Treatment of almost all diseases is accompanied by certain restrictions in food. This is required in order to relieve the diseased organ or simply alleviate the condition and free up resources for healing. The diet for different ailments is different, as it is associated with the characteristics of the disease. Prostatitis is no exception and also requires certain dietary restrictions.
Is a diet necessary for prostatitis?
The prostate is an endocrine gland located below the bladder. A fragment of the urethra passes through it, into which the excretory ducts of the organ open. The prostate produces a secretion that is released during ejaculation. The latter contains enzymes, vitamins, immunoglobulins. Its task is to liquefy the ejaculate and create a suitable environment for preserving the vital activity of sperm.
Prostatitis – inflammation of the prostate gland leads to a number of problems:
- the inflamed organ increases in size and puts pressure on the urethra, which leads to difficulty urinating;
- for the same reason, intestinal function becomes difficult, which leads to constipation;
- with acute inflammation, the prostate is extremely painful and causes severe discomfort;
- with an infectious form, the organ turns into a focus for the spread of the disease and leads to general intoxication of the body;
- the organ increasing in size puts pressure on the blood vessels and impedes lymphatic drainage, which contributes to blood stagnation. And this not only significantly aggravates the problem, but also causes other disturbances in the functioning of the pelvic organs;
- the prostate stops producing secretions in the required volume and quality. Accordingly, sperm in an unsuitable environment quickly die, and the man loses the ability to fertilize;
- inflammation makes it difficult to remove secretions, so that the process of ejaculation itself becomes almost impossible and leads to impotence.
There are several different forms of prostatitis: acute, chronic, infectious, congestive, their symptoms are quite different. However, in any case, the disease should be treated using modern drugs, and in no case should it be ignored. The doctor will determine which diet will be most effective for one form or another.
In addition, following a diet turns out to be useful and here's why. Any inflamed tissue is sensitive to the factors acting on it.
So, food has a direct effect on the stomach, since some of its components strongly irritate the mucous membrane, while others do not. And urine has a huge influence on the condition of the bladder: its functionality depends on its composition.
The prostate is affected by the composition of the blood, which, in the end, is also determined by the food consumed, and the mode of digestion of food. This refers to the proximity of the intestines: if the latter works with additional load, the food eaten provokes constipation, then the already irritated organ will have an additional impact. And this worsens the condition of the organ and contributes to the development of pain.
A properly selected diet can minimize the impact on the prostate, which significantly speeds up and facilitates the treatment process.
Dietary goals
The goal of the diet is to eliminate all possible factors leading to irritation of the organ in men. In fact, there are not so many restrictions, but they should be followed with all possible care.
- The main goal of the diet is to reduce irritation. The latter is ensured by the consumption of foods that affect the gastrointestinal tract - from the stomach to the intestines. The fact is that the organ is located in close proximity to the intestines and when the latter is irritated and inflamed, it also becomes inflamed.
There are many reasons for poor intestinal health. For example, carbonated water, which irritates the mucous membranes of all organs of the gastrointestinal tract, which accordingly leads to a negative effect on the prostate. Smoked, salty, spicy foods also greatly irritate the intestines. In addition, smoked and salted meat makes it difficult to work, which in itself leads to constipation.
- Blood composition - digested food ultimately leads to a change in composition. And if there are irritating components in the blood, this has the most negative effect on the prostate. Example: the breakdown of aldehydes after drinking alcohol significantly worsens inflammation.
Normalization of blood flow - due to squeezing of blood vessels, the process of blood supply to the organ is already disrupted. Stagnation of blood significantly worsens the patient's condition. A diet that includes easily digestible foods helps normalize blood circulation.
- The composition of urine either improves or worsens the condition of the prostate gland. The patient's daily diet should include at least 2 liters of clean water or weak tea. In this way, the concentration of salts in the urine is reduced. Accordingly, urine stops irritating the genitourinary organs.
This advice is perceived negatively by patients suffering from increased nocturnal diuresis. In this case, it is recommended to drink more fluid in the morning and limit it in the evening.
It is impossible to reduce the total volume of fluid: concentrated urine greatly irritates the prostate, which will lead to pain.
- Providing adequate nutrition - to restore the functioning of the organ, as well as the immune system, a sufficient amount of proteins and vitamins is required. The diet must be designed to meet this need.
As a rule, for prostatitis, the doctor prescribes dietary table No. 5. It was designed to spare the liver, but is suitable for almost all gastrointestinal or genitourinary ailments, in which the normal functioning of the body’s biliary system is important.
Basic principles
The difference between the diet for chronic and acute prostatitis is due to the condition of the organ itself.
In case of exacerbation of chronic prostatitis and acute inflammation, the diet should be followed very strictly. Non-recommended products - alcohol, smoked meats, coffee, beans - should be completely excluded from the diet. Even a small portion of them leads to a significant deterioration of the condition.
In chronic cases, restrictions are not observed so strictly. For example, alcohol is allowed - 1-2 glasses of dry wine or 1 liter of beer, but no more. It is allowed to eat rich broth, drink coffee - no more than 1 cup per day, eat baked goods and spicy meat, but in small quantities. However, all these assumptions are possible only in the remission stage. In case of exacerbation of chronic prostatitis, it is necessary to return to the principles of nutrition of table No. 5 and follow them strictly until the inflammation is cured.
The principles of diet in the treatment of prostatitis are as follows:
- sufficient protein and carbohydrate content. The norm for the former is 1. 5 g per 1 kg of body or at least 1 g per 1 kg of body. The amount of carbohydrates is calculated according to physical activity. It is important not to exceed this value, since excess glucose in the blood is an irritating factor;
- limited fat content, especially of animal origin. They complicate and slow down digestion, which is unacceptable when the prostate is inflamed;
- The cooking method used is stewing, poaching in water, and steaming. In this way, the maximum nutritional value of the product is maintained and the volume of fat is not allowed to be exceeded. Frying flour and vegetables is strictly prohibited - this combination greatly irritates the intestines;
- Any foods high in purines or oxalic acid are not allowed. The same restrictions apply to spicy foods and seasonings - garlic, onions;
- products that can cause fermentation and the formation of gases in the intestines are excluded - from beans and beans to carbonated water;
- it is necessary to limit the amount of salt - no more than 10 g, which includes not only the salt itself, but also its content in cooked products. It leads to fluid retention in the body, which, in turn, leads to a high concentration of salts in urine, and this is a strong irritant;
- Stimulants are prohibited - coffee, strong tea, cocoa and chocolate. During the period of remission, stimulants can be used in limited quantities;
- Be sure to have a large amount of liquid - water, rosehip and chamomile decoction, juices diluted with water, very weak tea with lemon.
The body sometimes has great difficulty switching to a new method of nutrition. The trial period is considered to be 5 days. If during this time no adverse effects occur - indigestion, fermentation in the intestines, then the diet is followed until complete recovery or until remission occurs.
If negative effects appear, then it is necessary to review the menu: most likely, the diet contains some product to which there is an allergic reaction.
Menu for illness
The menu is as diverse as possible, not forgetting that the diet should include proteins - up to 80 g, fats - 80-90 g, carbohydrates - up to 400 g, of which at least 40 g should be insoluble fiber.
The diet is designed for 2600–2800 kcal. If the patient is overweight, which aggravates prostatitis, then the total calorie intake is reduced due to less fat and carbohydrates. Here is a sample menu.
1 day:
- Breakfast: steamed meatballs, buckwheat or semolina porridge, weak tea. During remission of chronic prostatitis, a cup of coffee is allowed.
- Second breakfast: dried fruits, apple or sweet berries. Both fruits and berries are recommended only when they are very ripe and preferably baked or in the form of purees and jelly. You can supplement your diet with banana.
For chronic prostatitis, watermelon is allowed - no more than 2 pieces per day, melon and pineapples, but only as part of salads. - Lunch: vegetable soup, lean meat roll, dried fruit compote. During remission, you can consume weak meat broths and soups based on them.
- Afternoon snack: rose hip decoction, crackers. Turkish delight and even marshmallows are allowed, but only in chronic form and in small quantities.
- Dinner – vegetable cutlets, tea, biscuits.
Day 2:
- Breakfast: cottage cheese with a small amount of honey, oatmeal or buckwheat, cooked in a mixture of 50% water and 50% milk. During remission, porridge with milk is allowed.
- Second breakfast: baked apples, optional with honey.
- Lunch: vegetable soup with vegetable oil, boiled chicken, rice. Dried fruits compote.
- Afternoon snack: rosehip and chamomile decoction. If your condition is stable, you can eat fresh fruits or berries. You can also drink freshly squeezed juice. In case of exacerbation, the juice must be diluted with water.
- Dinner: boiled fish, mashed potatoes, tea.
It is highly recommended to drink a glass of kefir or yogurt at night.
Permitted and prohibited products
In each category of products for patients with prostatitis there are permitted and prohibited:
| Name | Authorized Products | Prohibited Products |
|---|---|---|
| Beverages |
|
|
| Soups |
|
|
| Porridge |
|
|
| Pasta |
|
|
| Meat fish |
|
|
| Bread |
|
|
| Fruits and berries |
|
|
| Eggs | Boiled eggs or in the form of omelettes, no more than 2 pcs. day | Fried egg dishes |
| Oil |
|
|
| Sauces and seasonings |
|
|
| Sweet |
|
|
| Dairy |
|
|
| Vegetables |
|
|
The inclusion of prohibited products in the menu during remission or after recovery is made based on the individual sensitivity and intensity of the influence of this product. So, meat and fish broth, tomatoes and eggplant should be introduced first. And it is better to give up carbonated drinks and smoked foods, especially sausages forever.
Nutrition after recovery
Recovery means no pain, normal prostate function, normal ejaculation, no difficulty passing urine, and no secondary symptoms.
However, healing, and especially the transition into a period of remission, does not mean that you can immediately return to your usual diet, especially if this is a return to eating harmful foods.
The diet is changed gradually:
- Broths are introduced first, as they are easily digestible.
- Lean pork and beef are added, as well as fattier fish, especially salmon.
- The range of permitted vegetables is expanding - eggplants, spinach, tomatoes. Fresh fruits and berries are also added, but only sweet ones.
- Among baked goods, the most acceptable are biscuits with various additives.
- Legumes are also added - beans, peas, but very gradually. The same goes for mushrooms.
- Sauces are introduced one by one. However, you should give up mayonnaise forever.
- Alcohol is allowed in moderation - 2 glasses of wine, a glass of vodka per day.
- You can add different types of cheeses, including spicy ones.
- People start drinking coffee if they really find it very difficult to tolerate its absence. No more than 1 cup of espresso per day is allowed.
- The situation is difficult with chocolate and cocoa. If it is difficult to give it up forever, then such products are added last and start with simple cocoa with milk.
- Carbonated drinks are prohibited with rare exceptions.
- Fried foods are introduced last and in limited quantities.
- The ban on smoked and salted fish and meat remains forever.
Depending on the patient’s condition, it is possible to consume prohibited foods, but in very limited quantities. If the product causes intestinal irritation and provokes prostate pain, this product should be abandoned forever.
Diet is an excellent aid in the treatment of almost any ailment of non-infectious origin. The food you eat determines the composition of your blood and urine and provides you with the necessary vitamins and proteins. So a properly formulated diet can significantly speed up recovery.