The prostate is an important part of the male reproductive system and is a gland that produces part of the fluid that carries sperm during the ejaculation process. The prostate also surrounds the urethra, which is the tube through which urine leaves a man’s body.
However, over the years an enlargement of this gland can occur and is known as benign prostatic hyperplasia; however, it does not increase the risk of prostate cancer.
Likewise, hyperplasia is caused by changes in the cells of the testicles, as well as testosterone levels. In addition, men who remove the testicles with an enlarged prostate may decrease in size, but it is not a treatment recommended by health specialists.
According to the specialized portal MedlinePlus, these are some data on benign prostatic hyperplasia.
- All men can have enlargement of this gland.
- The age at which an enlarged prostate can occur is 40 years.
- 90% of men over the age of 80 suffer from hyperplasia.
- Risk factors for this condition have not been clearly identified.
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home remedies for enlarged prostate
Tomato juice
One of the natural remedies that can be used to take care of the health of the prostate is tomato. This product is rich in vitamin C, folic acid, iron and other minerals. In addition, this fruit is a good source of lycopene that helps fight inflammation, according to information from the Tua Saúde wellness and health portal. To prepare this drink, two to three ripe tomatoes and a glass of water are required. The ingredients are mixed in the blender and a glass is consumed a day.
Pumpkin seeds
Pumpkin seeds are also a natural option for the care of this gland, thanks to the fact that they contain anti-inflammatory and antioxidant substances. According to information from the Salud Mapfre portal, from Spain, the European Medicines Agency (EMA) approves the traditional use of these seeds to treat discomfort when urinating associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia and unstable bladder.
greater nettle
The root, which contains polysaccharides, fatty acids and steroid-like lipophilic compounds, is used. According to the aforementioned source, among the fatty acids, 9-Hydroxy octadecadienoic acid has been shown to inhibit the activity of the aromatase enzyme, which plays a very important role in the synthesis of estrogens. Among its benefits, it is said that it helps to inhibit the growth of the prostate and has an anti-inflammatory effect. It can be consumed as an infusion.
watermelon seed tea
In popular culture, tea from these seeds is said to help eliminate waste and improve bladder and kidney problems. The Better with Health portal cites a study published in European Journal of Medicinal Plantsmade with rats, which found that this ingredient improves prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels and symptoms of an enlarged prostate.
For now there is not enough evidence, it is believed that these seeds could cause a similar effect in men; therefore, if a person wishes to use them, he must grind them and add them to a cup of hot water. It is left to rest and can be consumed twice a day.
Although these are natural products, it is always important and advisable to consult a doctor preferably before using them regularly, because they can interfere with some treatments or not generate the expected effects.