Prostatitis, which refers to inflammation of the prostate, is non-cancerous, but it can still drastically interfere with your daily life. If you suffer from this common prostate problem, you likely experience pain, discomfort, and urinary symptoms like difficult, frequent, or urgent urination. Your doctor can prescribe medical treatment for you. However, you might be a little too impatient to only take antibiotics and sit back to wait, when you really just want to drop a bomb on your symptoms. In addition to your doctor’s recommendations, you can also use natural remedies for prostatitis to relieve your symptoms. Alternative treatments for prostatitis can include supplements, dietary changes, and lifestyle remedies like sitz baths.
What are the best supplements for prostatitis
Saw Palmetto
Saw palmetto is a common ingredient in men’s supplements for prostate health. In many studies, it has been clinically proven to alleviate the symptoms of prostatitis.
Quercetin
Quercetin is a bioflavonoid that can help alleviate inflammatory conditions like prostatitis. It works by inhibiting the production of inflammatory compounds like histamine. Quercetin supplements may be especially effective in alleviating chronic pelvic pain due to prostatitis.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is an oft-overlooked vitamin, and many people do not get enough of it. Sitting in an office all day doesn’t lend itself to soaking up vitamin D from the sun. And unfortunately, it is present in a limited array of food sources. Talk to your doctor about supplementing with vitamin D. Preliminary studies indicate that it may help target the chronic inflammation that is characteristic of prostatitis.
Goldenseal
Goldenseal is an herbal remedy for prostatitis. One of its main components, berberine, has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. As a bonus, goldenseal can also help fight off colds and urinary tract infections.
These are just a few of the supplements that you can try for natural relief of prostatitis symptoms. Before taking any supplements, talk to your doctor to make sure that they will not interact with your medications or other medical conditions.
Read more on supplements for prostatitis
What are some good foods for prostatitis
Maintaining a healthy diet can help prevent prostatitis and support your efforts in reducing your symptoms. Strive for a diet rich in veggies, fruits, and whole grains for plenty of fiber. Replace white bread with whole wheat. Experiment with more unusual grains, like quinoa. Eat foods that fight inflammation, like monounsaturated fats found in avocados, rather than the saturated fats found in fatty cuts of meat. Try yogurt for the healthy bacteria and green tea for the catechins, a type of antioxidant that fights inflammation.
What foods should you avoid for prostatitis
Your doctor probably told you to avoid spicy foods for prostatitis. These may aggravate your symptoms. It’s also a good idea to avoid alcohol, caffeine, fatty foods, and citrus juices like orange, lemon, and tomato. However, you should be able to eat whole citrus fruits without worry.
Read more on best foods to avoid when you have prostatitis
Other natural treatments for prostatitis
Take sitz baths. You can use your tub or a portable sitz bath container. Fill it with a few inches of warm water and sit in it for 20 minutes every day. Look at it as a good excuse to catch up on your reading.
You might also consider having acupuncture, which may alleviate the pain of prostatitis. If you don’t particularly care to be poked with dozens of tiny needles, biofeedback has also been shown to help some men.
Maintaining good hygiene and practicing safe sex are also important to reduce the risk of infection.
Read more on natural treatments for prostatitis in our Prostatitis Health Center.
