Enlargement of the prostate gland with prostatitis and swelling, or benign hyperplasia - prostate adenoma - is the result of tissue proliferation.
In all cases, the man experiences an unpleasant feeling, heaviness in the dam, some kind of urination disorder, 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, such as tamsulosin or doxazosin, natural remedies can also be used to treat dysuria phenomena, which complement and enhance the effect of the treatment.
Natural Remedies to Reduce Prostate Size
African plum (Prunus africana, Pygeum, African plum)
African plum bark extract contains a wide range of fatty acids and beta-sitosterol, which has an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effect on the urinary tract.
Several independent studies have confirmed that taking 100-200 mg of the extract daily can significantly reduce prostatic BPH.
Saw palmetto (Serenoa repens)
Saw palmetto extract has long been used in the treatment of adenoma. It is part of such well-known urological drugs. Limited research confirms that saw palmetto extract reduces dysuric symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia by interfering with testosterone biosynthesis.
Some scientists have found opposite results: saw palmetto does not affect bladder emptying more than a placebo. Urologists have different opinions on this issue.
For your information: unlike our country and the CIS countries, where preparations based on saw palmetto and other similar products are recognized as medicines, saw palmetto extract is a dietary supplement in the USA.
Pseudostellaria or false star (Radix Pseudostellariae, Zi-Shen, ZSP)
The herb pseudostellaria, or more specifically pseudostellaria root, is an ingredient in 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" in the treatment of adenoma.
A unique product containing more than 100 biologically active substances is popular in the United States and is currently 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 in the late 1990s and early 2000s suggested the effectiveness of Cernilton in the treatment of chronic prostatitis and adenomas. In particular, taking the extract promotes more complete bladder emptying and reduces the frequency of nocturnal urges.
Despite its worldwide popularity, Cernilton has never been tested in large-scale clinical trials, so it remains a low-status dietary supplement.
Babassu palm oil (Orbignya speciosa, babassu)
Babassu palm is a Brazilian plant that has been used by indigenous tribes for centuries to treat prostatitis and other urological ailments.
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 work synergistically with saw palmetto and African plum. American evidence-based medicine does not consider nettle's effect on prostatitis and adenoma to be sufficiently established, so the plant is only used as a food supplement.
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 amount of residual urine in benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).
In the literature, 10 grams of peeled pumpkin seeds per day are recommended for BPH symptoms. Pumpkin seed oil is produced in liquid form, capsules and candles.
Lycopene or Lycopene (Lycopene)
Lycopene is a natural remedy for adenoma and prostatitis that is 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, carrot and apricot can be considered alternative sources.
Dietary supplements containing zinc
Zinc deficiency increases the risk of adenoma, so urologists advise 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 BPH.
Zinc is found in chicken, seafood, and various seeds and nuts.
Green tea extract (Camellia sinensis)
Green tea differs from black tea in that it is high in antioxidants - catechins - which stimulate the immune system and theoretically suppress the inflammatory process. In addition, studies show that catechins slow the development 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
Dietary supplements are good, but your habits, correct lifestyle and nutrition play an invaluable role in the complex treatment of chronic prostatitis and BPH.
If the prostate is enlarged, urologists advise:
- Avoid alcohol, including beer and soft drinks.
- Before leaving the house and going to bed, visit the toilet to avoid embarrassing moments in public places and reduce the number of awakenings at night.
- After using the toilet, empty the bladder thoroughly to reduce leakage.
- After urinating, gently massage the urethra to expel any remaining urine.
- Drink fluids in small portions throughout the day and don't get drunk 2 hours before bed.
- If necessary, use urological pads to prevent discomfort and unpleasant consequences due to wet underwear.
- Avoid a sedentary lifestyle and move as much as possible.
- Avoid stress, which increases urination.
- Drink at least 2 liters of fluid per day.
What causes an enlarged prostate?
If prostatitis can also be caused by an infection, then in the vast majority of cases adenoma is an idiopathic disease, i. e. 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 primarily affects men over 40, and the incidence increases sharply 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 dramatically—especially testosterone, estrogen, and dihydrotestosterone (DHT). It is assumed that the imbalance of these hormones "confuses" the gland cells.
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, by the age of 60, 50% of men suffer from various degrees of benign prostate enlargement.
By the age of 85, prostate enlargement can be observed in nearly 90% of men.
Recommended foods for adenoma and prostatitis
The treatment of prostatitis and BPH should be supplemented with a suitable diet. These male ailments are not cases where a handful of pills is enough. Successful treatment requires continuity and an integrated approach.
Products recommended for the treatment of prostatitis and adenoma:
- Fiber sources: whole grains, legumes, dark leafy greens
- Sources of antioxidants: bright vegetables and fruits in all colors of the rainbow ("rainbow plate")
- Sources of zinc: poultry, eggs, seafood, walnuts 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.