caffeine irritant

For those of us who love our daily coffee, this can be a tough one to take, but the fact is that the blessed brew can make prostate and urinary symptoms worse.

As frequent urination and urgency are symptoms already common with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or prostatitis, a diuretic like caffeine is not going to improve matters. More urine equals more urgency, after all. Some men have even complained of feeling like they are almost never out of the bathroom after drinking coffee.

Caffeine doesn't lead to an enlarged prostate but it does irritate the bladder lining which can lead to discomfort, increased bathroom urgency and frequency and even lead to a weak stream.

Furthermore, drinking coffee later in the day or close to bedtime can cause increased nocturia (waking up one or more times during the night to pass urine), leading to interrupted sleep. Sleep disturbance in itself is a risk factor for worsening urinary symptoms.

Of course, coffee has its benefits, but the bottom line is that for men already experiencing symptoms of BPH or prostatitis, the brew often exacerbates discomfort and urinary problems.

For some, myself included, green tea is definitely an acquired taste, however, it has lower caffeine levels than coffee and is easier on the bladder. Green tea contains antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and - in some studies - the drink is claimed to help support prostate health. I tend to think of it as medicinal and add two tea bags to a cup with a squeeze of lemon juice to alter the taste slightly.

Caffeine-free herbal teas are also a good alternative - with options like rooibos, chamomile, mint and saw palmetto tea all said to carry beneficial effects in terms of BPH symptoms.

If - like me - you're not prepared to completely quit coffee, consider reducing your intake to 100mgs - or one cup - per day and certainly avoid caffeine in the evening or at night. Cheers!