Dealing with an Enlarged Prostate

The slow enlargement of the prostate gland, known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), is highly prevalent in the American population and can commence as early as 25 years old. By the age of 50, the majority of individuals with prostates will encounter symptoms associated with BPH. These symptoms include difficulties in initiating and stopping urine flow, an increased urgency to urinate, a feeling of incomplete bladder emptying, and a heightened need to urinate, particularly during nighttime. Managing the symptoms of an enlarged prostate can significantly enhance quality of life, and there are effective home remedies and medications available for symptom reduction.

Avoid consuming caffeinated and alcoholic beverages in the evening. Caffeine and alcohol act as diuretics, affecting bladder muscle tone and prompting the kidneys to produce urine. Given that a key symptom of BPH is an increased urgency to urinate, it's advisable to steer clear of caffeinated and alcoholic beverages, particularly in the evening. Refrain from consuming alcohol and caffeine, particularly after dinner.

• Avoid consuming any beverages containing caffeine or alcohol within four hours of bedtime, and cease all fluid intake approximately two hours before going to bed.
• Caffeine can be found in coffee, black tea, green tea, hot chocolate, colas, most soft drinks, and virtually all energy drinks.
• Caffeine also stimulates brain activity, potentially leading to sleep disturbances and exacerbating BPH symptoms.

Avoid using over-the-counter (OTC) antihistamines or decongestants. Many OTC cold and allergy medications, as well as sleep aids, contain antihistamines or other decongestants that can exacerbate BPH symptoms and lead to more frequent trips to the restroom. Some other types of medications can also have negative effects on BPH symptoms, so it's important to discuss all your medications (OTC and prescription) with your doctor or pharmacist to ensure safety.

• Your doctor may be able to adjust dosages or change the timing of problematic medications, or prescribe alternatives that cause fewer urinary issues.
• Note that certain drugs may also contain caffeine or other diuretics/stimulants, so it's advisable to research the ingredients of all medications you take.

Ensure your bladder is completely emptied. When urinating, particularly before bedtime, make sure to fully empty your bladder as it can reduce the need for frequent nighttime bathroom visits. While it may take some time, fully emptying the bladder can help prevent sleep disturbances caused by having to wake up every few hours.

• To aid bladder emptying, consider sitting down while urinating instead of standing, as it alters the urethral angle and can promote relaxation.
• Other techniques to facilitate bladder emptying include: running water in the sink, listening to calming music for distraction, and keeping warm (by wearing slippers or a robe) if it's cold.
• Try the double-voiding method: after urinating, wait a moment and then try again to see if more urine is released.

Indulge in warm baths before bedtime. Taking a warm bath in the evening can help alleviate BPH symptoms in various ways. The warmth of the water can provide relaxation, reduce stress, promote better sleep, alleviate mild discomfort, relieve muscle tension, and potentially trigger urination.

Stay active and engage in regular exercise. Prolonged sitting and physical inactivity are generally detrimental to health, and the pressure on the pelvis while sitting can adversely affect the prostate gland. Some studies suggest that mild exercise, such as walking, may help alleviate BPH symptoms. Exercise can also alleviate stress and muscle tension, both of which contribute to urinary difficulties.

• Walking, hiking, and swimming are excellent stress-relieving exercises beneficial for individuals with BPH.
• Cycling is also beneficial for BPH, but prolonged cycling may exert pressure on the perineum, leading to penile numbness. To avoid this, use an ergonomic bike seat, wear padded bike shorts, and ensure proper bike adjustment.
• Avoid heavy lifting and strenuous exercises at the gym, as they may worsen BPH symptoms in some individuals.
• Activities like rowing and canoeing may exacerbate BPH symptoms.

Consider beta-sitosterol supplements for managing BPH. Beta-sitosterol, a compound resembling cholesterol found in various plants, has shown promise in improving urinary flow and reducing residual urine volume in individuals with BPH. While it doesn't shrink the prostate gland, it effectively alleviates primary symptoms.

• Recommended dosages range from 60 to 130 mg daily over several weeks.
• Beta-sitosterol also aids in lowering blood cholesterol levels, making it beneficial for individuals with high cholesterol and BPH.
• Pumpkin seeds are a rich source of beta-sitosterol, often recommended for prostate health.

Explore the benefits of saw palmetto berry extract. Saw palmetto berries, utilized for generations to address prostate issues like BPH, have garnered attention for their potential to alleviate symptoms. Studies suggest that saw palmetto extract, when standardized properly, can provide relief from BPH symptoms.

• Recommended dosage is at least 320 mg daily of an extract standardized to contain 85 – 95% fatty acids and sterols, with noticeable effects after a few weeks.
• Research indicates comparable effectiveness of saw palmetto extract to certain prostate medications, with fewer side effects.
• Saw palmetto enjoys popularity in Europe, particularly Germany, for treating BPH and related conditions.

Examine the potential of pygeum for managing BPH symptoms. Pygeum bark extract, an age-old remedy for prostate issues, has demonstrated effectiveness in treating BPH symptoms, including reducing nocturia and improving urine flow. Its phytosterol content inhibits the production of inflammatory compounds in the prostate.

• Used in Europe, especially France, since the 1960s, with recommended daily dosages between 75 – 200 mg.
• Effectiveness may take a few weeks or more to manifest, available in various forms such as capsules, liquid extracts, and powders, varying in concentration and efficacy.

Try incorporating rye grass pollen into your regimen. Backed by scientific evidence, rye grass pollen has shown promise in alleviating BPH symptoms, including nocturia and residual urine volume. Studies indicate its ability to reduce prostate size in men with BPH, although caution is advised for individuals with grass pollen allergies.

• Studies suggest supplementation for four to six weeks, with gradual results expected.

• Alpha blockers are drugs that cause muscles around the bladder to relax, making it easier to urinate. Examples include: These Terazosin (Hytrin), doxazosin (Cardura), tamsulosin (Flomax) and alfuzosin (Uroxatral).
• Intervening earlier rather than waiting is important to prevent bladder damage and serious urinary symptoms.
• If you are heading out to work, school, meeting or concert, plan ahead by cutting down on fluids beforehand and visit the bathroom just prior to leaving.