An enlarged prostate is a common issue for men as they age. BPH can make it uncomfortable to urinate and cause you to wake up at night to go to the bathroom. While medical treatments are available, some people explore natural remedies to support prostate health and potentially alleviate urinary symptoms associated with BPH.
Understanding BPH and Its Symptoms
The prostate, a walnut-sized gland located below the bladder, naturally grows with age. This growth can block the urethra and lead to symptoms of BPH, including:
Weak or slow urine flow
Frequent urination, especially at night
Difficulty starting urination
Inability to completely empty the bladder
If BPH is affecting your life, consider exploring natural remedies as a potential option to support prostate health and potentially alleviate urinary symptoms.
Here are seven popular natural remedies. (Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new treatment regimen.)
Natural Remedies to relieve an Enlarged Prostate Symptoms
1. Green Tea
Green tea is antioxidant-rich and may protect prostate cells. Green tea might slow the growth of prostate cells and relieve urinary tract symptoms.
Green tea contains caffeine, so limiting your intake can help avoid irritation for those with BPH. Several studies have suggested that compounds in green tea, particularly catechins, may have anti-proliferative effects on prostate cells. This means they might slow down the growth of these cells.
While more research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms involved, the available evidence is promising.
Are you a male over 50?
Assess BPH symptoms.Today. At-Home.
2. Pumpkin Seeds
Pumpkin seeds are rich in zinc and other nutrients that contribute to prostate health. Zinc can help reduce the risk of prostate enlargement and support healthy testosterone levels.
Consuming a handful of pumpkin seeds daily or adding them to salads and stews may provide gradual relief. Pumpkin seeds are indeed a good source of zinc, a mineral that plays a role in prostate health. Studies have suggested that zinc supplementation may help reduce prostate enlargement and improve urinary symptoms in men with BPH.
Additionally, zinc is essential for the production of testosterone.
3. Omega-3
Omega-3 fatty acids in salmon help reduce inflammation in the body, including the prostate gland. Omega-3s may help with BPH urinary tract symptoms. Eating more omega-3 foods or taking supplements can help treat an enlarged prostate.
4. Saw palmetto
Saw palmetto is a popular herbal remedy that may help reduce prostate enlargement. Some studies show that saw palmetto may help with urinary problems. The results are mixed, but it is often used as a natural remedy for an enlarged prostate.
5. Fruits and Vegetables Rich in Lycopene
Fruits and veggies like tomatoes, watermelon, and pink grapefruit contain lycopene, which can help reduce prostate cancer and BPH risk. Lycopene may slow prostate growth and improve prostate health.
Eating lots of colorful, healthy fruits and vegetables can help your prostate. Fruits and vegetables are excellent sources of essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber, making them a crucial part of a healthy diet.
Beyond lycopene, fruits and vegetables offer numerous benefits for overall health, including vitamins & minerals, fibers and antioxidants. A diverse intake of colorful fruits and vegetables can help adult men meet their nutritional needs and reduce the risk of various health problems.
6. Stinging Nettle
Stinging nettle is a traditional herbal remedy that has been used for centuries to treat various health conditions, including BPH. There is some evidence to suggest that stinging nettle may be beneficial for BPH. Some studies have shown that it may help reduce urinary symptoms, such as frequent urination and urgency, associated with BPH.
Stinging nettle can be taken as a supplement or brewed as a tea. It is often used in combination with other herbal remedies, such as saw palmetto, to enhance its effects.
7. Rye Grass Pollen
Rye grass pollen is another supplement that some find helpful in managing BPH symptoms. Known for its ability to reduce inflammation and support urine flow, rye grass pollen may improve overall prostate health.
It can be taken as a supplement, but consult with a healthcare provider to confirm its suitability. Rye grass (Secale cereale) is a cereal grain. A product made from rye grass pollen extract (Cernilton) is a registered pharmaceutical product in Europe.
Lifestyle Changes to Support Prostate Health
In addition to natural remedies and medical treatments, adopting certain lifestyle changes can help manage symptoms of an enlarged prostate and promote overall prostate health:
Diet and Hydration:
Balanced nutrition: A well-balanced diet, rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein, provides essential nutrients that support prostate health.
Hydration: Staying adequately hydrated is important for overall health and can help prevent urinary tract infections, which may be more common in men with BPH.
Limit irritants: Reducing or avoiding caffeine, alcohol, and excess fluids before bed can help minimize nighttime urination and bladder irritation.
Concerned about weak or interrupted urine flow?
Assess BPH symptoms.Today. At-home.
iOS >
Exercise:
Weight management: Regular physical activity helps maintain a healthy weight, which can reduce the pressure on the prostate and improve overall health.
Pelvic floor exercises: Strengthening the pelvic floor muscles can improve bladder control and may alleviate some BPH symptoms. Kegel exercises are a simple and effective way to target these muscles.
Limit Certain Medications
Medication review: Some medications, such as antihistamines and decongestants, can worsen urinary symptoms in men with BPH.
Consult a healthcare provider: If you're taking any medications, discuss their potential impact on your prostate with your healthcare provider. They may be able to recommend alternatives or adjust your dosage.
Additional Considerations:
Stress management: Chronic stress can contribute to BPH symptoms. Incorporating stress-reduction techniques like meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises into your routine can be beneficial.
Smoking cessation: Smoking is linked to increased inflammation and can contribute to prostate problems. Quitting smoking can improve overall health and potentially alleviate BPH symptoms.
Regular check-ups: Even if you're managing BPH symptoms through lifestyle changes, it's important to schedule regular check-ups with your healthcare provider to monitor your condition and address any new concerns.
By making these lifestyle changes and working closely with your healthcare provider, you can effectively manage BPH symptoms and improve your overall quality of life.
Medical treatment options
Some cases of BPH may need medical help. Options include:
Medications: Alpha-blockers relax the muscles and bladder, making it easier to urinate. 5-alpha reductase inhibitors may slow prostate growth.
Minimally Invasive Procedures: For more severe cases, doctors may remove excess prostate tissue with a procedure called TURP.
Conclusion
Natural remedies like green tea, pumpkin seeds, and omega-3s can help relieve your BPH symptoms. A healthy diet, regular exercise, and avoiding certain triggers may help reduce the impact of BPH.
Check with your doctor before starting any supplement or remedy, especially if you have prostate issues. These steps help your prostate health and quality of life.
Are you a male over the age of 50?
Notice any of these signs?
✔️ A weak or interrupted urine flow
✔️ Frequent, urgent trips to the bathroom
✔️ Difficulty fully emptying your bladder
If any of these apply to you, you may have benign prostatic hyperplasia(BPH).
Simply install the app, use it while urinating, and get results in seconds.
The proudP is,
Home urine flow test app
Instant, real-time results: OK - Fair - Weak - Very Weak
Free to download on the app store, easy installation
Assess your home restroom directly with the app—no extra tools needed
FDA Class II medical device application
Trusted and used by urologists
Assess BPH symptoms.Today. At-Home.
sources,
Harvard Medical School, Natural Ways to Treat an Enlarged Prostate
Medical News Today, How to Shrink the Prostate Naturally
Healthline, 6 Natural Remedies for Enlarged Prostate (BPH)
Johns Hopkins Medicine, Natural Remedies for Enlarged Prostate and Other Treatment Options
Midwest Institute for Non-surgical Therapy (MINT), Natural Ways To Treat An Enlarged Prostate
*Disclaimer: This article is not intended to provide any medical advice. This information should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.