Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), also widely known as enlarged prostate, is a common condition that occurs in older men. BPH presents with symptoms such as difficulty urinating and the frequent need to urinate, including awakening at night with urinary urgency. There are several medications and surgical options to treat this condition, but many men may choose natural BPH treatments as an alternative, because traditional treatment methods carry a number of side effects and risks.
Pygeum
African Plum Tree bark extract, know as pygeum, has been used throughout Europe and Africa for the treatment of BPH. It is most commonly used with saw palmetto and acts by decreasing inflammation and blocking growth factors in the prostate gland. Pygeum supplements are readily obtainable from health food stores and some grocery and drug stores with large supplement selections.
Saw Palmetto
Well studied in Europe and the U.S., saw palmetto is the most commonly used treatment for BPH in Europe. It has been shown to improve urinary stream production, ease discomfort and improve bladder emptying. It is commonly used in combination with pygeum and apparently works in a similar fashion to prescription BPH treatments by blocking the growth of prostate tissue through enzyme inhibition. Saw palmetto supplements are one of the most commonly available herbal supplements and can be found in most locations that sell vitamins and herbal products including health food stores, grocery and drug stores and large discount retailers.
Papain
Found in the papaya fruit, papain is an anti-inflammatory enzyme that acts on the prostate gland to reduce inflammation and swelling. It is also useful in the reduction and healing of anal irritations that may develop from severe prostate enlargement. Papain supplements are available at health food stores and many grocery and drug stores.
Stinging Nettle Root
Stinging nettle root may act to block the activity of growth hormone, reducing the production of prostate tissue. It also is thought to be a soothing, tonic agent with anti-inflammatory activity. Stinging nettle root supplements will generally be available only from health food or specialty natural supplement retailers.
Red Clover and Soy
Red clover and soy products contain phytohormones, similar to estrogen, which can act on BPH by opposing testosterone-related prostate growth. Red clover is available in supplement form at health food stores and some grocery and drug stores. Soy is available in food products such as edamame, tofu, soy milk, cheeses and yogurt as well as being formulated into many meat substitutes and protein snacks.
Dietary Recommendations
Zinc dietary supplementation may aid in reducing BPH, as lower levels have been found in many men with BPH. You can purchase zinc as a supplement in vitamin or mineral form, but you can also find it in foods such as most meats and dairy, whole grains, legumes and many seeds. Men with BPH should also drink plenty of water to ensure adequate urine volume. Avoid medications that cause urinary retention, such as antihistamines and opiate pain relievers, if possible, because they may increase the symptoms of BPH. Even though BPH is not cancerous, dietary limitation of cholesterol may also be advised, as increased cholesterol levels may increase the risk of developing prostate cancer.
References
- Mayo Clinic: Prostate Gland Enlargement
- NIH: Prostate Enlargement: Alternative Medicine
- Prescription for Herbal Healing, Phyllis A. Balch, CNC, 2001
