Natural Prostate Remedies? Here Are the Options
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Leesduur: 6 min
In addition to a healthy diet and lifestyle, many men are increasingly choosing natural supplements to support their prostate. But what remedies are available, and what do we know about their effects?
I've looked into it for you. In this article, I'll tell you what you need to know about several popular and natural prostate pills. How exactly do they work, and what active ingredients are in them?
A healthy lifestyle is the foundation for prostate health; many men supplement this with natural supplements such as saw palmetto, nettle, pumpkin seed, and beta-sitosterol, some of which are neither definitive nor definitive.
Vitamin D3, zinc and selenium support the immune system, which indirectly contributes to normal prostate function and protection against inflammation.
Supplements have standardized dosages and generally appear safe, but the evidence is inconclusive and use should always be discussed with a doctor, especially with medication.
The function of the prostate
Your prostate is a small gland about the size of a walnut. Only men have a prostate. It's located beneath your bladder and surrounds the beginning of your urethra.
This gland is essential for your reproduction and helps your urethra to function normally.
Curious about what else your prostate does? Here are its main functions:
Produces prostatic fluid - The prostate makes about 20-30% of your semen, a fluid that nourishes your sperm, protects them from the acidic environment outside your body, and makes them motile for their journey to an egg.
Regulates urine flow during ejaculation - During ejaculation, the prostate closes your urethra with a muscle (the internal sphincter), so urine and semen don't mix.
Supports normal urine flow - A healthy prostate keeps your urethra open so you can urinate without difficulty.
As you age, your prostate can grow, for example, due to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), also known as benign prostatic enlargement. This can narrow the urethra and cause symptoms such as a weaker urinary stream.
That is why it is important to take good care of your prostate.
Natural remedies: 4 popular options
Taking good care of your prostate starts with a healthy lifestyle : Think about a varied diet, with plenty of vegetables like tomatoes, fish, and nuts, and exercise regularly. These basic habits are important and can support your prostate health in the long run.
In addition, many men choose to use natural supplements, also known as prostate pills, to complement their diet and lifestyle.
These are the most popular and best-substantiated ingredients in prostate supplements today:
1. Saw Palmetto Extract
Saw palmetto extract (also called saw palmetto) is derived from the berries of a small palm tree native to the United States. Sometimes the leaves of the palm are also used.
It is one of the most well-known ingredients used in natural supplements (related to the prostate).
- Dosage - Usually 320 mg per day of a standardized extract (85-95% fatty acids).
- Science - Some studies show a possible association between saw palmetto extract and a reduction in the urge to urinate at night*. (1)
- Safety - Generally safe, with possible mild side effects such as headaches. If you are taking medication, consult your doctor before using saw palmetto.
2. Nettle Extract
Nettle, extracted from the root of the plant you know from nature, has traditionally been used for various health purposes.
It contains active substances such as lignans (such as secoisolariciresinol), flavonoids (such as quercetin) and sterols (such as beta-sitosterol).
- Dosage - Around 600 mg per day is often used, sometimes standardized to 200-250 mg sterols.
- Scientific research - Nettle extract is being studied for its potential contribution to maintaining normal prostate function and supporting the urinary tract.* However, the available evidence is limited and its effectiveness has not yet been definitively established. (3)
- Safety - Generally, nettle is considered safe. Always consult a doctor, especially if you are taking medication.
3. Pumpkin seed extract
Pumpkin seeds are rich in zinc, phytosterols (such as beta-sitosterol) and antioxidants, including vitamin E and carotenoids.
That's why pumpkin seed extract and pumpkin seed oil are often used as natural ingredients in prostate supplements.
- Dosage - Approximately 320 mg per day, divided into two doses, or a handful of pumpkin seeds daily.
- Science - Some studies suggest that pumpkin seed extract may contribute to the maintenance of normal prostate and bladder function and a possible role in reducing the urge to urinate.* These effects are still being investigated and have not yet been recognized as approved health claims. (4)(5)
- Safety - Generally safe, but consultation remains important.
4. Beta-sitosterol
Beta-sitosterol is a phytosterol, a plant substance with a structure similar to cholesterol.
This substance occurs naturally in various plants and seeds such as saw palmetto, pumpkin seeds, nuts (almonds and walnuts), soy, and avocados.
- Dosage - Usually 60-130 mg per day, often divided into two doses.
- Science - Phytosterols (including beta-sitosterol) are being studied for their potential role in supporting urinary tract and prostate health.* However, more research is needed to definitively determine these effects. (6)
- Safety - Considered safe, but always consult your doctor, especially if taking medication.
Good to know : Claims marked with (*) are health claims awaiting European approval.
These vitamins are also important for your prostate
Certain vitamins and minerals are essential for your overall health and can also indirectly support your prostate. These are primarily nutrients that contribute to a well-functioning immune system .
These are the 3 most important vitamins and minerals for your prostate:
- Vitamin D3 helps keep your bones strong and contributes to a well-functioning immune system
- Zinc is naturally abundant in the prostate and plays a role in supporting your immune system
- Selenium helps protect your body's cells and also contributes to healthy immune function
Eat a varied diet with plenty of vegetables, nuts, and fish to get these nutrients. If you're having trouble getting enough of them through your daily diet, it can sometimes be wise to temporarily supplement your meals with supplements.
Please note : Always consult your doctor before using supplements, especially if you have existing health conditions or are taking medication.
The Importance of a Strong Immune System for Your Prostate
These nutrients contribute in particular to the maintenance of a normally functioning immune system, which plays an important role in supporting healthy prostate function.
A well-functioning immune system helps keep inflammation and infections under control. This can prevent harmful processes from developing in the prostate , such as inflammation (prostatitis) or other prostate problems.
By keeping your body strong and balanced, you also indirectly support the health of your prostate.
Ebrina van der Bijl
Ebrina is a nutritionist with a deep commitment to healthy eating and a sustainable lifestyle, based in beautiful Portugal. Her passion for natural and organic products is at the heart of her work. With a background in Nutrition & Dietetics and experience in product development and writing, she translates complex scientific information into practical advice for a balanced lifestyle.
Sources used
- Novara, G., et al. (2016). Serenoa repens for lower urinary tract symptoms due to benign prostatic hyperplasia: A systematic review and meta-analysis. European Urology, 70(5), 784–793. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eururo.2016.04.033
- Franco, J. V., Trivisonno, L., Sgarbossa, N. J., Alvez, G. A., Fieiras, C., Liquitay, C. M. E., & Jung, J. H. (2023). Serenoa repens for the treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms due to benign prostatic enlargement. Cochrane Library, 2023(6). https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.cd001423.pub4
- Ghorbanibirgani, A., Khalili, A., & Zamani, L. (2013). The Efficacy of Stinging Nettle (Urtica Dioica) in Patients with Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia: A Randomized Double-Blind Study in 100 Patients. Iranian Red Crescent Medical Journal, 15(1). https://doi.org/10.5812/ircmj.2386
- Hong, H., Kim, C., & Maeng, S. (2009). Effects of pumpkin seed oil and saw palmetto oil in Korean men with symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia. Nutrition Research And Practice, 3(4), 323. https://doi.org/10.4162/nrp.2009.3.4.323
- Vahlensieck, W., Theurer, C., Pfitzer, E., Patz, B., Banik, N., & Engelmann, U. (2014). Effects of Pumpkin Seed in Men with Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms due to Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia in the One-Year, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled GRANU Study. Urologia Internationalis, 94(3), 286–295. https://doi.org/10.1159/000362903
- Berges, R., Windeler, J., Trampisch, H., Senge, T., & Group, N. Β. S. (1995). Randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind clinical trial of β-sitosterol in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia. The Lancet, 345(8964), 1529–1532. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0140-6736(95)91085-9
