Benign prostatic hyperplasia, also known as enlarged prostate, is a condition in which your prostate gland -- a gland found only in males -- grows larger over time. The National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse states that your prostate gland begins to grow around age 25, and that this growth phase may, over time, result in benign prostatic hyperplasia. Before using dietary supplements to halt the growth of your prostate gland, discuss the risks and benefits of supplements with your health care provider.
About Enlarged Prostate
Prostate enlargement is an exceedingly common condition of the male genitourinary tract, affecting about 60 percent of men over the age of 60. Prostate enlargement usually causes difficulties with urination, including problems starting urination and problems fully evacuating your bladder. These symptoms may range from mild to severe. Prostate enlargement does not increase your risk of prostate cancer -- a common cancer in older men.
Helpful Supplements
Several supplements have traditionally been used to help stop the growth of your prostate gland or treat prostate-related problems. Naturopathic physician Joseph E. Pizzorno Jr., author of "The Clinician's Handbook of Natural Medicine," reports that both herbal and non-herbal supplements have been used for this health purpose, including alanine, urtica, serenoa, flax oil, zinc, glycine, African pygeum and alanine. Further scientific testing may be required to evaluate to true effectiveness of some of these supplements.
Highlighted Supplement
Pygeum is a frequently prescribed dietary supplement in treating prostate enlargement. Certified nutritional consultant Phyllis A. Balch, author of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," states that pygeum has been extensively studied for its ability to treat and prevent both prostate enlargement and prostate inflammation, and it has been proven effective for both prostate problems. The bark of the pygeum tree, notes the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, contains several important ingredients that may help reduce your enlarged prostate-related symptoms.
Additional Information
An enlarged prostate can significantly affect your ability to urinate. If you develop urination-related symptoms, schedule an appointment with your primary care provider or urologist to determine the underlying cause of your problem. Although most causes of urination-related symptoms are benign, it is always wise to be evaluated properly be a qualified healthcare professional. Always be judicious in your use of dietary supplements. Some supplements, if used inappropriately, may cause unwanted health side effects.
References
- National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse: Prostate Enlargement
- National Health Service: Prostate Enlargement
- "The Clinician's Handbook of Natural Medicine"; Joseph E. Pizzorno, Jr., N.D.; 2002
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch, CNC; 2010
- Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center: Pygeum
