Enlargement of the prostate gland occurs as a result of its inflammation and swelling with prostatitis or proliferation of tissues with benign hyperplasia - prostate adenoma.
In all cases, the man experiences discomfort, heaviness in the perineum, some kind of urinary disorder, and frequent sexual problems.
An enlarged prostate has a negative impact on the quality of life and requires qualified treatment from a urologist.
In addition to classic drugs that reduce the volume of the prostate gland, for example, tamsulosin or doxazosin, natural remedies for dysuric phenomena can be used to complement and enhance the effect of treatment.
Natural remedies to reduce prostate size
African plum (Prunus africana, Pygeum, African plum)
African plum peel extract contains a wide range of fatty acids, as well as beta-sitosterol, which has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects on the genitourinary organs.
Several independent studies have confirmed that daily intake of 100-200 mg of extract can significantly shrink the prostate in BPH.
Saw palmetto (Serenoa repens)
Dwarf date extract has long been used to treat adenoma. It is part of such well-known urological drugs. Limited studies confirm that saw palmetto extract reduces dysuric symptoms in benign prostatic hyperplasia by interfering with testosterone biosynthesis.
Some scientists have found opposite results: saw palmetto, unlike placebo, does not affect bladder emptying. Urologists have different opinions on this matter.
FYI: unlike our country and the CIS countries, where saw palmetto-based preparations and other similar products are known as medicines, saw palmetto extract is a dietary supplement in the United States.
Pseudostellaria or false star (Radix Pseudostellariae, Zi-Shen, ZSP)
The medicinal plant Pseudostellaria, more precisely, the root of pseudostellaria, is an ingredient 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.
The unique product, which contains more than 100 biologically active substances, is popular in the United States and is currently being actively studied by local scientists.
Cernilton pollen extract
American food supplement Cernilton is a pollen extract treated with enzymes using a special patented technology. Limited studies conducted in the late 1990s and early 2000s show the effectiveness of cernilton in the treatment of chronic prostatitis and adenoma. In particular, taking the extract helps to empty the bladder more completely 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 a modest status as a dietary supplement.
Babassu palm oil (Orbignya speciosa, babassu)
Babassu 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, and other parts of the nut contain substances with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Stinging nettle (Urtica dioica, Stinging nettle extract)
Nettle leaf extract contains antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agents that work synergistically with dwarf date palm and African plum. American evidence-based medicine considers nettle's effect 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).
The literature recommends using 10 grams of peeled pumpkin seeds per day for BPH symptoms. Pumpkin oil is produced in the form of liquid, capsules and suppositories.
Lycopene or lycopene (Lycopene)
Lycopene is a natural remedy for adenoma and prostatitis from 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 available to most men. However, papaya, watermelon, guava, carrot and apricot can be considered alternative sources.
Dietary supplements containing zinc
Zinc deficiency increases the risk of adenomas, so urologists recommend taking zinc sulfate (Sinkteral) or food supplements containing 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, various seeds and nuts.
Green tea extract (Camellia sinensis)
Green tea differs from black tea in the presence of high amounts of antioxidants - catechins, which stimulate the immune system and theoretically suppress the inflammatory process. Moreover, studies show that catechins inhibit the growth of prostate cancer in vitro.
However, it is important for older men to remember the caffeine 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
Food supplements are good, but your habits, proper lifestyle and nutrition play an indispensable role in the complex treatment of chronic prostatitis and BPH.
When the prostate gland is enlarged, urologists advise:
- Avoid drinking alcohol, including beer and soft drinks.
- To avoid unpleasant moments in public places and reduce the number of night awakenings, visit the toilet before leaving the house and going to bed.
- After using the toilet, empty the bladder thoroughly to reduce leakage.
- After urinating, gently massage the urethra to remove residual urine.
- Drink small portions of liquid during the day and do not get drunk 2 hours before going to bed.
- 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 prostate enlargement?
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 determining 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 dramatically 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 hormonal levels change dramatically—especially testosterone, estrogen, and dihydrotestosterone (DHT). It is believed that the imbalance of these hormones "confuses" the cells of the gland.
Risk factors for prostatic hyperplasia:
- Old age
- The presence of diabetes mellitus
- Family History
- Overweight and obesity
- Coronary heart disease
- East Asian roots
On average, up to 60 years of age, 50% of men suffer from various degrees of benign hyperplasia of the prostate gland.
Almost 90% of men by the age of 85 have an enlarged prostate.
Recommended foods for adenoma and prostatitis
Treatment of prostatitis and BPH should be completed with proper nutrition. These male ailments are not a case where a handful of pills are 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, peas, 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.