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Review
. 2015 Jan;25(1):1-5.
doi: 10.1097/MOU.0000000000000121.

Lifestyle and lower urinary tract symptoms: what is the correlation in men?

Pao-Hwa Lin  1 , Stephen J Freedland
Affiliations
Review

Lifestyle and lower urinary tract symptoms: what is the correlation in men?

Pao-Hwa Lin et al. Curr Opin Urol. 2015 Jan.

Abstract

Purpose of review: The primary purpose of this review is to provide an overview of the current evidence linking lifestyle factors and lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), and their relevance in men. An extensive literature search from January 2013 to August 2014 was conducted, reviewed, and summarized in conjunction with key prior evidence.

Recent findings: The main findings from this review include 1) epidemiological data repeatedly show a favorable relationship between a healthy eating habits and regular physical activity level and a lower risk for LUTS or progression of LUTS, 2) certain specific nutrients or dietary factors may contribute to the link between diet and LUTS because of their anti-inflammatory potential, and 3) very little research has been conducted to test the epidemiological findings in randomized controlled trials.

Summary: Rigorously designed clinical trials are needed to confirm the association between lifestyle factors and LUTS and the effect of lifestyle modification on the development or progression of LUTS. Nevertheless, a healthy lifestyle is known to closely relate with chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Thus, promoting a healthy lifestyle with good quality diet and regular physical activity is beneficial not only for potentially improving or reducing LUTS but also for cardiovascular and overall health. Clinicians are encouraged to include healthy lifestyle counseling in their routine care for patients with LUTS.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of Interest: The authors have no conflicts of interest to report.

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