Home Remedies That Can Help You Deal with an Enlarged Prostate

The prostate is a small muscular gland that’s located right below the urinary bladder and surrounds the urethra, the tube that urine flows out of. And by the time men reach the age of 30, the prostate in male hits a second growth spurt and continues to grow for the rest of their life. And by the time you reach the age of 50, you would probably know a friend who suffers from an enlarged prostate; or probably you are that friend.

Enlarged prostate in men, or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) as it’s medically called, is so common that doctors often consider it an inevitable part of aging. But what is not inevitable is the symptoms that are caused by an enlarged prostate. There are several effective home remedies that can complement medical care and help manage the symptoms of an enlarged prostate.

In this blog, we’re going to dive into these home remedies for enlarged prostate gland to keep the enlarged prostate symptoms in check

Understanding Enlarged Prostate and its Symptoms

As we established in the very beginning of this blog, the prostate is very close to the bladder and urethra, both of which play an important role in the process of urination. The bladder stores the urine, and the urethra acts like a passageway that takes the urine out of the body.

Now, when the prostate becomes an overachiever and grows too large, guess where it decides to throw its weight around? Yes, on the bladder and the urethra. It clamps down on the urethra and makes it difficult for urine to leave the bladder effectively.

Now that you understand this, the symptoms of BPH must all make sense to you. These are the common signs and symptoms of an enlarged prostate:

• Difficulty starting and stopping urination
• Weak urine flow
• Dribbling at the end of urination
• Incomplete emptying of the bladder
• Frequent urination (because there’s always urine left in the bladder)
• Involuntary urine leakage

Now let’s get to the home remedies and natural remedies for enlarged prostate!

Home Remedies for Enlarged Prostate

Dietary Modifications

1. Plant-based diet

In men who were already at risk of developing prostate cancer, those who were vegetarian or followed a plant-based diet were significantly less likely to develop prostate cancer over time than men who followed a meat-based diet. We’re not asking you to go full vegan-mode, just include more fruits and vegies in your diet.

2. Fluid intake

Staying hydrated is essential for both prostate and overall health. Aim to drink at least 2 litres of water in a day. Proper hydration can also help reduce the risk of any complication that might arise from the urinary-related symptoms of BPH, such as urinary tract infections (UTIs) and bladder stones.

3. Avoiding bladder irritants

Caffeine, spicy foods, alcohol, carbonated beverages, and artificial sweeteners are some beverages and foods to avoid with enlarged prostate as they can irritate your bladder and worsen urinary symptoms. Consider avoiding or reducing your intake of these irritants, especially in the evening.

4. Avoiding red meat and dairy products.

A diet high in red and processed meat, as well as dairy products, has been associated with an increased risk of developing prostate cancer. Instead of red meat, consider opting for lean poultry and fish. When it comes to dairy products, try to limit your consumption or explore alternatives like almond milk, soy milk, and products derived from these non-dairy milk bases.

Lifestyle Changes

5. Maintaining healthy weight

Obesity, especially excessive weight around the hips and waist, is closely linked to enlarged prostate and prostate cancer. Maintaining a healthy weight can not only lower your risk of additional prostate related issues, but can also improve overall bladder function, reducing urinary symptoms.

6. Regular exercise

Apart from helping you maintain a healthy body weight and improve overall health, regular exercise – even light to moderate exercises, such as walking or jogging – can benefit your prostate and bladder. The key here is consistency. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic physical exercise (activities that elevate your heart rate) per week and distribute these sessions throughout the week.

7. Stress reduction

Stress can worsen enlarged prostate symptoms. Practice stress reduction techniques such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, or yoga to promote relaxation and reduce stress levels; or engage in any activity that you find relaxing, could be something as simple as popping bubble wraps.

Behavioural Techniques

8. Bladder training

Bladder training involves making a fixed toileting schedule based on your trips to the bathroom and adding about 15 minutes to that time. This helps increase the amount of time between bathroom trips and the amount of liquid your bladder can hold. 

9. Double voiding

Double voiding is a simple practice where you urinate, wait a few moments, and then urinate again. It helps empty the bladder more completely and may reduce urinary symptoms.

10. Kegel exercises

Kegel exercises is a great way to strengthen pelvic floor muscles and control urine leakage. To perform Kegel exercises, imagine you're trying to stop the flow of urine and contract the pelvic muscles, hold for a few seconds, and then release. Do 3 sets a day, each containing 10 such repetitions.

Natural remedies

11. Tomatoes

Tomato could very well be the best home remedy for prostate health, thanks to a powerful antioxidant called lycopene, which has been shown to inhibit prostate growth.

12. Pumpkin seeds

Pumpkin seeds are rich in zinc and have been associated with improved prostate health. You can incorporate them into your diet by sprinkling them on salads or eating them as a snack.

13. Green tea

Green tea is rich in antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties, which can reduce pressure on the urethra and improve enlarged prostate symptoms. Incorporate a cup or two of green tea into your daily routine.

14. Stinging Nettle

Stinging nettle root extract (bichua booti) is another herbal remedy that some men find helpful for managing BPH symptoms. It may help reduce urinary urgency and frequency. As with all supplements, consult your healthcare provider before use.

Absorbent products

15. Friends Adult Diapers

Friends Adult Diapers are your most practical and effective solution to urinary-related enlarged prostate symptoms. They are easy to use, skin-friendly, lock in odours, and provide the perfect fit!

16. Friends Underpads

An essential to keep the bedding and furniture dry during nighttime or diaper changes. Friends Underpads are super-absorbent and come with a crisscross design that ensure rapid and maximum absorption. With a soft, non-woven top and anti-bacterial core, Friends Underpads also keep you free from bedsores, rashes, and irritation.

When to Seek Medical Advice

While these home remedies can be helpful, they should not replace professional medical care. It's essential to consult with a healthcare provider if you experience any of the following:

• Inability to urinate at all
• Blood in your urine
• Pain or discomfort in the pelvic region
• Fever or chills

These symptoms may indicate a more serious condition that requires medical attention. See you in another blog!

FAQs:

How safe are these home remedies, and are there any potential side effects?

Home remedies for an enlarged prostate can be safe when used cautiously, but they may have potential side effects. Herbal supplements such as stinging nettle can sometimes lead to stomach discomfort and increase the risk of miscarriage. It's vital to consult a healthcare provider before starting any remedies, especially if you take medications or have underlying health conditions.

Can these home remedies replace medical treatments for an enlarged prostate?

No. The severity of enlarged prostate symptoms varies, and some may require prescription medications or surgery. It's critical to consult with a healthcare provider for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. Home remedies can complement medical care but should not replace it.

How long does it usually take to see improvements in prostate health with home remedies?

The timeline for improvements in prostate health with home remedies varies. Some may experience relief from urinary symptoms within a few weeks of dietary and lifestyle changes, while others may take longer. Monitoring symptoms and discussing progress with a healthcare provider is advisable.

Are there any foods that should be avoided for individuals with an enlarged prostate?

For individuals with an enlarged prostate, it's wise to limit or avoid certain foods and substances, including caffeine, alcohol, spicy foods, and artificial sweeteners, as they can irritate the bladder and worsen symptoms. Processed foods high in sodium may contribute to inflammation and water retention, which can also potentially worsen symptoms.

Can these home remedies be used as preventive measures for those at risk of developing an enlarged prostate?

Yes, many home remedies here can serve as preventive measures for those at risk of developing an enlarged prostate.