By age 60, at least 50 percent of men will experience enlarged
prostate, or what is called benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). As a
man ages, the chance of having an enlarged prostate increases. For
example, by age 85, the likelihood jumps to 90 percent. The good
news is, there are natural remedies for enlarged prostate gland and
healthy prostate exercises that can help.
When prostate enlargement or BPH goes untreated, it can cause
problems with urine flow or lead to either a urinary tract infection
or kidney malfunction. Some people with enlarged prostate have been
prescribed medications, while others have experienced invasive
surgery. Your symptoms, the size of your prostate, and any other
health issues you might have should be taken into consideration by a
doctor before a treatment option is decided upon. In some cases,
enlarged prostate treatment with natural remedies are all one needs.
Home remedies for enlarged prostate
There are exercises for prostate problems, including enlarged
prostate. With age, the cells of the prostate gland start to
multiply, leading to enlargement. While we don’t really know what
causes this, we do know that some forms of physical activity can
ease the symptoms associated with BPH, which include urinary
retention, UTIs, bladder stones, and kidney problems.
Nutrition and Prostate Health
When it comes to enlarged prostate diet for men, many dieticians and
physicians suggest focusing on your overall “pattern of eating”.
Here is what they mean:
Eat five servings of bright colored fruits and vegetables per day
Choose whole-grain bread, cereals, and pastas, as opposed to white
Limit consumption of red meat and processed foods
Limit saturated fats and trans fats, and choose healthy fats like
nuts, avocados, and olive oil.
Avoid sugar-sweetened drinks
Lower salt intake
Watch your portion size.
Some dieticians suggest drinking watermelon tea or preparing a drink
using silk from corn. These are said to help improve prostate
health.
Aside from treating BPH with diet, there are other natural remedies
to keep in mind. Below we list a few examples of remedies that men
with prostate enlargement have found helpful.
Sitz bath: This hot bath can help relax the pelvic muscles, reduce
swelling, and promote healing.
Stinging nettle: The root has bioactive phytochemicals that have
been known to shrink prostate tissue. It is also a natural diuretic,
thus helping eliminate inflammatory waste through urination.
Corn silk: This acts as a natural diuretic and relaxes urinary
muscles.
Apple cider vinegar: The vinegar can help shrink swollen glands.
Foods to eat and avoid for enlarged prostate
You may be wondering why prostate natural treatment foods are
necessary. The easiest way to explain it is that the prostate is
under hormonal control. Prostate cells turn testosterone into a
strong hormone called DHT, and that is what drives prostate
enlargement. Foods can have an influence over hormones, including
testosterone.
Medical scientists have learned that a diet of red meat and
processed foods encourages more hormone-related conditions, while a
diet rich in fruits and vegetables fends off these problems. Let’s
take a closer look at what men should and shouldn’t include in their
diet, if they are concerned about their prostate health.
Here are some foods to avoid with enlarged prostate:
Red meat
Eggs and poultry
Processed foods and sugar
Caffeine
Alcohol
Dairy
Spicy foods
Here are some foods that promote good prostate health:
Tomatoes
Kale
Bell peppers
Broccoli
Baked beans
Oysters
Crab
Watermelon
Red berries
Citrus fruit
Liver
Peanuts
Low-fat dairy
Skinless poultry
Flaxseed
Wheat germ
Exercise to manage enlarged prostate
Although there is currently more evidence on the association between
exercise and health conditions such as heart disease, stroke, and
cancer, there has been some research on the impact of physical
activity on the prostate. Based on questionnaires filled out by over
30,000 men in a health follow-up study, researchers discovered a
link between exercise and BPH. Basically, men who were more active
were less likely to get an enlarged prostate. They found that even
low to moderate exercise, such as walking on a regular basis, could
benefit the prostate.
Exercises for prostate gland include Kegels. This is a
pelvic-strengthening movement that can ease the discomfort of the
enlarged prostate as it tightens pelvic muscles and helps control
urination. The concept may surprise you, since Kegels are normally
prescribed for women, especially after childbirth. The easiest way
for men to do Kegels is to empty their bladder, lie on the floor
with their knees bent apart, and tighten the pelvic floor muscles
for five seconds, then relax for five seconds. They should repeat
this 10 to 20 times, three to four times a day.
Kegel exercises can be difficult to master, but once you get the
hang of it, they are easy to incorporate into your daily routine.
Aerobic and resistance exercises have also proven to be successful
for BPH sufferers. Swimming, push-ups, and lifting weights are a few
examples of resistance exercises. They should be done for 30 minutes
a few times a week. Examples of aerobic exercises include walking,
jogging, running, playing tennis, and playing basketball.
Exercise of any kind can help balance the body’s hormones, and since
hormones affect the prostate, enjoying any favorite physical
activity is a plus. Experts also suggest that maintaining a healthy
weight will help those who are experiencing bladder issues as a
result of enlarged prostate.
If you think you might be having issues with your prostate, talk to
your doctor about any prescription or over-the-counter medications
you are taking. Sometimes medications may be the problem, and not
taking them anymore or adjusting the dosages will ease the
discomfort. You should also avoid drinking fluids in the evening,
especially beverages that are caffeinated or contain alcohol. Both
caffeine and alcohol stimulate the kidneys to produce urine, leading
to nighttime washroom visits.
Literally millions of men have prostate problems that doctors are
accustomed to hearing about, so if you are experiencing symptoms,
don’t suffer in silence, seek help from a qualified professional.