Prostate Enlargement Alternative Treatment

An enlarged prostate is a common occurrence as men reach their 60s. The official medical term is benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). As the prostate enlarges, it interferes with urination. Common symptoms include difficulty urinating, going to the bathroom frequently, weak stream and trouble emptying your bladder. A natural treatment strategy involves lifestyle recommendations and certain natural supplements. You should consult with an experienced health care provider to design a regimen, and always tell your doctor about any supplements you want to use.

Managing Symptoms Through Diet

• Avoid or limit alcohol and caffeine; they irritate the bladder and will only contribute to urinary difficulties. Eat 20 to 35 grams of fiber daily to encourage regularity. Constipation worsens BPH symptoms. High-fiber foods include whole grains, fruits, vegetables and beans. Take a fiber supplement if you find it difficult to consume adequate fiber through your diet. Limit your intake of saturated fat, which is abundant in animal products. Choose low-fat dairy and non-meat protein sources like beans, whole grains and soy. According to alternative medicine expert Dr. Andrew Weil, Asian men have a much lower incidence of BPH, and researchers believe it is linked to soy consumption.

Managing Symptoms with Natural Supplements

• According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, all of the following supplements improved various symptoms of BPH in clinical studies. You do not need to take every supplement listed, as some offer the same results; this is an area of alternative medicine where talking with a professional is helpful. He can offer guidance on a supplement regimen.

  Beta-Sitosterol, naturally found in plants, improved flow and reduced the amount of urine remaining in the bladder; it did not reduce prostate size. Take 60 to 130 mg daily. Pumpkin seeds are a rich natural source of this compound and have a long history of use in promoting prostate health.

  Saw palmetto works in a similar fashion as prescription medications that keep testosterone from changing into a chemical that fuels prostate growth. Suggested dosage is 320 mg daily. It should be noted that while many studies found benefit, some did not.

  Pygeum is a traditional treatment for urinary difficulties, and studies found it was especially good at reducing the frequency of nighttime urination and encouraged better urine flow. Take 75 to 200 mg daily.

Recommended Self-Care

• Do not hold in your urine; go when you feel the urge. Avoid liquids two hours before bed, and do not drink large amounts of liquids at once. Exercise at least 30 minutes five days a week and reduce stress as best you can. Avoid decongestant and antihistamine medications; they worsen symptoms.