Prostate Restored
Photo by Scott Spedding Pexels Logo Photo: Scott Spedding

Can saw palmetto shrink the prostate?

When the prostate gland is enlarged, men may have trouble urinating. Some studies show that saw palmetto is as effective in treating symptoms as finasteride (Proscar) without side effects, such as loss of libido. Other studies suggest that saw palmetto may actually shrink the size of the prostate gland.

Is dark chocolate hard on the liver?
Is dark chocolate hard on the liver?

Chocolate has shown to have surprising health benefits. Limited amounts of Dark Chocolate are proven to be beneficial for the liver.

Read More »
Which supplements make you gain weight?
Which supplements make you gain weight?

Supplements for weight gain. Several types of supplements — protein powders, mass gainers, creatine, and pre-workouts — can help you gain weight if...

Read More »

Saw palmetto (Serenoa repens/Sabal serrulata) is a palm-like plant with berries. The berries were a staple food and medicine for the Native Americans of the southeastern United States. In the early 1900s, men used the berries to treat urinary tract problems, and even to increase sperm production and boost libido. Today, the primary use of saw palmetto is to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland. Researchers aren't sure exactly how saw palmetto works. But it contains plant-based chemicals that may be effective for BPH. Researchers think that saw palmetto may affect the level of testosterone in the body, and perhaps reduce the amount of an enzyme that promotes the growth of prostate cells. Saw palmetto also seems to have an anti-inflammatory effect on the prostate. At least one study has shown even greater anti-inflammatory activity when saw palmetto is combined with lycopene and selenium.

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)

Evidence is mixed about whether saw palmetto works to treat BPH. Several studies suggest that the herb is effective for treating symptoms, including too frequent urination, having trouble starting or maintaining urination, and needing to urinate during the night. The urethra, the tube that empties urine from the body, runs through the prostate gland in men. When the prostate gland is enlarged, men may have trouble urinating. Some studies show that saw palmetto is as effective in treating symptoms as finasteride (Proscar) without side effects, such as loss of libido. Other studies suggest that saw palmetto may actually shrink the size of the prostate gland. Due to the short duration (usually less than 3 months) of these studies, it is not possible to say for sure whether saw palmetto is truly effective for preventing complications of BPH. Two well-conducted studies, for example, found that saw palmetto was no better than placebo in relieving the signs and symptoms of BPH. It is important to receive a proper diagnosis of BPH from your doctor to rule out prostate cancer.

Other uses

Animal studies show that saw palmetto inhibits the growth of tumor cells, indicating that it may be helpful in the treatment of prostate cancer. Other studies show that saw palmetto improves urinary tract symptoms related to BPH. While these studies are promising, more research is needed to determine whether saw palmetto is effective for these conditions.

Why does a man get erect while sleeping?
Why does a man get erect while sleeping?

We move from sympathetic (fight and flight) stimulation to parasympathetic (rest and digest) stimulation. This is not found during other parts of...

Read More »
What are the symptoms of minor heart blockage?
What are the symptoms of minor heart blockage?

If a person has a heart block, they may experience the following symptoms: Lightheadedness or dizziness. Palpitations (skipping, fluttering or...

Read More »

How do you promote a healthy prostate?

8 Tips for Better Prostate Health Maintain a healthy weight. Obesity is linked to several prostate health issues, including prostate cancer. ... Eat more vegetables. ... Reduce consumption of red meat. ... Know your risk and get tested. ... Exercise regularly. ... Hydrate daily. ... Manage stress. ... Stop smoking.

In the U.S., about 1 in 9 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during his lifetime. “After skin cancer, prostate cancer is the most common cancer among American men, but this disease can be prevented with simple lifestyle changes or detected early,” says Dr. Gerald Wang, chief of urology at NewYork-Presbyterian Queens and assistant professor of clinical urology at Weill Cornell Medicine. “An adult male who follows dietary guidelines, schedules regular checkups, and receives recommended screenings can live a longer and healthier life.” To raise awareness about preventable conditions among men, Dr. Wang offers eight tips for a healthier prostate:

1. Maintain a healthy weight.

Obesity is linked to several prostate health issues, including prostate cancer. A balanced diet and consistent exercise are important for a healthy prostate and maintaining a healthy weight.

2. Eat more vegetables.

A diet rich in green, leafy vegetables is important for a healthy prostate. Vitamins and antioxidants found in vegetables keep you and your prostate healthy. Try adding lettuce (romaine is among the most nutritious varieties), spinach, kale, and broccoli to your meals each day.

3. Reduce consumption of red meat.

Heavy consumption of red meat has been associated with PhIP, a chemical compound released when red meat is charred, which can cause an increased risk of prostate cancer. By eating red meat only on special occasions, you can reduce your risk.

What are the disadvantages of onion?
What are the disadvantages of onion?

Do Onions Have Any Downsides or Side Effects? May aggravate IBS symptoms. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a condition that affects 10–15% of the...

Read More »
Which girl has the most beautiful face in the world?
Which girl has the most beautiful face in the world?

"Jodie Comer was the clear winner when all elements of the face were measured for physical perfection. She had the highest overall reading for the...

Read More »
What not to drink after prostate surgery?
What not to drink after prostate surgery?

Open prostatectomy requires a longer recovery time than the minimally invasive one. Abstaining from alcohol for several weeks after prostatectomy...

Read More »
How to speed up metabolism?
How to speed up metabolism?

Alrutz shares these five tips to boost your metabolism: Exercise more. Add interval training to your cardio routine and burn more calories in less...

Read More »