Category: Prostate

Throughout a man’s life, his prostate gland will continue to grow. An enlarged prostate is more common in older men. This condition is known as benign, enlarged prostate. It is not the same as prostate cancer. Both of these conditions can be treated in different ways. Benign means noncancerous. An enlarged prostate, even if it is not cancerous, can cause discomfort or complications.

Benign enlarged prostate is a common problem in men over 50. This condition can cause bladder problems in men over 50, such as frequent urination, involuntary urine loss, weak urine stream, and pain after urination.

Your doctor may recommend that you have regular checkups for a time period if your symptoms aren’t severe. Prescription drugs of these two types are the main form medical treatment. Alpha blockers reduce symptoms by relaxing muscles in the bladder and prostate, while 5-alpha reductase inhibitors work by blocking hormones that make the prostate grow.

Are Prostate Supplements Effective?

Supplements aren’t as well-regulated or as thoroughly studied as actual prostate medicine. This doesn’t mean that the best prostate supplements aren’t effective.

These supplements have been shown to have health benefits. These ingredients include saw palmetto and beta-sitosterol. Numerous studies have shown that beta-sitosterol can be an effective supplement. It even has the potential to help fight serious diseases such as diabetes.

These ingredients may not be right for you if your medications are taking them. Before you take any supplements, consult your trusted doctor.

How do you choose the best prostate supplement on the market?

It is important to review the ingredients and read reviews to help you choose the best prostate supplement. You can determine the ingredients and what it does for your prostate. However, reading reviews will provide insight into how other people have used their products.

If any of your products contain the three ingredients mentioned above, such as saw palmetto or beta-sitosterol then it’s a smart idea to purchase them. They have supported them ^[11] and can at least relieve symptoms of an enlarged prostatic.

Are You able to trust the reviews of customers on the best prostate supplement?

Customer reviews are not reliable, but they can provide valuable insights into the product. So that you can decide if the product is worth your money, we recommend reading both positive and negative reviews.

9 Over-the Counter Medications

Over-the-counter (OTC) is available for some treatments and herbal supplements to help with your symptoms. These treatments are not recommended or recognized by The American Urological Association for benign enlarged prostate. You should consult your doctor if you are interested in any of the listed treatments.

 1. NSAIDs

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAIDs), are medications that lower inflammation. Aspirin and Ibuprofen are two of the most common types. These drugs are commonly used to treat arthritis and prevent heart disease. Some research suggests that regular use of NSAIDs may improve prostate health. There isn’t enough evidence to suggest that you should start using them to treat an enlarged prostate.

2. Saw Palmetto

Saw palmetto, an herbal supplement made from fruit extracts from the saw palmetto tree, is a natural supplement. This herbal remedy is used to treat enlarged prostate and other urinary issues. It can be purchased in liquid or pill form.

It has been recommended that 100 mg to 960mg be taken daily to treat an enlarged prostate. However, the National Institutes of Health states that only a handful of studies have proven it to be effective. Saw palmetto is a popular natural remedy. It is still being researched in order to be accepted by the medical community as a treatment.

3. Pygeum

Pygeum is an African plumb tree bark supplement. This extract has been used for years to treat an enlarged prostate. It is an anti-inflammatory that may also have beneficial effects on the bladder. A small study showed that pygeum, when used with other herbs, might reduce frequent urination among people with an enlarged prostate. To prove its effectiveness, more clinical trials will be needed in the United States.

4. Rye Grass Pollen

Ryegrass pollen is an extract that is made from the pollens of timothy and ryegrass. This supplement may help to reduce the need to use the bathroom at night. One study found that ryegrass pollen might be effective in relieving symptoms such as frequent urination or nighttime urination.

5. South African Star Grass

Because they contain beta sitosterols, extracts from South African stargrass can be used to treat medical conditions. These plant sterols are believed to lower inflammation and increase urine flow in men who have an enlarged prostate. Beta sitosterol can also be found in yogurts and margarines. Some evidence suggests that beta sitosterol may be effective in the treatment of urinary symptoms due to an enlarged prostate.

6. Red Clover

The flower tops of red clover are used to make herbal remedies for a variety conditions including an enlarged prostate. Although the supplement might reduce nighttime trips to the bathroom for men with an enlarged prostate, there isn’t enough evidence that it’s actually effective.

7. Stinging Nettle

The European medicinal history of stinging nettle has been long. The leaves are covered in fine hairs, which cause severe pain when they touch the skin. This is how the name “stinging nettle” was given to it. Both the root and leaves are believed to have medicinal properties. The root is commonly used in Europe to treat an enlarged prostate. It is believed to increase urine flow in men with an enlarged prostate. There is no solid clinical evidence to support its effectiveness. One 2007 study concluded that further research is necessary.

8. 8. Pumpkin Seed Oil

You can purchase oil extracted from pumpkin seeds in capsules. One study Trusted Source concluded that pumpkin seed oil may be a safe and effective treatment for an enlarged prostate. Over 12 months, researchers used a daily dose of 320mg per day. In improving quality and symptoms, the pumpkin seed oil was better than the placebo.

Conclusion

It is important to remember that herbal supplements cannot be prescribed by doctors for the treatment of enlarged prostate. They are also not approved by the Food and Drug Administration. These medications should not be used as a substitute for medical treatment by a doctor.

You might want to discuss prescription medication with your doctor if you don’t get relief from the symptoms that are interfering in your daily life. Two types of medications have been successful in treating benignly enlarged prostates. Your doctor will perform an examination to determine which option is best for you.

Nearly 80% of men over 70 have benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH). This condition can lead to a number of troubling urinary symptoms. Prostatitis and prostate cancer are also common. Over-the-counter (OTC) vitamins, herbs and supplements may be conveniently self-administered.

One study found that 33% of BPH patients used alternative medicines. However most men who use these alternative therapies don’t know the risks associated with them. This article will cover some of the most common non-prescription and best prostate health supplements.

What Is BPH?

BPH is when the prostate gland becomes larger and pushes against the urethra. This can cause various urinary symptoms. However, not all men who have an enlarged prostate experience these symptoms.

BPH is more common in men over 50, possibly because of an increase in estrogen and testosterone levels. BPH does not increase the risk of developing cancer, however, they can occur in tandem.

BPH symptoms include:

• Inability to urinate
• Difficulty starting urination or weakening of the urinary stream
• Frequent urination and urinary urgency

Are Prostate Supplements Worth Taking?

It doesn’t matter if you have been diagnosed with BPH, or if you are trying to prevent it from happening, it is tempting to look into alternative or complementary medicine. This article will clarify how vitamins and herbal supplements can affect prostate health.

Let’s not forget to mention that BPH can be difficult to manage. Sometimes, traditional treatments don’t work as well as you would expect. Over-the-counter prostate health supplements may be a great alternative. Before you take any new medication or prostate health supplement, it is best to consult your urologist.

What Are The Most Effective Prostate Health Supplements?

Harvard Health has estimated that approximately one-third (33%) of American men suffering from BPH have tried at least one alternative treatment, including herbal and supplement remedies. The most popular supplements are:

1. Saw Palmetto

Saw Palmetto prostate health supplement is near the top as it can be used for many urological conditions, such as patients with an enlarged prostate (also known by benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BPH). People take approximately 320 mg of saw palmetto daily.

This substance, which is extracted from the berry of the see palmetto shrub is believed to inhibit 5-alpha reductase (5-5-AR), which blocks the conversion of testosterone into dihydrotestosterone. This is responsible for stimulating the growth of the prostate.

Some studies have shown that saw palmetto can increase urine flow in men with BPH compared with placebo.

While some studies claim it may help with incontinence, others suggest that saw palmetto does not really work.

Side effects of saw palmetto are rare, but can include headaches and stomach upset. You run the risk that you will get bleeding if you take this herb with pain relievers such as naproxen, aspirin, and ibuprofen.

2. Pygeum Africanum

P africanumis tall evergreen found in South and Central Africa and is used as a prostate health supplement. The powdered bark has been traditionally used to treat a range of urinary problems. Concentrated extracts from P Africanum were studied for their efficacy in treating BPH.

Complementary and Alternative Medicine for Urological Symptoms (CAMUS), is a new study that could be useful in recommending alternative therapies.

This trial aims to determine if the phytotherapies repens or Pygeum Africanum can delay or stop the progression of BPH.

The randomized, double-blind and actively controlled efficacy trial, which began in 2005, has already enrolled 2,860 participants.

For four years, patients have been seen at the clinic once a month. At clinic visits, the following assessments have been done:

• Physical examination
• Digital rectal exam
• Medical follow up
• Vital signs
• PSA and uroflow measurement
• Questionnaires regarding prostate health, adverse events and medications.

The CAMUS trial will provide a solid comparison between some phytotherapies, placebo, and the currently recommended prescription-treatment drug class.

3. Beta-sitosterol

Beta-sitosterol is an organic molecule found in plants that, either taken alone or in combination with other plant sterols, lowers cholesterol levels in the blood.

BPH symptoms and urine flow have been reported to improve in men who take beta-sitosterol, a chemical present in many edible plants.

Men with BPH have been reported to benefit from beta-sitosterol prostate health supplement, a chemical found in many edible plants. For six months, 200 men with BPH were given 20 mg of beta-sitosterol three times a day or a placebo in a double-blind experiment.

who received beta-sitosterol experienced a considerable improvement in urine flow and symptoms, but men who received the placebo had no change. Another double-blind research employing 130 mg of beta-sitosterol per day produced similar beneficial outcomes.

4. Rye Pollen Extract

Rye grass is a type of grass. Medicine is made from pollen from rye grass. In Western Europe, Japan, Korea, and Argentina, a medicine derived from rye grass pollen extract (Cernilton) is a registered pharmaceutical product.

Prostate disorders such as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), prostate discomfort, and continuous swelling of the prostate are routinely treated using rye grass pollen prostate health supplements.

By interacting with specific chemicals, compounds present in rye grass pollen reduce swelling (inflammation). Prostate cancer cells may be slowed by these substances as well.

Taking rye grass pollen extract (Cernilton) appears to help with symptoms of an enlarged prostate, however studies on whether it truly reduces prostate size is inconsistent.

It’s unclear whether rye grass pollen extract is as effective as prescription medications like finasteride (Proscar) or alpha-blockers. Pygeum and Paraprost, a Japanese prostate treatment containing L-glutamic acid, L-alanine, and aminoacetic acid, appear to work about as well as rye grass pollen.

5. Pumpkin Seed Oil

Both pumpkin seed oil and a combination of pumpkin seed oil and saw palmetto oil, according to a 2014 study, may help with the symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

Pumpkin seed oil and saw palmetto oil prostate health supplements were found to be safe and effective alternate treatments for BPH, according to the researchers.

Pumpkin seed oil was reported to inhibit certain forms of prostate development in a previous study. The rats in the study were given testosterone and the alpha-blocker medication Prazosin. Although the reason for this is unknown, testosterone is thought to play a role in the development of BPH.

6. Stinging Nettle

For hundreds of years, stinging nettle has been used to treat sore muscles and joints, eczema, arthritis, gout, and anemia. Many people now use it to treat urinary issues in the early stages of prostate enlargement (called benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH).

In Europe, stinging nettle root is commonly used to treat BPH. Reduced urine flow, incomplete bladder emptying, post-urination dribbling, and the persistent urge to urinate may be relieved by stinging nettle in combination with other herbs (particularly saw palmetto), according to human studies.

According to some research, stinging nettle is as effective as finasteride (a common BPH drug) at slowing the growth of specific prostate cells. Unlike finasteride, however, the herb has no effect on prostate size.

Scientists are baffled as to why nettle root prostate health supplement helps to alleviate symptoms. It could be because it includes substances that impact hormones (such as testosterone and estrogen), or it could be because it directly affects prostate cells. Working with a doctor to treat BPH is critical, as is getting a good diagnosis to rule out prostate cancer.

4 Other Important Nutrients For Prostate Health

Fiber

Healthy weight is essential for your overall health and your prostate’s health. Fiber may help you lose weight because it gives you a feeling of fullness, slows fat absorption and prevents constipation. A diet high in fiber from whole grains, fruits, vegetables, legumes and legumes may help reduce your BPH risk.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Omega-3 fatty acids can be found in cold-water fish, such as salmon, trout and herring, flaxseeds, walnuts, soybeans and canola oil.

Omega-3 fatty acids can help reduce the risk of BPH. One study showed men who ate cold-water fish three or four times per week had a lower risk of developing prostate cancer.

Omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to reduce blood pressure, lower triglycerides and improve cardiovascular health.

Omega-3 prostate health supplements provide anticancer properties that are beneficial for prostate health.

Lycopene

Lycopene, a powerful antioxidant, and  has been linked to cancer prevention. Although more research is required to determine if lycopene has any effect on prostate cancer, the general consensus is that it is beneficial. Watermelon, tomatoes, pink grapefruits, apricots and papaya are all good sources of lycopene. The cooking process in tomatoes releases lycopene, which increases your ability to absorb it.

Vitamin C

High levels of vitamin C in cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, kale and brussels sprouts may help reduce the risk of an enlarged prostate. Although more research is needed to determine whether vitamin C supplements can be used to prevent or combat prostate cancer, the National Cancer Institute says that people who consume cruciferous vegetables rich in vitamin C have a lower chance of developing it.

4 Things To Avoid With BPH

Some foods and dietary supplements can have positive effects on prostate health. However, it is important to limit intake of some items or avoid them altogether. These are just a few examples where nutrients are more important than others.

Alcohol

Resveratrol, an antioxidant found in red wines, is also available as a supplement. Some people believe that drinking more alcohol is better, but in reality, it could increase the risk of many types of cancer. Low alcohol intake is best for prostate health. A limit of 1 glass of wine per day or 1 drink per day is recommended.

Multivitamin

While a single low-dose multivitamin may provide some protection against BPH, high-dose multivitamins can be dangerous and even worsen the disease.

Selenium and Vitamin E

Have you heard about the SELECT Study? The findings of the Selenium and Vitamin E Cancer Prevention Trial were widely publicized.

They examined the use Vitamin E and selenium in prostate cancer patients. Preliminary research suggested that this combination may actually lower the risk of developing prostate cancer.

In SELECT, which was published in the Journal of the American Medicine Association 2011 found that Vitamin E supplement users had a 17% higher chance of developing prostate cancer than those who received placebo. Researchers used SELECT survey data in 2014 to determine that men at high risk for developing prostate cancer had no benefit from taking Vitamin E or selenium.

The researchers also found that high levels of selenium in patients who entered the study raised their risk of developing high-grade prostate cancer by 91 per cent when they received additional selenium supplements.

Zinc

Zinc has been suggested as a way to boost the immune system and improve prostate health. Low levels of zinc in the prostate or seminal liquid are common among chronic prostatitis patients.

Supplementation with zinc through diet doesn’t increase the prostate’s zinc levels. High doses of supplemental Zinc have been shown to cause abnormal immune system changes.

This can lead to increased prostate enlargement and infection, as well as increased risk for aggressive prostate cancer. A multivitamin containing 20 mg of zinc per day is sufficient.

Conclusion

Alternative medicines are not subject to clinical trials and don’t need to be approved by the Food and Drug Administration. This is one of the greatest concerns. There is very little information available on what these supplements do to our bodies. Remember that herbal remedies as well as supplements can interact with each other and with any medications you may be on. Supplements can affect the effectiveness of some medications or cause side effects.

These alternative therapies don’t work miracles. Some men may experience side effects or benefits that are positive for treating prostate disease. You shouldn’t be surprised if there are no changes. Talk to your urologist before you try prostate health supplements discussed here. You can count on him to provide the support and guidance you need in managing, treating, and preventing prostate problems.

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