There are many causes of prostate enlargement aka benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), but high levels of the hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is the main contributing factor.   DHT levels rise when the body increases the rate of conversion of testosterone to DHT.  Drugs used in the treatment of BPH work by blocking this process.  The good news is that a natural compound, beta-sitosterol, also blocks this conversion process.  

Beta-sitosterol is a phytosterol (plant hormone) found in saw palmetto berries, pistachios, pumpkin seed oil, flaxseed oil, and wheat germ oil.  Numerous studies have found It to be just as effective as the drugs, finasteride and Flomax (tamsulosin), in treating BPH.  In 1998, after reviewing a number of studies,  the Journal of the American Medical Association stated that saw palmetto is equally effective for treating BPH.   A 12 month double-blind study of 704 men compared 320mg of saw palmetto berry extract to 0.4mg of tamsulosin. The results of the study revealed that the International Prostate Symptom Scores improved equally in both groups (-4.4). The increase in maximum urinary flow rate (Qmax) was also similar in both groups (Prog Urol 2002;12(3):384-92)

Keep in mind that with the drugs come side effects, including erectile dysfunction.  On the other hand, beta-sitosterol operates without side effects and actually improves erectile dysfunction..   Other added benefits of using beta-sitosterol include the improvement of hormone related balding, acne reduction, and improved cholesterol profile.

Applied kinesiologist Dr. John Phelts, D.C. in New York NY 10016 has helped many people who have BPH.  Give us a call today (212) 286-2012.

Find out about our comprehensive prostate formula. 

References:

Prostate 1996;29:231- 40
Phytomed 1997;3:309-13
JAMA 1998;280:1604-9
Eur Urol 2002;41:497-506
Eur Urol 2004;45:773-80
Prog Urol 2002;12(3):384-92
Vojnosanif Pregl 2013;70:1091-6
Prostate 1996;29:231-40
Phytomed 1997;3:309-13
Phytother Res 2012 doi:10.1002/ptr.4696
J Altern Complement Med 2002;8(2):143-152