Prostate Health (Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia)Helpful Natural Supplements and TreatmentsOVERVIEW
Prostate problems affect most men, usually over the age of 50. The most common is prostate enlargement, usually called benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). The prostate is a walnut-sized gland, with the urethra passing through it. As the prostate enlarges, it restricts urinary flow. Symptoms include difficulties in urination, including nighttime urination (nocturia), weak stream, difficulty starting the stream, dribbling, and the inability to completely empty the bladder. There is also an increased risk for urinary tract infections (UTIs).
SUPPLEMENTS FOR BPH
There are many natural supplements that may help with BPH. Consult with your healthcare provider to see which of the following supplements may be appropriate for you.*
*PLEASE NOTE: It is very important to make sure that supplements do not interfere with your medications or an existing health condition. First check with your doctor before trying any supplements.
Vitamins & Minerals
Zinc: this micromineral may alleviate an enlarged prostate by inhibiting the 5-alpha reductase enzyme that is responsible for the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone.
Other Supplements
Beta-Sitosterol: this phytosterol, which is found in the oil of a variety of herbs (e.g., pumpkin, pygeum, saw palmetto, stinging nettle), may improve the urinary symptoms associated with BPH, including increasing maximum urinary flow.
Less Helpful: flaxseed oil.
Herbs
Pygeum: Pygeum africanum, an herb from the African plum tree, may increase maximum urinary flow and decrease nocturia.
Rye Grass Pollen: extracts of rye grass pollen have been shown to reduce many of the symptoms associated with BPH, and even decrease the size of the prostate.
Saw Palmetto: this herb, from the southeastern U.S., has had the most research done on BPH, and has been shown to be the most effective for mild to moderate improvement in its symptoms.
Less Helpful: garlic, prickly pear cactus, pumpkin seed oil, red clover, stinging nettle.
COMMENTS
Conventional treatment includes medications to improve urine flow by relaxing the muscles around the prostate gland. Other medications can help to reduce the size of the prostate. However, some medications may cause erectile dysfunction or a decrease in libido. Surgery is also done to cut away excess prostate tissue. Recommendations include reducing alcohol intake, especially beer. There is an old amino acid formula (alanine, glycine, glutamic acid) that may help. Some yoga positions and regular exercise can help, but avoid bicycling, which may put excessive pressure on the prostate.
References
Jellin, JM, editor. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database, 2008.
John Pillepich. The Nutraceutical Reference Guide, 2005.
FOR BPH, CONSIDER THESE SUPPLEMENTS*
The products and the claims made about specific products on or through this site have not been evaluated by the United States Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease. The information provided on this site is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for advice from your physician or other health care professionals or any information contained on or in any product label or packaging. You should not use the information on this site for diagnosis or treatment of any health problem or for prescription of any medication or other treatment. You should consult with a healthcare professional before starting any diet, exercise or supplementation program, before taking any medication, or if you have or suspect you might have a health problem. Your health is our major concern.
Prostate problems affect most men, usually over the age of 50. The most common is prostate enlargement, usually called benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). The prostate is a walnut-sized gland, with the urethra passing through it. As the prostate enlarges, it restricts urinary flow. Symptoms include difficulties in urination, including nighttime urination (nocturia), weak stream, difficulty starting the stream, dribbling, and the inability to completely empty the bladder. There is also an increased risk for urinary tract infections (UTIs).
SUPPLEMENTS FOR BPH
There are many natural supplements that may help with BPH. Consult with your healthcare provider to see which of the following supplements may be appropriate for you.*
*PLEASE NOTE: It is very important to make sure that supplements do not interfere with your medications or an existing health condition. First check with your doctor before trying any supplements.
Vitamins & Minerals
Zinc: this micromineral may alleviate an enlarged prostate by inhibiting the 5-alpha reductase enzyme that is responsible for the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone.
Other Supplements
Beta-Sitosterol: this phytosterol, which is found in the oil of a variety of herbs (e.g., pumpkin, pygeum, saw palmetto, stinging nettle), may improve the urinary symptoms associated with BPH, including increasing maximum urinary flow.
Less Helpful: flaxseed oil.
Herbs
Pygeum: Pygeum africanum, an herb from the African plum tree, may increase maximum urinary flow and decrease nocturia.
Rye Grass Pollen: extracts of rye grass pollen have been shown to reduce many of the symptoms associated with BPH, and even decrease the size of the prostate.
Saw Palmetto: this herb, from the southeastern U.S., has had the most research done on BPH, and has been shown to be the most effective for mild to moderate improvement in its symptoms.
Less Helpful: garlic, prickly pear cactus, pumpkin seed oil, red clover, stinging nettle.
COMMENTS
Conventional treatment includes medications to improve urine flow by relaxing the muscles around the prostate gland. Other medications can help to reduce the size of the prostate. However, some medications may cause erectile dysfunction or a decrease in libido. Surgery is also done to cut away excess prostate tissue. Recommendations include reducing alcohol intake, especially beer. There is an old amino acid formula (alanine, glycine, glutamic acid) that may help. Some yoga positions and regular exercise can help, but avoid bicycling, which may put excessive pressure on the prostate.
References
Jellin, JM, editor. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database, 2008.
John Pillepich. The Nutraceutical Reference Guide, 2005.
FOR BPH, CONSIDER THESE SUPPLEMENTS*
- Prostate Formula
- Uni-Pros-Trol
- Zinc Complex
- PollenAid
The products and the claims made about specific products on or through this site have not been evaluated by the United States Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease. The information provided on this site is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for advice from your physician or other health care professionals or any information contained on or in any product label or packaging. You should not use the information on this site for diagnosis or treatment of any health problem or for prescription of any medication or other treatment. You should consult with a healthcare professional before starting any diet, exercise or supplementation program, before taking any medication, or if you have or suspect you might have a health problem. Your health is our major concern.
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