BPH, often known as an enlarged prostate, can interfere with urination and sexual function. However, a number of herbal treatments and behavioural modifications can halt or reduce prostate growth.

Although it can impact a person’s quality of life, BPH is often not a serious health issue.

In this post, we go through the reasons, symptoms, and 10 all-natural treatments for an enlarged prostate.

Treatment options depend on how severe a person’s BPH symptoms are. Alpha-blockers, 5-alpha reductase inhibitors, and even surgical intervention may be recommended by doctors if the problem is adversely affecting the patient’s quality of life.

By relaxing the muscles in the urethra and the neck of the bladder, alpha-blockers can increase urine flow and lessen the symptoms of BPH.

Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is produced when testosterone is changed into the medication 5-alpha reductase. An androgen called DHT encourages prostate cell growth and prevents prostate cell death. The prostate gland grows larger as a result of these impacts. The growth of the prostate can be slowed or stopped by preventing the synthesis of this androgen.

However, some people might choose to attempt natural BPH treatments. If at all possible, people who are interested in trying these treatments should speak with a doctor or an integrative medicine specialist first.

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Natural treatments for an enlarged prostate

1. Saw palmetto (Serenoa repens)

The palm known as saw palmetto is indigenous to the southeast of the country. This plant’s extract is a well-liked herbal supplement for BPH therapy.

5-alpha-reductase is inhibited by saw palmetto. It can decrease the number of estrogen and androgen (DHT) receptors and has anti-inflammatory actions.

Saw palmetto extract consumption every day is associated with a decrease in BPH symptoms, according to research. The plant extract most likely has this effect because it suppresses the synthesis of DHT, a hormone that may contribute to the development of the prostate.

There was no appreciable difference between saw palmetto and a placebo in the treatment of BPH symptoms, according to a 2012 investigation involving more than 5,600 participants. The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health has since reiterated similar findings.

2. Secale cereale (rye grass pollen)

To alleviate BPH symptoms and lessen prostate inflammation, some people take herbal supplements derived from rye grass pollen.

Rye grass pollen is commonly sold under the brand name Cernilton. The growth of the prostate may be slowed or stopped by this medicine.

Older research have shown that rye grass extract includes compounds that can suppress prostatic cell development and reduce inflammation. Consequently, symptoms of BPH including nighttime urination and frequent urination may get better.

Nevertheless, despite its widespread use, current research has not shown any conclusive evidence that Cernilton affects BPH symptoms. To determine the effectiveness of this natural therapy, more research is required.

3. Stinging nettle 

Pygeum and saw palmetto share antioxidant and anti-inflammatory chemicals with stinging nettle. In fact, nettle root and saw palmetto are frequently used in natural treatments for a variety of bladder diseases.

Nettle root extracts have been shown in a 2019 review to significantly lessen BPH symptoms and enhance the general quality of life for those who have the condition.

4. The Prunus Africana plant, Pygeum africanum

The African plum tree’s bark is where the Pygeum africanum extract is found. This extract contains a variety of fatty acids, alcohols, and sterols, including beta-sitosterol, and may have numerous health benefits. The urogenital system is impacted by the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of these compounds. The urine and genital organs make up the urogenital system.

There is a dearth of recent studies on the effectiveness of Pygeum africanum extract. However, a more recent 2007 research of BPH treatment outcomes across six European countries found that people taking the extract showed improvement.

The International Prostate Symptom Scores (IPSS) and quality of life were shown to have improved in 43% of subjects who got either Pygeum africanum or Serenoa repens (saw palmetto) after one year of therapy.

The overharvesting of pygeum bark at the moment is endangering the species, thus other options are more environmentally beneficial.

5. Lycopene

A naturally occurring pigment called lycopene is found in a variety of fruits and vegetables. A pilot study discovered that regular consumption of extra virgin olive oil supplemented with lycopene enhanced prostate health and decreased prostate-specific antigen levels.

The majority of people’s best source of lycopene is tomatoes, however a few other fruits and vegetables have lower concentrations of this antioxidant.

Typically, the more red or pink a fruit or vegetable is, the more lycopene it contains.

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Sources of lycopene include: 

    Papaya 

    Pink grapefruit and citrus fruits.

    Carrots, guava 

    Watermelon

    Red bell peppers

    Apricots

    Red radish

6. A green tea

High quantities of antioxidants found in green tea have been demonstrated in studies to strengthen the immune system and perhaps prevent the development of benign prostate cells.

Green tea does contain caffeine, though, so keep that in mind. Caffeine can stimulate the bladder and trigger an unexpected urge to urinate, which could make BPH symptoms worse.

7. Zinc

Zinc absorption in the intestines is inhibited by estrogen. A person’s consumption of zinc declines as they age because their estrogen levels rise.

According to research, men over 50 are more likely to develop BPH and prostate cancer if they have a chronic zinc deficit.

A person’s risk of having a zinc deficit can be decreased by taking zinc supplements or increasing their dietary intake of zinc. Additionally, zinc can reduce DHT synthesis and prevent this androgen from attaching to receptors, potentially easing BPH symptoms.

Zinc is found in poultry, shellfish, and a number of seeds and nuts, including sesame and pumpkin seeds. 

8. Soy

Soy is a low potency estrogen and a 5-alpha reductase inhibitor. Soy may interfere with the receptor sites that more potent estrogens employ to promote DHT synthesis.

One important substance that is found naturally in soy is beta-sitosterol. An older clinical trial discovered that taking 20 mg of beta-sitosterol three times a day improved urinary flow and reduced the amount of stored pee in the bladder in BPH patients.

9. Omega-3

An omega-3 fatty acid-rich diet can lessen the effects of substances that contribute to prostate inflammation.

Chia seeds, brussels sprouts, hemp seed as well as  walnuts, and various vegetable oils are among the foods high in omega-3 fatty acids.

10. Cranberry

Anti-inflammatory phytonutrients are found in cranberries.

21 males administered 500 mg of dried cranberry powder three times per day for six months as part of a short trial from 2010. The participants in the cranberry group improved more than those in the control group in terms of their IPSS, quality of life, and urine flow metrics. 

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