Some degree of prostate enlargement usually starts around the age of 40. The prostate enlargement in BHP is caused by the effects of dihydrotestosterone on prostate tissue. The synthetic pharmaceutical Proscar does, and so do the herbal medications saw palmetto and pygeum africanum. All three medications have the power to hinder prostate enlargement in the first place, to shrink an enlarged prostate over time, and to avoid that a shrunk prostate will enlarge again. This is evident primarily from the observation that these medications can help men to have an easier time passing urine.
Nutritional factors play a certain role in prostate health.
Tomatoes and watermelon are foods that can help protect against prostate cancer because they are rich in the cartenoid lycopene. Foods high in polyunsaturated fats such as fish have been associated with a reduced risk for benign prostatic hyperplasia. Seafoods have a positive effect on the prostate because the usually high content of zinc. Zinc is a trace element especially important for the prostate. Additionally, soy-based foods have been recommended to keep dihydrotestosterone in check.