Enlargement of the prostate occurs due to inflammation and swelling caused by prostatitis or tissue proliferation with benign hyperplasia - prostatic adenoma.
In all cases, the man feels discomfort, heaviness in the perineum, some type of urination disorder and often sexual problems.
An enlarged prostate negatively affects quality of life and requires treatment by a qualified urologist.
In addition to classical pharmacological agents that reduce the volume of the prostate, such as tamsulosin or doxazosin, natural remedies can be used for dysuria to supplement and enhance the effectiveness of treatment.
Natural remedies to reduce prostate volume
African plum (Prunus africana, Pygeum, African plum)
African plum peel extract contains a variety of fatty acids, as well as beta-sitosterol, a substance with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects on the genital tract.
Several independent studies have confirmed that taking 100-200 mg of the extract daily can significantly shrink the prostate with BPH.
Dwarf palm tree (Serenoa repens)
Extracts from saw palmetto have long been used in the treatment of adenomas. It is part of such famous urological medicine. Limited research confirms that saw palmetto extract reduces symptoms of dyspepsia in benign prostatic hyperplasia by interfering with testosterone biosynthesis.
Some scientists have found the opposite result: saw palmetto does not affect bladder emptying any more than placebo. Urologists have different 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. diet.
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 have confirmed the effectiveness of "zi-shen" for adenomas.
A unique product containing more than 100 biologically active ingredients that is very popular in the US and is currently being actively researched by local scientists.
Cernilton Pollen Extract
American Cernilton dietary supplement is an enzyme-treated pollen extract using special patented technology. Limited research conducted in the late 1990s and early 2000s showed Cernilton's effectiveness in treating chronic prostatitis and adenomas. In particular, use of this extract promotes more complete bladder emptying and reduces the frequency of nighttime nausea.
Despite its worldwide popularity, Cernilton has never been tested in large-scale clinical trials and therefore remains in a modest state as a dietary supplement.
Babassu palm oil (Orbignya speciosa, babassu)
The Babassu palm is a Brazilian plant that has been used for centuries by aboriginal tribes to treat prostatitis and other urinary diseases.
Babassu seed oil reduces testosterone production and other parts of the seed contain substances with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Nettle (Urtica dioica, nettle extract)
Nettle leaf extract contains antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that work synergistically with saw palmetto and African plum. American evidence-based medicine believes that the effects of stinging nettle on prostatitis and adenoma are not well established, and therefore the plant is used only as a dietary supplement.
Pumpkin seed oil (Cucurbita pepo, pumpkin seeds)
Pumpkin seeds are high in sterols, including beta-sitosterol, a plant analogue of cholesterol. According to scientists, this substance helps improve the ability to urinate and reduce the amount of residual urine in benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).
The document recommends using 10 grams of peeled pumpkin seeds daily to treat symptoms of benign prostatic hypertrophy. Pumpkin oil is produced in liquid, capsule and candle form.
Lycopene, or lycopene (Lycopene)
Lycopene is a natural remedy for adenoma and prostatitis, found in many fruits and vegetables. In 2012, Dr. Giovanni Espinoza of New York University reported that this substance slows the progression of BPH and helps shrink the prostate.
Tomatoes are the richest source of lycopene for most men. But papaya, watermelon, guava, carrots and apricots can be considered as alternative sources.
Zinc supplements
Zinc deficiency increases the risk of adenomas, so urologists recommend taking zinc sulfate (Zincteral) or nutritional supplements with this "male" trace element. There is limited scientific evidence that daily zinc supplementation reduces prostate volume in chronic prostatitis and benign prostatic hypertrophy.
Zinc can be found in chicken, seafood and many 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 inhibit the inflammatory process. Furthermore, studies show that catechins slow the growth of prostate cancer in test tubes.
However, it is important for older men to remember the caffeine found in green tea. Due to its diuretic properties, caffeine worsens symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia in some patients.
Lifestyle in the treatment of prostatitis and adenoma
Nutritional supplements are good, but in the complex treatment of chronic prostatitis and benign prostatic hypertrophy, 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 drinks.
- Go to the bathroom before leaving the house and going to bed to avoid awkward moments in public and reduce the number of nighttime awakenings.
- Empty your bladder thoroughly to reduce leaking after going to the bathroom.
- Gently massage into the urethra after urinating to remove any remaining urine.
- Drink liquid in small portions throughout the day and do not get drunk 2 hours before bedtime.
- If necessary, use urinary pads to prevent discomfort and unpleasant consequences caused by wet underwear.
- Avoid a sedentary lifestyle and move as much as possible.
- Avoid stress, which causes you to urinate frequently.
- Drink at least 2 liters of fluids per day.
What causes prostate enlargement?
If prostatitis can be caused by infection, then adenoma in the majority of cases is an idiopathic disease, that is, there is no specific cause. Urologists are still figuring out what causes abnormal growth of prostate tissue. Unlike prostatitis, which affects "all ages", BPH mainly affects men over 40 years of age, and its incidence increases sharply 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, hormone levels change significantly, especially testosterone, estrogen and dihydrotestosterone (DHT). It is thought that an imbalance of these hormones will "disturb" the glandular cells.
Risk factors for prostate hyperplasia:
- Old age
- Presence of diabetes mellitus
- Family history
- Overweight and obesity
- Coronary heart disease
- Origin East Asia
On average, by age 60, 50% of men have benign prostatic hyperplasia to varying degrees.
At age 85, prostate enlargement is observed in almost 90% of men.
Recommended foods for adenoma and prostatitis
Treatment of prostatitis and benign prostatic hypertrophy requires reasonable dietary supplementation. These male diseases are not cases where just taking 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 green leafy vegetables
- Source of antioxidants: bright vegetables and fruits in all the colors of the rainbow ("rainbow plate")
- Sources of zinc: poultry, eggs, seafood, nuts and pumpkin seeds
- Phytoestrogen: products from soybeans, beans, chickpeas, alfalfa
- Omega-3 acids: salmon, nuts and seeds (chia, hemp)
Men with prostatitis and benign prostatic hypertrophy should limit their intake of alcohol, nicotine, caffeine, carbonated drinks, refined carbohydrates and red meat.