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 urination disorder and often sexual problems.
An enlarged prostate negatively affects the quality of life and requires qualified treatment from a urologist.
In addition to 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 complement and enhance the effect of 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 that has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects on the genital tract.
Several independent studies have shown that taking 100-200 mg of the extract daily can significantly reduce BPH of the prostate.
saw palmetto (Serenoa repens)
Saw palmetto extract has long been used to treat adenoma. It is a part of such well-known urological preparations. Limited research suggests that saw palmetto extract reduces dysuric symptoms in benign prostatic hyperplasia by interfering with testosterone biosynthesis.
Some scientists have found the opposite: saw palmetto has no more effect on bladder emptying than placebo. Urologists have different opinions on this matter.
For information: 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, or rather pseudostellaria root, 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" for adenoma.
The unique product, which contains more than 100 biologically active substances, is popular in the USA and is now being actively developed by local scientists.
Cernilton dust extract
American food supplement Cernilton is an enzyme-treated dust extract with a special patented technology. Limited research conducted in the late 1990s and early 2000s demonstrated the effectiveness of cernilton in the treatment of chronic prostatitis and adenomas. In particular, taking the extract helps empty the bladder more completely and reduces the frequency of urges at night.
Despite its worldwide popularity, sernilton has never been tested in large-scale clinical trials and therefore remains in a modest position as a dietary supplement.
Babassu palm oil (Orbignya speciosa, babassu)
Babasu 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, while other parts of the nut contain substances with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Nettle (Urtica dioica)
Nettle leaf extract contains antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that work synergistically with saw palmetto and African plum. Evidence-based American medicine considers nettle's effect on prostatitis and adenomas insufficiently substantiated, and therefore the plant is used only in supplements.
Pumpkin seed oil (Cucurbita pepo, pumpkin seed)
Pumpkin seeds contain large amounts of sterols, including beta-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).
There are recommendations in the literature to use 10 grams of purified pumpkin seeds for BPH symptoms. Pumpkin oil is produced in liquid form, capsules and suppositories.
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 Espinosa 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, carrot and apricot can be considered as alternative sources.
Dietary supplements with zinc
Zinc deficiency increases the risk of adenoma, so urologists recommend taking zinc sulfate (Zincteral) or nutritional supplements with this "male" trace element. There is limited scientific evidence that daily intake of zinc reduces prostate volume in chronic prostatitis and BPH.
Zinc is found in chicken, 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. Moreover, studies have shown that catechins inhibit the development of prostate cancer in vitro.
However, older men should be aware of the caffeine in green tea. Due to its diuretic properties, caffeine worsens the symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia in some patients.
Lifestyle during prostatitis and adenoma treatment
Food 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, urologists recommend:
- Avoid drinking alcohol, including beer and low-alcohol drinks.
- Visit the toilet before leaving the house and before going to bed to avoid embarrassing moments in public places and reduce the number of night awakenings.
- Empty your bladder thoroughly to reduce leakage after using the toilet.
- Gently rub the urethra to express residual urine.
- Drink fluids in small portions throughout the day and do not drink 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 that increases urination.
- Drink at least 2 liters of fluid per day.
What causes an enlarged prostate?
If prostatitis can be caused by an infection, then in most cases adenoma is an idiopathic disease, that is, 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 mostly affects men over 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). An imbalance of these hormones is thought to "mess up" the cells of the gland.
Risk factors for prostate hyperplasia:
- old age
- Presence of diabetes
- The history of the accident
- Overweight and obesity
- Coronary heart disease
- East Asian roots
On average, by the age of 60, 50% of men experience various degrees of benign prostatic hyperplasia.
By the age of 85, prostate enlargement is observed in almost 90% of men.
Recommended food for adenoma and prostatitis
A proper diet should be added to the treatment of prostatitis and BPH. These male ailments are not a case 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: bright vegetables and fruits of 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 beverages, refined carbohydrates, and red meat.