Natural Remedies for Enlarged Prostate 

 

There are numerous natural remedies for enlarged prostate which can be quite effective at treating this uncomfortable condition. An enlarged prostate can be caused by 3 basic conditions:

1. Prostatitis, which is an inflammation of the prostate
   
2. An enlarged prostate gland with no signs of cancer
   
3. Prostate cancer

Proper diagnosis is important, as the most effective natural remedies for enlarged prostate will be different for each one. Prostatitis is the inflammation of the prostate gland, and is usually caused by infectious bacteria.

Hormonal changes associated with aging can also be a common cause of an enlarged prostate. It occurs in approximately half of all men over 50, and 3/4 of all men over 70 years of age.

After the age of 50 or so, men's levels of testosterone decrease and levels of other hormones, such as estrogen, increase, ultimately resulting in an enlarged prostate.

Even if not cancerous, an enlarged prostate can still cause problems. If it becomes too large, it obstructs the urethra, interfering with urination and making it difficult to completely empty the bladder. As a result, bladder infections are often associated with both prostatitis and an enlarged prostate.

The major symptom of prostate enlargement is the need to urinate frequently, and a man may find himself having to get up several times during the night to urinate. There can also be pain or burning during urination, as well as difficulty in starting or stopping the flow of urine. (Not fun! so try a few of our natural remedies for enlarged prostate to help avoid these problems!)

The presence of blood in the urine is also not uncommon.

Natural Remedies for Enlarged Prostate

Essential Nutrients

• Acidophilus. Take as directed on label. Aids in the breakdown of estrogen. Use a nondairy formula.
• Quercetin. Take 1,200 to 2,000mg daily. An anti-inflammatory and antitumor flavonoid.
• Selenium. Take as directed on label, but do not take more than amount recommended, as overdose can cause toxicity. Has antioxidant properties which help protect cells from toxin damage caused by prostatitis. It is most effective when taken along with vitamin E.
• Vitamin B complex. Take 50mg of each major B vitamin 3 times daily. Is necessary for all cellular functions and has great antistress properties.
• Zinc. Take 80mg daily, but do not exceed 100mg total from all supplements you are taking. Zinc deficiency has been linked to prostatitis and even prostate cancer.

Natural remedies for enlarged prostate usually work best when used together, rather than just trying individual ones separately.

Very Important Nutrients

• Essential fatty acids. Take as directed on label 3 times daily. Important for proper prostate function.
• Garlic. Take 2 capsules 3 times daily. A natural antibiotic.
• L-Alanine and L-glutamic acid and L-glycine. Take as directed on label on an empty stomach. Take with water or juice, but not with milk. Best when taken with 50mg vitamin B6 and 100mg vitamin C for best absorption. These are amino acids needed for proper prostate function.
• MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane). Take as directed on label. Relieves pain and inflammation.
• Raw Prostate Glandular. Take as directed on label. Normalizes prostate function.
• Vitamin A plus carotenoid complex. Take 5,000 to 10,000 IU daily. Strong antioxidants and immune system strengtheners.
• Vitamin E. Take 200 IU daily or 400 IU every other day. Strong antioxidant and immune system strengthener.
  

Herbs

• Saw Palmetto. It has been used to effectively treat prostate enlargement and inflammation, painful ejaculation and difficult urination. It reduces prostate enlargement by reducing the hormonal stimulation of the prostate gland. It is one of the most effective treatments.
• Pygeum. Proven effective in treating prostatitis, and is often used in combination with saw palmetto.
• Teas made from the diuretic herbs buchu and corn silk are helpful.
• Juniper berries, parsley, slippery elm bark and uva ursi are also natural diuretics and urinary tract tonics.
• Bilberry and birch are urinary tract antiseptics.
• Chinese ginseng is helpful for prostate health and sexual vitality.
• Echinacea and goldenseal have antiviral and antibacterial properties which can help in treating infection. Do not take goldenseal internally for more than a week at a time, and use it cautiously if you are allergic to ragweed.
  

Additional Recommendations

Drink cranberry juice, which can help treat or prevent urinary tract infections.

Reduce your blood cholesterol if it is too high. Studies have shown a connection between high cholesterol and prostate problems.

Eat 1 to 4 ounces of pumpkin seeds each day. Pumpkin seeds are helpful in treating most all prostate problems, as they are rich in zinc. Pumpkin seed oil can also be taken in capsule form if preferred.

Eliminate tobacco, alcoholic beverages, caffeine, chlorinated water, as well as spicy and junk foods.

If you have prostatitis, increase your fluid intake. Drink 2 or 3 quarts of spring or distilled water daily, as this will help stimulate urine flow, as well as help prevent bladder or kidney infections.

If your prostate is enlarged, be cautious using over the counter cold or allergy medications, as these can inflame the condition and cause urine to be retained.

This information is not intended to diagnose or treat any specific condition, nor is it intended to replace the advice of your healthcare professional.

Sources

Balch, Phyllis A., CNC. "Prescription for Nutritional Healing". Garden City, NY.: Avery Publishing Group, 2006

Ritchason, Jack, ND. "The Little Herb Encyclopedia". Pleasant Grove, UT.: Woodland Health Books, 1995

Encyclopedia.com

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