There are several treatment options for BPH, including medication and surgery. However, there are also natural remedies and lifestyle changes that may help to combat enlarged prostate symptoms. Evidence is debatable on whether these treatments actually work and the American Urological Association currently doesn’t recommend any herbal therapy for managing Benign Prostate Enlargement (BPH).
Natural remedies
If you do want to try natural remedies, talk to your doctor first. Some herbal treatments can interact with prescription medications. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) doesn’t regulate the quality or purity of herbal supplements. This means there can be a lack of consistent ingredients.
Saw palmetto
Saw palmetto is an herbal remedy that comes from the fruit of a type of palm tree. It’s been used in alternative medicine for centuries to relieve urinary symptoms, including those caused by an enlarged prostate. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH)Trusted Source, a few small-scale studies have suggested that saw palmetto might be effective for relieving BPH symptoms.
However, the NIH reports that when larger studies were conducted, they didn’t find saw palmetto any more effective than a placebo. Research continues to look into the anti-inflammatory and hormone-blocking properties that saw palmetto may have and its possible use in combination with other medications. Saw palmetto is safe to use, but minor side effects can include an upset stomach and headache.
Beta-sitosterol
This herbal medication is a mixture taken from different plants that contain cholesterol-like substances called sitosterols or phytosterols (plant-based fats). Several studies have suggested that beta-sitosterol can relieve urinary symptoms of BPH, including the strength of urine flow. Some scientists have also suggested that it is these fatty substances — like beta-sitosterol, which is also found in saw palmetto — that are actually doing the work.
There haven’t been any major side effects reported with the use of beta-sitosterol. However, doctors still don’t know all the long-term effects of this natural therapy.
Pygeum
Pygeum comes from the bark of the African plum tree. It’s been used in traditional medicine to treat urinary problems since ancient times, and is often used to treat BPH symptoms, especially in Europe. Because studies on it haven’t been well-designed, it’s hard to know for sure whether it’s effective.
According to the Canadian Journal of Urology, some small studies have suggested the supplement can help with bladder emptying and urine flow. However, the studies reviewed were inconsistent. Pygeum does appear safe to use, but it can cause upset stomach and headache in some people. There are no studies on long-term safety.
Rye grass pollen extract
Rye grass pollen extract is made from three types of grass pollen: rye, timothy, and corn. A review of herbal studies published in BJU International found that in one study, men who took rye grass pollen extract reported an improvement in their symptoms compared to those who were taking a placebo. However, this study lasted only 6 months. It didn’t look at how well the supplement worked compared to prescription medications.
Stinging nettle
You’ll know if you’ve accidentally touched the common European stinging nettle: The hairs on its leaves can cause a sharp jolt of intense pain. But stinging nettle may have some benefits when used as a medicine.
Nettle root is thought to improve some BPH symptoms, and is commonly used in Europe. The use of stinging nettle was found to be effective in decreasing the severity of urinary frequency, nocturia (the frequent need to urinate at night), and urgency, when used in combination with conventional medical treatment
Sometimes nettle is used in combination with other natural BPH treatments, such as pygeum or saw palmetto. Side effects from nettle are usually mild, including upset stomach and skin rash.
Lifestyle changes
Eat a healthy diet: A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains and low in red meat and dairy products may help reduce the risk of BPH. The role of diet in the prevention and treatment of BPH continues to be explored.
A recent 4-year study in China looked at the effects of diet on BPH symptoms. Researchers found that men with diets high in fruits and vegetables — especially leafy, dark vegetables and tomatoes — had less BPH, less symptoms of BPH, and were less likely to have worsening of their BPH. Researchers believe it’s not just one nutrient, but rather the combinations found in a healthful diet and lifestyle, that are beneficial.
Exercise regularly: Regular physical activity can help improve urinary symptoms and reduce the risk of BPH.
Maintain a healthy weight: Being overweight or obese increases the risk of BPH. Losing weight and maintaining a healthy weight may help reduce the risk of BPH and improve urinary symptoms.
Limit alcohol and caffeine: Alcohol and caffeine can irritate the bladder and worsen urinary symptoms. Limiting these substances may help improve symptoms.
Quit smoking: Smoking has been linked to an increased risk of BPH and may worsen urinary symptoms. Quitting smoking may help reduce the risk of BPH and improve urinary symptoms.
Practice stress management: Stress can worsen urinary symptoms. Practicing stress management techniques such as meditation, yoga, or exercise may help improve symptoms.
It’s important to note that these lifestyle changes may not completely shrink the prostate gland, but they may help improve urinary symptoms and reduce the risk of BPH. If you are experiencing urinary symptoms, it’s important to speak with your healthcare provider to determine the best treatment plan for you.