Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)
The prostate is a walnut-shaped gland that wraps around the urethra, the tube that urine flows out of. The prostate is part of the male reproductive system. One of its main jobs, along with other organs, is to add fluid to semen. This is the fluid that carries sperm.
The prostate gland starts out small and has two main phases of growth. It doubles in size during the teenage years, then continues to grow again after age 25 throughout the rest of a man’s life.
An excessively enlarged prostate results in a disease known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Eventually, an enlarged prostate can clamp down on the urethra and restrict the flow of urine from the bladder.
About half of all men between ages 50 and 60 have benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). 90% of men over age 80 will almost certainly develop benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and show signs of such prostatic enlargement.
Symptoms include frequent urination, difficulty in starting urination, a diminished force of urinary stream, a sensation of fullness in the bladder after urination, urinary leakage and the need to urinate multiple times at night.
Ultimately, the obstruction can become so severe that urination is impossible.
Natural Remedies for Enlarged Prostate
Clinical studies demonstrated three important pharmacological effects: anti-inflammatory, antiproliferative and anticongestive. Pollen extract makes possible rapid recovery since it contains plentiful amino acids and co-enzymes that work with the vitamins and mineral which are required for the repair of cells.
BPH patients treated with Graminex G63® showed:
- Marked reduction in prostate volume
- Improved in symptoms of perineal pain, erection difficulty, ejaculation difficulty and pain during urination throughout the course of treatment.
Most clinical trials ranged averagely from 3-6 months demonstrated:
- A reduction in residual urine
- Improvement in urinary flow
- Lower pain score
- Less voiding symptoms
- Reduced pain during urination
- Better sexual function
- Better quality of life
Saw palmetto is one the most studied and popular herbal supplements used to treat BPH.
Several studies have linked saw palmetto to reduced BPH symptoms. This is most likely because it inhibits the production of testosterone and reduces the size of the inner lining of the prostate.
Stinging nettle has anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, antiviral effects, modulation of the immune
system, and relieves the symptoms due to the compounds such as phytosterols, lignans and
polysaccharides.
Lifestyle Tips For Managing Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
Lifestyle tips that may help someone manage the symptoms of an enlarged prostate include the following:
- Attempt to urinate at least once before leaving home to avoid urinary leakage or other incidents in public that can be very stressful and embarrassing.
- Double void by trying to urinate again a few minutes after urinating the first time, to drain the bladder as much as possible during bathroom visits.
- Try not to drink fluids in the 2 hours before bedtime to avoid going to sleep with a full bladder.
- Try to stay hydrated by drinking at least 2 liters of water daily.
- Try maintaining a healthy body weight as much as possible.
- Exercise regularly and as often as possible.
- Try not to drink too much at one time.
- Try to reduce or avoid stress to reduce the urge for urination.
- Avoid or limit products that cause dehydration, such as cold medications and decongestants
- Use absorbent urinary pads or pants to absorb urine leaks and decrease wetness and discomfort.
- Use urinary sheaths, which are condom-shaped and fit over the penis to drain urine into a small bag strapped to the leg.
- Use urethral massage, after urinating, by gently pressing the fingers upwards from the base of the scrotum to try to squeeze out any urine left in the urethra and prevent any leakage later.
Advice is for information only and should not replace medical care. Please check with your doctor before trying any remedies.
