How to Shrink Your Prostate: 10 Natural Remedies for Prostatitis and Adenomas

Prostate enlargement is caused by inflammation and swelling caused by prostatitis or tissue proliferation caused by benign hyperplasia (prostatic adenoma).In all cases, men experience discomfort, perineal heaviness, some urinary disturbance, and often sexual problems.Prostatic hypertrophy can negatively impact quality of life and requires qualified treatment by a urologist.In addition to classic medications that reduce prostate volume (such as tamsulosin or doxazosin), natural therapies are also available for the treatment of dysuria to complement and enhance the therapeutic effect.

Natural remedies to reduce prostate size

African Plum (Prunus africana, Pygeum, African Plum)

African plum bark extract contains a variety of fatty acids, as well as beta-sitosterol, a substance with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects on the genitourinary tract.Several independent studies have confirmed that taking 100-200 mg of the extract daily can significantly shrink the prostate gland in patients with BPH.

Saw Palmetto (Serenoa repens)

Dwarf palm extract has long been used to treat adenomas. It is part of this class of well-known urological drugs. Limited research has confirmed that saw palmetto extract reduces the dysuria symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia by interfering with testosterone biosynthesis.Some scientists found the opposite: saw palmetto did not affect bladder emptying any more than a placebo. Urologists have different views on this issue.Information: Unlike our country and the countries of the CIS, in which preparations based on saw palmetto and other similar products are considered medicines, in the United States saw palmetto extract is a dietary supplement.

Radix Pseudostellariae, Zi-Shen, ZSP

The medicinal plant Radix Pseudostellariae, more precisely the root of Radix Pseudostellariae, is a component of the ancient Chinese medicine Zishen (ZSP). Its formula has been used in China since the 13th century, and recent studies have confirmed the effectiveness of "nourishing the kidneys" against adenomas.A unique product containing more than 100 bioactive substances is popular in the United States and is currently being actively researched by local scientists.

Sernilton Pollen Extract

American food supplement Cernilton is an enzyme-treated pollen extract using a special patented technology. Limited research conducted in the late 1990s and early 2000s demonstrated Cernilton's effectiveness in treating chronic prostatitis and adenomas. In particular, taking the extract may promote more complete emptying of the bladder and reduce the frequency of nighttime urges.Despite its popularity around the world, Senelton has never been tested in large-scale clinical trials, so its status as a dietary supplement remains low.

Babassu Palm Oil (Orbignya spiosa, Babassu)

The babassu palm is a Brazilian plant that has been used by indigenous tribes for centuries to treat prostatitis and other urinary tract ailments.Babassu nut oil reduces testosterone production, while other parts of the nut contain substances with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

Nettle (Urtica dioica, nettle extract)

Nettle leaf extract contains antioxidant and anti-inflammatory substances and has a synergistic effect with dwarf palm and African plum. Evidence-based medicine in the United States considers nettle's effects on prostatitis and adenomas to be unproven, so the plant is only used in supplements.

Pumpkin seed oil (Cucurbita pepo, pumpkin seeds)

Pumpkin seeds are rich in sterols, including beta-sitosterol, a plant cholesterol analog. According to scientists, this substance can improve urination and reduce residual urine output in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).The literature recommends using 10 grams of peeled pumpkin seeds daily to treat BPH symptoms. Pumpkin oil is produced in liquid, capsule, and candle forms.

Lycopene, or Lycopene

Lycopene is a natural remedy for adenomas and prostatitis and can be obtained from many fruits and vegetables. In 2012, Dr. Giovanni Espinoza of New York University reported that this substance could slow the progression of prostatic hyperplasia and help shrink the prostate.For most men, tomatoes are the richest source of lycopene. But papaya, watermelon, guava, carrot and apricot can be considered as alternative sources.

Dietary supplements containing zinc

Zinc deficiency increases the risk of adenomas, so urologists recommend taking zinc sulfate (Zincteral) or nutritional supplements containing this "male" trace element. Limited scientific evidence suggests that daily zinc supplementation reduces prostate volume in patients with chronic prostatitis and prostatic hyperplasia.Zinc is found in chicken, seafood, and various seeds and nuts.

Green tea extract (Camellia sinensis)

Green tea differs from black tea in that it contains high levels of antioxidants called catechins, which stimulate the immune system and theoretically inhibit the inflammatory process. Additionally, studies have shown that catechins can slow the development of prostate cancer in vitro.However, it is important for older men to remember the caffeine contained in green tea. Due to its diuretic properties, caffeine can worsen symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia in some patients.

Lifestyle during prostatitis and adenoma treatment

Nutritional supplements are great, but your habits, correct lifestyle, and nutrition play an immeasurable role in the complex treatment of chronic prostatitis and prostatic hyperplasia.If the prostate is enlarged, urologists recommend:

• Avoid alcohol, including beer and low-alcohol drinks.
• Use the bathroom before leaving home and before going to bed to avoid embarrassing moments in public places and reduce the number of times you wake up during the night.
• Empty your bladder completely after using the toilet to reduce bladder leakage.
• After urinating, gently massage the urethra to expel residual urine.
• Drink small amounts of water throughout the day and don't get drunk 2 hours before bed.
• If necessary, use a urological pad to prevent discomfort and unpleasant consequences of wet underwear.
• Avoid a sedentary lifestyle and move around as much as possible.
• Avoid stress, which can increase urination.
• Drink at least 2 liters of fluid every day.

What are the causes of prostate enlargement?

While prostatitis can be caused by infection, the vast majority of cases of adenoma are idiopathic, meaning there is no specific cause. Urologists are still figuring out what causes the abnormal growth of prostate tissue. Unlike prostatitis, which affects "all ages, " BPH primarily affects men over the age of 40, with the incidence increasing dramatically with age.Some foreign studies believe that adenomas are caused by natural hormonal changes that occur in men during the aging process.As we age, our hormone levels change dramatically, especially testosterone, estrogen, and dihydrotestosterone (DHT). It is thought that an imbalance of these hormones "confuses" glandular cells.Risk factors for prostate hyperplasia:

• old age
• presence of diabetes
• family history
• overweight and obesity
• coronary heart disease
• East Asian roots

On average, 50% of men have some degree of benign prostatic hyperplasia by the age of 60.By the age of 85, almost 90% of men will have an enlarged prostate.Recommended foods for adenoma and prostatitis
Treatment of prostatitis and benign prostatic hyperplasia should be supplemented by a proper diet. These male diseases cannot be solved with just one pill. Successful treatment requires a continuous and comprehensive approach.Recommended products for prostatitis and adenoma:

• Sources of fiber: Whole grains, legumes, dark leafy green vegetables
• Sources of antioxidants: Bright vegetables and fruits in a rainbow of colors ("rainbow plates")
• Sources of zinc: poultry, eggs, seafood, nuts and pumpkin seeds
• Phytoestrogens: soy products, broad beans, chickpeas, alfalfa
• Omega-3 acids: salmon, nuts and seeds (chia, hemp)

Men with prostatitis and benign prostatic hyperplasia should limit alcohol, nicotine, caffeine, carbonated drinks, refined carbohydrates, and red meat.