The prostate gland is a walnut-sized structure that wraps around the urethra beneath the bladder. It’s a component of the male reproductive system. The prostate’s primary role is to create fluid that nourishes and preserves sperm. In this blog, you will know what are the effective prostate natural supplements.
Common Prostate Condition
The prostate tends to enlarge as men age. The following are two common prostate conditions:
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)
This non-cancerous disorder causes the prostate to grow and push on the urethra, causing urinary symptoms such as frequent/urgent urination, difficulty urinating, and dribbling. BPH is highly frequent in males over the age of 50.
Prostate Cancer
It is caused by the formation of malignant cells in the prostate. Prostate cancer frequently has no symptoms in its early stages. It can later cause bladder difficulties, blood in the urine or sperm, and pelvic discomfort. Prostate cancer primarily affects males over the age of 50.
While these prostate diseases are distressing, they are treatable with correct therapy and lifestyle adjustments. Conventional therapies, such as drugs or surgery, can be beneficial, but natural supplements may also be beneficial to prostate health.
Symptoms of Prostate Issues
In males, the prostate is a tiny gland found underneath the bladder. The prostate changes as men age, which can cause unpleasant sensations. Some of the most prevalent prostate issues are:
- Urination that is frequent or painful – Urinating more frequently, especially at night, is one of the most prevalent prostate symptoms. Urging to urinate might be intense and unexpected, and it can be unpleasant or seem like your bladder isn’t empty. One of the earliest indicators of an enlarged prostate is frequent urination.
- Blood in the urine or sperm – Blood in the urine (hematuria) or sperm (hematospermia) can suggest a variety of problems, including infection, inflammation, enlargement, and potentially prostate cancer. If you observe any blood, you should consult a doctor right away.
- Erectile dysfunction – Many men who have prostate problems struggle to acquire or keep an erection. An enlarged prostate can put a strain on the nerves and blood vessels that are required for an erection. Erectile dysfunction can also be caused by prostate surgery and radiation therapy.
- Pelvic discomfort – Prostatitis can cause pain in the pelvic area, testicles, and even the tip of the penis. If you have pain or discomfort between the scrotum and the rectum, this might indicate a prostate condition. The discomfort may come and go.
If you notice any of these prostate symptoms, see your doctor. They can assist in identifying whether your symptoms are caused by an enlarged prostate, prostatitis, or even prostate cancer. It is critical to detect prostate issues early and begin proper therapy.
Best Natural Prostate Supplements
Natural supplements can be an effective and safe substitute for or in addition to traditional prostate therapies. Several herbal and vitamin supplements for prostate health have been thoroughly researched, including:
Saw Palmetto
Derived from the berries of the saw palmetto tree, this herb may aid in the inhibition of testosterone conversion into DHT, which leads to prostate enlargement. In trials, saw palmetto has been demonstrated to relieve urinary symptoms associated with an enlarged prostate.
Pygeum Africanum
The bark of the African plum tree contains chemicals that may help relieve prostate and urinary tract irritation. Pygeum has been shown in studies to alleviate nocturia (frequent midnight urine) and enhance overall urinary function.
Pumpkin Seed Oil
Pumpkin seed oil, which is high in zinc and phytosterols, may aid in blocking the conversion of testosterone to DHT. According to certain research, using pumpkin seed oil supplements can help void symptoms caused by benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).
Stinging Nettle Root
Contains anti-inflammatory effects and may help block testosterone conversion to DHT. When used for 6-12 months, stinging nettle helps relieve urinary symptoms caused by BPH, according to some scientific research.
These and other prostate-supportive natural compounds can help preserve prostate health, treat urinary difficulties, and even reduce prostate size. Before using any supplements, always speak with a doctor.
When paired with lifestyle adjustments, high-quality herbal and vitamin supplements can be a safe adjunctive strategy to maintain healthy prostate function.
Lycopene
Lycopene, an antioxidant found in tomatoes and other red foods, has been linked to improved prostate health.
A pilot study revealed that routinely drinking lycopene-enriched extra virgin olive oil improved prostate health and decreased prostate-specific antigen levels.
Tomatoes are the richest source of lycopene, but a few other fruits and vegetables contain less of this antioxidant. The more lycopene a pink or red fruit or vegetable has, the deeper its color.
Consuming lycopene-rich meals or taking supplements may help.
Omega-3
Omega-3 fatty acids, found in fatty fish and flaxseeds, offer anti-inflammatory properties. A diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids can help to reduce the activity of molecules linked to prostate inflammation.
Omega-3 fatty acids are abundant in cold-water fish such as salmon, mackerel, and sardines, as well as eggs, walnuts, and certain vegetable oils.
How Supplements Help the Prostate
Natural supplements can benefit prostate health in a variety of ways:
These natural supplements perform marvels by deliberately attacking the enemy: inflammation and hormone imbalances, rather than using physical force.
Reduced inflammation: Many natural prostate supplements have anti-inflammatory qualities. Saw palmetto, beta-sitosterol, and pygeum africanum, for example, might target prostate inflammation, potentially alleviating BPH symptoms.
Hormonal balance: Some supplements, such as saw palmetto, may impact testosterone metabolism, potentially reducing levels of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone associated with prostate development.
Conventional Prostate Treatments
Medication and surgery are the most popular traditional therapies for prostate disorders.
Medications
Two types of drugs are often used:
Alpha-blockers
These medications relax the prostate muscular tissue, making urination simpler. Terazosin, doxazosin, tamsulosin, and alfuzosin are a few examples. They alleviate urinary flow difficulties but do not address the enlarged prostate.
5-alpha reductase inhibitors
These drugs reduce the prostate by preventing testosterone from being converted into DHT, which leads to prostate development. Finasteride and dutasteride are the two medications in this class. They may aid in the improvement of urine flow and other symptoms.
While drugs might give symptom alleviation, they can also cause dizziness, decreased libido, and erectile dysfunction. They also do not address the root cause of the enlarged prostate.
Prostate Surgery
For severe cases, surgical options like prostate removal or minimally invasive procedures might be necessary.
While surgery can alleviate symptoms, it also involves the risk of adverse effects such as incontinence or erectile dysfunction. Recovery takes many weeks as well. The prostate may continue to enlarge and produce repeated discomfort in the future. For these reasons, many men prefer natural alternatives.
Other Lifestyle Changes for Healthy Prostate
Making some lifestyle modifications, in addition to using natural prostate supplements, can assist in maintaining prostate health. Here are a few ideas:
Diet Changes to Reduce Inflammation
- Consume plenty of veggies, fruits, seafood, and healthy fats such as olive oil and avocados. These foods are high in antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids, both of which aid in decreasing inflammation.
- Avoid fried and processed meals, which can cause inflammation.
- When feasible, choose organic foods to reduce your exposure to pesticides and other toxins.
- Drink lots of water every day to stay hydrated.
Stress Management
Prostate inflammation and irritation may be exacerbated by chronic stress. Consider the following suggestions:
- Deep breathing, meditation, yoga, or Tai Chi are all good ways to relax.
- Exercise regularly to help lower stress chemicals.
- Make sleep a priority, aiming for 7-9 hours every night. Sleep deprivation raises stress.
If stress is interfering with your everyday life, speak with a therapist Making dietary, exercise, and lifestyle adjustments, as well as taking supplements, can give overall prostate health assistance. Consult with a healthcare practitioner to create the most individualized strategy for you or a counselor.
When to See a Doctor
It is critical to monitor prostate health and get medical attention if specific warning symptoms occur. You should make an appointment in particular if you experience:
- Urinary symptoms such as decreased flow, uncomfortable urination, or difficulty emptying the bladder. These symptoms might point to an enlarged prostate or an infection.
- A significant increase in PSA levels over a short period. PSA is a protein generated by the prostate, and rising levels urge further research.
- A nodule or hard spot on the gland is a worrying finding of a digital rectal exam.
- Prostate cancer in the family, particularly a brother or father diagnosed before the age of 65.
- Those who have a first-degree relative who was diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer are at a greater risk.
- Severe pelvic or bone discomfort that might indicate prostate cancer metastasis.
- Advanced prostate cancer symptoms include unexpected weight loss and exhaustion.
If you have symptoms or worries about your prostate health, do not hesitate to consult a doctor. They can run tests, make diagnoses, and talk about treatment choices. Early detection of prostate issues leads to better outcomes.
The Bottom Line
Natural supplements, together with a healthy lifestyle and frequent health checks, help to maintain the general health of this vital gland. Individual requirements differ, and working with healthcare specialists guarantees individualized counsel for keeping a healthy prostate throughout life.
If you enjoyed this article, you may also want to read this article on What Are Natural Remedies For Enlarged 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.
