What foods and plants are good for reducing inflammation in this organ? Is there any home remedy to improve symptoms? It's interesting to note that the prostate is about three or four centimeters in size, similar to a walnut, and its enlargement is quite common. It can start as early as 40 or 45 years old, and it's estimated that six out of ten men over 60 and eight out of ten men over 70 will experience this condition. However, the excellent news is that there are foods and things we can do at home, such as consuming specific foods and herbs, to reduce its size and improve these bothersome symptoms. On the other hand, there are also foods and habits that should be avoided as they can worsen the problem.

Hello everyone, I'm Dr. Veller, and today I'm going to reveal seven foods and medicinal plants that have been proven to help prevent and combat prostate enlargement. I will also provide you with the best tips to make the most of their benefits.

First, how do you know if you have an enlarged prostate? Luckily, most of us don't experience symptoms, and not everyone will feel them with the same intensity. However, when this problem manifests, it can be very bothersome and significantly affect our quality of life. It obstructs urine flow, making it a struggle and effort to urinate every time we go to the bathroom. Many times, we can only urinate while sitting down. Furthermore, due to the prostate's location below the bladder and surrounding the urethra, the tube through which urine flows, this condition can lead to serious complications in other organs. For example, having an enlarged prostate in the long term can lead to recurrent and difficult-to-cure urinary tract infections, prostatitis, acute and chronic kidney failure, urinary incontinence, and urine retention.

When the prostate enlarges, it compresses the urethra and elevates the bladder. This causes urine to accumulate and makes it difficult to void. That's why one has to exert a lot of force, often tightening the abdominal muscles. Consequently, the urine stream becomes thinner, sometimes bifurcates or doesn't reach the toilet. We have to sit to empty the bladder, or we end up urinating in our shoes. These are very common symptoms. As the bladder doesn't completely empty, it's common to urinate several times a day or have an urgent need to urinate, even having to get up multiple times at night.

In more advanced cases, the bladder can hardly empty at all, and urine starts to accumulate not only in the bladder but also upwards, in the ureters and kidney pelvis. This causes these ducts to dilate, leading to a serious complication called hydronephrosis, which can result in kidney scarring, kidney infections, and renal failure.

The treatment for this often involves using a catheter to empty the bladder, but what we want is to prevent and combat this problem. The foods and plants I'm going to show you are very beneficial. Studies have shown that they dilate the urethra, reduce inflammation in the prostate, and, when combined with other healthy habits, can have a significant impact on your quality of life.

So, what are the best foods and plants that reduce the size of the prostate? Let's start with the first one: wild palm or saw palmetto. Its purified extract acts as a true natural remedy. It is an anti-inflammatory for the prostate and also helps dilate the urethra, improving urination. The symptoms that have shown the most improvement with this extract are nocturia (frequent urination at night), frequent urination during the day, symptoms of obstructed urine flow symptoms of obstructed urine flow (weak stream, hesitation, dribbling), and incomplete bladder emptying. The second food to consider is tomatoes. Tomatoes contain a powerful antioxidant called lycopene, which has been linked to a reduced risk of prostate enlargement and prostate cancer. It's best to consume cooked or processed tomatoes, as this enhances the absorption of lycopene in the body. So, enjoy some tomato-based sauces, soups, or stews. Moving on to the third item on our list, we have green tea. Green tea is rich in antioxidants called catechins, which have anti-inflammatory properties. Studies have shown that regular consumption of green tea can help reduce prostate inflammation and potentially slow down the growth of prostate cells. Aim for 2-3 cups of green tea per day for maximum benefits. Next up is pumpkin seeds. These little seeds are packed with nutrients, including zinc and phytosterols, which have been associated with prostate health. Zinc is particularly important for maintaining prostate function and supporting a healthy immune system. Snack on a handful of pumpkin seeds or sprinkle them on your salads or oatmeal. In addition to specific foods, there are also lifestyle changes you can make to support prostate health. Regular exercise, particularly aerobic exercise, has been shown to improve prostate function and reduce the risk of prostate enlargement. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most days of the week. Stress management is also crucial. Chronic stress can contribute to inflammation in the body, including the prostate. Explore relaxation techniques such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, or engaging in hobbies that bring you joy and help you unwind. Lastly, it's important to stay hydrated. Drinking an adequate amount of water throughout the day can help flush out toxins from the body and promote urinary function. Aim for at least 8-10 glasses of water daily. While these foods and lifestyle changes can be beneficial for reducing the size of the prostate and improving symptoms, it's always recommended to consult with a healthcare professional for a comprehensive evaluation and personalized advice. They can provide you with further guidance and discuss any other treatment options that may be suitable for your specific situation. Remember, taking care of your prostate health is essential for overall well-being, so make these dietary and lifestyle adjustments to support a healthy prostate and enjoy a better quality of life.

Now, let's move on to the fourth item on our list, which is selenium-rich foods. Selenium is a mineral that plays a vital role in maintaining prostate health. It acts as an antioxidant and helps protect the prostate cells from damage. Good dietary sources of selenium include Brazil nuts, seafood (such as shrimp, salmon, and sardines), eggs, and whole grains. Including these foods in your diet can provide you with a good amount of selenium.

Next, we have another group of foods that are beneficial for prostate health - cruciferous vegetables. Vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, and kale belong to this group. Cruciferous vegetables contain a compound called sulforaphane, which has been shown to have anti-cancer properties and may help reduce the risk of prostate cancer. Aim to include these vegetables in your meals regularly, whether in salads, stir-fries, or steamed dishes.

Moving on, we have fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Cold-water fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, and trout are excellent sources of omega-3 fatty acids, which have anti-inflammatory effects. These fatty acids can help reduce inflammation in the prostate and may have a protective effect against prostate cancer. Aim to consume fatty fish at least twice a week to reap the benefits.

Lastly, we have a herb that is often used in traditional medicine for prostate health - saw palmetto. Saw palmetto is derived from the berries of the saw palmetto tree and is available as a supplement. It is believed to help improve urinary symptoms associated with an enlarged prostate. However, it's important to note that scientific evidence on its effectiveness is mixed, and it's always recommended to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any herbal supplements.