Can Lowering Cholesterol Shrink the Prostate?

If you want to know whether lowering your cholesterol levels can shrink an enlarged prostate, you’ve come to the right place.

About 90% of men in their 80s or over have benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). And 50% of men over 50. It is such a prevalent problem that many are looking for the best ways to manage it.

The prostate in the human body is subject to all kinds of pathologic syndromes and conditions. 

Based on reports, the prevalence of BPH and chronic prostatitis significantly exceeds that of prostate cancer.

Both prostatitis and benign prostatic hyperplasia are known to decrease quality of life. This condition depends on the potent androgen, which is essential for the survival of cells in the gland and proliferation. 

Also known as benign prostate enlargement, BPH can cause uncomfortable urinary issues, like a block in urine flow out of the bladder, kidney, and urinary tract problems.

The question is, can people use cholesterol management to shrink the prostate?

We decided to delve a little deeper and see what research has to say. 

Cholesterol and Enlarged Prostate – What Do They Have in Common?

Cholesterol is a neutral lipid that has a vital role in maintaining the integrity of biological membranes. It is also a precursor in the synthesis of countless endocrine mediators.

Simply put, our body needs it to: 

• Create the structure of cell membranes
• Form hormones like adrenal, testosterone, and estrogen
• Boost the metabolic rate and vitamin D production
• Build bile acids critical for fat digestion and nutrient absorption

The prostate is capable of storing and synthesizing large amounts of cholesterol.

That’s why the prostate tissue might be susceptible to any disturbances in cholesterol metabolism.

Very high blood cholesterol level is a serious risk factor for heart disease and a risk factor for benign prostatic hyperplasia. 

Can Lowering Cholesterol Shrink the Prostate?

The higher the PSA, the bigger the risk of enlarged prostate and cancer in the prostate. Even though there are cases where the PSA levels are high, but the risk of cancer is not present, it is still crucial to have these levels drop as much as possible. 

Data shows that there could be a connection between PSA levels and cholesterol. After starting statin therapy to decrease LDL levels, PSA levels were reduced by 4% and 40%. 

Reports suggest that for a 10% reduction in cholesterol caused by statin medication, PSA reduced by around 1.6 ng/mL. However, these results are limited. Scientists didn’t establish a clear connection between HDL cholesterol and PSA or triglycerides. 

Another trial showed similar results. It seems that agents that hinder cholesterol absorption from the intestines, like polyene macrolides, could decrease prostate gland size and alleviate lower urinary tract symptoms.

Experts estimate that cholesterol-lowering medication reduces the risk of aggressive cancer that appears in the prostate. 

While survival pathways and cell growth of prostate cancer depend on biochemical mechanisms that are sensitive to cholesterol. There is a lack of evidence to create a clear relationship between cholesterol, enlarged prostate, and cancer. 

Researchers examined the PSA and cholesterol connection with the use of statin medication. Therefore, it might not be the connection between PSA and cholesterol that needs further research. But, instead, the implication of statin medication and prostate health and cancer.

Until we have more definite results, we can’t say for sure whether cholesterol can shrink the prostate. 

We know that high circulating cholesterol amplifies the risk of aggressive cancer, whereas proper cholesterol management could provide a protective benefit.

So, you must keep the cholesterol in a healthy state to give the prostate gland and prostate cancer cells the protection they need. 

Other Treatments to Shrink the Prostate

Medications

Right now, the most effective way to control the BPH symptoms and prostate enlargement are with BPH medications and treatment.

Doctors can suggest alpha-blockers designed to relax the prostate muscle fibers, bladder neck muscles and help with urination. 

To shrink the prostate and prevent hormonal fluctuations that trigger prostate growth, the doctor may opt for 5 alpha-reductase inhibitors.

These are the go-to options for managing the symptoms of an enlarged prostate and keeping the prostate tissue in check.

This hormone therapy improves urination and BPH symptoms. It is particularly effective in controlling the lower urinary tract symptoms caused by benign prostate hyperplasia. 

Prostate Artery Embolization

Another treatment option is prostate artery embolization (PAE). This is a relatively minimally invasive procedure meant to stabilize the urinary tract symptoms from the enlarged prostate. 

Compared to other treatments with sexual side effects, like erectile dysfunction from anti-testosterone drug use, prostatic artery embolization will not impact sexual performance.

This treatment has a very high success rate, and the prostate procedure lasts a minimum of 3 to 4 years. 

Transurethral Resection

If the enlarged prostate needs more rigorous treatment, doctors can suggest transurethral resection. This prostate surgery can ease urinary complications.

The treatment uses a resectoscope that goes through the tip of the penis inside the tube that transports the urine from the urethra (bladder).

The instrument allows the doctor to view and trim some of the excess prostate tissue that’s getting in the way of normal urine flow.

This treatment, however, is only recommended to patients with moderate and severe urinary complications. 

These patients haven’t responded well to medications and need an invasive and more efficient treatment for the enlarged prostate.

The treatment itself can have prostate complications and a slower recovery period. In the case of cancer, chemotherapy and other medication may be necessary.

How to Manage Cholesterol the Right Way

Lifestyle changes are the most effective ways of managing cholesterol and bladder health. Sometimes, they have to be paired with proper medication.

If you are already taking meds for enlarged prostate or cholesterol, here are a couple of lifestyle changes you should implement. 

Consume foods that benefit the cardiovascular system and urethra

Options like increasing soluble fiber, whey protein, and omega-3 fats are key factors in controlling cholesterol and maybe even cancer risk. 

Be physically active a few days a week

Working out about 30 minutes a day, five times a week can profoundly impact cholesterol management. 

Curb the excess pounds

When you carry extra weight, it becomes harder to reduce cholesterol and cancer risk. You also put more pressure on the bladder and can hinder blood flow.

With healthy body weight, the urethra with enlarged prostate and metabolism can function correctly.

Stop smoking

The sooner you quit this habit, the quicker you can boost the HDL level, bladder health and possibly reduce cancer risk.

Watch the alcohol intake

Experts suggest that those who want to drink should drink in moderation. Although drinking won’t necessarily make the symptoms of enlarged prostate worse.

Meal Plan Ideas

The food you eat will have a notable impact on your cholesterol and bladder health.

It doesn’t directly influence the prostate or the symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia, but you should still use healthy food on a day-to-day basis.

Here are a few meal plan ideas you can use for a few days.

Day 1

Breakfast

Fresh fruit with rolled oats dipped in milk, paired with a morning tea.

Lunch

One serving of Gallo Pinto with multigrain bread and green salad. 

Dinner

Chicken, barley, and veggie soup with a couple of rye crackers topped with avocado. 

Day 2

Breakfast

Linseed and soy toast with a teaspoon of jam or honey spread. A glass of milk. 

Lunch

A ¾ cup drained and canned chickpeas mixed with salad. Together with a multigrain bread spread with nut butter.

Dinner

Roasted cauliflower with avocado dressing and egg salad. 

Day 3

Breakfast

Whole grain cereal with a cup of milk.

Lunch

Barley wrap with chicken and salad. You can also add a slice of cheese or swap the chicken for tuna or turkey. 

Dinner

Grilled steak with veggies. 

Other Ways to Naturally Shrink the Prostate Fast

When it comes to managing prostatic hyperplasia, many are looking for natural alternatives for symptom relief.

Saw Palmetto

Saw palmetto in tinctures seems to be the most effective choice for bladder health. 

According to experts, saw palmetto could decrease enlarged prostate symptoms, help with frequent urination, painful urination, and other urinary symptoms.

Saw palmetto is said to make it easier for the bladder to empty on its own and keep the urinary tract in shape.

Pygeum africanum

Pygeum africanum is another famous herbal remedy for prostate cells. This is a well-tolerated natural treatment that’s cheaper than prescription medicine for prostatic hyperplasia.

It can provide some level of relief for any prostate problem or various symptoms. 

Takeaway

Even though this natural treatment can not replace conventional prostate medication, it can come in handy for prostate hyperplasia.

Since both can help with BPH symptoms, they could make a worthy addition for curbing the urinary symptoms and maintaining optimal prostate gland health. 

If you have benign prostatic hypertrophy, urinary retention, or any symptoms that might indicate a urinary tract infection or bladder stones, consult with a doctor first before adding any prostate supplements to your diet.

That way, you are guaranteed to manage the urinary symptoms and bladder health better. Including any needs you might have with prostate cancer treatment.

Conclusion

Cholesterol has many important roles to play. Even though some reports show that PSA levels can affect the enlarged prostate, there is not enough research to confirm the claim.

If you want to know how to reduce an enlarged prostate, so far only medication and conventional treatment can successfully manage BPH.

If you plan on using alternative treatment, you should consult with a doctor first. 

Ben’s Natural Remedies To Help Shrink An Enlarged Prostate

At Ben’s Natural Health, our prostate supplements are a great natural remedy for an enlarged prostate.

Total Health

Our natural supplement, Ben’s Total Health contains ingredients clinically proven to lower your PSA, improve urine flow, reduce prostate size, manage BPH symptoms and help you restore optimal prostate health.

Clinical trials and meta-studies show the active ingredients in Total Health have a positive impact on prostate volume, improve lower urinary tract symptoms, and decrease the risk of acute urinary retention.

Find out more about Total Health.

Prostate Healer

We formulated Prostate Healer to effectively combat BPH and prostatitis and provide symptomatic relief from urgency, frequency, and nocturia. It works on the prostate, kidney, and bladder simultaneously, coaxing cells gently to resume normal function.

So, by this action, you’re fighting against prostatitis and BPH. If you’re like many men that use the formula, you’ll see a reduction in the number of times you get up to go to the bathroom to urinate. Plus, you’ll see an improvement in the flow of your urine. Find out more about Prostate Healer.

Prostate Power

Our dietary supplement, Prostate Power, contains ingredients clinically proven to shrink an enlarged prostate and slow the progress of BPH and prostate disease.

The key active ingredients in Prostate Power have been shown in numerous clinical trials and meta-studies to shrink prostate volume, improve urine flow and decrease the risk of acute urinary retention. Find out more about Prostate Power.

Why Choose Ben’s Natural Health Supplements?

At Ben’s Natural Health, our motto is to combine holistic healing with modern science.

Ben’s Natural Health is the world’s first high-quality, all-natural, scientifically proven clinical supplement company. Our supplements are effective, natural and 100% side effect free.

Moreover, at Ben’s Natural Health, we have four rules for all our supplements:

• We only use the highest quality ingredients
• We only use them if they have been proven to work in independent, peer-reviewed double-blind studies
• With all our supplements, we find a way to get every ingredient into a single bottle
• We always formulate them in clinically significant doses of the most bioavailable form

We pride ourselves on offering excellent customer service. We offer a free health consultation where you can ask questions and receive tailored advice from our expert health consultants. 

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