The prostate is a small gland that sits at the base of the bladder in men.  It plays an important role in the male reproductive system.  The prostate is made of two lobes and is enclosed by a layer of tissue.  During early puberty, the prostate doubles in size.  Around the age of 25, the prostate begins to grow again.  This second phase of growth often results in the condition identified as enlarged prostate.

Many natural treatments may help to ease the uncomfortable symptoms of an enlarged prostate.

It is generally believed that all men over the age of 45 experience some level of prostate enlargement.  By age 60, over 80 percent of men experience problems with urination due to enlarged prostate.

When the prostate becomes enlarged, it puts pressure on the urethra.  This causes many urinary complaints, including frequent or urgent urination, the need to get up at night to urinate, a reduction in the force of the urine stream, incomplete emptying of the bladder, terminal dribbling and even the inability to urinate at all.  An enlarged prostate may also cause impotency.

Sources of Antioxidants

While these challenges are not life threatening, they are nuisances and can become quite bothersome.  Fortunately, many natural treatments and remedies have been shown to help relieve the symptoms of enlarged prostate.  These include:

• Eating a healthy diet, including plenty of fruits and vegetables each day and avoiding unsaturated fats, sugars and processed foods.
• Kegel exercises are performed by tightening the muscles around the scrotum and anus.  Repeating this tension 10 times, 5 to 6 times daily will strengthen the kegel muscles and will help to improve symptoms of enlarged prostate.
• Saw palmetto is a plant that has been shown to diminish the inflammation and enlargement of the prostate.  It also inhibits the hormones that cause prostate enlargement.  Another herb, called Pygeum africanum has been shown to have the same affect on the prostate.
• Zinc is an essential trace element and has been shown to play an important role in regulating cell growth and building the immune response.  Studies have found that zinc deficiency can result in prostate enlargement.  Stress and infection also results in a lowering of the body’s zinc levels.
• Antioxidants will protect the prostate’s sensitive tissues from oxidative damage.
• Herbs, including nettle, pygeum, damiana and hydrangea have been shown to support the urinary system and relieve the symptoms of enlarged prostate.