Do you know the role the prostate gland plays in a man’s body? Its main role is to secrete prostate fluid, which adds fluid to semen. Prostate muscles also help propel seminal fluid into the urethra during ejaculation.
Unbeknownst to many, the prostate gland doubles in size during the teenage years. Then it continues to grow after the age of 25.
For some men, the prostate gland experiences excessive enlargement, leading to a condition known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). The enlargement triggers annoying side effects, because it puts pressure on the urethra and bladder. Frequent urination, urinary leakage and difficulty passing urine are some of the insidious problems you may experience.
Luckily, an enlarged prostate doesn’t always lead to prostate cancer, nor do you always need to go under the knife to manage this condition. Talk to your doctor about coping with an enlarged prostate using the natural strategies below.
1. DO KEGEL EXERCISES
Kegel exercises can be handy for people struggling with urinary leakage or difficulty passing urine. Yes, men can do kegels, too!
First, locate the pelvic floor muscles by stopping urine instantly as you urinate. The muscle you contract to stop urine is the one you need to strengthen.
Squeeze that muscle for five seconds then relax for tro seconds and then squeeze it again 10 times. Do this every day.
Not only does this exercise help with bladder control, but it also reduces erectile dysfunction symptoms.
2. AVOID ALCOHOL AND CAFFEINATED DRINKS IN THE EVENING
Alcohol and caffeinated beverages are diuretics, which means they’ll stimulate your kidneys to produce urine. Since an increased urgency to urinate is one of the main symptoms of an enlarged prostate, you may have to wake up several times at night to use the bathroom.
Avoid drinking caffeine six hours before bedtime, because it can also interfere with your sleep.
3. KEEP YOURSELF WARM
Cold can worsen BPH symptoms. It can increase the urgency to urinate and make it more difficult to urinate.
If you live in a cold region, wrap up warm before going outside. Wear a scarf, jacket and gloves if you have to. You may also want to avoid sitting on cold benches.
4. DRINK ENOUGH WATER
Reducing your water intake may seem like a smart strategy, but it can be a counterproductive mistake.
Your urine becomes concentrated when you don’t drink enough water. Concentrated urine tends to irritate the sensitive lining of your bladder, which increases your urge to urinate.
Drinking enough water will dilute your urine and allow you to hold it for longer. Drink 1.5 to two liters of water a day.
5. AVOID ANTIHISTAMINES AND DECONGESTANTS
These drugs may worsen your symptoms, because they tighten the muscles around the urethra, making it harder to urinate.
Talk to your doctor before taking any over-the-counter allergy or cold drugs.
6. USE RELAXATION TECHNIQUES
Some men urinate frequently when they’re nervous or tense. Practicing different relaxation techniques such as yoga, deep breathing and meditation can keep you calm.
7. STAY ACTIVE AND EXERCISE REGULARLY
You obviously know that being inactive is not good for your overall health. However, you may not know that sitting for long hours may put excess pressure on your pelvis and reduce circulation.
Regular exercise also relieves stress and consequently reduces BPH symptoms. Even simple exercises, such as walking and swimming, may help.
8. EAT LOTS OF FRUITS AND VEGGIES
A recent Chinese study found that men who eat lots of fruits and veggies, especially leafy, dark veggies and tomatoes experienced fewer BPH symptoms and their symptoms were less likely to worsen.
The researchers concluded that it’s not just one nutrient that helps but the combination found in fruits and veggies.
See a doctor if your symptoms keep getting worse even after applying these strategies.
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