As men age, the enlargement of the prostate gland is pretty much inevitable. Frequent trips to the bathroom and night time discomfort can become the new norm. Sadly, it’s a clear reminder that youth is a thing of the past.
While prostate enlargement appears to be imminent for men as they age, there are natural remedies for improved prostate health. Men can rest assured knowing the uncomfortable symptoms of an enlarged prostate can be alleviated with certain foods and natural solutions.
The Effects of Prostate Growth
Part of the male reproductive system, the prostate is a walnut-shaped gland that wraps around the urethra. Throughout a man’s life, the prostate will grow and some men may experience an excessive enlarged prostate. This condition is called BPH (benign prostatic hyperplasia). BPH restricts the flow of urine from the bladder which in turn leads to uncomfortable symptoms.
Men with an excessive enlarged prostate may experience:
- a urinary tract infections
- frequent urination without control
- Incomplete/insufficient emptying of bladder
- Erectile dysfunction
Some men may even be diagnosed with prostatitis at some point, a condition in which the prostate becomes inflamed. Luckily, if you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, there is a natural approach you can take to improve your overall health and alleviate pain. Incorporating certain foods into your diet and taking natural supplements are prime examples of natural remedies for prostate health. So, what are these treatments?
Saw Palmetto
Saw palmetto has been used for years to alleviate urinary symptoms. This natural herb extract derived from the berries of the palm plant can help relieve BPH symptoms in men. This palm tree is native to the southeast regions of North America and is especially plentiful in Florida.
Today, dry and ground saw palmetto can be purchased in capsule or tablet form. There are several studies to suggest that saw palmetto extract helps improve men’s urine flow and reduce nighttime urination. FloSom(™), a clinically tested men’s urinary health formula, uses full potency saw palmetto extract to help promote prostate health.
WARNING: ALL SAW PALMETTO SUPPLEMENTS ARE NOT THE SAME!
Don’t be fooled by cheap saw palmetto supplements. These inferior products contain ground up powders and will not provide the same results as those containing extracted oil. Extracted oil is a far more expensive process but the product and results are superior.
You get what you pay for!
Pygeum
The bark of this African plum tree contains herbs that help shrink the prostate to relieve urinary problems. Taking a supplement that contains pygeum or saw palmetto will help decrease the amount of times men need to urinate. Men can take pygeum extract by mouth if they are experiencing symptoms of BPH. There is wide research that suggests pygeum extract is successful in helping prostate and kidney health as well as overall inflammation. According to the National Center of Biotechnology Information, evidence suggests that pygeum improves urologic symptoms and flow measures.
Improved diet and exercise
While the above herbal extracts are potentially excellent remedies for prostate health, there are other approaches men can take in order to relieve uncomfortable symptoms.
There are certain foods that have an impact on overall prostate health. Men should consider their diet and stay away from meats and dairy products as they are known to contribute to the risk of prostate enlargement.
Stick to a diet rich in fruits, vegetables and healthy fats. Foods like salmon, berries, tomatoes, and broccoli can all help promote a healthy prostate.
Regular exercise helps balance the body’s hormones which in turn affects the prostate. It’s important for men to stay active as they get older because muscles around the bladder do get weaker. Exercises that strengthen the pelvic muscles can help with controlled urination.
While there are many natural remedies for prostate health, It’s important for men to address their symptoms with a doctor. Taking natural supplements mixed with a lifestyle change is the perfect combination towards a healthy prostate!