As men age, the prostate becomes more prone to illnesses, primarily to prostate enlargement. This case is called Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), a condition common to aging men that is caused by the abnormal production of prostate cells, making the prostate gland swell. The symptoms are commonly manifested as difficulty in urinating and sexual dysfunctions.1
Though a common case for aging men, BPH isn’t as dangerous as you might think. It’s totally unrelated to cancer and there are several ways to treat it. Among the available treatments is taking natural remedies to prevent and cure BPH. But what exactly should you know about treating BPH in the natural way?1
What Are The Causes of Prostate Enlargement?
The exact causes for prostate enlargement is still unknown, but experts relate aging as a great contributor to BPH, along with the imbalances in the tescicle cells and testosterone level. While we don’t know what exactly causes it, here are some factors that might lead to prostate enlargement:2
- Aging - prostate enlargement symptoms do not usually appear until the age of 40. Mild to severe signs of BPH occurs to one-third of men at age 60, and to half of men at age 80.3 BPH is so common to men that was actually accepted as a phase and a consequence of living longer. But there’s no seen development of BPH to men who had their testicle removed (possibly due to testicular cancer) at a young age.4
- Genes - men with male relatives who have prostate problems are more likely to be at risk for BPH. Study also suggests that first-degree male relatives are 6 times at risk to BPH.5
- Diabetes and heart disease - elevated glucose levels in diabetics rises BPH risks 3 times more than the normal. Heart disease, on the other hand, is not directly associated with the development of BPH, but its causes such as high blood pressure and obesity can contribute to BPH build-up. Regulating these illnesses using beta blockers may also increase the risk for BPH.6,7
- Obesity - the change in most organ functions caused by obesity is seen as a great driver of BPH. These are the imbalances in the endocrine and digestive process, the increased inflammation rates and sympathetic nervous activity, and the vulnerability to oxidative stress.8
These risk factors bring us closer to point out what really causes prostate enlargement. Further studies are still needed to help us understand this case more deeply. The good thing is, treatments and natural remedies are widely available. Set a doctor’s appointment to ensure how you can prevent it or what treatment works for you.
Prostate issues, especially in its early stages, involve several urinary symptoms: painful urination, frequent urge to urinate, urinary difficulties, and reduced velocity flow of urine, among others.
How Does Diet Impact Prostate Health
Diet plays a major part in keeping your prostate in good shape. One way is keeping a moderate amount of meat in your diet. This is because a meat-based diet can trigger the risk factors of prostate enlargement and even prostate cancer.9 But meats rich in Omega-3 is an exception as it helps fight early signs of prostate cancer.10
More importantly, adding fruits and vegetables in your diet is necessary, but not all of them can help improve prostate health. Go for those that are rich in fiber, zinc, and antioxidants.11 But in case you are already diagnosed with prostate problems, do not self medicate or build a meal plan immediately. It is still best to consult your physician to guide you more accurately with your diet.
Self-testing is the best way to spot early signs of prostate problem. You can purchase your own self-test kit which is available if recommended by a general practitioner of registered nurse.
Natural Remedies vs Other Treatments
Saw Palmetto
The most popular of these is Saw Palmetto, a dwarf palm tree that can be found in southeast regions North America. Though its effectiveness is still unclear, there are several clinical studies suggesting that it has the necessary antioxidants and nutrients to aid BPH and prostate health.12
It has hormone-balancing agents that prevent the testosterone to transform into dihydrotestosterone (DHT), its inflammatory form responsible for prostate enlargement.13 It can also decrease prostate cancer cells, aid urinary problems and inflammations related to BPH, and even help maintain sperm health.14
Though Saw Palmetto seems promising for prostate health, its benefits still need to be proven further by additional studies. As for the side effects due to unregulated usage, it may cause digestive distress, nausea, and headache.15 With this, precaution is still necessary if you decide to add this to your health regimen. Ask for your doctor’s advice before using it.
There are certain diet or foods to cut back to decrease the risk of prostate problems as recommended by experts. These include red or processed meat, salt, sweetened drinks such as fruits juices and sodas.
Other Natural Remedies To Combat Enlarged Prostate Symptoms
Saw Palmetto is just one of the known natural remedies for prostate health. There are other organic treatments that might give you the same effects. To help you look for those alternatives, here’s a list of other natural remedies for prostate enlargement:16
- Pumpkin seed - it has beta-sitosterol that can help urine flow and empty the bladder. 10g of pumpkin seed extract daily is said to ease BPH discomforts.
- Lycopene - usually found in tomatoes, it slows down the progression of BPH. It can lower the level of prostate specific antigen (PSA) which is responsible for BPH, prostate inflammation, and cancer.17
- Pygeum - it contains fatty acids, alcohols and anti-inflammatory properties that can aid urination problems. Daily intake of 100 to 200mg of its extract may help regulate BPH symptoms.
- Stinging nettle - like the others, it has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant components good for BPH. It is commonly used together with Saw Palmetto for enhanced effects. Its use is also subject for further testing.
- Zi-Shen Pill (ZSP) - it is an oriental medicine that encapsulates three medicinal plants including Chinese cinnamon. Animal research shows that it reduces BPH levels in rats. Yet, its effects still need to be studied further.
- Green tea - it is an oriental medicine that encapsulates three medicinal plants including Chinese cinnamon. Animal research shows that it reduces BPH levels in rats. Yet, its effects still need to be studied further.
There’s nothing wrong in aiding prostate health through natural ways. But these should not be a substitute for proper medication and medical advice. Also keep in mind that some of these natural remedies have to be tested further to prove their effectiveness for prostate health.
Prostate supplements inhibits causes that lead to prostate problems. These plant- or herb-based supplements such as saw palmetto are known to inhibit prostate enlargement, boosting urine stream, and helps empty the bladder.
Foods To Introduce To Your Diet
As mentioned, diet is essential in keeping a healthy prostate. Without a carefully planned diet, what you eat might contradict with the medications and supplements you are taking, or worsen symptoms of prostate enlargement. Here’s a quick guide for food groups that should be on your diet:
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- Green leafy vegetables - leafy vegetables like broccoli is rich in antioxidants which is good for lessening the risks for prostate cancer and BPH. Garlic and onion are also good for preventing infection that can lead to inflammation and can boost your immune system.
- Sesame seeds - Zinc is necessary for a healthy prostate but is commonly low for those who were diagnosed with BPH or prostate cancer. Sesame seeds can help regulate zinc levels in the body. Zinc can also be found in adzuki beans, almonds, and pumpkin seeds.
- Tomatoes - these are rich in lycopene and help cure prostate inflammation, fight prostate cancer cells, and regulate other prostate problems. You can also get lycopene from watermelons, apricots, papaya, and pink grapefruit.
- Avocados - they have beta-sitosterol components that can aid urinary flow and reduce urine volume residue. You can also get this component from soybeans, wheat germ, pecans, and pumpkin seeds.
- Bell peppers - research tells that Vitamin C found in vegetables, especially bell peppers, are beneficial for prostate health. A cup of raw bell peppers can provide you with twice the Vitamin C daily requirement. Brussel sprouts, kale, cauliflower, and broccoli are also good alternatives.
- Soy - soy products in general produce isoflavones that can help stop BPH growth and decrease cancer cell generation in the prostate. Tofu, soymilk, and edamame are its common forms.
- Salmon - this is rich in Omega 3 that can help with the inflammation of the prostate gland. You can also get this component from walnuts, chia seeds, kidney beans, and canola oil.
Moreover, eating the right food is just a part of a good diet. It should also be done with frequent drinking of water as it helps to dilute concentrated urine. This helps avoid BPH symptoms like bladder irritations leading to urination difficulties, nocturia (or frequent urination at night), and bacterial infections.19
There are two different types of prostate exam: (1) Digital Rectam Exam (DRE) and (2) Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) test. DRE is the most common due to its simplicity and speed. While PSA is taking blood samples to see whether PSA levels are above than normal.
Things To Remember
There are many ways to keep a healthy prostate nowadays. Even though medical advancements are readily available to address prostate problems, natural remedies are still the way to go for most men experiencing it. While there’s nothing wrong with it, you still need caution in using them.
And just because it’s “natural” it’s already safe. Remember that herbal medications and other natural remedies are not regulated by the FDA. Intaking them without the proper dosage or preparation might cause more harm than improving your prostate heath. Talk to your doctor first before taking any natural remedy.