Enlargement of the prostate gland occurs as a result of its 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 disorder and often sexual problems.
An enlarged prostate negatively affects the quality of life and requires specialized treatment by a urologist.
In addition to the classic pharmaceutical substances that reduce the volume of the prostate gland, for example, tamsulosin or doxazosin, natural remedies for dysuric phenomena can be used to complement and enhance the effect of the treatment.
Natural remedies to reduce the size of the prostate
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 system.
Several independent studies have confirmed that taking 100-200 mg of the extract daily can significantly shrink the prostate with BPH.
Saw palmetto (Serenoa repens)
Saw palmetto extract has long been used in the treatment of adenoma. It is part of such well-known urological drugs. Limited research confirms that saw palmetto extract reduces dysuric symptoms in benign prostatic hyperplasia by inhibiting testosterone biosynthesis.
Some scientists found the opposite results: saw palmetto did not affect bladder emptying more than a placebo. Urologists have different opinions on this matter.
FYI: unlike our country and the CIS countries, where preparations based on saw palmetto and other similar products are recognized as drugs, in the USA 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 composition has been used in China since the 13th century, and recent studies confirm the effectiveness of "zi-shen" for adenoma.
A unique product containing more than 100 biologically active substances is popular in the USA and is now being actively studied by local scientists.
Cernilton Pollen Extract
American food supplement Cernilton is a pollen extract processed with enzymes using a special patented technology. Limited research conducted in the late 1990s and early 2000s indicated 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 urges at night.
Despite its worldwide popularity, Cernilton has never been tested in large-scale clinical trials and therefore remains in mediocre status as a dietary supplement.
Babassu palm oil (Orbignya speciosa, babassu)
Babassu palm is a Brazilian plant that has been used by aboriginal tribes for centuries to treat prostatitis and other urological diseases.
Babassu 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. The American medical establishment considers that the effect of nettle on prostatitis and adenoma is not well established and therefore the plant is used only in supplements.
Pumpkin seed oil (Cucurbita pepo, pumpkin seed)
Pumpkin seeds are high in sterols, including β-sitosterol, a plant analog 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 to use 10 grams of peeled pumpkin seeds daily for 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, which is obtained from many fruits and vegetables. In 2012, Dr. Giovanni Espinoza of New York University reported 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, carrots and apricots can 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" trace element. 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, theoretically, suppress the inflammatory process. In addition, studies show that catechins slow the growth 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
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 gland is enlarged, urologists advise:
- 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 places and reduce the number of night awakenings.
- Empty your bladder well to reduce leakage after using the toilet.
- Gently massage the urethra after urination to express any residual urine.
- Drink fluids in small portions throughout the day and don't get drunk 2 hours before bed.
- If necessary, use urological pads that prevent 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 fluids a day.
What causes an enlarged prostate?
If prostatitis can be caused by an infection, then the adenoma in the vast majority of 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 mainly affects men over 40, and the incidence rises sharply with age.
Some foreign studies suggest that the adenoma is 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 an imbalance of these hormones "mess up" the cells of the gland.
Risk factors for prostatic hyperplasia:
- Old age
- Presence of diabetes mellitus
- Family history
- Overweight and Obesity
- Coronary artery disease
- East Asian roots
On average, by the age of 60, 50% of men suffer from benign prostatic hyperplasia of various degrees.
By the age of 85, prostate enlargement is seen in almost 90% of men.
Recommended foods for adenoma and prostatitis
Treatment of prostatitis and BPH should be supplemented with proper nutrition. These male ailments are not a case where a handful of pills is enough. Successful treatment requires continuity and a comprehensive approach.
Recommended products for prostatitis and adenoma:
- Fiber sources: whole grains, legumes, dark leafy greens
- Sources of antioxidants: bright vegetables and fruits of 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 beverages, refined carbohydrates and red meat.