A-Z men's health Articles

As we age, our gonads begin to release less and less reproductive hormones. In men, this means they produce less testosterone as each year goes by. In fact, after the age of 30, it is estimated that men lose 1% of their testosterone per year. Stigma about the "loss of manhood" with the reduction of testosterone has kept andropause in the limelight, despite its wide-reaching health implications. Let's explore low testosterone support options from conventional treatments to supplements and lifestyle changes.

The Role of Testosterone

DHEA, or Dehydroepiandrosterone, is produced by the adrenal glands, the ovaries and the testes and is a precursor to the production of testosterone as well as estrogen. Testosterone is responsible for libido (sexual drive) in both sexes as well as maintaining many other bodily processes – some of which include mood, metabolic regulation, blood production and male characteristics. Testosterone plays an important role in the growth of all body tissues, like our muscles, skin, bones and hair. In men, testosterone is important for sperm production and controlling puberty.

Symptoms of Low Testosterone

• Loss of energy
• Depressed mood
• Lowered sex drive
• Erectile dysfunction (ED)
• Reduced muscle mass
• Increased fat stores
• Loss of bone density

There is some preliminary evidence that low testosterone in men is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Simple blood tests can examine your blood testosterone levels to see where you fall relative to the normal range. It is important to keep in mind that each person is unique, and your natural levels may not fall within the "normal range". It is more important to examine whether you are suffering from any of the symptoms listed above.

Low Testosterone Support

Conventional Support for Low Testosterone

The conventional treatment is to directly supplement testosterone to overcome the limited production in the body, and it is available only by prescription in Canada. It can be used orally or topically, as a cream. Unfortunately, this supplementation can have unintended side effects and may increase the risk of prostate cancer over time.

Natural Support for Low Testosterone

Many strategies can help boost natural testosterone levels. Some therapies target symptoms without increasing hormone levels. 

Exercise raises testosterone quickly and effectively. Exercise intensity and duration influence hormone production. Short, intense workouts stimulate testosterone production. Long endurance sessions can lower testosterone levels. Focus on weight training and cardio sessions under one hour. Exercise also supports healthy blood sugar, body composition, and cardiovascular health. 

Diet plays a major role in testosterone production. Moderate protein intake supports anabolic hormones, including testosterone. Healthy fats and moderate cholesterol provide building blocks for hormone synthesis. Fish oil and coconut oil supply beneficial fatty acids. A diet rich in fruits and vegetables supports overall health. 

Stress increases cortisol production and suppresses testosterone levels. Healthy coping strategies can help manage stress. Breathing exercises and guided imagery promote relaxation. 

Drinking more than three alcoholic beverages daily can reduce testosterone production. Limiting or avoiding alcohol may help maintain testosterone levels. 

De-Stress
In today's fast-paced lifestyle, stress just seems to be a common fact of life. Unfortunately, long-term stress causes the release of a hormone called cortisol, which is also produced by the adrenal glands. When you are producing cortisol, you are not producing testosterone. That is why it is extremely important to take the time to reduce whatever stress you can in your life, and work on positive coping mechanisms for the things you can't fix. Simple activities like breathing exercises and guided imagery are easy ways to help reduce stress levels.

Reduce Alcohol Consumption
Drinking more than 3 alcoholic beverages a day is associated with a reduced production of testosterone. Limiting or eliminating your drinking altogether can help to promote healthier testosterone levels.

Low Testosterone Supplement Support

There is a wide variety of supplements that can help alter your testosterone levels for the better. In general, natural therapy supports healthy hormone synthesis, prevents cortisol production, and reduces the breakdown of testosterone already present. In order to balance the adrenal gland and sex organs, there are a number of beneficial supplements. These support the production of the precursor DHEA and prevent the production of cortisol; there are a number of beneficial supplements.

Vitamins and minerals that support sexual gland function include:

• Vitamin C
• Vitamin E
• Selenium
• Zinc

Vitamins and minerals can be taken that support the production of hormones in the adrenal gland include:

• B vitamins, especially B5
• Vitamin C
• Zinc

Herbs that support testosterone production by containing molecules that look like steroids and can stimulate the body in a similar way to hormones, like testosterone, include:

• Tribulus (puncture vine)
• Damiana

Adaptogenic herbs help the adrenal gland optimize its functioning. The adrenal gland releases precursor hormones that go on to form testosterone. Many different herbs and mushrooms are used for adrenal support, including:

• The ginsengs
• Astragalus
• Licorice
• Rhodiola
• Ashwagandha
• Withania

In order to prevent the conversion of testosterone to other competing hormones, such as estrogen, certain supplements target the enzyme responsible for this conversion (aromatase). Supplements that can inhibit aromatase are:

• Chrysin
• Resveratrol
• Quercetin
• Other plant isoflavones.

There are a number of testosterone-boosting supplements that contain a combination of the above ingredients.

Important Information

The use of hormone-regulating herbs is not recommended when you are suffering from hormone-sensitive cancers or conditions, as there is a risk of aggravation. Consult your healthcare practitioner to ensure you are treating your hormonal imbalance in the correct way.

Infertility in men is usually defined by a low sperm count or low sperm motility (“swimming” ability). This does not include when the man is unable to achieve or maintain an erection or is unable to achieve ejaculation. While these disorders can contribute to infertility, sperm quality, motility and delivery are all influenced by essential nutritional and lifestyle factors. Let's explore the male reproductive system and male infertility support tips.

Understanding The Male Reproductive System

Sperm and Seminal Fluid

Men pass DNA to their children through sperm cells called spermatozoa. Each sperm carries DNA in its head. It uses a tail powered by a motor-like structure for movement. Men release 20 to 40 million sperm during ejaculation. Only one of these can successfully swim to meet the woman’s egg inside her body and fertilize it to make the beginning of a baby. Each sperm cell is manufactured and matured in the testes located inside the scrotum. This process requires a number of nutritional factors, as well as strict temperature control. Sperm matrure and travel through small tubes to the seminal vesicles. They then pass through the prostate. During orgasm, glands add fluids to sperm. This mixture forms semen, the ejaculated seminal fluid.

Causes of Male Infertility

Much like female fertility, male fertility requires many of our body systems to be working in harmony with one another. Healthy fertility requires optimal nutrition, proper temperature control, healthy hormone levels, and a balanced body. Taking care of your health, eating a nutritionally rich diet, avoiding tobacco smoke, exercising and avoiding recreational drugs (particularly marijuana) are all great ways to give you a better chance at optimal fertility. Infertility is often complicated and can be caused by many different factors. See below for potential nutrient deficiencies. Stress can also significantly impact fertility and deplete the body’s resources. Several factors can contribute to male infertility. These include undescended testicles, infections, smoking, and drug use. Frequent intercourse, impotence, heat exposure, and tight underwear also increase risk.

Male Infertility Support Supplements & Lifestyle Modifications

Zinc

A deficiency in the mineral zinc can result in a low sperm count. Zinc supports healthy sperm production. The prostate also uses zinc to produce seminal fluid. This fluid helps transport sperm during ejaculation. Insufficient production of seminal fluid leaves sperm exposed to the harsh acidic environment of the vagina. This can often pose as much of a challenge to a man’s fertility as low sperm count. As a bonus, zinc can also help to prevent future prostate conditions. Since it can be difficult to get sufficient zinc from food these days (due to soil depletion), supplementation is often a good idea for men looking to impregnate their partner.

Arginine

Sufficient protein intake is very important to the healthy production of sperm. It provides important amino acids, such as arginine, which plays many roles in male fertility. Arginine is necessary for the production of healthy sperm cells, maintaining sperm motility, and for the production of seminal fluid. It can also help to optimize testosterone production, the main male hormone, and to promote healthy blood flow to help with erections.

Hormone Balance

Hormonal fluctuations in men may also have an impact on fertility. Sufficient levels of the hormone testosterone are required for healthy sexual organ function. Some pollutants from the environment, especially those from plastics and petrochemicals, can have an estrogen-like effect in the body. These estrogen analogs work against the natural testosterone in your body, reducing its potency. This can have an effect on fertility as well as sexual desire and sexual function. Reduce your exposure to these pollutants by drinking clean water and avoiding the use of plastic containers and wrap, especially in the microwave. Your healthcare practitioner can perform lab tests to evaluate your toxic exposure.

Detoxification

If you believe previous exposure to toxins may be affecting your fertility already, there are a number of options available for detoxification. Use the nutritional supplement glucarate to help your liver break down these harmful pollutants more quickly. You can also use milk thistle and Alpha Lipoic Acid to support the liver in its cleansing functions.

Stress Reduction

Stress redirects nutrients away from reproductive organs. They body prioritizes survival systems like the heart and muscles. Taking the time to relax and do deep breathing exercises, or yoga or meditation classes, can make a big impact on stress levels and help the body relax and focus on fertility once again.

Timing of Intercourse

How often you have sex can also impact your fertility. Having sex too often actually depletes the semen reserves and forces the body to expel sperm that have not yet achieved full maturity, or to release a smaller number. When hoping to conceive, a man should ejaculate no more than every two days to allow the sperm time to replenish in number and quality. You should also avoid hot tubs, saunas and tight underwear because these all increase testicular temperature and can damage developing sperm.

Diet and Supplementation

As with everything else health related, we are what we eat, and the generation of healthy sperm and semen requires proper nutrition. Eating a diet rich in fruit and vegetables, and ensuring adequate water intake, can help supply your reproductive needs. Eating fish or other sources of healthy Omega 3 fats can help to provide the building blocks required for proper sperm and hormone synthesis in the body. Interestingly, cholesterol is required for testosterone synthesis, so make sure you are getting enough in your diet (without going overboard). Eating eggs (with the yolk) is a great way to get healthy cholesterol. When your diet just can’t meet your nutritional needs, consider supplementing with a Greens supplement and some of the essential nutrients listed above to help support your body’s natural function.

Herbal Fertility Support

When you have managed all of the above details, but are still having difficulty with your sperm count or motility, there are always herbal options to help things get running smoothly again. Some herbs, like saw palmetto can help to support the health of your prostate, while others, like Tribulus can help to optimize testosterone production. Your healthcare practitioner can help you determine which herbs would best suit your particular needs.

Maintaining optimal wellness requires a proactive approach, especially as the body's needs evolve over time. From energy and performance to heart health and hormonal balance, taking care of your body is key to long-term vitality. As awareness grows, many individuals are turning to men's health support strategies that combine proper nutrition, lifestyle habits, and targeted supplementation.

In this article, we'll explore practical ways to help you stay strong, energized, and performing at your best.

Understanding Men's Health & Hormones

The human body can be thought of as a complex network of cells that communicate via hormone messengers. These messengers are responsible for telling cells what to do and when to do it. In the male body, androgenic sex hormones, such as testosterone, play an important role in maintaining health and fertility. High or low levels of androgens can cause different complaints, depending on the age of a man. In addition, normal hormone levels are responsible for the physical features that distinguish men from women, such as muscle mass, jaw line and body shape.

Men’s health is being compromised by the presence of estrogenic compounds in our environment. They come from pesticides, plastics and residues of estrogenic drugs, like women’s contraceptives. These estrogenic compounds have already been shown to feminize fish and other species, sometimes to the extreme of making them infertile and compromising the persistence of their species. While studies on human male sperm counts over several generations show that the number of viable sperm is decreasing. This should be a concern to everyone, because it may one day lead to the extinction of our species.

Important Organs For Men's Health

The liver and bowels are important organs for men’s health because they are responsible for processing hormones and excreting processed hormones. Performing liver and bowel detoxification will help to decrease some men’s health concerns by ensuring proper functioning of these organs and thereby allowing the processing of estrogenic compounds. The thyroid and adrenal glands form an axis with the testes to regulate sexual functioning within the overall health of the man. This explains why other medical concerns, such as hypothyroidism, stress and depression, can lead to infertility.

Optimize the functioning of your detoxifying organs and minimize your exposure to estrogenic compounds by:

• decreasing your consumption of animal products
• limiting exposure to environmental toxins
• reducing stress and implementing a stress-management program
• using appropriate supplements for detoxification and stress management

Men's Health Support Tips

Diet

A diet high in animal products is high in saturated fats and may contain estrogenic chemicals. Fat cells contain enzymes that convert testosterone to estrogen. The more fat cells a man has, the more testosterone can be converted. Estrogenic chemicals are found in meat and dairy products for several reasons. The animals are consuming feed and water that contains estrogenic environmental by-products. They may also be given hormones to speed growth and maturation. Free-range and organic animal products are a better choice because they do not contain estrogenic compounds from drugs. Their feed and water are usually monitored for such substances.

Animal protein also compromises detoxification by slowing intestinal transit time. A man whose diet is high in animal products is absorbing more processed toxins and fats from his intestines.

Environment

Environmental toxins concentrate in the food and water supply and are transferred into men’s bodies. Tap water contains estrogens that are excreted by females and that come from chemical runoff. Use a water filtration system that removes these compounds. Minimize your exposure to lawn chemicals and industrial chemicals. Use all necessary precautions when you do handle chemicals.

Plastics are a major source of estrogenic compounds. They leach into food and water when it is stored or heated in containers. Male children are first exposed to estrogens in this way through plastic bottles, bottle liners, soothers and teething toys. Most parents are constantly sterilizing these products, and each time they heat the plastic, it becomes more susceptible to breaking down.

To minimize your exposure to plastic estrogens, use glassware instead of plastic whenever possible. Do not cook or warm food in plastic containers (even ones that say microwave safe) or place leftovers into plastic storage containers until they have cooled. Do not use plastic water bottles or reuse single-use water bottles, or place hot beverages in plastic cups. Look for phthalate-free teething toys.

Stress

Stress leads to a buildup of acidity in the body. When the body’s pH is acidic, detoxification processes do not run as quickly as they could. Stress also depletes vitamins, such as the B complex, which are needed by the liver. Supplemental programs for detoxification and stress management include B vitamins, lipotropic factors, liver supportive herbs, like milk thistle, and adrenal supportive herbs, like Siberian ginseng and licorice.

Things That Compromise Men's Health

Cardiovascular Health

Arteriosclerosis and atherosclerosis occur when deposits build up on the inside of the arteries. This leads to a decrease in the flexibility and elasticity of the walls. Deposits can be made of calcium (arteriosclerosis) or fatty substances like cholesterol (atherosclerosis). Decreased circulation leads to high blood pressure as the body struggles to maintain enough blood flow to its tissues. Pieces of the deposits can break off, or the turbulent flow of blood can cause clots to form. If the pieces or clots lodge in smaller vessels, this leads to a heart attack or stroke. Lifestyle factors such as smoking, obesity, improper diet, stress and lack of exercise are bigger indicators of your heart disease risk than family history. Therefore, it is encouraging to note that adopting a healthier lifestyle and using natural therapies can maintain a healthy vascular system.

Hair Loss

The most common type of hair loss is male pattern baldness. It is thought that the follicles are programmed to stop hair production when there are high levels of male hormones. Other factors that contribute to hair loss include heredity, aging, poor circulation, acute illness, malnutrition, radiation exposure, skin disease, high fever, iron deficiency, diabetes, hypothyroidism, stress, fungal infection and chemical hair dyes.

Blood Pressure

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, leads to heart attacks, strokes, kidney failure and retinal damage. The most common causes of hypertension are narrowed arteries or a decrease in arterial elasticity. Other causes are kidney disease, heavy metal toxicity, obesity, stress and poor diet.

Infertility & Sex Organs

Impotence occurs when a man does not have the ability to achieve or maintain an erection for normal sexual intercourse. Eighty-five percent of impotence cases have a physical basis. The brain, nervous system, cardiovascular system and the hormonal axis all have a role to play in impotence. Factors that can lead to impotence are arteriosclerosis, peripheral vascular disease, hypertension, diabetes, alcohol use, smoking and a history of sexually transmitted disease. Over 200 different medications can also cause impotence.

Infertility is the inability to conceive after one year of regular intercourse without using contraception. Infertility in men can be due to decreased sperm count, motility or an inability to have complete sexual intercourse. Other causes are undescended testes, infectious diseases, environmental toxins, smoking, drug use, frequent intercourse, prolonged exposure to heat in the genital area, tight underwear, stress or poor diet.

Men's Prostate Health

When the prostate becomes infected or inflamed, problems may occur. Infection may develop in the prostate or spread from a urinary tract infection. Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is the most common prostate condition, affecting men over 50. BPH can be caused by hormonal changes, poor diet, or high cholesterol. Prostate enlargement may also result from benign or malignant tumours. BPH affects 50% of men over 50 and 75% of men over 70. Testosterone declines with age while estrogen and prolactin increase, raising dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in the prostate. DHT stimulates prostate cell growth and enlargement. Healthy androgen levels support muscle mass and sexual function. Excess testosterone can strain the prostate and increase DHT conversion. Fat cells also convert testosterone into estrogen, which may contribute to gynecomastia in men using anabolic steroids. Certain supplements may support prostate health and hormone balance. 

General health guidelines:

• Eat a well-balanced diet that supports cardiovascular and reproductive health. 
• Maintain a balanced lifestyle with time for work, rest, and play.
• Use nutritional supplements and herbs to support optimal health.

For cardiovascular health, increase fibre and reduce saturated fats and cholesterol. Drink plenty of water and eat raw produce and whole grains. Include leafy greens, nuts, seeds, soy, and oils like olive, flax, and sunflower. Avoid junk, fried, processed, and fast foods, white flour, and refined sugar. Limit red meat, egg yolks, salt, and caffeinated drinks intake. Eliminate alcohol, tobacco, and heavily spiced foods.

For reproductive health, include nuts, seeds, and essential fatty acids and zinc. Choose flax, pumpkin, and sesame seeds, and walnuts. Eat fish for healthy fats, and nutritional yeast for B vitamins. Include soy for phytoestrogens that may support prostate health. Consider royal jelly or bee pollen for reproductive support and manage stress with yoga or biofeedback. Lastly, exercise to support hormones, strength, and stress.

The prostate is the organ responsible for producing the fluid part of seminal emissions, helping to control the flow of urine, and for the contractions that cause ejaculation during orgasm. It’s no wonder that when a man has a concern with his prostate health, it can be troublesome.

Understanding Prostate Health

Prostate problems occur when the gland becomes infected or swollen. Infection can occur directly in the prostate or it can be a complication of a urinary tract infection. The most common prostate condition is benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). It occurs in men over the age of fifty (but can occur earlier) due to hormonal imbalances, heredity, poor diet, nutrient deficiencies or high cholesterol. The growth of malignant or benign tumours can also cause prostate swelling. It is important to have your prostate monitored by your doctor. Your PSA level (prostate-specific antigen) can indicate the degree of enlargement; it can also indicate whether or not you are at risk for unhealthy cell growth in the prostate. Make at least yearly appointments past age forty for this test.

Key Symptoms of Prostate Issues

Symptoms of prostate inflammation can be mild if it develops slowly or intense if it develops quickly. Prostate infections cause fever, chills, lower back pain, rectal pain, urgency for stool and urination and painful urination. The urine can be blood or pus filled. Chronic infections may cause mild, local discomfort and may result in painful ejaculation or erection. Conventionally, prostate infections are treated with antimicrobial medications. They must be fairly powerful because it is difficult to get enough medication to the prostate due to its poor blood supply. Make sure to replace the helpful bacteria in your system with a probiotic supplement after antimicrobial therapy.

Chronic prostatitis is not often related to bacteria or the development of mutated prostate cells. Treatment is also more difficult because the exact cause is poorly understood. Treatment may include antibiotics, although more commonly chronic prostatitis is treated with alpha blockers, as in BPH. Tamsulosin and alfuzosin are two common alpha blockers. They serve to help relax the muscles of the prostate and bladder neck, thereby improving symptoms such as urinary retention. These medications have no effect on the size or inflammation of the prostate.

BPH affects one in three men over age 50. Symptoms appear when the prostate becomes large enough to interfere with urination. Dribbling, frequent and urgent urination occur and often cause men to wake at night to urinate. Starting and stopping urination can be difficult. When bladder emptying is impaired, there is an increased risk for the development of urinary stones and infections. Drug therapy for BPH uses finasteride, which blocks the conversion of testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT stimulates the growth of prostate cells. Side effects of drug therapy include impotence, decreased libido and difficulty detecting mutated prostate cells.

Prostate Health Support & Supplements

Conventional Support

Unhealthy prostate cells develop slowly and have similar symptoms to BPH. All men over fifty should have yearly prostate examinations because this is a very common type of cancer. Various drugs and surgical techniques are used to treat it, depending on the location and whether it has spread. Not all prostate tumours need to be removed because most are self-contained and slow-growing. Surgeons will only remove a faster-growing tumour because the surgery itself often causes impotence. There are a number of clinically proven nutritional supplements and herbs that can provide support for your prostate to boost its health. 

Supplements That Boost Prostate Health

Curcumin & Bee Pollen

New research is focusing on the healthy cell growth support that curcumin may have on the prostate, now being used both for prevention and treatment of slow unhealthy prostate cell development. Curcumin has been shown to have both chemo-preventative and growth inhibitory activity against multiple tumour cell lines, including tumours of the prostate. Bee pollen has also been used to inhibit the progression of unhealthy prostate cell growth once they have been diagnosed.

Balancing Hormones

DHT (dehydrotestosterone) is a very active form of the hormone that can cause the prostate to become enlarged. The herb saw palmetto and the essential fat supplement pumpkin seed oil both help to reduce the formation of DHT and its subsequent bonding to the gland.

Most men notice a dramatic improvement in flow, and a reduction in both pain and frequency of night time trips to the bathroom. In addition, pollutants from the environment can act like hormones in the body.

In particular, residues from plastics and petrochemicals can pose serious problems because they act like the hormone estrogen, causing a number of imbalances in the body that can lead to prostate enlargement and potentially mutated cell growth. The supplement D-glucarate helps the liver make an enzyme that helps clear out these synthetic estrogens. The herb milk thistle can help to detoxify the liver, so that it is better able to break down excess hormones and toxic hormone analogs from the environment.

Nutrients Needed For Prostate Health

Nutrients for prostate health include zinc (a deficiency has been linked to prostate conditions), lycopene (an antioxidant that helps to protect the prostate from free radical damage), Essential Fats (needed for normal hormone production and controlling inflammation) and also B vitamins and the amino acids Glycine, Alanine, and glutamic acid. See the table below for specific doses.

Improving The Immune System

Immune system activity is important for most health concerns; in the case of prostate concerns, this is no exception. In cases of prostate infection, the herbs Echinacea and goldenseal can help the body fight the infection. Vitamin C boosts the activity of specific immune cells, which are then able to kill invading bacteria or viruses more easily. The essential fat – like nutrients sterols and sterolins can help to optimize your immune response as well, in addition to helping balance hormones. In the case of a fungal infection of the prostate, it is important that you use probiotics / acidophilus with an antifungal supplement like grapefruit seed extract.

Reducing Symptoms Associated With Prostate Concerns

Supplement Support

Reducing prostate enlargement or irritation can be achieved with the above-mentioned saw palmetto, but also with cleansing herbs like horsetail grass and marshmallow, which will usually have a soothing effect on the urinary tract.

Studies have shown that extracts of pygeum africanum can significantly lower urine residual volume and decrease the incidence of nocturia while increasing urine peak flow volume. There are now a number of combination products on the market that use primarily saw palmetto and pygeum to effectively reduce symptoms of BPH, chronic prostatitis, and slow-growing, unhealthy prostate cells.

Detoxification For Prostate Health

Detoxifying treatments of the gastrointestinal tract may prove beneficial for the treatment of any prostate-related issue. Constipation is thought to contribute to prostate dysfunction, which then increases the risk of further constipation, as bowel movements become more painful to pass. Making sure to include 25-30 g of fibre into your diet on a daily basis, along with significantly increasing water intake, can help to relieve this associated symptom. For this same reason, as well as the frequent use of antibiotics for the treatment of various prostate pathologies, probiotics are a beneficial addition to any prostate-specific treatment regimen.

Lifestyle & Dietary Prostate Support

Ejaculating on a regular basis can prevent prostate problems. Applying hot and cold packs to the groin area increases circulation and can help to speed healing for prostate conditions. Regular exercise also increases circulation. Use deep breathing or other relaxation techniques to assist bladder emptying.

Dietary approaches to support prostate health begin with adding nuts and seeds, and their oils, to the diet. They are good sources of essential fatty acids and zinc. Try flaxseed, pumpkin seed, sesame seed and walnuts. Consume fish and fish oils, which also contain protective fatty acids. Add nutritional yeast to the diet as a source of B vitamins. Soy products contain phytoestrogens and are thought to be protective against prostate disorders. Other foods that are rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants also support the prostate, for example, fresh fruits and vegetables, cumin, garlic and maitake mushroom. Avoid the following foods because they exacerbate prostate conditions: hydrogenated fats, saturated fat, sugar, white flour products, dairy products, caffeine and alcohol.