Coping with an Enlarged Prostate the Natural Way

All through your life, your sleep might have been peaceful, but now are you dealing with annoying bathroom trips every night more than once or twice? You gotta go when you really have to!

For most aged men, these nightly bathroom tips can be an early warning sign of an enlarged prostate. But, before this frequent bathroom runs edge their way into your daytimes too, it’s time you take things under your control.

This problem is known under several names – enlarged prostate, benign prostate hyperplasia or BPH. According to statistics, this condition is the most common problem for men aged above 50 and by age 60 almost half of the men have it.

Causes of BPH and Symptoms

The urinary and genital organs of men are located so close to each other that they actually share nerves and blood vessels. Now that explains as to why a problem in one affects the other. With the case of the enlarged prostate, it starts to press against the urethra and the bladder like a foot stepping on a hose. Like a domino effect, it forces the bladder to work harder and eventually the bladder wall becomes thicker with more work.

As a result, it drastically reduces the amount of urine the bladder can hold and causes it to contract to release urine even if it contains only small amounts, leading to frequent urination. As the condition progresses, the bladder withholds its elasticity and can no longer empty itself.

Following are the most common symptoms of BPH:

•    Slow or weak urinary stream
•    Frequent urination
•    Urgency to urinate
•    Incomplete bladder emptying
•    Strain in urinating
•    Dribbling of Urine
•    Constant urinating even prior to few minutes of finishing
•    Hard to start urinating

Coping with an Enlarged Prostate the Natural Way

Good dietary habits with healthy lifestyle choice and natural medications will help you deal with an enlarged prostate without many side-effects. Here’s what you can do:

1.    Drink Enough Water at Regular Intervals with Less at Night

It is recommended to drink at least 1.5 liters a day. But you should not gulp down too much at once, instead drink at regular intervals throughout the day. And, no this will not make you run to the bathroom too much since a diluted urine will keep your bladder happy without making it uncomfortable than a concentrated urine. Also, avoid drinking liquids 2 hours before sleeping especially alcohol and caffeine as these are stimulants that will make you use the toilet more.

2.    Kegel Exercises

These are pelvic strengthening exercises that not just help women but also men. To do this exercise, empty your bladder and lie on the floor with your knees bent and apart. Then, tighten your pelvic muscles – the muscles you normally use to stop your urine flow for a count of 5 and then relax for a count of 5. You can try doing this 10 to 20 times once to three times a day.

3.    Try a natural remedy

You can try a range of herbs that are not associated with side-effects that are often found in conventional medications. Saw Palmetto berries, pygeum and other herbal supplements tackle this condition effectively. You can also try out Ayurvedic herbs following the advice of a qualified practitioner like Ushira or Khus grass, Gokshura, Khadir and more.

4.    Dietary Choices

According to Ayurveda, the prime contributor to the unhealthy prostate is Ama that refers to sticky impurities created due to weak digestion. Now, that explains why with aging digestion gets weaker and leads to unhealthy prostate conditions. However, eating the right food at the right time can prevent these impurities. Incorporate the following elements in your diet:

• Eat warm cooked food with a right dose of fresh vegetables and mild spices
• Eat more Tomatoes as these contain Lycopene which helps to lower a prostate-specific antigen
• Include more healthy grains like quinoa and pumpkin seeds that are high in Zinc
• More Fibre, turmeric, black peppers and vegetables like Cabbages, broccoli, and cauliflower
• Low glycemic legumes and fresh juices
• Avoid alcohol and caffeine
• Light Dairy products

5.    Zinc

Zinc is an essential trace mineral that is found in the cells of Prostate and plays a preventive role against inflammation. Hence, taking a zinc supplement can shrink the prostate gland. You can opt to take zinc supplements or eat more zinc-rich foods like beans, yogurt, cashews.

6.    Yoga and Exercising

Practicing certain yogic poses like Reclining Big Toe Pose, Virasana, Shirshasana and Cobbler Pose will keep your body and prostate healthy.

Also, Kapalabhati Pranayama and breathing exercises might help. Keep stress at bay and relax with these healthy exercises that will reduce your anxiety and tendency to frequent urination.

When symptoms are not that bothersome, be cautious and on the watch to make sure no complications are developing. In major cases, natural tips and trick help a great deal to tackle this common problem.