An enlarged prostate, commonly known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), is a typical aging problem that affects males. It is caused by non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland, a walnut-sized structure that surrounds the male urethra. This growth can cause urethral compression, resulting in urinary discomfort.
While traditional therapies are available, many men are turning to natural alternatives to help them maintain their prostate health and manage BPH symptoms. In this article, we will explore enlarged prostate natural remedies.
9 Enlarged Prostate Natural Remedies You Can Try!
While natural therapies cannot cure an enlarged prostate, they can aid with symptom management and overall prostate health. Here are some possible natural ways to treat an enlarged prostate:
Stinging Nettle
By relaxing the smooth muscles in the prostate and bladder, this herb may help decrease inflammation and enhance urine flow.
Nettle root extracts is widely used in Europe and is known to help with some BPH symptoms. When used in conjunction with standard medical treatment, stinging nettle was found to be beneficial in reducing the severity of urine frequency, nocturia (the frequent need to pee at night), and urgency.
Nettle is sometimes used with other natural BPH therapies, such as pygeum or saw palmetto. Nettle side effects are typically minor, such as stomach distress and skin irritation.
Saw Palmetto
The palm saw palmetto is endemic to the southeastern United States. This plant extract is a popular herbal supplement for the treatment of BPH.
Saw palmetto is a 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor. It is also anti-inflammatory and can diminish the amount of estrogen and androgen (DHT) receptors.
Daily use of saw palmetto extract has been associated with a decrease in BPH symptoms in studies. This impact is most likely due to the plant extract inhibiting the formation of DHT, a hormone that may play a role in prostate development.
Lycopene
Lycopene, an antioxidant present in tomatoes and other red foods, may benefit prostate health.
A pilot research discovered that consuming lycopene-enriched extra virgin olive oil regularly enhanced prostate health and lowered prostate-specific antigen levels.
Tomatoes are the most abundant source of lycopene, but a few other fruits and vegetables have lower quantities of this antioxidant. The darker the hue of a pink or red fruit or vegetable, the more lycopene it contains.
Including lycopene-rich foods in your diet or taking supplements may help.
Green tea
Green tea includes antioxidants known as catechins, which have anti-inflammatory effects. Green tea use regularly may benefit prostate health.
While the majority of data shows that green tea may protect against prostate cancer, it may also aid with BPH. A 2022 research, for example, reveals that a mixture of natural ingredients, including green tea, may aid in the prevention and advancement of BPH.
Pumpkin Seeds
Pumpkin seeds are high in zinc, a mineral that is necessary for prostate health. They also include additional substances that may aid in the reduction of inflammation and the improvement of urine flow.
In a 2019 study, 60 men with BPH symptoms were administered pumpkin seed extract once daily before bed for three months.
The trial participants reported a 30% improvement in their symptoms after 12 weeks. They also stated that their general quality of life had improved as a result of the decrease in symptoms.
Although pumpkin seed extract is more concentrated than a handful of seeds, you may still reap health advantages by eating them more frequently. You can also include them in stews and salads.
Pygeum
Pygeum, produced from the bark of the African cherry tree, has anti-inflammatory effects and may aid in the treatment of BPH symptoms.
It has been used in traditional medicine since ancient times to treat urinary difficulties, and it is frequently used to treat BPH symptoms, particularly in Europe. It’s difficult to say whether it’s useful because research on it hasn’t been well-designed.
Some small studies have shown that the supplement might aid with bladder emptying and urine flow, according to the Canadian Journal of Urology. However, the research examined was inconclusive. Pygeum appears to be safe to use, however, it can induce stomach trouble and headaches in some people. There have been no long-term safety investigations.
Rye Grass Pollen
Rye grass pollen extract has been researched for its ability to alleviate BPH symptoms. It may assist in enhancing urine flow and reduce urination frequency.
Some people use rye grass pollen herbal remedies to alleviate BPH symptoms and decrease prostate inflammation.
Cernilton is a well-known rye grass pollen medicinal brand. This drug has the potential to halt or stop prostate development. Ryegrass extract may include anti-prostatic cell growth and anti-inflammatory compounds. As a result, BPH symptoms such as frequent urination and nocturia may improve.
Omega-3
Omega-3 fatty acids, which are present in fatty fish and flaxseeds, have anti-inflammatory qualities. A diet high in omega-3 fatty acids can assist in lowering the activity of chemicals involved in prostate inflammation.
Cold-water fish, such as salmon, mackerel, and sardines, as well as eggs, walnuts, and some vegetable oils, are high in omega-3 fatty acids.
Cranberry
Cranberry is high in antioxidants and may help prevent urinary tract infections. Cranberries are high in phytonutrients that have anti-inflammatory effects. According to a 2020 rat studyTrusted Source, 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.
Enlarged Prostate Symptoms
The following are common signs of an enlarged prostate:
- Increased urination frequency
- The need to urinate is pressing.
- Having trouble starting or ending urination
- Weak urine flow
- bladder not completely emptying
- Nocturia (frequent nighttime urinating)
Managing Enlarged Prostate
Aside from natural therapies, the following lifestyle adjustments can help control BPH symptoms or shrinking the prostate:
- Keep a healthy weight. Obesity might exacerbate BPH symptoms. Diet and exercise should be used to achieve a healthy weight.
- Consume a nutritious diet that is high in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Limit your intake of processed meals, bad fats, and sugary drinks.
- Regular physical exercise helps improve urinary symptoms as well as general health.
- Limit your intake of alcohol and caffeine, since these drugs can irritate the bladder and exacerbate BPH symptoms.
- Manage your stress. Stress might aggravate BPH symptoms. Exercise stress-relieving practices such as yoga, meditation, or spending time in nature.
- Drink plenty of fluids. Drinking enough fluids might help dilute pee and minimize irritation.
- When urinating, thoroughly empty your bladder. This can help reduce urine retention and bladder infections.
- Avoid straining when urinating: Straining might aggravate BPH symptoms.
Transurethral Resection of the Prostate
Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) is a surgical procedure used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland. BPH can cause urinary symptoms such as frequent urination, difficulty starting urination, weak urinary stream, incomplete bladder emptying, and urinary retention. TURP treatment options is effective but carries risks like bleeding, infection, and urinary incontinence. It’s a common treatment for moderate to severe BPH when medications are ineffective.
Prostate enlargement can be a distressing disease, but natural therapies and lifestyle modifications can provide helpful management options. You may take charge of your prostate health and enhance your quality of life by implementing these measures and keeping open contact with your healthcare practitioner to shrink an enlarged prostate.
If you enjoyed this article, you may also want to read this article on Best Exercises for a Healthy Prostate.
*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.
