Prostate and Herbs | What exactly does your prostate do? | What happens when your prostate enlarges? | Herbs and Bioactive Substances for Benign Prostate Enlargement.
Prostate and Herbs
If you have a prostate, it's important to learn more about it. For example, do you know which natural herbs are best for it? Do you know what your prostate does and what happens when it enlarges? Or how an enlarged prostate occurs? These and other questions are answered in this article. It’s worth reading so that you can also learn all about your prostate and the best natural herbs!
What exactly does your prostate do?
Your prostate is located below your bladder and surrounds your urethra (this is how it grows). When you ejaculate during sex, your prostate produces a whitish fluid. This is just a brief introduction to what your prostate is meant for!
What happens when your prostate enlarges?
Your prostate is situated around your urethra, and if it swells, it puts more pressure on your urinary tube. The result is that urine can’t flow as easily from your bladder. This can lead to various complaints, such as difficulty urinating, needing to urinate frequently in small amounts, a weaker urine stream, dribbling, feeling like you can’t completely empty your bladder, and even a burning sensation when urinating. You may also experience frequent bladder infections and struggle to hold your urine. Post-urination dribbling can also occur, which can be very annoying. The symptoms of a bladder infection, prostate infection, and prostate enlargement can look similar. Enlarged prostate is often associated with these urinary complaints. However, it’s also possible to have an enlarged prostate without urinary problems or vice versa. That’s why it’s essential to monitor symptoms carefully and get them checked in time. A timely visit to the doctor is crucial to get a proper diagnosis, and you may be referred to a urologist for further investigation. It might not be pleasant, but it’s necessary to find out what’s wrong so it can be treated. Don’t delay seeing a doctor—you want to be rid of the pain and discomfort, and a doctor can help with that.
More About Benign Prostate Enlargement
When we talk about benign prostate enlargement, we're referring to Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH). It’s not life-threatening, but it’s important to know more about it. Why does the prostate suddenly enlarge? The prostate is a gland, and it's composed of glandular tissue, strongly influenced by hormones, particularly the male hormone testosterone. A benign prostate enlargement often occurs due to a hormonal imbalance, often caused by too much DHT (dihydrotestosterone). An enzyme can convert testosterone into DHT, which acts like a superpowered version of testosterone. Excessive DHT can lead to increased prostate tissue growth and also activates receptors in the bladder, urethra, and prostate. The muscles in these organs become overly tense, making it difficult to urinate properly. Certain herbs like willowherb and saw palmetto can be used to influence DHT's effect on prostate tissue (more on that later). Too much estrogen can also be a factor, particularly in older men, who tend to have higher estrogen levels relative to testosterone. The enzyme aromatase converts testosterone into estrogen. Too much aromatase or its overactivity leads to higher estrogen levels, which can trigger excessive prostate growth. Insulin resistance is another cause. High insulin levels can promote prostate enlargement, often occurring alongside obesity and other factors, making it a complex issue.
Can You Prevent Prostate Enlargement?
If you have BPH, you may wonder if it can be prevented. Typically, with regular medication, it can be effectively treated (self-care). However, there are also natural remedies that can help alleviate urinary complaints associated with BPH. Be mindful of potential interactions between regular medications, supplements, and herbs.
Herbs and Bioactive Substances for Benign Prostate Enlargement
Saw Palmetto
Saw palmetto, also known as serenoa, was traditionally used by Native Americans to treat impotence and infertility. They consumed ripe berries for urinary issues caused by an enlarged prostate. Saw palmetto may effectively slow the growth of benign prostate adenomas and is a well-supported herbal remedy for BPH. It also has anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties.Willowherb
This herb is often found on abandoned land or near water, especially under willows, along roadsides, and around parks. It’s rich in phytosterols, plant compounds with a steroid-like structure. Willowherb can reduce DHT binding to androgen receptors in the prostate, disrupting the mechanism behind prostate enlargement. It also has anti-inflammatory and decongestant effects on the prostate, which can help relieve urinary symptoms.Nettle Root
Nettle root is rich in phytosterols and fatty acids, which can inhibit excessive prostate growth. It’s used to treat mild to moderate BPH and related urinary problems.Pumpkin
Consuming pumpkin can strengthen the bladder, improving urination. For optimal benefits, use pumpkin seeds or their oil. It’s best to use high-quality cold-pressed oil, raw (not heated), by taking one to two tablespoons daily, for example, in yogurt or salad.Zinc
Zinc is essential for everyone, especially the male hormonal system and fertility. If you're dealing with hormonal imbalances, consider increasing your zinc intake through grains, beans, nuts, seeds, meat, and dairy. Protein-rich foods are particularly high in zinc, so make sure to get enough. Vegans and vegetarians need to be cautious about zinc deficiency and may require supplements.
Bladder Infection: Natural Substances To keep your bladder healthy, cranberries can help. Certain herbs, such as cat’s claw, goldenseal, and Echinacea (also known as purple coneflower), can activate and strengthen your immune system. Additionally, orthosiphon and goldenrod are diuretic and support kidney health, promoting a healthy urinary flow and preventing infections. You could also take probiotic bacteria to support immune health and boost the resistance of your mucous membranes.
Information
The information provided is developed and written by our editorial team in collaboration with professional writers and expert sources. Consult a professional if you experience complications. A healthy lifestyle and balanced, varied diet are important. A supplement is no substitute for a varied diet. Source: Editorial team, Medicalnewstoday.com