Treatment for Enlarged Prostate & Prostatitis: Diet, Herbs, Supplements

Men’s Prostate Health Articles

NOTE: The suggestions offered in this page are not intended to replace appropriate medical treatment. The supplements and medications recommended should be approved and monitored by your medical doctor or trained health care professional.

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Treatment for Enlarged Prostate & Prostatitis: Diet, Herbs, Supplements ↓

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When a man hits his mid-forties, his prostate often begins to grow again, probably due to changes in hormone levels. The result? A condition called benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BPH, the technical term for enlarged prostate.

Enlarged prostate isn’t the only ailment that strikes the prostate. At one time or another, roughly 50% of all men develop prostatitis, a condition in which the prostate gland becomes inflamed.

A proper diagnosis is critical for both enlarged prostate (BPH) and prostatitis, since symptoms can mimic those of prostate cancer, and, in some cases, prescription drugs and even surgery may be warranted. Once you’ve been diagnosed, though, there’s much you can do at home to treat both conditions. Here’s what the experts recommends:

Herbal Treatment for Enlarged Prostate

Saw Palmetto – The berry extract of this southeastern United States palm tree is widely used to treat BPH. 18 clinical studies concluded that saw palmetto yielded improvements similar to those produced by finisteride, a commonly-prescribed testosterone-lowering drug, but with fewer side effects. Among the benefits are stronger urinary flow, fewer nighttime trips to the bathroom, less urine held in the bladder following urination, and less urinary frequency. Because saw palmetto is such an effective herbal remedy for this condition, you should consult your doctor for proper diagnosis and monitoring before using it to treat an enlarged prostate.

African Pygeum – Used extensively in Europe for the treatment of BPH, several studies find this fruit of an African evergreen tree effective, possibly because it diminishes inflammation. “The active extract seems to reduce symptoms of frequent nighttime urination and difficulty urinating,” says Winston Craig, R.D., Ph.D. Although african pygeum appears to be a safe herb, you should consult your doctor for proper diagnosis and monitoring before using it to treat a serious condition such as enlarged prostate.

Nettle Root – Nettle root extract appears to have steroidal and anti-inflammatory properties that benefit men with BPH, says Dr. Craig.

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Natural Foods for Enlarged Prostate and Prostatitis

Pumpkin Seeds – contain high levels of phytosterols and zinc—both critical for the prostate’s well-being. Dr. Craig recommends 1 – 2 teaspoons of ground pumpkin seeds mixed with liquid twice a day.

Tomatoes – Lycopene, the compound that tints tomatoes red, can do more than add color to your salad. In studies, higher tomato consumption is associated with a reduced risk of prostate cancer. Matin K. Gelbard, M.D., prescribes tomatoes for patients with BPH and prostatitis. “It helps relieve symptoms and may prevent the progression of prostate enlargement,” he says. Dr. Gelbard suggests eating 2 or 3 tomatoes or tomato-based products a day.

Eliminate from your lifestyle such items as tobacco, alcoholic beverages (especially beer and wine), caffeine (especially coffee and tea), chlorinated and fluoridated water, and spicy and junk foods. Limit your exposure to pesticides and other environmental contaminants. ¹

Other Supplements for Prostate Health

Prostate Enzyme formula from Prevail Corporation, Prostate Rx from Biotec Corporation, and Prost-Actin from Nature’s Plus are complexes designed to promote prostate health.

Zinc deficiency is linked to enlargement of the prostate. Soil used for farming is often deficient in zinc, and unless you eat husks of cereals or brewer’s yeast, it is difficult to get enought zinc in the diet. Alcohol causes a deficiency of zinc, and other serious nutritional deficiencies. However, too much zinc (over 100 milligrams a day) can depress immune function. ¹

Treatment for Enlarged Prostate with Self-Care

The choice of a treatment is based on the severity of your symptoms, the extent to which they affect your daily life, and the presence of any other medical conditions. Treatment options include “watchful waiting,” lifestyle changes, medication, or surgery.

If you are over 60, you are more likely to have symptoms. But many men with an enlarged prostate have only minor symptoms. Self-care steps are often enough to make you feel better.

If you have BPH, you should have a yearly exam to monitor the progression of your symptoms and determine if any changes in treatment are necessary.

For mild symptoms:

Urinate when you first get the urge. Also, go to the bathroom when you have the chance, even if you don’t feel a need to urinate.
Avoid alcohol and caffeine, especially after dinner.
Don’t drink a lot of fluid all at once. Spread out fluids throughout the day. Avoid drinking fluids within 2 hours of bedtime.
Try NOT to take over-the-counter cold and sinus medications that contain decongestants or antihistamines. These medications can increase BPH symptoms.
Keep warm and exercise regularly. Cold weather and lack of physical activity may worsen symptoms.
Learn and perform Kegel exercises (pelvic strengthening exercises).
Reduce stress. Nervousness and tension can lead to more frequent urination.²

Sources:
¹ Phyllis Balch, Prescription for Nutritional Healing, pp. 656, 657
²http://health.nytimes.com
The Doctors Book of Home Remedies, pp. 635-638

More Information Online

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