Alternative, natural and complementary treatments can be effective for certain prostate-related conditions.
These treatments and techniques can be incorporated into an overall wellness program and can assist in decreasing inflammation, relieving the symptoms of prostate disorders and assisting in stress management.
The overall objective of incorporating natural prevention and treatments methods and techniques is to boost immunity and put your body in a state where it has the best defense against disease.
Supplements for Prostate Health
Why are prostate supplements so important for prostate health? One reason is that no matter how hard you try and how dedicated you are to following a healthy diet, you just can’t get all the nutrients you need, especially if you are fighting disease, recovering from treatment or just wanting to maintain maximum immunity as part of a healthy lifestyle.
In addition, there are the everyday stressors that take a toll on everyone’s health and wear down the immune system: environmental pollutants, work-related stress, inadequate sleep, not enough exercise, financial worries, and other lifestyle matters.
Add to this the stress of having a disease and you have the recipe for a compromised immune system that needs support from supplements. Supplements that have been shown to be especially beneficial for prostate health include: Vitamin D, Zinc, Saw Palmetto, Beta-sitosterol, Pygeum africanum, Curcumin(turmeric), Omega 3, Stinging Nettle Root, Rye pollen (cernilton), Quercetin and Green tea extract. All of these ingredients are contained in the leading prostate health formula developed by Dr. Geo Espinosa called Prost-P10x
Ayurvedic Medicine
Ayurvedic healing is an ancient system based on the concept that disease is caused by an imbalance in the body and/or karmic disturbances such as having poor relationships or failing to fulfill your life’s purpose. Read more about ayurvedic medicine
Homeopathy
Homeopathy is not supported by a lot of scientific data, however it has been used for several hundred years. Homeopathic treatments for prostate disorders include Sabal serrulat (also known as saw palmetto), Thuja,Bayta-carb, caladium, and carbonica. Read more about homeopathy
Prostate Massage
Prostate massage is used to treat prostatitis, BPH, male infertility, and other prostate disorders, as well as sexual problems. Read more about prostate massage
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is an ancient traditional Chinese medicine practice based on the theory that life energy (qi, or chi) flows through the body through invisible channels called meridians. In a study conducted at the University of Science in Malaysia, men who received acupuncture treatment were 2.4 times more likely to enjoy sustained prostatitis relief than those in the control group. Read more about prostate health and acupuncture
Reflexology
The ancient healing art of reflexology is based on the concept that the body is divided into various zones, and that when pressure is applied to one area of a zone it is possible to relieve pain and other symptoms elsewhere in the same zone. Read more about reflexology for prostate
Stress Management
Most conventional physicians now recognize that stress has a significant impact on health and therefore, stress management or stress reduction techniques can play a critical role in disease prevention and treatment. Read more about how stress affects prostate health
Meditation
Numerous studies have been done to evaluate the effectiveness of meditation on stress in various populations. Read more about meditation
Yoga
Yoga has been shown to be effective for relieving anxiety, depression, high blood pressure, and back pain, and in helping cancer patients and children who have asthma. Read more about yoga
Tai Chi
Tai chi is a graceful form of exercise that reduces stress and tension and helps various other health conditions. Read more about tai chi
Myofascial Trigger Point Release
Myofascial trigger point release is a nondrug approach for treatment-resistant chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome. The myofascial trigger point release technique involves a series of exercises designed to desensitize the trigger points of the pelvic muscles. Read more about myofascial trigger point release for prostatitis
Biofeedback
Biofeedback is a form of therapy that can help men improve relaxation and proper use of their pelvic floor muscles and therefore experience symptom relief from prostatitis. Use of biofeedback to treat chronic nonbacterial prostatitis or chronic pelvic pain syndrome is based on the idea that these forms of prostatitis are associated with pelvic floor muscle dysfunction. Read more about biofeedback for prostatitis
Lifestyle and Other Changes to Promote Natural Prostate Health
There are important natural lifestyle and dietary changes you can make to promote prostate health. Take some time to see how many of these suggestions you can incorporate into your life.
Increase intake of fruits and vegetables: As a rich source of antioxidants, polyphenols, vitamins, minerals, and fiber, fruits and vegetables can help fight inflammation and infections, which can increase the risk of prostatitis. Read more on diet for prostate health
Focus on healthy fats: While you should strive to follow a low-fat diet, make sure the fats you do eat are healthy ones: omega-3s and monounsaturated. These healthy fats support prostate health, while a high-fat diet activates a protein complex that promotes inflammation. Read more
Pick plant protein over animal protein: A diet rich in plant protein can reduce the risk of prostate cancer, as well as provide you all the nutrients and health benefits needed for maximum prostate health. Read more on vegetarian benefits for prostate health
Grab a cup of green tea: The potent antioxidants in green tea called catechins can be helpful in reducing the risk of infection and in fighting inflammation, properties that are important for prostate health. Green tea has also demonstrated an ability to reduce the risk of prostate cancer. Read more on green tea for prostate cancer
Avoid or limit alcohol: While a moderate amount of alcohol (1 to 2 drinks daily) may be safe for some men, beer, wine, and spirits can irritate the urinary tract and make symptoms of prostate conditions worse. Read more on drinking and prostate health
Avoid harmful additives and foods: Some food additives, supplements, and foods themselves can be damaging to prostate health. These include but are not limited to calcium, chondroitin, meat, and foods high in sugar. Read more on foods that are bad for prostate health
Avoid spicy foods: If you are experiencing urinary tract symptoms or have prostatitis, spicy foods can cause irritation and worsen symptoms.
Reduce caffeine/coffee intake: Caffeine products such as coffee, tea, colas, some energy drinks, and chocolate can irritate your prostate and worsen prostatitis symptoms and can also be bothersome for men who have BPH. Read more on coffee and prostate health
Stay hydrated: To avoid dehydration and an increased risk of urinary tract infections, you should stay properly hydrated by drinking 6 to 8 glasses of pure water daily. Read more on benefits of water for prostate health
Watch your weight. Being overweight or obese is a risk factor for BPH, prostatitis, and prostate cancer, and thus detrimental to overall prostate health. Read more on benefits of weight loss for prostate health
Exercise regularly. Exercise has a positive effect on overall prostate health, helps prevent inflammation, and can reduce the risk of prostate cancer. Read more on benefits of exercise for prostate health
Manage your hormones. Maintaining balanced hormones has a major impact on prostate health and can also play a role in treatment for prostate cancer.
Practice safe sex. It is always wise to practice safe sex, especially if you are not in an exclusive relationship with someone who is free of sexually transmitted disease (STD). Some STDs, such as gonorrhea, can cause bacterial prostatitis.
Enjoy a healthy sex life: Regular sexual activity seems to support prostate health and also promotes a healthy erection. Ejaculating two to three times a week is often recommended. Read more on sex and prostate health
Practice good hygiene: Keep your penis and surrounding area clean to reduce the risk of infection.
Pay attention to urinary tract symptoms: If you experience any new or worsening urinary tract symptoms or problems with your prostate, contact your doctor.
Avoid injuring your perineal area: If you participate in activities such as riding a motorcycle, horse, or bicycle, be careful not to injure your perineal area, as trauma can restrict blood flow.
Avoid environmental toxins: It is wise to avoid environmental toxins and chemicals, as some can increase the risk of developing prostate cancer. One toxin in particular, BPA, has been linked to an increased risk of prostatitis. Read more on how chemicals influence prostate cancer
Don’t hold it: “Holding it” can irritate your urinary tract and possibly cause a urinary tract infect. Use the bathroom regularly, and when you do, avoid straining to empty your bladder, as this can cause irritation as well.
Avoid constipation: Straining to eliminate can trigger prostatitis symptoms if your prostate is inflamed. To avoid constipation naturally, include high-fiber foods in your diet every day, and drink plenty of water as well to facilitate movement through the intestinal tract.
Try a sitz bath: To benefit from a sitz bath, submerge the middle portion only of your body in water that is as hot as you can stand it without burning your skin. The hot water improves blood flow and “heats” up your pelvic area to help relieve prostatitis symptoms. Read more on sitz baths for prostatitis treatment
Use ice packs. Ice packs may relieve the pain associated with prostatitis if you have not had success with heat. Placing a small ice cube in the rectum can reduce your discomfort, while some men place a small ice pack on the perineal area for relief.
Develop a social support system: If you are experiencing a prostate condition and feel like you’re “going it alone,” it can be helpful to enlist assistance and understanding from family, friends, and support groups.
