An enlarged prostate, also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), is a disorder that generally tends to affect men as they age. With age, the cells of the gland begin to multiply, leading to an enlarged prostate. An enlarged prostate is problematic because it presses on the urethra, creating difficulties with urination and weakening the bladder. BPH will produce symptoms such as weak or interrupted urine stream, inability to urinate, difficulty starting or holding urination, and the need to frequently urinate, especially at night.
Ignoring prostate problems, as some men tend to do, isn’t a smart idea. If left untreated, an enlarged prostate can block the flow of urine out of the bladder, leading to other complications such as urinary retention and kidney damage. Below are some natural remedies you can try at home to ease symptoms of BPH.
Sitz Bath
A sitz bath is an old fashioned method that really works when it comes to soothing an enlarged prostate. The hot bath relaxes the pelvic muscles, and promotes healing. The cold bath eases pain and reduces swelling. For this method you just need to fill the bathtub with the warm water and then add ½ cup of Epsom salt to it. And, in another bathtub (or large container), you fill with cold water and add several drops of lavender essential oil to the bathtub. Now, you sit in the bathtub containing hot water for about 3 minutes. Then, move to the one with cold water for 1 minute.
Stinging Nettle
Stinging nettle leaves may cause sharp, intense pain, but its extract has benefits for the prostate. The root contains essential bioactive phytochemicals that help shrink prostate tissue. Being a natural diuretic, it also encourages the elimination of inflammatory wastes through urination. You can have stinging nettle as a drink by simply adding 1 teaspoon of dried leaves in hot water. Let it sit for 10 minutes, then strain. You can drink this tea mix 2 to 3 times daily. Always consult your physician before taking any supplement to determine the correct dosage for your size and condition.
Kegel Exercises
Pelvic-strengthening or kegel exercises could help in easing some of the discomforts of an enlarged prostate because they are useful in tightening and clenching specific pelvic muscles to help control the urination. You just need to empty your bladder and lie on the ground with the knees bent and apart. Then, gently tighten the pelvic floor muscles for about 5 seconds before relaxing them for 5 seconds. However, men who are suffering from chronic prostatitis or chronic pelvic pain syndrome should avoid doing this type of exercise.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is very good for your prostate. The unfiltered, raw apple cider vinegar features astringent properties, helping shrink the swollen prostate glands. Also, it aids weight loss and helps prevent complications of enlarged prostate such as UTIs. You simply need to mix 1-2 tablespoon of raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar with 1 tablespoon of honey in one glass of warm water. Drink this at least twice per day. Another option with apple cider vinegar is adding about 1 cup to a bathtub of cool water and soaking in it for about 10 minutes.
The enlargement of the prostate can’t be cured naturally, but there are changes in lifestyle and diet that can be made in order to prevent this painful condition. Practicing an active lifestyle with physical activities, drinking plenty of liquids, having a healthy diet and limiting alcohol consumption are natural ways of preventing prostate enlargement, among other illnesses. What men should include more in their regular diet is astragalus and soy. Astragalus is an old chinese medicinal plant that boosts the immune system in cancer patients, but is also helpful in reducing the effects of BPH. Soy, on the other hand, maintains prostate health and protects agains benign prostatic hyperplasia. A diet of the two combined can be of tremendous help for men against prostate diseases.
