The enlargement of the prostate gland occurs as a result of its inflammation and swelling in 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 by a urologist.
In addition to classic medicinal 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 improve the effect of 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 the prostate with BPH.
Saw palmetto (Serenoa repens)
Saw palmetto extract has long been used in the treatment of adenoma. It is a part of such famous urological drugs. 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 more 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, more precisely pseudostellaria root, 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 "ji-shen" in 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 showed 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 modest status as a dietary supplement.
Babassu palm oil (Orbignya speciosa, babassu)
The Babasu 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.
Nettle (Urtica dioica, nettle extract)
Nettle leaf extract contains antioxidant and anti-inflammatory substances that act synergistically with saw palmetto and African plum. American evidence-based medicine considers the effect of nettle on prostatitis and adenoma insufficiently substantiated, and therefore the plant is used only in supplements.
Pumpkin seed oil (Cucurbita pepo, pumpkin seed)
Pumpkin seeds are high in 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).
In the literature, there are recommendations for the use of 10 grams of peeled pumpkin seeds daily for symptoms of DPH. 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 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, 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 various seeds and nuts.
Green tea extract (Camellia sinensis)
Green tea is distinguished from black tea by its high content of antioxidants - catechins, which stimulate the immune system and theoretically suppress the inflammatory process. In addition, studies have shown that catechins slow the development of prostate cancer in vitro.
However, it is important for older men to be aware of the caffeine contained in green tea. Because of its diuretic properties, caffeine worsens the symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia in some patients.
Lifestyle during treatment of prostatitis and adenoma
Food supplements are good, but in the complex treatment of chronic prostatitis and BPH, your habits, the right lifestyle and diet play an invaluable role.
If the prostate gland is enlarged, urologists advise:
- Avoid drinking alcohol, including beer and soft 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.
- Apply a gentle massage to the urethra after urination to expel residual urine.
- Drink liquid in small portions throughout the day and do not get drunk 2 hours before bed.
- If necessary, use urological tampons, which prevent discomfort and unpleasant consequences of 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 adenoma in the majority of cases is an idiopathic disease, that is, without a specific cause. Urologists are still discovering what causes abnormal growth of prostate tissue. Unlike prostatitis, which affects "all ages, " BPH primarily affects men over 40, and the incidence increases sharply with age.
Some foreign studies show 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). An imbalance of these hormones is thought to "confuse" the cells of the gland.
Risk factors for prostatic hyperplasia:
- Old 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 varying degrees of benign prostatic hyperplasia.
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 should be supplemented with a proper diet. 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:
- Sources of fiber: 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.