1. Change Your Diet
The first step to shrinking your prostate is to adjust your diet. Try to keep your consumption of red meat to the minimum. Fish, particularly those high in omega-3 fatty acids, such as fresh tuna and herring, will help keep you healthy. Increase your consumption of fruit and vegetables rich in anti-oxidants, such as broccoli, carrots, red peppers, yams and tomatoes. These will help to detoxify your body and boost your immune system. Studies have shown that foods which are high in phytosterols, such as soy products, can lower the risk of prostate enlargement. Eating soy food can also be beneficial by helping you lower your high fat content. You should keep saturated fat to a minimum and exclude alcohol and caffeine from your diet completely.
2. Consider Daily Supplements
There are a variety of nutritional supplements that will protect you from having an enlarged prostate gland. The trace mineral zinc can help relieve many symptoms. Several herbal supplements are also recommended, such as Saw Palmetto. This herb is obtained from the berries of the American dwarf palm tree and has been used to treat prostate problems for more than 200 years. The recommended safe dosage is 320 milligrams daily. You should be aware that herbal supplement can vary widely in their quality and potency, so you may want to consult with your general practitioner before starting a supplement regime.
3. Medical Treatment Options
Your doctor may recommend a course of medication to shrink your prostate. Medications like dutaseride or finasteride work by reducing the hormones that result in an enlarged prostate. These drugs will halt the swelling and reduce the size back to normal, providing the problem is caught early on. Alpha-blockers are also sometimes prescribed. These relax the muscles surrounding the prostate and bladder, lessening symptoms like frequent urination. Surgery is an option when medication is ineffective or does not shrink the prostate back to normal size. Surgical treatment usually involves removing part of the prostate tissue. Surgery is usually performed through the urethra and is done on an outpatient basis.
