Enlargement of the prostate gland occurs as a result of inflammation and swelling with prostatitis or tissue proliferation with benign hyperplasia - prostate adenoma.
In all cases, the man experiences discomfort, heaviness in the perineum, some kind of urinary disturbance, and often sexual problems.
An enlarged prostate negatively affects the quality of life and requires qualified treatment from a urologist.
In addition to classical medicinal substances that reduce the volume of the prostate gland, for example, tamsulosin or doxazosin, natural remedies can be used for dysuric phenomena that complete and enhance the effect of treatment.
Natural Remedies to Reduce Prostate Volume
African plum (Prunus africana, Pygeum, African plum)
African plum peel extract contains various types of fatty acids, as well as beta-sitosterol, a substance with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects on the genitourinary tract.
Several independent studies have confirmed that taking 100-200 mg of extract per day can significantly shrink the prostate with BPH.
Saw palmetto (Serenoa repens)
Saw palmetto extract has long been used in the treatment of adenomas. It is part of a well-known urological medicine. Limited research confirms that saw palmetto extract reduces dysuric symptoms in benign prostatic hyperplasia by interfering with testosterone biosynthesis.
Some scientists have found the opposite result: saw palmetto does not affect bladder emptying more than placebo. Urologists have different opinions on this matter.
For information: unlike our country and CIS countries, where preparations based on saw palmetto and other similar products are recognized as medicines, in the US saw palmetto extract is a dietary supplement.
Pseudostellaria, or false star (Radix Pseudostellariae, Zi-Shen, ZSP)
The medicinal plant pseudostellaria, more precisely pseudostellaria root, is a component of the ancient Chinese medicine Zi-Shen (ZSP). Its formula has been used in China since the 13th century, and recent studies confirm the effectiveness of "zi-shen" for adenomas.
Unique products containing more than 100 biologically active ingredients are popular in the United States and are currently being actively studied by local scientists.
Cernilton pollen extract
Cernilton's American food supplement is a pollen extract treated with enzymes using a special patented technology. Limited research conducted in the late 1990s and early 2000s suggested the effectiveness of Cernilton in the treatment of chronic prostatitis and adenomas. In particular, taking the extract promotes more complete bladder emptying and reduces the frequency of urges at night.
Although popular worldwide, Cernilton has never been tested in large-scale clinical trials and therefore remains in modest status as a dietary supplement.
Babassu palm oil (Orbignya speciosa, babassu)
Babassu palm is a Brazilian plant that has been used by indigenous tribes for centuries to treat prostatitis and other urological diseases.
Babassu nut oil reduces testosterone production, and other parts of the nut contain substances with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Stinging nettle (Urtica dioica, stinging nettle extract)
Nettle leaf extract contains antioxidant and anti-inflammatory substances that work synergistically with dwarf palm and African plum. American evidence-based medicine considers nettle's effects on prostatitis and adenomas insufficiently grounded, and therefore the plant is only used in dietary supplements.
Pumpkin seed oil (Cucurbita pepo, pumpkin seed)
Pumpkin seeds are high in sterols, including beta-sitosterol, a plant analog of cholesterol. According to scientists, this substance increases urination and reduces the amount of residual urine in benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).
In the literature, there is a recommendation to use 10 grams of peeled pumpkin seeds daily for BPH symptoms. Pumpkin seed oil is produced in liquid, capsule, and candle form.
Lycopene, or lycopene (Lycopene)
Lycopene is a natural remedy for adenoma and prostatitis, which is obtained from many fruits and vegetables. In 2012, Dr. Giovanni Espinoza of New York University reports that the substance slows the progression of BPH and helps shrink the prostate.
Tomatoes are the richest source of lycopene available to most men. But papaya, watermelon, guava, carrot, and apricot can be considered as alternative sources.
Supplement with zinc
Zinc deficiency increases the risk of adenomas, so urologists advise taking zinc sulfate (Zincteral) or nutritional supplements with this "male" microelement. There is limited scientific evidence that daily zinc supplementation reduces prostate volume in chronic prostatitis and BPH.
Zinc can be found in poultry, seafood, and various seeds and nuts.
Green Tea Extract (Camellia sinensis)
Green tea differs from black tea in its high content of antioxidants - catechins, which stimulate the immune system and, theoretically, suppress the inflammatory process. In addition, studies have shown that catechin slows down the development of prostate cancer in vitro.
However, it is important for older men to remember the caffeine contained in green tea. Because of its diuretic properties, caffeine worsens the symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia in some patients.
Lifestyle during the treatment of prostatitis and adenoma
Nutritional supplements are good, but in the complex treatment of chronic prostatitis and BPH, your habits, proper lifestyle and nutrition play an invaluable role.
If the prostate gland is enlarged, the urologist advises:
- Avoid drinking alcohol, including beer and low-alcohol drinks.
- Visit the toilet before leaving the house and going to bed to avoid awkward moments in public and reduce the number of night wakings.
- Empty your bladder thoroughly to reduce leakage after using the toilet.
- Apply a gentle massage to the urethra after urination to remove residual urine.
- Drink fluids in small portions throughout the day and do not get drunk 2 hours before bed.
- If necessary, use urological pads that prevent discomfort and unpleasant consequences of wet underwear.
- Avoid a sedentary lifestyle and move as much as possible.
- Avoid stress, which increases urination.
- Drink at least 2 liters of fluid every day.
What causes prostate enlargement?
If prostatitis can be caused by an infection, then adenoma in most cases is an idiopathic disease, that is, without a specific cause. Urologists are still figuring out what causes the abnormal growth of prostate tissue. Unlike prostatitis, which affects "all ages, " BPH primarily affects men over the age of 40, and the incidence increases dramatically with age.
Some foreign studies suggest that adenomas are caused by natural hormonal changes that occur in the male body during aging.
As we age, our hormone levels change dramatically—especially testosterone, estrogen, and dihydrotestosterone (DHT). It is assumed that this hormonal imbalance "confuses" the cells of the gland.
Risk factors for prostate hyperplasia:
- Elderly age
- The presence of diabetes mellitus
- Family history
- Overweight and Obesity
- Coronary heart disease
- East Asian roots
On average, by the age of 60, 50% of men have benign prostatic hyperplasia in various stages.
By the age of 85, prostate enlargement is observed in almost 90% of men.
Food recommended for adenoma and prostatitis
Treatment of prostatitis and BPH should be supplemented with a proper diet. This man's disease is not a case where a handful of pills is enough. Successful treatment requires continuity and an integrated approach.
Products recommended for prostatitis and adenoma:
- Sources of fiber: whole grains, legumes, dark leafy greens
- Sources of antioxidants: bright vegetables and fruits of all colors of the rainbow ("rainbow plate")
- Sources of zinc: chicken, eggs, seafood, nuts and pumpkin seeds
- Phytoestrogens: soy products, beans, chickpeas, alfalfa
- Omega-3 acids: salmon, nuts and seeds (chia, hemp)
Men with prostatitis and benign prostatic hyperplasia should limit alcohol, nicotine, caffeine, carbonated drinks, refined carbohydrates and red meat.