Understanding BPH (Enlarged Prostate) and Natural Support for Men’s Health

What is BPH?

The prostate is a small male reproductive gland, about the size of a walnut, that sits just below the bladder and surrounds the urethra (the tube that carries urine out of the body). As men age, it can be common for the prostate to grow larger — a condition called benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), more commonly known as an enlarged prostate.

BPH is not cancer, but the enlargement can press against the urethra, restricting urine flow. This can cause symptoms ranging from mild inconvenience to significant disruption of daily life.

Common Symptoms of BPH

At first, prostate enlargement may cause no symptoms. But as the gland grows, men may notice:

• Difficulty starting or stopping urination

• Weak or interrupted urine stream

• Dribbling after urination

• Frequent urination, especially at night (nocturia)

• Burning pain with urination

• Bladder not feeling completely empty

• Recurrent bladder infections

In severe cases, the bladder may not empty at all, which can lead to infections, bladder stones, or even kidney damage if untreated.

Why Does the Prostate Enlarge?

Several factors influence prostate growth:

• Hormonal changes with age – Testosterone naturally declines in midlife, while estrogen and the potent testosterone metabolite DHT (dihydrotestosterone) may increase. Both DHT and estrogen play roles in stimulating prostate cell growth.

• Enzyme activity – The enzyme 5-alpha reductase converts testosterone to DHT. Its activity tends to rise with age, raising DHT levels.

• Environmental factors – Chemicals from pesticides, plastics, and pollutants can mimic estrogen in the body, worsening hormone imbalance.

• Diet and lifestyle – High intake of unhealthy fats, sugar, alcohol, and processed foods, paired with low fiber and low nutrient intake, may accelerate prostate enlargement.

The key takeaway: BPH is not caused by one hormone, but by the imbalance between testosterone, estrogen, DHT, and even progesterone. Supporting hormone balance through nutrition and lifestyle can make a real difference.

Functional Testing for Prostate Health

If you’re struggling with urinary or prostate symptoms, functional testing can help uncover underlying contributors, such as:

• Hormone panel: testosterone, DHT, estrogen, progesterone, thyroid, DHEA, cortisol

• GI testing: gut microbiome, digestion, intestinal permeability

• Detoxification markers

• Nutrient analysis: vitamins, minerals, essential fatty acids

• Toxic metals

• Food and environmental sensitivities

These insights allow for targeted nutrition and lifestyle strategies rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.

Nutrition & Lifestyle Support for BPH

Foods that Support Prostate Health

• Fresh vegetables – Rich in antioxidants, fiber, and hormone-balancing phytonutrients

• Cooked tomatoes – Provide lycopene, a powerful compound that protects the prostate

• Pumpkin seeds – A traditional remedy rich in zinc, essential for prostate and immune health

• Cold-water fish (salmon, sardines, mackerel) – High in omega-3 fatty acids that reduce inflammation

• Ground flaxseed (1–2 Tbsp daily) – Provides lignans that balance estrogen levels

• Green tea and herbal teas (nettle, dandelion, milk thistle, turmeric, ginger) – Support detoxification and reduce inflammation

• Plenty of water – Staying hydrated (especially in the earlier part of the day) keeps urine flowing and reduces infection risk

Foods to Avoid

• Hydrogenated and trans fats (common in fried and processed foods)

• Excess sugar and refined carbohydrates (they disrupt hormones and fuel inflammation)

• Processed and packaged foods (chemical additives can act like estrogens in the body)

• Alcohol and caffeine (irritate the prostate and bladder)

Supplements That May Help

Certain evidence-based supplements support prostate health and symptom relief:

• Saw palmetto – Inhibits 5-alpha reductase (reduces DHT), blocks DHT binding, lowers inflammation, relaxes smooth muscle around the urethra

• Beta-sitosterol, rye pollen extract, pygeum africanum – Improve urinary flow and reduce inflammation

• Stinging nettle root – Works synergistically with saw palmetto

• Zinc – Essential for prostate and hormone balance

• Essential fatty acids – Reduce inflammation and support hormone health

• Amino acids (glycine, alanine, glutamic acid) – Found to improve urinary symptoms in studies

• Calcium D-glucarate & milk thistle – Support liver detoxification and hormone metabolism

Our personal favorite is Prostate Supreme by Designs for Health or Prostate FLO by Xymogen which have many of these supportive nutrients in one.

Beyond Food and Supplements

Other supportive practices include:

• Stress reduction – Chronic stress alters hormone balance and worsens symptoms

• Regular physical activity – Supports circulation, detoxification, and hormone balance

• Detoxification practices – Reducing exposure to pesticides, plastics, and endocrine disruptors helps restore balance

Final Thoughts

BPH is common — affecting nearly half of men over 45 — but it doesn’t have to mean living with discomfort or sleepless nights. By addressing root causes such as hormone imbalance, inflammation, detox support and nutrient deficiencies, men can often find significant relief through diet, lifestyle, and targeted supplementation.

That said, any urinary or prostate issues should always be evaluated by a doctor, ideally a urologist, to rule out more serious conditions. If symptoms include blood in urine, bone pain, or unexplained weight loss, seek medical attention right away.

With the right support, an enlarged prostate can be managed naturally, helping men restore comfort, energy, and quality of life. Reach out - we can help build a personalized plan for you!

Prostate Health

Balch, J. F., & Balch, P. A. (2010). Prescription for nutritional healing: A practical A-to-Z reference to drug-free remedies using vitamins, minerals, herbs & food supplements (5th ed.). Avery Publishing Group.