The Mayo Clinic characterizes an enlarged prostate as a condition known as benign prostatic hyperplasia. It often causes issues with the frequency and consistency of urination, including weak stream, difficulty starting and stopping urination, straining to urinate and dribbling after urination. Some men even notice blood in the urine. The most common cause of enlargement involves age. With each passing year, the prostate gland continues to grow. While this growth process is natural, the symptoms that accompany benign prostatic hyperplasia can be troubling, and you may want to take steps to reduce the size of the prostate.
Step 1
Change your diet. One factor that can influence the health of the prostate is diet, advises the Mayo Clinic. By switching to a low-fat diet that consists of at least five or more servings of vegetables, you lower your risk of prostate enlargement.
Step 2
Start exercising. Another factor that can contribute to the enlargement of the prostate is a sedentary life. The Mayo Clinic and the National Institutes of Health recommend high levels of physical activity to improve the health of the prostate. Swimming, biking, jogging or taking part in a competitive sport at least 30 minutes a day, most days of the week, may be beneficial to your prostate.
Step 3
Invest in a zinc supplement. MotherNature.com, a website dedicated to natural products for healing, claims that 50 to 100 mg. of zinc each day may help to shrink the prostate gland.
Step 4
Pick up saw palmetto, which is another herbal treatment for prostate enlargement, notes the National Institutes of Health. It is said to ease symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia. Talk to your doctor about the appropriate dosage for you.
Step 5
Try another herbal remedy. The Mayo Clinic lists a few other herbal supplements that may help with the health of the prostate, including stinging nettle extract, pygeum, rye grass extract or beta-sitosterol extract. Follow the instructions on the packaging for dosage.
Tips and Warnings
- Boost your intake of vitamin C, urges the Mayo Clinic. Vitamin C can decrease your risk of benign prostatic hyperplasia. Brussels sprouts, Broccoli, peppers, snow peas, cauliflower and kale are all great sources of this vitamin. Tomato and vegetable juices also are rich in vitamin C.
- Always talk to your health care provider before taking any herbal supplement to treat this or any other condition. Also, make sure your doctor is aware of all supplements and medications you're currently taking to avoid adverse interactions.
