The enlarged prostate is also known as BPH (benign prostatic hyperplasia). This is a type of disorder which is generally affecting men that are 50 years of age and older. Enlarged prostate is not the same as prostate cancer. The prostate is a small and muscular gland which is located in the male reproductive system.
It is a known fact that this muscular gland (prostate) has the shape of a walnut. The prostate surrounds the urethra just below the urinary bladder, and it adds fluid to semen to allow sperm mobility. As we age, the cells of the gland begin to multiply, which leads to an enlarged prostate. The exact cause of enlarged prostate is not known, but the changes in the male sex hormones with age can be a factor.
Also, there are other factors that can increase the risk of enlarged prostates, such as obesity, heart disease, diabetes, and family history. There are some studies which are shown that enlarged prostate tends to be more common in men of Asian heritage than in other races [1]. There are many males who suffer from an enlarged prostate and who have either no symptoms or very mild symptoms. But there are many males who have symptoms that can interfere with the quality of their life.
The most common symptoms of enlarged prostate are a feeling of incomplete bladder emptying, continued dribbling of urine, a weak urine stream, trouble starting a stream of urine, increased frequency of urination at night, and a frequent urge to urinate. You need to talk with your doctor if you suffer from enlarged prostate because he or she will tell you which the best natural treatment for you is.
9 Enlarged prostate treatment
Contents
Apple cider vinegar
Raw and unfiltered apple cider vinegar has astringent properties, which can help to shrink swollen prostate glands. Also, it can aid in weight loss, and it can help to prevent the complications of enlarged prostate like UTIs [2].
You should mix one to two tablespoons of raw and unfiltered apple cider vinegar and add one tablespoon of honey to one glass of warm water. You should drink this home remedy two times per day. Also, there is another option, and that is to add one cup of apple cider vinegar to a bathtub of water, and you should soak in it for ten to fifteen minutes. You should enjoy this soothing bath a few times per week.
Corn silk
This is a time-tested home remedy that can help to fight off the symptoms of prostate enlargement [3]. It acts like a natural diuretic, and it can help to relax the urinary muscles and lining. This will lead to improved urine flow.
You should put the silk of six ears of fresh corn in four cups of water. You should bring it to a boil and then simmer it for another ten minutes. You should strain it and then drink up to three cups of this corn silk tea on a daily basis.
Also, you have a second option, which you can make, and that is to add 15 drops of corn silk extract to one cup of water, and you should drink it a few times per day.
Stinging nettle
This home remedy can help to lessen the symptoms of enlarged prostate. The root has essential bioactive phytochemicals which can help to shrink the prostate tissue. It is diuretic in nature, and it can encourage the elimination of inflammatory wastes through urination.
You should add one teaspoon of dried nettle leaves to one cup of hot water. You should steep it for ten minutes and then strain it. You should consume this tea two or three times per day.
Also, you can take a stinging nettle supplement, and the usual amount of it is 300 mg per day. You need to talk with your doctor before you start using this supplement because he will tell you the correct dosage. [4]
Sitz bath
The contrast sitz bath is an effective and soothing home remedy for enlarged prostate. The cold bath will ease the pain while the hot bath will help to relax pelvic muscles, promote healing and reduce swelling.
You should fill one bathtub with warm water and then add ½ of Epsom salt to it. Then, you should fill another bathtub with cold water and then add a few drops of lavender essential oil to it. First, you should sit in the bathtub filled with hot water up to your waist for three minutes. Then, you should sit in the bathtub with cold water up to your waist for one minute. You should do this two more times. You should always do the last bath in cool water. You should have the sitz bath a few times each week. You should not follow this home remedy if you have acute bacterial prostatitis.
Aerobic and resistance exercises
You should stay active because this is good for the prostate and overall health. If you are not active, then this can lead to obesity which is one of the leading causes of enlarged prostate.
Also, when you do even a small amount of exercises, such as aerobic and resistance exercises, then it can help to reduce the urinary problems which are caused by an enlarged prostate, and it can help to prevent this problem.
It is known that aerobic exercises can help to maintain a healthy weight. You should incorporate aerobic exercises like rowing, basketball, tennis, running, jogging, and walking in your daily routine.
Resistance exercises can reduce inflammation, and they can help to improve strength and muscle tone. Lifting weight, push-ups, and swimming are some examples of resistance exercises. You should do these exercises for thirty minutes, a few times per week.
Kegel exercises
Kegel exercises are also known as pelvic-strengthening exercises. They can help to ease some of the discomforts of enlarged prostate because they can help to tighten and clench specific pelvic muscles to help control urination.
You need to empty your bladder and then lie on the floor with your knees bent and apart. You should tighten your pelvic floor muscles for five seconds and then relax them for five seconds. You should repeat ten to twenty times, three or four times each day. Pelvic floor muscles are those muscles that are used to stop the urine flow.
Also, there is another option, and that is to squeeze the muscles in your anus and then relax your pelvic floor muscles. You should do this exercise ten to twenty times, a few times per day. You should regularly perform Kegel exercises throughout the day. You can make them after you wake up in the morning, at lunchtime, in the evening, and before you go to bed.
You should target your pelvic muscles only, and you should avoid tightening the muscles in your thighs, buttocks, or stomach. If you have difficulties locating your pelvic muscles, then you should get help from an expert. Men who suffer from chronic pelvic pain syndrome or chronic prostatitis should avoid doing these exercises.
Tomatoes
They are rich in lycopene which can help to ease the symptoms of enlarged prostate. Lycopene can help to lower the levels of PSA (prostate-specific antigen) connected to BPH and prostate inflammation.
Also, it can help to lower bladder pressure, and in turn, it can shrink the enlarged prostate. You should include tomato and tomato products like tomato juice, puree, and sauce in your diet. Also, you can take a lycopene supplement after you have talked with your doctor. [5]
Pumpkin seeds
This home remedy can help to shrink the enlarged prostate in size. They have diuretic properties which can help the urine flow. Also, pumpkin seeds are rich in zinc. There are many studies in which it is said that in many cases, males who have enlarged prostate have zinc deficiency [6]. These seeds also have Omega – 3 fatty acids which can aid prostate functioning.
You should eat pumpkin seeds plain without adding any salt. You should eat a handful of pumpkin seeds per day. Also, you can put a handful of crushed fresh pumpkin seeds in a large cup. You should add boiling water to the cup and then let it cool to room temperature. You should strain and drink a cup of this tea a few times per week.
Also, you can eat foods that are rich in zinc, such as yogurt, cashews, beans, fortified breakfast cereals, crab, and oysters.
Dietary changes
You should eat a healthy diet because it can help you to control and reduce the symptoms of enlarged prostate [7].
You should eat two servings a week of fish that is high in Omega – 3 oils, such as salmon, mackerel, or tuna. Also, you can include soy and soy-based foods in your diet.
You should eat a diet that is low in meats and starches. You should include vegetables likes Brussels sprouts, kale, cauliflower, broccoli, and red bell peppers in your diet. You should use polyunsaturated fat in your cooking. You should be sure to use it in moderation.
References:
[1] Xia S-J, Cui D, Jiang Q. An overview of prostate diseases and their characteristics specific to Asian men. Asian Journal of Andrology. 2012;14(3):458-464.
[2] Yagnik D, Serafin V, Shah AJ. Antimicrobial activity of apple cider vinegar against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans; downregulating cytokine and microbial protein expression. Scientific Reports. 2018;8:1732.
[3] Kim SR, Ha AW, Choi HJ, et al. Corn silk extract improves benign prostatic hyperplasia in experimental rat model. Nutrition Research and Practice. 2017;11(5):373-380.
[4] Chrubasik JE, Roufogalis BD, Wagner H, Chrubasik S. A comprehensive review on the stinging nettle effect and efficacy profiles. Part II: urticae radix. Phytomedicine. 2007;14(7-8):568-79.
[5] Xu X, Li J, Wang X, et al. Tomato consumption and prostate cancer risk: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Scientific Reports. 2016;6:37091.
[6] Zhao J, Wu Q, Hu X, et al. Comparative study of serum zinc concentrations in benign and malignant prostate disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Scientific Reports. 2016;6:25778.
[7] Liu Z-m, Wong CKM, Chan D, et al. Fruit and vegetable intake in relation to lower urinary tract symptoms and erectile dysfunction among southern Chinese elderly men:
A 4-year prospective study of Mr. OS Hong Kong. Medicine (Baltimore). 2016;95(4):e2557.
