will shrink by as much as 40%.

When you elect to have this minimally invasive procedure, you can avoid general anesthesia. All you need during the procedure is IV medication that keeps you calm and comfortable. After, you can go home on the same day, avoiding a disruptive and costly overnight hospital stay.

How long does prostate artery embolization last?

While it can take up to six months for you to experience the full benefits PAE procedure, at that point, relief should be lasting. But how long, exactly, will the relief last?  

Because PAE is a relatively new treatment option, we can't answer that question definitively. But current data proves that PAE relief lasts for at least 3-4 years. And, with further study, we suspect results will last even longer than that.

Ready to find relief from urinary frequency, night-time waking, and the other unwanted effects of an enlarged prostate? We’re here to help! Click here to request an appointment with the Georgie Prostate Institute, and find out for yourself how long does prostate artery embolization last?

Man high-fiving woman

If you're considering PAE to treat an enlarged prostate, you may wonder, "How successful is Prostate Artery Embolization?" And why should you choose this treatment option over others?

Well, at our Georgia Prostate Institute, we offer prostate artery embolization (PAE) to men who are suffering from the Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms (LUTS) associated with an enlarged prostate. It is a safe and effective pathway to relief, and we'll explain how and why it works in today's post!

What causes an enlarged prostate?

Your prostate gland sits at the neck of your bladder, surrounding the urethra. Its role in your reproductive system is to produce seminal fluid. Yet, as you age, your prostate tends to grow larger, a condition known as benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH) or an enlarged prostate.

As the gland gets larger, it presses on your urethra and bladder, resulting in disruptive symptoms such as:

Inability to urinate or empty the bladder fully

Weak or slow flow of urine, along with dribbling at the end of urinary flow

Incontinence

Sudden need to urinate, without any warning

Two or more nightly urination needs that lead to waking

Pain or straining with urination

Delayed onset of urination

Urinary tract infections (UTIs), kidney and bladder damage, and/or bladder stones.

What is PAE (prostate artery embolization)?

Recently approved by the FDA to treat BPH, prostate artery embolization is an outpatient procedure that relieves the symptoms of an enlarged prostate by blocking blood flow to the prostatic arteries. Accomplished by using an x-ray-guided catheter to deposit microspheres to those arteries, the resulting reduction in blood flow causes shrinking of the prostate, and soon relieves unwanted symptoms.

What is the success rate of prostate artery embolization?

Here's some good news: within one year of receiving PAE, over 90% of men experience BPH relief. Plus, unlike other BPH treatment options, prostate artery embolization does not carry the risk of sexual side effects. Even better? PAE relief appears to be long lasting. While the procedure is new enough that we don't have much long-term data, recent studies revealed that 82% of men experienced ongoing relief three years after their procedure.

Who is a PAE candidate?

While PAE isn't for everyone, you may be a candidate if you have not experienced BPH relief from medications or lifestyle changes; if you're not a candidate for surgery, or if your prostate is too large for common surgical procedures. Plus, PAE can be a great treatment for men who have unsuccessfully tried to treat BPH with previous surgeries.

Now, not every patient will be eligible for this procedure, but we can determine your best treatment plan after a thorough exam and medical history. Ready to discover for yourself, how successful is prostate artery embolization? Learn more by clicking here to request an appointment.

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