BPH, or benign prostatic hyperplasia, is a common condition that affects men as they age. It occurs when the prostate gland becomes enlarged, leading to symptoms of an enlarged prostate such as frequent urination, difficulty starting and stopping urination, and a weak urine stream. While medication and surgery are common treatments for BPH, there are also natural treatment that can help ease urinary symptoms and improve overall prostate health. In this blog, we will explore 10 natural remedies for BPH that can provide relief without the need for medication.
1. Saw Palmetto
Saw palmetto is a popular herbal remedy for benign prostatic hyperplasia bph, and for good reason. Studies have shown that saw palmetto can help reduce the symptoms of BPH, such as frequent urination and incomplete emptying of the bladder. It works by inhibiting the production of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone that contributes to prostate enlargement. Saw palmetto is available in supplement form and can be taken daily to help manage BPH symptoms.
2. Pygeum
Pygeum is another herbal remedy that has been used for centuries to treatments for an enlarged prostate. It is derived from the bark of the African plum tree and has been shown to reduce inflammation and improve urine flows in men with BPH. Pygeum is available in supplement form and can be taken daily to help alleviate symptoms of BPH.
3. Stinging Nettle
Stinging nettle is a plant that has been used for centuries to treat a variety of ailments, including BPH. It works by reducing inflammation in the prostate gland and improving urinary tract flow. Stinging nettle can be taken in supplement form or consumed as a tea to help manage BPH symptoms.
4. Pumpkin Seed
Pumpkin seeds are rich in zinc, which is essential for prostate health. Studies have shown that pumpkin seed extract can help reduce symptoms of BPH, such as urinary frequency and urgency. Pumpkin seed extract is available in supplement form and can be taken daily to help improve prostate health.
5. Rye Grass Pollen Extract
Rye grass pollen extract is a natural remedy that has been shown to improve urinary symptoms in men with BPH. It works by reducing inflammation in the prostate gland and improving urinary flow. Rye grass pollen extract is available in supplement form and can be taken daily to help manage BPH symptoms.
6. Lycopene
Lycopene is a powerful antioxidant found in tomatoes, watermelon, and other red fruits and vegetables. Studies have shown that lycopene can help reduce the risk of developing BPH and improve prostate health. Lycopene can be consumed as part of a healthy diet or taken in supplement form to help manage BPH symptoms.
7. Zinc
Zinc is an essential mineral that plays a key role in prostate health. Studies have shown that zinc deficiency may contribute to the development of BPH. Consuming foods rich in zinc, such as oysters, beef, and pumpkin seeds, or taking a zinc supplement can help improve prostate health and alleviate symptoms of BPH.
8. Exercise
Regular physical activity has been shown to improve prostate health and reduce the risk of developing BPH. Exercise can help improve urinary flow and reduce inflammation in the prostate gland. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise, such as brisk walking or cycling, most days of the week to help manage BPH symptoms.
9. Stress Management
Chronic stress can worsen symptoms of BPH, so it’s important to find healthy ways to manage stress. Practices such as yoga, meditation, deep breathing, and tai chi can help reduce stress and improve overall prostate health.
10. Dietary Changes
Making dietary changes can also help alleviate symptoms of BPH. Avoiding caffeine, alcohol, and spicy foods can help reduce urinary urgency and frequency. Eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein can also help improve prostate health and manage BPH symptoms.
Conclusion
In conclusion, BPH is a common condition that affects many men as they age. While medication and surgery are common treatments for BPH, there are also natural remedies that can help alleviate symptoms and improve overall prostate health. Saw palmetto, pygeum, stinging nettle, pumpkin seed, rye grass pollen extract, lycopene, zinc, exercise, stress management, and dietary changes are all-natural remedies that can provide relief from BPH without the need for medication. By incorporating these natural ways to treat an enlarged prostate into your daily routine, you can effectively manage BPH and improve your overall prostate health. As always, it’s important to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement, treatment options or transurethral resection of the prostate.
If you enjoyed this article, you may also want to read this article Do Prostate Supplements Work? An In-Depth Look at the Evidence.
*This information is not intended to serve as a substitute for professional medical or dietary advice tailored to individual needs.
Dr. Kimberly Langdon has been an MD for 31 years, board-certified obstetrician/gynecologist with 19-years of clinical experience. She graduated from The Ohio State University College of Medicine, earning Honors in many rotations. She then completed her OB/GYN residency program at The Ohio State University Medical Center, earning first-place accolades for her Senior Research Project and Score of 98th percentile on a National Proficiency Test.
During her clinical career, she delivered over 2000 babies and specialized in minimally invasive procedures, menopause, endometriosis, menstrual disorders, and polycystic ovarian syndrome. After retiring from clinical practice, she founded a medical device company to commercialize her two patented and four patent-pending medical devices for both life-threatening and non-life-threatening infections.