If you have symptoms of an enlarged prostate, such as frequent urination or problems emptying your bladder, you may be asking how to naturally decrease your prostate. While medication and surgery are standard treatment choices, some natural therapies might help relieve symptoms and shrink the prostate gland.
What is Enlarged Prostate?
The prostate gland, which is positioned under the bladder in males, is important in the reproductive system. The prostate gland normally develops bigger as men age owing to hormonal changes.
This disorder, known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), affects many men, with the risk rising with age. BPH symptoms affect around 50% of men in their 50s, and this figure rises to 90% in those aged 80 and above123.
Symptoms of Enlarged Prostate
The following are common signs of an enlarged prostate:
- Urination frequently, especially at night (nocturia)
- The need to urinate is pressing.
- Difficulty initiating or sustaining a continuous flow of urine
- Insufficient or intermittent urine flow
- Feeling the desire to strain when urinating
Natural Treatments for an Enlarged Prostate
Lifestyle Changes
Simple lifestyle changes can have a substantial influence on the management of an enlarged prostate. Here are some lifestyle modifications you may make:
Avoiding Red Meat: Red meat, particularly processed meats, has been linked to an increased risk of prostate problems. It may be good to choose lean proteins and incorporate plant-based alternatives.
Practice Yoga and Meditation: Stress management activities such as yoga and meditation may help decrease inflammation and increase overall prostate health.
Consume More Fruit and Fiber: A diet high in fruits, vegetables, and fiber has been linked to a decreased incidence of prostate problems. These foods are high in minerals and antioxidants.
Pelvic Floor Muscle Strengthening: Kegels and other pelvic floor exercises can help strengthen the muscles around the prostate and improve urine function.
Avoid drinking fluids before going to bed: Limiting fluid consumption one to two hours before going to bed can help minimize nocturia and enhance sleep quality.
Before going out, limit your fluid intake: Restricting fluid consumption before leaving the house can assist with urine urgency and frequency in public places.
Urinate as soon as you feel the urge: Responding quickly to the desire to pee helps minimize bladder overstretching and lessen the strain on the prostate.
Reduce your intake of caffeine and alcohol: Caffeine and alcohol can both irritate the bladder and aggravate symptoms of an enlarged prostate. Modifying their consumption may bring relief.
Herbal Supplements
For decades, herbs and supplements have been used to treat the symptoms of an enlarged prostate. While there is minimal scientific data to support their usefulness, they have shown promise in decreasing prostate gland size. Here are some examples of popular herbal supplements:
Saw Palmetto
Saw palmetto is an herbal treatment derived from the fruit of the Serenoa repens tree. It has been used traditionally to address urinary issues and reduce the symptoms of an enlarged prostate.
While its exact mechanism of action is still unclear, saw palmetto is believed to inhibit the production of certain hormones that contribute to prostate enlargement.
Ryegrass Pollen Extract
Ryegrass pollen extract is derived from rye, timothy, and maize grasses. This supplement is known to alleviate prostate discomfort and reduce prostate gland enlargement.
Some individuals have reported a decrease in nighttime urine frequency with its use; however, long-term effects are still not well understood.
Pygeum
Pygeum is an herbal remedy derived from the bark of the African plum tree. It has been traditionally used to treat urinary issues associated with an enlarged prostate.
While its long-term safety is yet to be established, Pygeum has shown potential in reducing prostate-related symptoms.
Zinc
Zinc is an important mineral that aids in immune function and may have anti-inflammatory properties.
According to research, chronic zinc deficiency may raise the risk of BPH and prostate cancer in men over the age of 50.
Taking zinc supplements or increasing zinc intake via food can reduce a person’s risk of zinc insufficiency. Zinc can also reduce DHT synthesis and prevent this androgen from attaching to receptors, potentially alleviating BPH symptoms.
It may be found in a variety of foods such as meat, dairy, and nuts.
Cranberry
Cranberry is well-known for its urinary health advantages. Cranberries are high in phytonutrients that have anti-inflammatory effects. According to a 2020 rat research, cranberry powder may be beneficial for BPH by blocking 5-alpha-reductase.
Furthermore, a 2020 pilot research reveals that a solution comprising cranberry and other natural extracts may be good for those with BPH who are having urinary symptoms.
It is crucial to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any herbal supplements to ensure they are safe for your specific health needs.
Medications
Medication is frequently used to treat an enlarged prostate. These drugs operate by either relaxing bladder and prostate muscles or decreasing the synthesis of hormones that lead to prostate enlargement. Here are some examples of widely given medications:
Alpha Blockers
Alpha-blockers do not shrink the prostate, but they relax the muscles within the bladder and prostate, making it easier to urinate
5-alpha Reductase Inhibitors
These medications inhibit the production of hormones that cause the prostate to enlarge. They can help reduce prostate size and alleviate symptoms, but they may take several months to show noticeable effects
Medications for Erectile Dysfunction
Certain medications used to treat erectile dysfunction can also affect the smooth muscle in the bladder and prostate, providing relief from BPH symptoms
It is important to note that medications may have side effects, and individual responses may vary. Consult with your healthcare provider to determine the most suitable medication for your specific situation.
Surgical Interventions
In cases where lifestyle changes and medications do not provide sufficient relief, surgical interventions may be recommended. Common surgical approaches include transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) and Greenlight Laser therapy.
However, these procedures may carry the risk of retrograde ejaculation, where semen flows back into the bladder during ejaculation.
Conclusion
An enlarged prostate may have a substantial influence on a man’s quality of life, but there are several natural therapy alternatives. Lifestyle adjustments, herbal supplements, medicines, and surgical treatments can all help to manage and relieve symptoms of an enlarged prostate.
However, to find the best technique for your unique circumstance, you must talk with a healthcare practitioner.
