As men age, hormonal changes can cause their prostate glands to grow. More specifically, increasing amounts of testosterone become metabolised into dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a known inflammatory. This makes the prostate glands grow bigger, which can create obstructions in the urinary tract.
Most of the time, an enlarged prostate doesn’t cause any serious health complications beyond an increased risk of urinary tract infections. However, it can press up against the urethra, making it difficult for men to empty their bladders and can create a frequent need to urinate. Thankfully, there are some natural remedies that can help. Read on to find out about six of the most effective natural remedies for treating the symptoms of an enlarged prostate.
Saw palmetto
Saw palmetto berries contain hormone-balancing chemicals that prevent the conversion of testosterone into DHT. This helps to avoid inflammatory responses, which reduces swelling in the prostate and keeps the gland a normal size. Without the extra pressure on the urethra, men find that it is easier to empty their bladders and unpleasant symptoms like discomfort and frequent urinary tract infections are eliminated.
As a secondary benefit, saw palmetto can also decrease men’s chances of developing erectile dysfunction. Visit reviveups.com to find carefully formulated herbal supplements for prostate health that contain saw palmetto and other beneficial natural ingredients.
Pumpkin seeds
Pumpkin seeds aren’t just a delicious snack. They’re also very healthy, especially for men with enlarged prostates. One European study of the effectiveness of pumpkin seed oil extract for treating the symptoms of enlarged prostates showed that symptoms improved after just 12 weeks of supplementation. Researchers believe that this beneficial effect is created by pumpkin seeds’ high levels of essential fatty acids and zinc.
Zinc deficiency is believed to be a risk factor for developing an enlarged prostate. Since zinc has anti-inflammatory properties, pumpkin seeds and other nutritional sources of zinc can also help ease symptoms that are already occurring.
Green tea
Green tea is a known anti-inflammatory. It can reduce the size of enlarged prostates, which also reduces pressure on the urethra and improves symptoms like difficulty urinating and the frequent need to evacuate the bladder. Green tea is good for men who are at risk of developing enlarged prostates and those who are already suffering from this disorder.
In men who already have enlarged prostates, green tea and green tea extract can protect against urinary tract infections. It has both anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties, so it goes beyond just making it easier to evacuate the bladder, which already reduces the chances of infection. It also kills the pathogens that cause UTIs.
Stinging nettle
Stinging nettle is often used in conjunction with saw palmetto to reduce men’s chances of developing enlarged prostates and treat the symptoms of those already suffering from this condition. It’s more popular in Europe than in the United States, and there haven’t been many rigorous scientific studies of how stinging nettle acts on the prostate, but there is plenty of anecdotal evidence that it helps since this plant has been used in folk medicine for centuries.
It’s relevant to note that stinging nettle does not reduce the size of enlarged prostates. It only treats the symptoms. However, some studies do suggest that the herb contains chemicals that directly affect hormones, including testosterone, and act on prostate cells. Stinging nettle can reduce multiple symptoms, including reduced urinary flow, frequent urge to urinate, incomplete emptying of the bladder, and post-urination drip.
Ryegrass pollen extract
Ryegrass pollen extract is derived from three types of rye plants found in Europe and Asia. Multiple scientific studies have shown that it can be effective at reducing the frequency of night-time urination and helping men empty their bladders completely, which can reduce the chances of developing urinary tract infections. One scientific meta-analysis showed that 83% of patients treated with ryegrass pollen extract self-reported positive responses to the therapy and none reported significant side effects.
As with most herbal medicines, ryegrass pollen extract may be best used in conjunction with other herbs that treat enlarged prostate. That’s why most men take supplements designed specifically with prostate health in mind. Most supplements that contain rye grass pollen extract are effective at treating the symptoms of existing prostate problems in addition to reducing men’s risk of developing enlarged prostates, to begin with, but this herbal remedy has only been shown to treat symptoms, not to reduce prostate size.
Turmeric
Turmeric contains the active ingredient curcumin, which is known for its anti-inflammatory properties. Most Americans only know turmeric as a common kitchen spice widely used in Asian foods, but recent studies investigating its effectiveness as an anti-inflammatory have yielded promising results in the medical realm, as well. Some researchers have suggested that curcumin extract can actually match over-the-counter drugs like ibuprofen, aspirin, and naproxen in effectiveness at treating inflammation without any of the potentially devastating side effects associated with those pharmaceutical drugs.
Turmeric can be incorporated into foods, taken as a herbal supplement, or even be mixed with creams and salves for topical applications. Most men who take turmeric for enlarged prostate look for curcumin capsules or supplements that contain this beneficial ingredient, as the amount of turmeric called for in most recipes won’t provide maximum therapeutic effects.
The bottom line
As men age, many of them develop enlarged prostates. Most of the time, this condition is benign, but that doesn’t mean it has no negative impact on older men’s lives. Those who are struggling with decreased quality of life as a result of an increased need to urinate, difficulty emptying the bladder, or frequent nighttime urination can find the relief they need using herbal supplements.
As long as they purchase supplements from reputable vendors, herbal supplements offer health-conscious men a safe and effective alternative to pharmaceutical drugs. Before starting a new health regimen, men should consult their doctors for detailed diagnoses and discussions of potential drug interactions. Bring the supplement bottle to the appointment so the doctor can evaluate the ingredients, and try to find a urologist who has experience with natural medicine.
Peter Wallace has been an advocate for mental health awareness for years. He holds a master’s degree in counselling from the University of Edinburgh.
