Enlargement of the prostate gland occurs as a result of its inflammation and swelling in prostatitis or tissue proliferation in benign hyperplasia - prostate adenoma.
In all cases, the man feels discomfort, heaviness in the perineum, some type of urinary disorder and, often, sexual problems.
Prostate enlargement negatively affects quality of life and requires qualified treatment by a urologist.
In addition to the classic medicinal substances that reduce the volume of the prostate, for example tamsulosin or doxazosin, natural remedies can be used for dysuric phenomena that complement and enhance the effect of the treatment.
Natural remedies to reduce prostate volume
African plum (Prunus africana, Pygeum, African plum)
African plum peel 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 the extract daily can significantly reduce prostate BPH.
Saw palmetto (Serenoa repens)
Dwarf palm extract has long been used in the treatment of adenoma. It is part of well-known urological medicines. Limited research confirms that saw palmetto extract reduces dysuric symptoms in benign prostatic hyperplasia by interfering with testosterone biosynthesis.
Some scientists have found 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 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 pseudostelaria, 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" 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
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 the effectiveness of Cernilton in treating 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)
Babassu 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. Evidence-based American medicine considers the effect of nettle on prostatitis and adenoma insufficiently proven, and therefore the plant is used only in 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 the volume of residual urine in benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).
In the literature, there are recommendations for the daily use of 10 grams of peeled pumpkin seeds 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, 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.
Dietary supplements with zinc
Zinc deficiency increases the risk of adenoma, so urologists advise taking zinc sulfate (Zincteral) or nutritional supplements with 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, theoretically, suppress the inflammatory process. Furthermore, studies show that catechins delay the development of prostate cancer in vitro.
However, it is important for older men to remember the caffeine contained 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
Nutritional 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 is enlarged, urologists advise:
- Avoid drinking alcohol, including beer and low-alcohol beverages.
- Go to the bathroom before leaving the house and before bed to avoid awkward moments in public places and reduce the number of nighttime awakenings.
- Empty your bladder thoroughly to reduce leakage after using the bathroom.
- Apply a gentle massage to the urethra after urinating to express any residual urine.
- Drink liquids in small portions throughout the day and do not get drunk 2 hours before bed.
- If necessary, use urological pads that prevent discomfort and unpleasant consequences from wet underwear.
- Avoid a sedentary lifestyle and move as much as possible.
- Avoid stress, which increases urination.
- Drink at least 2 liters of liquid per 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 figuring out what causes the abnormal growth of prostate tissue. Unlike prostatitis, which affects "all ages", BPH mainly affects men over 40 years of age 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 drastically – especially testosterone, estrogen and dihydrotestosterone (DHT). It is assumed that an imbalance of these hormones "confuses" the glandular cells.
Risk factors for prostatic hyperplasia:
- Advanced age
- Presence of diabetes mellitus
- Family story
- Overweight and obesity
- Coronary 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 complemented with an adequate diet. These male illnesses are not cases where a handful of pills are enough. Successful treatment requires continuity and an integrated approach.
Recommended products for prostatitis and adenoma:
- Sources of fiber: whole grains, legumes, dark leafy greens
- Sources of antioxidants: bright vegetables and fruits of every color 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 their consumption of alcohol, nicotine, caffeine, carbonated drinks, refined carbohydrates and red meat.