Men suffering from BPH often experience bothersome symptoms that include the need to pass urine more often, weak urine flow and incomplete emptying of their bladder – known as lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS).
Modern medical management of BPH includes both medications and surgical therapies; surgery may be considered the initial approach in appropriate patients who present with symptoms related to BPH.
Beta-sitosterol
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) is an increasingly prevalent issue for men that causes their prostate gland to enlarge. Although no known methods exist for preventing BPH, there are treatments available which can alleviate symptoms and enhance quality of life – beta-sitosterol being one of them; multiple studies have proven its efficacy as an option for relieving symptoms associated with BPH.
Beta-sitosterol’s exact mechanism of action remains unknown, though it may involve binding to the prostate gland and reducing inflammation that leads to discomfort and an increased urge to urinate. It’s also thought to help lower cholesterol levels while improving blood flow to the bladder. You’ll find this supplement in nuts, seeds, legumes and as dietary supplements; just make sure you consult your physician first as it may interact with certain medications.
Multiple trials have demonstrated the efficacy of beta-sitosterol in improving urinary symptoms and flow measures among those suffering from BPH, comparable to studies using other pharmaceutical therapies. Furthermore, beta-sitosterol users experienced significantly fewer side effects compared with those in placebo-controlled trials.
beta-sitosterol has also been demonstrated to aid with improving lipid profiles, specifically total and LDL cholesterol. One study demonstrated its benefits by significantly decreasing both total and LDL cholesterol, but at the expense of HDL. This may pose problems in those suffering familial type II hyperlipoproteinemia1.
The Cochrane Database of System Reviews reviewed data from 21 randomized clinical trials that involved patients suffering from BPH symptoms and were designed to compare beta-sitosterol’s effectiveness against placebo or other standard BPH medicines on changes to urologic symptom scale scores and urodynamic measurements such as peak urine flow and residual volume.
Results revealed that patients receiving beta-sitosterol experienced a significant reduction in their International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), improved urinary flow and urodynamic measures when compared with patients taking placebo. Although more in-depth research needs to be completed on beta-sitosterol for treating BPH, these preliminary findings indicate it may be safe and effective alternative treatment options available today.
Saw palmetto
Saw palmetto is an herb often prescribed to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), however numerous studies have demonstrated that it fails to relieve the symptoms. A review of 27 placebo-controlled trials with 4,656 men concluded that saw palmetto had little or no benefit for treating BPH, nor does it reduce bathroom visits at night or enhance urination.
Scientists speculate that saw palmetto’s fatty acids may prevent an enzyme called 5-alpha reductase from converting testosterone to dihydrotestosterone – which has been shown to cause prostate enlargement – from operating. DHT can enter the prostate through this pathway and seep into its tissues; as such it may prevent DHT entering through saw palmetto. Furthermore, saw palmetto has also been used for male pattern baldness and sexual dysfunction, although more evidence needs to support its claims.
Scientists compared two forms of saw palmetto extract, to see whether its extraction method affected its effectiveness. Researchers used extracts processed using hexane as well as non-hexane versions; both formulations proved equally successful in treating BPH symptoms.
Though BPH cannot be treated, using rosemary oil regularly may help ease urinary issues caused by an enlarged prostate. Many have reported taking rosemary regularly has reduced both their time spent urinating daily as well as urgency to urinate, though it does not reduce frequency or amount of urine passed each time.
As with any changes to urination, even minor ones should always be discussed with a physician, even if they seem minor. They could indicate an underlying medical condition that needs treating; in some instances open surgery may be recommended as part of this treatment plan – this involves making an incision in your lower abdomen and extracting part of the prostate gland – but this method may only be necessary if other therapies prove ineffective.
Before using any herbal remedies, it is advisable to seek medical advice first. Herbs can interfere with blood clotting medications as well as those which affect liver or intestine function, so it is wise to consult a healthcare provider beforehand. Furthermore, certain herbs should be avoided when taking antibiotics or medications that suppress immune systems.
Exercise
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a relatively common condition wherein the prostate grows too large and presses upon the urethra. This pressure causes urinary tract symptoms including narrow urine streams, incomplete bladder emptying and frequent need to urinate more often – symptoms which while not dangerous can reduce quality of life significantly. Exercise can help alleviate BPH symptoms; one study revealed that men who spent more time moving and watching television had lower risks of symptoms than those who spent their days sitting around watching television!
Physical activity offers numerous health advantages, and its protective effects on LUTS have been linked with various mechanisms, including reduced body size, decreased sympathetic nervous system activation and inflammation levels, as well as nocturia reduction and improvement of sleep quality. PA has also been demonstrated to decrease bladder cancer risks.
Exercise can provide great benefit to the prostate. Walking, running and jogging are great activities to add into your weekly activity goals; additionally kegel exercises may also strengthen pelvic muscles which in turn may alleviate BPH symptoms.
Natural remedies
BPH (benign prostatic hyperplasia) is a noncancerous condition in which your prostate enlarges and interferes with urine flow, leading to weak urine streams and frequent needing to go the bathroom during the day. Your doctor may prescribe medications, while others prefer natural treatments like sage leaf and saw palmetto supplements that have shown promise for treating BPH symptoms; both can work effectively together.
These herbs contain cholesterol-like substances called sitosterols and phytosterols, which according to studies are known to help relieve urinary symptoms while strengthening urine flow. Studies indicate these substances’ potential in this regard; many take them in combination with other herbs like saw palmetto. Both tablet and capsule versions are available.
Lycopene, an antioxidant found in tomatoes and other fruits, may provide another natural cure for BPH. Studies have demonstrated its efficacy at improving quality of life among those suffering from BPH while not stopping its progression. Excellent sources of lycopene include tomatoes, carrots and red fruits; green tea also contains high amounts.
pumpkin seed extract and stinging nettle root have also shown some promise as natural treatments for BPH, with each showing some reduction of symptoms; however, their studies are less well-supported.
Other natural treatments for BPH may include diet, regular exercise and forgoing alcohol consumption as ways of keeping weight within an ideal range, which decreases your risk of prostate issues. Furthermore, regular physical activity helps combat stress and depression that contributes to an enlarged prostate.
Before trying any natural treatments for BPH, consult with your physician first. Some natural remedies can interact with prescription medicines and be dangerous if you have certain medical conditions. In certain instances, your physician may suggest surgery called transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP).
