If you’re concerned about prostate health, it’s vital to stay in shape and have regular check-ups. In addition, you should always report warning signs of a prostate problem, including bloody urine, waking during the night with bladder discomfort, and pain when urinating or having sex. In many cases, the possibility of prostate cancer will be eliminated and you’ll be diagnosed with a harmless but irritating prostate enlargement called benign prostatic hyperplasia (or BPH).
There are prescription drugs and surgical procedures that can help to treat BPH. However, there are also other treatments that are well worth trying if you’ve been told you have an enlarged prostate or would simply like to keep your prostate in good working order. Here are nine of the very best natural remedies.
1. Saw Palmetto
The fruits of the saw palmetto plant are used to make supplements, and two daily doses of 160mg could lead to dramatic improvements in men with enlarged prostates. Championed not just by alternative health practitioners but also many urologists, saw palmetto’s efficacy was established by a large research review in 2002. Over 20 studies involving more than 3,000 men suggested that saw palmetto can enhance urinary flow, decrease the urinary frequency and improve sleep quality. This supplement seems to work by relieving pressure on the ureters by shrinking the inner lining of the prostate, and it may even cut prostate cancer risk. Seldom associated with side effects, the use of saw palmetto is only discouraged in men who taking blood thinners (e.g. warfarin), as the combination may lead to increased bleeding and bruising.
2. Red clover
You may have heard that some women try taking red clover to treat the uncomfortable hot flashes that can be experienced during the menopause. However, red clover is also promising as a potential remedy for BPH. For example, several studies show that more than 20% of men report improved urine flow after regularly taking this supplement. It is speculated that this result can be explained by proteins called isoflavones. Some researchers are also working to support the hypothesis that red clover (like saw palmetto) may reduce the risk of prostate cancer.
3. Green tea
Green tea is associated with an impressive range of health benefits, ranging from a reduction in heart disease to an increased metabolism that facilitates more effective weight loss. In addition, it seems to protect the prostate from cancerous cell changes. In particular, men who combine a daily intake of green tea with a diet high in lycopene-rich foods (like papaya) appear to be as much as 80% less likely to be diagnosed with a prostate malignancy. Green tea may also help to guard against prostate enlargement, though there is little evidence that it can reduce pre-existing prostate enlargement.
4. African tree bark
Many men report a reduction in the main symptoms of BHP after taking African tree bark, finding that they need to urinate less often and experience less discomfort. However, studies on the efficacy of African tree bark have yet to uncover the reason for this fascinating connection. There is some evidence that it may be explained by a reduction in prostate swelling or overall inflammation, but research is ongoing. To maximize the benefits of African tree bark, try taking it in conjunction with saw palmetto.
5. Beta-sitosterol
A remedy that contains a mix of plants, taking beta-sitosterol supplements provides your body with substances similar to cholesterol. There are some encouraging studies that show participants experiencing a reduction in uncomfortable urinary symptoms associated with BPH after starting a beta-sitosterol course.
6. Soy
Another natural remedy that contains plenty of isoflavones, soy appears to improve urine flow in some BPH patients, and some animal studies show that it soy consumption may also reduce the likelihood of prostate cancer. Side effects are rarely reported, though some men may experience gastrointestinal disturbances (such as wind pains or cramps). Try swapping cow’s milk for soy milk and see how your digestive system tolerates this change.
7. Harzol
Extracted from African wild potato, Harzol is a supplement that is linked with a reduction in urinary symptoms. However, it’s not suitable for diabetic men, as it may lead to dangerous low blood sugar levels. Since it’s suspected that Harzol works by providing you with beta-sitosterols, you might be better off opting for a beta-sitosterol supplement that doesn’t include extracts from African wild potato.
8. Rye grass pollen extracts
These treatments include grass pollen from rye, corn and timothy. Controlled studies involving a separate group of participants taking a placebo remedy suggest that men with enlarged prostates may need to urinate less often and can empty their bladders more effectively after taking rye grass pollen extracts.
9. Zyflamend
Finally, Zyflamend is a supplement containing extracts from a wide range of herbs and spices. Specifically, it contains ginger, basil, turmeric, hu zhang, rosemary, green tea, oregano, Chinese goldthread, barberry and Baikal skullcap. The theory is that all of these ingredients reduce cancer risk, and so may be more powerful when taken together. Zyflamend also appears to reduce inflammation, so it could alleviate pressure on the bladder and decrease urinary symptoms of prostate enlargement as a result.
