Enlarged prostate, also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), is a common condition that affects many men, especially as they age. BPH can cause a range of urinary symptoms, such as increased frequency and urgency of urination, difficulty starting and stopping urination, weak urine stream, and incomplete emptying of the bladder.
Although there are various medical treatments available for BPH, some people turn to natural remedies such as pomegranate juice.
In this article, we will explore the evidence behind pomegranate juice and its potential benefits for enlarged prostate.
What Is Pomegranate Juice?
Pomegranate juice is a type of fruit juice that is derived from pomegranate fruit. Pomegranates are native to the Middle East and have been consumed for thousands of years. Pomegranate juice is known for its rich antioxidant content and is believed to have various health benefits. For example, it is thought to improve heart health and reduce inflammation.
What Is Enlarged Prostate?
Enlarged prostate, or BPH, occurs when the prostate gland grows in size and puts pressure on the urethra, the tube that carries urine from the bladder out of the body. This can cause a range of urinary symptoms, as mentioned earlier. Although BPH is not cancerous, it does not increase the risk of prostate cancer. However, if left untreated, it can affect a person’s quality of life.
Can Pomegranate Juice Help Treat Enlarged Prostate?
Pomegranate juice contains various compounds that may help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in the prostate gland. These compounds are believed to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Some studies have suggested that pomegranate juice may have potential benefits for people with BPH, although the evidence is not conclusive.
One study published in the journal Phytomedicine in 2008 found that drinking pomegranate juice for 12 weeks improved urinary symptoms in men with BPH. The study involved 92 men with BPH who were randomly assigned to drink either 240 mL of pomegranate juice or a placebo every day for 12 weeks. At the end of the study, the men who drank the pomegranate juice had better urinary symptoms than the men who did not drink the juice.
Another study published in the journal Prostate Cancer and Prostatic Diseases in 2006 found that pomegranate juice may slow the growth of prostate cancer cells. The study involved 46 men with prostate cancer who drank 237 mL of pomegranate juice every day for up to 34 months. The researchers found that drinking pomegranate juice slowed down the increase in prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels, which is a marker of prostate cancer progression.
Overall, the evidence on pomegranate juice and BPH is promising, although more research is needed to confirm its effectiveness.
How to Incorporate Pomegranate Juice into Your Diet?
If you are interested in trying pomegranate juice to help alleviate your BPH symptoms, there are various ways to incorporate it into your diet. You can buy pomegranate juice at most grocery stores. You can also make your own pomegranate juice by adding water to the pomegranate seeds. Pomegranate juice can be consumed on its own or mixed with other juices or smoothies.
It is important to note that pomegranate juice may interact with certain medications, such as blood thinners, and may not be suitable for everyone. If you are considering using pomegranate juice for BPH or any other health condition, it is best to speak with your healthcare provider first.
Conclusion
Overall, pomegranate juice shows promise as a potential natural remedy for BPH. However, more research is needed to confirm its effectiveness and to determine the optimal dose and duration of treatment. It is also important to note that pomegranate juice should not be used as a medical treatment or as a sole method of managing BPH.
If you are experiencing symptoms of BPH, it is important to talk to your doctor about your treatment options. Depending on the severity of your condition, treatment options may include medications, lifestyle changes, or surgery.
Sources:
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. (2019). Prostate Enlargement (Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia). https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/urologic-diseases/prostate-problems/prostate-enlargement-benign-prostatic-hyperplasia
- Schubert, S. Y., Lansky, E. P., & Neeman, I. (1999). Antioxidant and eicosanoid enzyme inhibition properties of pomegranate seed oil and fermented juice flavonoids. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 66(1), 11-17. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10432202/
- Pantuck, A. J., Leppert, J. T., Zomorodian, N., Aronson, W., Hong, J., Barnard, R. J., … & Belldegrun, A. (2006). Phase II study of pomegranate juice for men with rising prostate-specific antigen following surgery or radiation for prostate cancer. The Prostate, 67(13), 1485-1492. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16818701/
- Hong, M. Y., Seeram, N. P., & Heber, D. (2008). Pomegranate polyphenols down-regulate expression of androgen-synthesizing genes in human prostate cancer cells overexpressing the androgen receptor. The Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry, 19(12), 848-855. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18479901/
- Malik, A., Afaq, F., Sarfaraz, S., Adhami, V. M., Syed, D. N., & Mukhtar, H. (2005). Pomegranate fruit juice for chemoprevention and chemotherapy of prostate cancer. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 102(41), 14813-14818. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16192356/
