What to do in case of benign prostatic hyperplasia?

The prostate is a walnut-shaped gland that wraps around the urethra (the channel where urine comes out). It is part of a man’s reproductive system. One of its main jobs is to add fluid (called semen) to sperm. Although the gland is small at first, it tends to enlarge as a man ages. Excessive enlargement of the prostate leads to a condition called benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

In some cases, an enlarged prostate can block the urethra, which restricts the flow of urine from the bladder. This causes problems such as frequent urinationfrom difficulty urinatingfrom urinary leakage and urinary infections.

What natural remedies can help shrink an overly large prostate?

There are several treatment options for benign prostatic hypertrophy.

Men under medical advice, can take medication alpha-blockers as the terazosin (Hytrin) to help relax prostate musclesor some antibiotics for the chronic prostatitis (which can occur at the same time as BPH).

They can also take dutasteride (Avodart) or finasteride (Proscar) to reduce symptoms of enlarged prostate.

They may also experience surgery to remove extra-prostatic tissue. A common surgical procedure for BPH is the transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP).

Besides, there are also natural remedies that work against prostate growth. However, it is questionable whether these treatments are effective. I’American Urological Association does not currently recommend any herbal medicine for the management of BPH. If you want to try any of these natural remedies, talk to your doctor first.

SAW PALMETTO

A herbal remedy that comes from a type of palm tree: Saw Palmetto (Serenoa repens). It has been used in traditional medicine for centuries to relieve urinary symptoms, including those caused by an overly large prostate. According to National Institutes of Health (NIH), a few small-scale studies have suggested that saw palmetto may be effective in relieving symptoms of BPH.

However, the NIH reports that when larger studies were conducted, they did not find saw palmetto any more effective than an inactive pill (placebo). Saw palmetto is safe and does not cause serious side effects.

BETA-SITOSTEROL

This prostate remedy is a mixture of different herbs that contains cholesterol-like substances called sitosterols. Several studies have shown that this phyto-nutrient, beta-sitosterol may relieve urinary symptoms of BPHincluding the strength of urine flow.

There have been no major side effects reported with the use of beta-sitosterol, although doctors don’t yet know all of the long-term effects of this natural remedy. So always ask your doctor for advice before using this remedy..

PYGEUM

Pygeum comes from the bark of the African plum tree and is used in traditional medicine to treating urinary problems since antiquity. It is often used to treat symptoms of BPH, especially in Europe. Since studies on pygeum have not been well designed, it is difficult to know for sure if it is effective. I’American Academy of Family Physicians does not recommend its use.

However, a small study reported in the Complementary therapies in medicine revealed that when prepared with other herbal remedies, it helps to reduce the number of trips to the toilet, Day and night. Pygeum is safe, but it can cause stomach upset in some people who take it.

In the form of a liposoluble extract standardized to 14% triterpenes, the normally recommended dose is 50 to 100 mg per day. You have to wait a period of at least six to nine months to see a result. Ask your doctor for advice.

RYE POLLEN EXTRACT

Rye pollen extracts are made from three types of grass pollen: rye, timothy and corn. A review of studies published in BJU International found that men who took rye pollen extract experienced an improvement in their symptoms compared to those who took a placebo.

This supplement seems particularly useful to avoid getting up at night and going to the toilet. It can also help men urinate more completely, so less urine remains in the bladder afterward.

TOOTHED NETTLE ROOT

Stinging nettle, or serrated nettle, may have some benefits when used as a medicine. Nettle is considered useful in the treatment of mild symptoms of BPH and is commonly used in Europe. However, a 2007 review concluded that more studies were needed.

Sometimes nettle is used in combination with other natural remedies for BPH, such as pygeum or saw palmetto. Nettle side effects are usually mild, and can cause stomach upset and skin rashes.

STRENGTHENING OF THE PELVIC FLOOR

Pelvic floor trainingalso known askegel exercisescan help men strengthen the muscles of the pelvic diaphragm, improving involuntary urine loss or abnormal for men with an enlarged prostate.

Performing these exercises, which involve contraction and then release of the musclehelp to support the bladder and close the sphincter. Since it can be difficult to locate this muscle, try to train while urinating.

1. Contract the muscle allowing the urine to slow to a stop, then stop urination for 20 seconds.
2. In general, it is recommended that men practice pelvic floor training three to five times a day.

FOODS TO TREAT PROSTATE HYPERTROPHY

Eating one type of food or another probably won’t cure BPH or relieve its symptoms, but eating a healthy diet can help. According to Mayo Clinicthe consumption of vegetables rich in vitamin C and in zinc is the best way to prevent BPH and relieve its symptoms. Moderate alcohol consumption can also help.

A FEW MORE TIPS…

To help control the symptoms of an enlarged prostate:

• Limit consumption in the evening. Do not drink anything for an hour or two before going to bed to avoid going to the bathroom in the middle of the night.
• Limit caffeine and alcohol consumption. They can increase urine production, irritate the bladder and make symptoms worse.
• Limit decongestants or antihistamines. These drugs tighten the band of muscles around the urethra that controls urine flow, making it harder to pass urine.
• Go to the toilet as soon as you feel the urge. Waiting too long could stretch the bladder muscles and cause damage.
• Plan your bathroom visits. Try to urinate at regular times – for example every four or six hours during the day – to “re-educate” the bladder. This can be particularly useful if you have severe frequency and urgency.
• Follow a healthy diet. Obesity is associated with an enlarged prostate.
• Stay active. Inactivity contributes to urine retention. Even a little exercise can help reduce urinary problems caused by an enlarged prostate.
• Urinate – then urinate again a few moments later. This practice is known as double urination.
• Stay warm. Colder temperatures can cause urine retention and increase the urgency to urinate.

CONSIDERATIONS

It’s important to remember that just because a supplement is labeled “natural” doesn’t always mean it’s safe or healthy. Herbal remedies can cause side effects. They may also interact with other medications you are taking. Consult your doctor before trying any natural supplement.

Read also: Remedies for prostate disorders