Enlargement of the prostate gland results from its inflammation and swelling accompanied by prostatitis or tissue overgrowth accompanied by benign hyperplasia - prostate adenoma.
In all cases, the man experiences discomfort, heaviness in the perineum, a sort of urination disorder and often sexual problems.
An enlarged prostate negatively affects the quality of life and requires qualified treatment by a urologist.
In addition to classic drugs that reduce the volume of the prostate, for example tamsulosin or doxazosin, natural remedies can be used against dysuric phenomena that complement and enhance the effect of treatment.
Natural remedies to reduce prostate volume
African plum (Prunus africana, Pygeum, African plum)
African plum bark extract contains a wide range 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 to 200 mg of the extract daily can significantly shrink the prostate affected by BPH.
Dwarf palm (Serenoa repens)
Saw palmetto extract has long been used in the treatment of adenoma. This is one of those well-known urological medications. Limited research confirms that saw palmetto extract reduces dysuric symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia by interfering with testosterone biosynthesis.
Some scientists have observed opposite results: saw palmetto does not affect bladder emptying any more than a placebo. Urologists have differing opinions on this issue.
For information: unlike our country and the CIS countries, where saw palmetto preparations and other similar products are recognized as medicines, in the United States, saw palmetto extract is a dietary supplement.
Pseudostellaria, or false star (Radix Pseudostellariae, Zi-Shen, ZSP)
The medicinal plant pseudostellaria, more specifically 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" against adenoma.
A unique product containing more than 100 biologically active substances is popular in the United States and is currently actively studied by local scientists.
Cernilton Pollen Extract
The American dietary supplement Cernilton 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 adenoma. In particular, taking the extract promotes more complete emptying of the bladder and reduces the frequency of nocturnal urges.
Despite its worldwide popularity, 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)
The Babassu palm is a Brazilian herb that has been used for centuries by aboriginal tribes to treat prostatitis and other urological conditions.
Babassu nut oil reduces testosterone production, and other parts of the nut contain substances with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Nettle (Urtica dioica, nettle extract)
Nettle leaf extract contains antioxidant and anti-inflammatory substances that act synergistically with saw palmetto and African plum. American evidence-based medicine considers that the effect of nettle on prostatitis and adenoma is not sufficiently substantiated and therefore the plant is only used in supplements.
Pumpkin seed oil (Cucurbita pepo, pumpkin seeds)
Pumpkin seeds are rich in sterols, including beta-sitosterol, a plant analogue of cholesterol. According to scientists, this substance improves urination and reduces the volume of residual urine in benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).
In the literature, there are recommendations for daily use of 10 grams of peeled pumpkin seeds to treat BPH symptoms. Pumpkin oil is produced in liquid form, capsules and candles.
Lycopene, or lycopene (Lycopene)
Lycopene is a natural remedy for adenoma and prostatitis, obtained from many fruits and vegetables. In 2012, Dr. Giovanni Espinoza of New York University reported that the substance slowed the progression of BPH and helped shrink the prostate.
Tomatoes are the richest source of lycopene available to most men. But papaya, watermelon, guava, carrots and apricots can be considered as alternative sources.
Food supplements with zinc
Zinc deficiency increases the risk of adenoma, which is why urologists advise taking zinc sulfate (Zincteral) or nutritional supplements containing 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 chicken, seafood, and a variety of 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, in theory, suppress the inflammatory process. Additionally, studies show that catechins slow the development of prostate cancer in vitro.
However, it is important for older men to remember the caffeine in green tea. Due to its diuretic properties, caffeine worsens the symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia in some patients.
Lifestyle during the treatment of prostatitis and adenoma
Dietary supplements are good, but in the complex treatment of chronic prostatitis and BPH, your habits, proper lifestyle and diet play an invaluable role.
If the prostate is enlarged, urologists advise:
- Avoid drinking alcohol, including beer and low-alcohol drinks.
- Go to the bathroom before leaving the house and going to bed to avoid awkward moments in public places and reduce the number of nighttime awakenings.
- Empty your bladder carefully to reduce leaking after going to the bathroom.
- Apply a light massage to the urethra after urination to expel any residual urine.
- Drink liquid in small portions throughout the day and do not get drunk 2 hours before bedtime.
- If necessary, use urological pads that avoid discomfort and unpleasant consequences due to wet underwear.
- Avoid a sedentary lifestyle and move as much as possible.
- Avoid stress, which increases urination.
- Drink at least 2 liters of fluid per day.
What causes enlarged prostate?
If prostatitis can be caused by an infection, then the adenoma is in the vast majority of cases an idiopathic disease, that is to say without a specific cause. Urologists are still investigating the causes of abnormal growth of prostate tissue. Unlike prostatitis, which affects "all ages", BPH mainly affects men over 40, and its incidence increases sharply with age.
Some foreign studies suggest that adenoma is caused by natural hormonal changes that occur in the male body during aging.
As we age, our hormone levels change significantly, particularly testosterone, estrogen, and dihydrotestosterone (DHT). It is assumed that an imbalance of these hormones "disrupts" the cells of the glands.
Risk factors for prostatic hyperplasia:
- Age of the elderly
- Presence of diabetes mellitus
- Family history
- Overweight and obesity
- Coronary disease
- East Asian Roots
On average, by age 60, 50% of men suffer from benign prostatic hyperplasia to varying degrees.
Around the age of 85, an enlarged prostate is observed in almost 90% of men.
Recommended foods for adenoma and prostatitis
Treatment of prostatitis and BPH should be supplemented with an appropriate diet. These male diseases are not cases where a handful of pills is enough. Successful treatment requires continuity and an integrated approach.
Recommended products for prostatitis and adenoma:
- Fiber sources: whole grains, legumes, dark leafy greens
- Sources of antioxidants: vegetables and fruits glowing in all the colors of the rainbow ("rainbow plate")
- Sources of zinc: poultry, 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.