How to Shrink Prostate Naturally: Doctor-Approved Home Remedies That Work

Millions of men worldwide with painful symptoms of prostate enlargement are keen to learn how to shrink their prostate naturally. Around half of the men over 50 and up to 90% of men over 80 get benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). This condition is when the prostate gland gets bigger and pushes against the urethra. This pressure makes urinary symptoms that are bothersome and can greatly lower the quality of life.

Many natural treatments have been shown to work to shrink the prostate and ease symptoms, which is a good thing. Many doctors now see the value of using certain herbs, changing their diet, and making lifestyle changes as first-line treatments instead of quickly giving patients prescription drugs that could have side effects. These natural ways usually work by fixing hormonal imbalances, lowering inflammation, or making the prostate healthier.

This complete guide talks about natural treatments that doctors say are beneficial and may even shrink the size of the gland. These include strong plant-based options like saw palmetto and stinging nettle, as well as simple changes to your diet and lifestyle.

What You Should Know About Prostate Growth?

The prostate gland is a small organ that is about the size of a walnut and is between the bladder and the penis. It is crucial for men's sexual health. Men need to know how this important gland works as they grow older so they can stay healthy and handle any health problems that arise.

What does BPH stand for?

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), which is also called prostate enlargement, is a non-cancerous condition in which the prostate gland gets too big. The prostate grows in two main stages: first, it doubles in size during puberty, and then it starts to grow again around age 25 and continues to do so for the rest of a person's life.

An enlarged prostate may press on the urethra, which is the tube that carries urine from the bladder. This condition might make it difficult to pee. Around half of men have BPH by the time they turn 60, and this number goes up quickly to about 90% by the time they turn 85. The rate is about 5% to 6% for men in their 40s and 50s. The rate is 29% to 33% for men over 65.

It's important to know that having BPH doesn't make you more likely to get prostate cancer. But both conditions can cause the same symptoms, so it's important to get the right diagnosis.

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How do hormones like DHT cause the prostate to grow?

It appears the prostate gets bigger. The exact cause is still a little unclear, but there is a lot of evidence that dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is a major factor.

DHT, a powerful form of testosterone, makes prostate cells grow and keeps them from dying, which makes the prostate bigger. As men get older, their bodies use an enzyme called 5-alpha-reductase 4 to change more testosterone into DHT. This process of changing the hormones makes the signal in the prostate tissue stronger.

Another intriguing idea has to do with how testosterone and oestrogen work together. As men grow older, their testosterone levels naturally drop, but their oestrogen amounts stay about the same. This change in hormone levels may help prostate cells grow.

Diabetes, heart disease, being overweight, having a family history of BPH, and not being active are some other things that seem to raise the risk of BPH [12]. These links explain why changing your way of life is often an important part of a full plan to keep your prostate healthy.

Why are more people turning to natural cures?

Even though there are traditional treatments like alpha-blockers and 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors that stop DHT production, more men Although traditional treatments, such as alpha-blockers and 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors, can stop DHT production, more men are exploring and looking into natural options.

First, prescription drugs can sometimes have side effects that make things worse. Some men prefer to avoid taking drugs for extended periods whenever possible. Natural ways are also popular with people who want to stay healthy until their symptoms get severe enough to need medicine.

Scientists are also becoming more interested in plant-based compounds. This has led to the discovery of several promising natural 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors that could help control DHT levels without the need for drugs. Some of the things that have been tested in scientific studies and shown to work to different degrees are beta-sitosterol, pygeum, rye pollen extract, and saw palmetto.

The American Urological Association doesn't officially recommend herbal treatments for BPH management [3], but many doctors agree that patients with mild symptoms should try natural remedies with medical supervision before going to prescription options [5].

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Doctors agree on these natural ways to shrink the prostate.

In clinical studies, several natural remedies have worked well for men who want to relieve an enlarged prostate. These doctor-approved options may help shrink the prostate and make urination easier in different ways.

Saw palmetto is a natural way to stop 5-alpha-reductase:

People have been using saw palmetto, which comes from the berries of the Serenoa repens palm, to keep their prostates healthy for a long time. It might work like prescription drugs by stopping 5-alpha reductase, which is an enzyme that changes testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT). In laboratory studies, saw palmetto reduced tissue absorption of testosterone and DHT by more than 40% [6].

Unfortunately, recent high-quality research has not produced definitive outcomes. A comprehensive 2023 review of 27 studies concluded that saw palmetto provides few benefits for BPH symptoms. In NIH-funded clinical trials [8], researchers found that giving more than three times the usual amount did not provide any benefits.

Most people can take saw palmetto without any problems, but some people may have stomach upset, dizziness, or headaches [7].

Ryegrass pollen is beneficial for your health and helps with inflammation.

Rye grass pollen has been shown to help with prostate health. In a study where neither the patients nor the researchers knew who was getting the real treatment, 103 men with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) participated, and 69% of those who took the standardised grass pollen extract noticed they had to urinate; in the placebo group, only 37% saw this change.

Rye grass pollen seems to help with swelling and relax some muscles in the urinary tract. A six-month study found that 69% of men who took 92 mg a day felt better overall, and an ultrasound showed that their prostate size had shrunk by 9.

Stinging Nettle: Beneficial for urinary issues

Stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) contains compounds that alleviate BPH symptoms by mitigating inflammation, combating tumours, and modulating the immune system. In a clinical trial with 287 BPH patients, nettle treatment significantly lowered the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), prostate-specific antigen levels, and prostate size.

The favourable effects are probably because nettles stop testosterone from turning into DHT and attaching to sexual hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), which stops SHBG from attaching to prostate receptors [12].

Pygeum is an extract from the bark of the African cherry tree that has been shown to benefit prostate health.

Pygeum africanum, which comes from the bark of the African cherry tree, might be beneficial for the health of the prostate. A review of 18 randomised controlled trials with 1,562 men found that pygeum made urinary symptoms "moderately better" than a placebo.

More than twice as many men who took pygeum said their symptoms got better. Urination at night went down by 19%, the amount of urine left over went down by 24%, and the peak flow of urine went up by 23% [13]. These advantages may stem from Pygeum's ability to diminish inflammation and potentially inhibit androgens.

Lycopene comes from red fruits and tomatoes:

Lycopene, which gives tomatoes and other red fruits their colour, has been shown to help keep the prostate healthy. A systematic review of 66 population studies demonstrated that men who consumed higher amounts of lycopene had an 11% reduced risk of prostate cancer.

You should eat cooked tomatoes instead of raw ones because lycopene is better absorbed when heated, especially with oil [16]. Men who ate canned and cooked tomatoes 5–6 times a week were 28% less likely to develop prostate cancer [16].

There are many antioxidants in green tea:

Catechins, a kind of polyphenol found in green tea, especially epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), may be advantageous for the health of the prostate. Research indicates that these compounds can inhibit tumour proliferation in both androgen-sensitive and androgen-independent prostate cells.

EGCG works by stopping inflammatory pathways and lowering the activity of the androgen receptor [17]. A meta-analysis showed that drinking more than 7 cups of green tea a day greatly lowered the risk of prostate cancer [17].

Zinc is a mineral that is beneficial for prostate health:

Healthy prostate tissue has some of the highest levels of zinc in the body. This mineral appears to support normal prostate function by inhibiting mitochondrial aconitase, which regulates citrate levels [18].

It's interesting that zinc levels in prostate cancer are 60% to 80% lower than in normal prostate tissue [18]. A recent study found that taking small amounts of zinc (1–24 mg/day) after being diagnosed with prostate cancer was linked to a lower risk of dying from the disease [19]. Taking more than 75 mg of zinc a day, on the other hand, may raise the risk.

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Soy: A plant-based hormone control

Isoflavones in soy products may help keep hormones in equilibrium, which can affect prostate health. A thorough study found that men who ate soy products had a much lower risk of prostate cancer than men who didn't eat soy frequently.

Non-fermented soy products, including legumes and soy milk, reduced the risk of prostate cancer by 7% and 16%, respectively. It appears that the beneficial effects are stronger when you take it every day [20]. Genistein and daidzein are soy isoflavones that may work by lowering the levels of androgen receptors and having anti-inflammatory effects [21].

Healthy prostate food and nutrition:

Your prostate health is directly affected by what you eat. So, changing your diet in smart ways can help you naturally control or even shrink your prostate.

Fish, nuts, seeds, and tomatoes are some of the foods you should eat.

Tomatoes are beneficial for the prostate because they have a lot of lycopene in them. This powerful antioxidant has been shown to lower the risk of prostate cancer and slow tumour growth [4]. You can get the most lycopene from tomatoes by cooking them or eating them with healthy fats like olive oil.

Salmon, mackerel, and sardines are all fatty fish that have omega-3 fatty acids that are good for you and help keep inflammation down. These fish from cold waters are good for your heart and can help keep your prostate healthy.

Nuts and seeds are good for the prostate because they have many minerals in them. They contain selenium, zinc, and vitamin E, which are good for prostate health. Pumpkin seeds are excellent for you because they have phytochemicals that can help keep your prostate healthy.

Don't eat red meat or processed foods?

Several studies have shown that eating red meat increases the risk of prostate cancer. The World Health Organisation says that red meat "probably causes cancer in humans" (22). Well-done meat is even worse because it has heterocyclic amines (HCAs), which are cancer-causing chemicals that form when food is cooked at high temperatures [23].

Processed foods that have a lot of preservatives and sodium can make inflammation worse, which can be bad for prostate health [24]. Dairy products, especially whole milk, may also make it more likely that you will get deadly prostate cancer [23].

Benefits of the Mediterranean diet

One of the best ways to eat for prostate health is to follow the Mediterranean diet. The first thing to remember is that it values plant foods more than animal foods. This diet is mostly plant-based and includes whole grains, legumes, fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats from nuts, fish, and olive oil.

Some studies indicate that this diet may slow down the growth of prostate cancer. Researchers found that for every one-point increase in following the Mediterranean diet, the risk of cancer progression declined by more than 10 percent 5. The diet lowers inflammation in the body and raises the number of antioxidants you eat.

The Mediterranean diet is good for your health and makes it less likely that your prostate will grow.

Changes you can make to your life that will help your prostate health

Along with herbs and diet, small things you do every day are crucial for controlling the symptoms of an enlarged prostate. These changes to your lifestyle that your doctor agrees with can make urinary problems a lot better and might even help the prostate get smaller.

Stay at a healthy weight and exercise regularly:

Active men have fewer symptoms of BPH than men who are not active. Studies show that doing moderate exercise for just 30 minutes most days of the week can cut BPH symptoms by [25]. Swimming, walking, and biking are all excellent ways to keep your heart healthy and your weight monitored. A healthy weight is very important because being overweight makes it more likely that you will get advanced prostate cancer [26].

Drink less before bed:

If you drink less at night, you won't have to go to the toilet as often. 2. Don't drink water or other drinks for a few hours before bed. Furthermore, don't drink alcohol, coffee, or other caffeinated drinks after 2 p.m. because they make you pee more. This plan stops the bladder from filling up while you sleep, but it doesn't make you less hydrated overall.

Training the bladder and double voiding:

Double voiding ensures that the bladder is empty. Wait 20 to 30 seconds after you pee normally and then try again [27]. This method keeps leftover urine from getting into the bladder, which can hurt.

If you teach your bladder to hold more urine, you may be able to go less often. Please try to wait five to fifteen minutes before leaving if you must. Slowly add time to your schedule every week so that your bladder can hold more.

Don't take decongestants or antihistamines:

Some medicines make the symptoms of BPH worse. Pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) and other decongestants tighten the muscles in the bladder neck and prostate, making it harder for urine to flow. Antihistamines also stop the muscles in the bladder from contracting, which makes it harder for urine to leave. Always ask your doctor if the drugs you take will work together.

Stop smoking and handle your stress:

Stress can make the symptoms of BPH worse by making the muscles tight. Some ways to relax that can help relax the muscles in the pelvic floor are meditation, deep breathing, and yoga.

People who smoke have a 40% higher risk of getting prostate cancer than people who don't smoke. This risk drops considerably within ten years of quitting smoking and eventually becomes the same as that of people who don't smoke [26]. Your risk could be as low as that of people who have never smoked after ten years of quitting smoking.

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When to Seek Medical Help

Natural remedies can help, but you should still know when to get help from a professional. Knowing exactly what symptoms need medical attention can help you get the right treatment instead of making things worse.

When do you go to the doctor about your symptoms?

Call a doctor right away if you notice blood in your urine or semen. The presence of blood could mean you have prostate cancer or another serious illness [31]. Other signs to look out for are suddenly not being able to urinate, painful urination, or lower back pain with no known reason for weight loss.

If you have trouble starting to urinate, experience weak urine flow, frequently urinate at night, or feel sudden urges to urinate [32], make an appointment [32], even if you're using natural remedies for your symptoms. Black men over 50 or men with a family history of prostate cancer should be extra careful.

How digital exams and PSA tests work

The PSA blood test looks for prostate-specific antigen levels, which can help find problems before they happen. PSA tests are helpful, but they don't always give the right results. For instance, 1 in 7 men with normal PSA levels may have prostate cancer, or they may show signs of problems that aren't there.

During a digital rectal examination (DRE), a doctor feels the prostate through the rectum to look for problems. This short test can help you identify lumps, painful spots, or swelling that could mean something is wrong [33]. Both tests are usually done at the same time because each one can find problems that the other one might not.

Combining natural and medical treatments

A lot of doctors now recommend using a combination of methods. Before you think about taking medicine 34, talk to your doctor about the natural remedies you're using. Some supplements may change the levels of PSA or interact with medicines [34].

For mild symptoms, it's usually best to start with natural methods under the care of a doctor. If your symptoms don't go away, it might be best to take both natural supplements and prescription drugs. No matter what kind of treatment you choose, please keep in mind that regular screenings are still crucial for finding problems early.

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To sum up

Taking care of their prostate health becomes more important for men as they get older. People with mild to moderate symptoms of prostate enlargement can benefit from natural treatments. Researchers have found that herbal supplements like saw palmetto, stinging nettle, pygeum, and rye grass pollen can help with urinary problems and shrink the prostate in different ways.

It's also critical for your prostate health to change what you eat. Adding tomatoes that are high in lycopene, fatty fish that are high in omega-3s, and nuts and seeds that are high in nutrients can help keep you from getting inflammation and hormonal imbalances. On the other hand, eating less red meat, processed foods, and dairy can lower the risk factors that can cause prostate problems. The Mediterranean diet is great for you because it helps keep your prostate from getting bigger.

Men with enlarged prostates can improve their quality of life a lot by making small changes to their daily routines. To help with your symptoms, you should exercise regularly, keep your weight in check, drink enough water at the right times, and use stress-reduction techniques. Double voiding and bladder training help the bladder empty as much as possible. Staying away from certain medications can also help keep symptoms from getting worse.

It's good to know when to get professional help, even if natural methods can help. You should see a doctor right away if you see blood in your urine, can't urinate suddenly, or have painful urination. PSA tests and digital rectal exams are very helpful for finding problems early, especially for men who are at higher risk.

Many healthcare professionals now understand how useful integrative approaches can be. When you have mild symptoms, it usually makes sense to start with natural remedies while you are seeing a doctor. You can use these techniques in addition to standard treatments if the symptoms worsen or don't go away. This balanced way of taking care of your prostate health uses both old and new medical knowledge. It takes care of the symptoms and the problem's root causes.

Remember that your prostate health is on a range. One thing that works for one person might not work for another. So, any natural treatment plan should include both personalisation and medical advice. If they pay attention and take care of themselves, many men can keep their prostate health in good shape naturally and have a good quality of life as they get older.

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References

[1] - https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9630799/

[2] - https://www.healthline.com/health/bph-medications-to-avoid

[3] - https://www.mdanderson.org/cancerwise/mediterranean-diet-may-slow-prostate-cancer-progression.h00-159457689.html

[4] - https://allianceurology.com/10-great-foods-for-prostate-health/

[5] - https://www.aicr.org/news/study-hints-at-mediterranean-diet-slowing-prostate-cancer-progression/

[6] - https://prostatecanceruk.org/prostate-information-and-support/prostate-tests/digital-rectal-examination-dre

[7] - https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/prostate-specific-antigen-psa-test/

[8] - https://prostatecanceruk.org/prostate-information-and-support/prostate-tests/psa-blood-test

[9] - https://www.ebsco.com/research-starters/health-and-medicine/grass-pollen-extracts-therapeutic-uses

[10] - https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-466/rye-grass

[11] - https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3589769/

[12] - https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2210803322000379

[13] - https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7032619/

[14] - https://www.healthline.com/health/food-nutrition/pygeum

[15] - https://www.aicr.org/news/tomatoes-other-foods-containing-lycopene-may-protect-against-prostate-cancer-study-finds/

[16] - https://www.wcrf.org/about-us/news-and-blogs/cooked-tomatoes-can-reduce-the-risk-of-prostate-cancer/

[17] - https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6337309/

[18] - https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7424038/

[19] - https://www.auajournals.org/doi/10.1097/JU.0000000000003080

[20] - https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11543648/

[21] - https://www.spandidos-publications.com/10.3892/mco.2018.1792

[22] - https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5573712/

[23] - https://www.healthline.com/health/prostate-cancer/foods-to-avoid-for-prostate-health

[24] - https://108harleystreet.co.uk/health-information/top-foods-to-avoid-for-better-prostate-health/

[25] - https://www.health.harvard.edu/mens-health/10-diet-and-exercise-tips-for-prostate-health

[26] - https://prostatecanceruk.org/prostate-information-and-support/risk-and-symptoms/can-i-reduce-my-risk

[27] - https://www.nuffieldhealth.com/article/lifestyle-advice-for-men-with-bph

[28] - https://www.cuh.nhs.uk/patient-information/male-lower-urinary-tract-symptoms-lifestyle-advice-bladder-training-and-pelvic-floor-exercises-faqs/

[29] - https://www.mintstl.com/blog/is-stress-affecting-your-prostate-understanding-the-link-how-to-protect-your-health

[30] - https://aacrjournals.org/cebp/article/12/7/604/167873/Cigarette-Smoking-and-Risk-of-Prostate-Cancer-in

[31] - https://www.nhs.uk/tests-and-treatments/psa-test/

[32] - https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/prostate-cancer/symptoms/

[33] - https://hillman.upmc.com/cancer-care/prostate/screenings/digital-rectal-exam

[34] - https://prostatecanceruk.org/prostate-information-and-support/just-diagnosed/other-prostate-problems/enlarged-prostate-treatment

[35] - https://www.mdanderson.org/cancerwise/what-are-the-warning-signs-of-prostate-cancer.h00-159694389.html

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