Enlargement of the prostate gland occurs due to its inflammation and swelling with prostatitis or tissue proliferation with benign hyperplasia - prostatic adenoma.
In all cases, the man feels discomfort, heaviness in the perineum, some kind of urination disorder and often sexual problems.
Enlarged prostate negatively affects the quality of life and requires qualified treatment by a urologist.
In addition to the classic 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 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 genitourinary tract.
Several independent studies have confirmed that taking 100-200 mg of extract per day can significantly reduce the prostate affected by BPH.
Saw palmetto (Serenoa repens)
Dwarf palm 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 interfering with testosterone biosynthesis.
Some scientists have obtained opposite results: saw palmetto does not affect bladder emptying more than a placebo. Urologists have differing opinions on this topic.
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 food supplement.
Pseudostellaria or false star (Radix Pseudostellariae, Zi-Shen, ZSP)
The medicinal plant pseudostellaria, more precisely the root of pseudostellaria, is a component 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" against adenoma.
A unique product containing more than 100 biologically active substances is popular in the United States and is now being actively studied by local scientists.
Cernilton pollen extract
The American food 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 adenoma. In particular, taking the extract promotes more complete emptying of the bladder and reduces the frequency of nocturnal stimuli.
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 plant used for centuries by Aboriginal tribes 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.
Nettle (Urtica dioica, Nettle extract)
Nettle leaf extract contains antioxidant and anti-inflammatory substances that act in synergy with dwarf palm and African plum. American evidence-based medicine believes that the effect of nettle on prostatitis and adenoma is not sufficiently proven and therefore the plant is used only 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).
The literature recommends using 10 grams of peeled pumpkin seeds per day for BPH symptoms. Pumpkin oil is produced in liquid, capsule and candle forms.
Lycopene or Lycopene (Lycopene)
Lycopene is a natural remedy against adenoma and prostatitis, 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 alternative sources.
Food supplements with zinc
Zinc deficiency increases the risk of adenoma, so urologists recommend 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. Additionally, 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 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, habits, correct lifestyle and nutrition play an invaluable role.
If the prostate gland is enlarged, urologists recommend:
- Avoid drinking alcohol, including beer and low-alcohol drinks.
- Go to the bathroom before leaving the house and going to bed to avoid embarrassing moments in public places and reduce the number of awakenings at night.
- Empty your bladder completely to reduce leakage after using the toilet.
- Apply a light massage to the urethra after urination to eliminate any urine residue.
- Drink liquids in small portions throughout the day and do not get drunk 2 hours before bedtime.
- 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 adenoma in the vast majority of cases is an idiopathic disease, that is, without a specific cause. Urologists are still trying to understand 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 markedly 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 dramatically, especially testosterone, estrogen, and dihydrotestosterone (DHT). It is assumed that an imbalance of these hormones "confuses" the cells of the glands.
Risk factors for prostatic hyperplasia:
- Elderly age
- 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 suffer from benign prostatic hyperplasia of varying degrees.
By the age of 85, prostate enlargement is observed in almost 90% of men.
Recommended foods for adenoma and prostatitis
The treatment of prostatitis and BPH must be integrated with an adequate diet. These male diseases are not a case of just a handful of pills. Successful treatment requires continuity and an integrated approach.
Recommended products for prostatitis and adenoma:
- Sources of fiber: whole grains, legumes, dark leafy vegetables
- Sources of antioxidants: bright vegetables and fruits of all colors of the rainbow ("rainbow dish")
- 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.