Prostate health and your kidneys – What’s the connection?

2 mins to read

Prostate and kidney health are both important issues affecting men. But have you ever thought about how the two may be connected? Online weight loss coach Andrew Cate helps explain the link, and what you can do to keep your kidneys working well.

Mens health

The prostate and kidney health
The kidneys are two bean-shaped organs that filter around 180 litres of blood every day. They help regulate the balance of fluids and nutrients in your body, and remove metabolic waste materials through your urine. Men have been found to be 67% more likely to experience serious, long term kidney problems compared to women. Research has recently investigated the impact of an enlarged prostate on kidney health. Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a common condition in older men. It is characterized by an enlarged prostate which can make urination difficult.

The research
Research published in Kidney International examined the association between BPH and kidney disease in men. They found that men who show signs and symptoms of bladder outlet obstruction are up to three times more likely to suffer problems with their kidney health. The signs of bladder outlet obstruction include discomfort in emptying the bladder, a slowed stream of urine and frequent urges to urinate during the night. It’s thought that an obstruction of the bladder that causes urinary retention can lead to increased bladder pressures and bladder wall thickening, both of which have been directly associated with kidney problems. There was no association found between prostatic enlargement and chronic kidney problems.

Caring for your kidneys
The following lifestyle strategies may help to prevent kidney problems, and allow them to function at their best.

Water please – Drinking water may help the kidneys carry out their role in removing wastes and toxins, such as uric acid, urea, and lactic acid. Aim to drink several glasses of water each day, and moderate your intake of dehydrating beverages such as alcohol, coffee and tea. When you drink plenty of water, your urine is normally light in colour, as the waste materials are diluted.
Avoid extreme diets – Avoid diets that are very high in protein. They may result in a build-up of uric acid (a waste product of protein metabolism), which may increase your risk of developing kidney stones and gout.
Skip the salt – Avoid adding salt to your meals, instead choosing to season your food with garlic, citrus, herbs and spices instead of salt. It’s also wise to limit the amount of packaged and processed foods that you eat, especially frozen dinners, snack foods, sauces and fast foods. This can help to maintain a normal blood pressure level, which is important for kidney health.
If you don’t smoke, don’t start. If you do, quit. Smoking increases the risk of poor kidney function by three times.
Control blood sugars – Stable blood sugar levels are important for kidney health. This is best achieved with regular exercise and a low gylcaemic index diet that is focused on minimally processed, high fibre foods such as vegetables, fresh fruits, legumes and nuts and seeds.

References available on request