Enlargement of the prostate occurs due to its inflammation and swelling in prostatitis or due to tissue proliferation in benign hyperplasia – prostate adenoma.
In all cases, the man feels discomfort, a feeling of heaviness in the perineum, difficulty urinating and often sexual problems.
An enlarged prostate affects the quality of life and requires qualified treatment by a urologist.
In addition to classic medicines that reduce the volume of the prostate, for example tamsulosin or doxazosin, natural remedies can also be used for dysuric symptoms that complement and enhance the effect of the 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 urogenital tract.
Several independent studies have confirmed that taking 100-200 mg of the extract daily can significantly reduce the size of the prostate in BPH.
Saw palmetto (Serenoa repens)
Dwarf palm extract has long been used to treat adenomas. It is part of such well-known urological medicines. Limited research confirms that saw palmetto extract reduces dysuric symptoms in benign prostatic hyperplasia by disrupting testosterone biosynthesis.
Some scientists have found the opposite: Saw palmetto does not affect bladder emptying more than a placebo. Urologists have different opinions on this.
For information: Unlike our country and the CIS countries, where preparations based on saw palmetto and other similar products are recognized as medicines, in the USA saw palmetto extract is a dietary supplement.
Pseudostellaria or false star (Radix Pseudostellariae, Zi-Shen, ZSP)
The medicinal plant Pseudostellaria, more precisely the root of Pseudostellaria, is part of the ancient Chinese remedy Zi-Shen (ZSP). Its formula has been used in China since the 13th century and recent studies confirm the effectiveness of "Zi-Shen" on adenomas.
A unique product containing more than 100 biologically active substances is popular in the USA and is currently being 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 Cernilton's effectiveness in treating chronic prostatitis and adenomas. In particular, taking the extract promotes more complete emptying of the bladder and reduces the frequency of nighttime urination.
Despite its worldwide popularity, Cernilton has never been tested in large-scale clinical trials and therefore remains of modest status as a dietary supplement.
Babassu palm oil (Orbignya speciosa, Babassu)
The Babassu palm is a Brazilian plant that has been used by Aboriginal 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, 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 the effect of nettle on prostatitis and adenomas to be insufficiently proven, which is why the plant is only used in dietary supplements.
Pumpkin seed oil (Cucurbita pepo, pumpkin seed)
Pumpkin seeds are rich in sterols, including beta-sitosterol, a plant analogue of cholesterol. According to scientists, this substance improves urination and reduces residual urine volume in benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).
There are recommendations in the literature to use 10 grams of peeled pumpkin seeds daily if you have symptoms of BPH. Pumpkin oil is produced in liquid form, capsules and candles.
Lycopene or lycopene (lycopene)
Lycopene is a natural remedy for adenomas and prostatitis that is obtained from many fruits and vegetables. In 2012, Dr. Giovanni Espinoza from New York University reported that the substance slows the progression of BPH and helps shrink the prostate.
Tomatoes are the richest source of lycopene for most men. But papaya, watermelon, guava, carrots and apricots can also be considered as alternative sources.
Dietary supplements with zinc
Zinc deficiency increases the risk of adenoma, so urologists advise taking zinc sulfate (Zincteral) or dietary supplements with this "male" microelement. There is limited scientific evidence that daily zinc supplementation reduces prostate volume in chronic prostatitis and BPH.
Zinc is 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 theoretically suppress the inflammatory process. In addition, studies show that catechins slow 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 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 enlarges, urologists advise:
- Avoid consuming alcohol, including beer and low-alcohol drinks.
- Go to the toilet before leaving the house and before going to bed to avoid awkward moments in public places and reduce night wakings.
- Empty your bladder thoroughly to prevent leakage after using the toilet.
- After urinating, gently massage the urethra to express any remaining urine.
- Drink fluids in small portions throughout the day and do not get drunk 2 hours before bedtime.
- If necessary, use urological pads to prevent discomfort and unpleasant consequences caused by wet underwear.
- Avoid a sedentary lifestyle and move as much as possible.
- Avoid stress, which increases urine output.
- Drink at least 2 liters of fluid per day.
What causes prostate enlargement?
Although prostatitis can be caused by an infection, in the vast majority of cases adenoma is an idiopathic disease, i. e. without a specific cause. Urologists are still trying to figure out what causes the abnormal growth of prostate tissue. Unlike prostatitis, which affects "all ages, " BPH primarily affects men over 40 years of age, with the incidence increasing sharply with increasing 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 – particularly testosterone, estrogen and dihydrotestosterone (DHT). It is believed that an imbalance of these hormones "confuses" the glandular cells.
Risk factors for prostatic hyperplasia:
- Older age
- Presence of diabetes mellitus
- Family history
- Overweight and obesity
- coronary heart desease
- East Asian roots
On average, by the age of 60, 50% of men suffer from benign prostate enlargement of varying degrees.
By the age of 85, prostate enlargement is observed in almost 90% of men.
Recommended foods for adenoma and prostatitis
Treatment of prostatitis and BPH should be complemented by proper nutrition. With these men's diseases, a handful of pills is not enough. Successful treatment requires continuity and an integrated approach.
Recommended products for prostatitis and adenoma:
- Sources of fiber: whole grain products, legumes, dark leafy vegetables
- Sources of antioxidants: bright vegetables and fruits in all 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.