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Natural Prostate Cure

As men get older, they have a greater risk for prostate problems. Surgical options include the removal of the prostate. For those who wish to keep their prostates and try to heal them naturally, options include lifestyle changes and vitamin and herbal supplements.

  1. Life Changes and Vitamins

    • The first step toward prostate health involves cutting out caffeine. The popular drug has been known to tighten the bladder neck, making it difficult for the body to pass urine. Alcohol similarly tightens the bladder neck and increases the amount of urine that builds up in the bladder. Decongestants and antihistamines in cold medicines should be cut out because they may contribute to a condition known as urinary retention, which prevents urination. Stress can trigger problems in a prostate because there are many nerves that respond to adrenal gland activity in that area. Try to reduce your stress to take better care of your prostate. More sex and more ejaculations also can help abate prostate problems. Though there aren't enough studies to prove the efficacy of vitamins, some doctors prescribe a multivitamin with Beta-carotene, magnesium, selenium, zinc and vitamins A, B6, C and E. (See References 2 and 3.)

    Saw Palmetto

    • More than 2 million men in the United States use saw palmetto (Serenoa repens) for prostate problems. Various trials (TJ Wilt's study in 1998, S Bent's in 2006) have shown great improvement in prostate illness symptoms with an average dose of 160 milligrams. The popular herb improves urinary flow and prostate size in diseases such as Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH). Though not all studies have proved its value, it has the most positive studies of any prostate treatment. Saw palmetto should be taken in a multivitamin or in capsule form on its own. (See Reference 1.)

    Other Herbs

    • Other herbs include pumpkin seeds, which have been shown to help prostate symptoms. Stinging nettle root has been included in German medicines for BPH, though few studies have been published in English. Both pumpkin seeds and stinging nettle have properties that may block the action of testosterone, preventing the overgrowth of prostate cells. Pollen extract has anti-inflammatory properties and may alleviate the problems of BPH. Red maca has had some promising results in early trials to reduce prostate size. And pepperweed (Lepidium latifolium) can positively affect prostate hyperplasia. A few other treatments to consider are quercetin, beta-sitosterol and pygeum bark. (See Reference 1.)

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