Effects of foods and beverages on the symptoms of chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome

Objective To better elucidate the prevalence of perceived food sensitivity and characterize the sensitivity pattern in patients with clinically diagnosed chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome. Methods A total of 286 men meeting the National Institutes of Health criteria for chronic prostatitis were mailed a validated questionnaire designed to detect the effect of foods, beverages, and/or supplements on pelvic pain symptoms. The questionnaire assessed the effect of 176 individual comestibles on each patient's symptoms. The responses were numerically scored on a scale of -2 to +2, and the mean values were generated for each comestible. In addition, the participants were asked to complete the O'Leary-Sant Symptom and Problem Index and Chronic Prostatitis Symptom Index questionnaires. Results Of the 286 surveys, 95 were returned, yielding a response rate of 33.2%. Of those subjects who responded, 47.4% reported that the consumption of certain comestibles aggravated their symptoms, with the most aggravating being spicy foods, coffee, hot peppers, alcoholic beverages, tea, and chili. In contrast, the comestibles that alleviated the symptoms the most included docusate, pysllium, water, herbal teas, and polycarbophil. Conclusion Many patients with chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome have demonstrable food, beverage, and dietary supplement sensitivities. Dietary changes should be considered in the treatment of these patients.