There are a lot of great things about getting older as a man. You’re wiser, for one, and perhaps you’ve settled into your skin a bit more, and you feel more confident about the life you lead.
There are downsides too – and perhaps none as insidious as an excessively enlarged prostate – otherwise known as benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BPH. An enlarged prostate can clamp down on the urethra and restrict the flow of urine from the bladder. This leads to problems such as the need for frequent urination – which of course can disrupt sleep patterns – annoying to say the least!
There are several treatment options, including a wide range of natural remedies and lifestyle changes, which may help ease symptoms of BPH.
There are some options you can try that have been found to help treat enlarged prostate and don’t include prescription medications or surgery. However, please keep in mind that while natural remedies can help ease discomfort, you should always make sure to discuss your circumstances with a urologist.
One of the best natural remedies for enlarged prostate is simply leading a healthy lifestyle. When you make sure that your diet is filled with nutrient dense food and you get enough exercise, you’ll be less likely to develop severe symptoms of enlarged prostate. Try to incorporate pelvic strengthening exercises into your daily routine and limit your intake of caffeine and alcohol—both of which are irritating to the bladder. Some other natural remedies include:
- Pygeum – this is from an African plum tree and has been used to help treat urinary problems like enlarged prostate for centures.
- Saw Palmetto – this is an herbal remedy that’s been used for centuries to help relieve urinary symptoms, especially those pertaining to enlarged prostates.
- Beta-Sitosterol – taken from a combination of plants, this has been suggested to relieve urinary symptoms of enlarged prostate after several studies were conducted.
- Rye Grass Pollen Extract (Cernilton) – this is made from rye, timothy, and corn grass pollen and has been suggested to help improve nighttime symptoms of enlarged prostate such as getting up to urinate. It is commonly sold in supplement aisles at pharmacies and health stores.
- Stinging Nettle – the hairs on this plant can cause intense pain, but when used as a medicine it can sometimes help improve enlarged prostate symptoms.
- Babassu – also known as Orbignya speciose, this is a type of palm tree found in Brazil that helps to treat urogenital symptoms and contains anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
- Pumpkin Seed – pumpkin seeds contain beta-sitosterol, which have been suggested to help improve urine flow and reduce the amount of urine left in the bladder after urination.
- Lycopene – commonly found in tomatoes, this natural pigment may help slow the progression of enlarged prostate.
- Zinc – zinc deficiencies have been shown to contribute to the likelihood of developing enlarged prostate symptoms, so adding a zinc supplement may help reduce your risk factors.
- Green Tea – the antioxidants in green tea are great for your whole body, but catechins could help slow the progression of prostate cancer and other urologic conditions.
Foods that may help
Several types of foods and nutrients can reduce or trigger BPH and its associated symptoms.
Foods that may be beneficial to BPH include:
- fiber-rich foods, such as whole grains, legumes, beans, and dark, leafy greens
- fruits and vegetables rich in antioxidants, usually dark red, yellow, and orange varieties
- foods rich in zinc, such as eggs, most types of seafood, and nuts
- products that contain phytoestrogens, such as soy foods, chickpeas, alfalfa, and fava beans
- foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, including most fish and some nuts and seeds, such as hemp and chia
Foods people with BPH, or those at risk of developing it, should avoid or limit include:
- caffeine
- artificial sweeteners
- alcohol
- nicotine
- carbonated drinks
- starchy, refined foods
- red meat
Making dietary changes may help manage or prevent an enlarged prostate and any resulting symptoms.
You can take back control of your BPH by finding ways to treat it. I am always here to help, so never worry about that!