Enlarged prostate, also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), is an extremely common condition that affects millions of aging men. The uncomfortable urinary symptoms associated with BPH are well known. But what actually causes the prostate to enlarge in the first place? Contrary to popular belief, the main culprit is not testosterone or DHT, but rather insulin.
The Role of Insulin in Prostate Growth
According to researches regarding prostate adenoid growth, insulin is responsible for up to 80% of prostate enlargement cases. The prostate is a gland that responds to growth signals from hormones. When insulin levels are chronically elevated, it can bind to IGF-1 receptors and stimulate prostate cell growth and multiplication.
Decades of high insulin levels from poor diet leads to an accumulation of too many cells in the prostate. The cells also become enlarged. This increase in prostate cell number and size is what causes the gland to expand in size, constricting the urethra and resulting in bothersome urinary symptoms.
Therefore, the key is to maintain normal insulin levels through diet and lifestyle changes. This starves the prostate gland of excessive growth signals. Over time, the prostate can shrink back to a healthy size and relieve associated symptoms.
7 Steps to Lower Insulin and Reverse Enlarged Prostate
The transcript outlines 7 straightforward steps men can take to lower insulin and reverse prostate enlargement naturally:
1. Eliminate Sugar
Avoid all forms of sugar, including added sugars in drinks and desserts, as well as high-sugar fruits. Sugar spikes blood glucose and insulin.
2. Eliminate Grains
Avoid all grains, even whole grains. The starch in grains is broken down into sugar, also raising insulin.
3. Avoid Soy
Soy can negatively impact testosterone-estrogen ratios. Stick to fermented soy like natto.
4. Use Only Full Fat Dairy
Go for butter, heavy cream and full fat cheese and yogurt. Avoid low-fat dairy.
5. Avoid Vegetable Oils
Their high omega-6 content promotes inflammation. Inflamed prostates enlarge faster.
6. Follow a Low Carb or Ketogenic Diet
This normalizes insulin for most of the day.
7. Try Intermittent Fasting
Fasting 14-18 hours a day can reset insulin to healthy levels.
Making these changes consistently over months and years will gradually shrink the prostate by reducing insulin’s stimulation of prostate growth.
Prescription Medications Can Provide Short-Term Relief
Prescription medications for enlarged prostate can help relieve urinary symptoms in the short-term. But they fail to address the hormonal imbalance causing the problem. Lifestyle and dietary changes are needed to fully reverse prostate enlargement.
Some of the most commonly prescribed BPH/enlarged prostate medications include:
- Alpha blockers – Relax prostate muscles to improve urine flow. Examples are terazosin and tamsulosin.
- 5-alpha reductase inhibitors – Block the conversion of testosterone to DHT to shrink prostate. Examples are finasteride and dutasteride.
- Phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors – Improve bladder muscle function. Examples are tadalafil and sildenafil.
These drugs provide symptom relief but come with potential side effects like dizziness, headaches, sexual dysfunction and more. They are not a cure for the underlying cause of chronic hyperinsulinemia.
Supplements May Provide Additional Support
Some supplements may offer additional benefit for shrinking enlarged prostate:
- Saw palmetto – Derived from the berries of a palm plant. It has anti-inflammatory effects.
- Stinging nettle root – Herb that may interfere with hormones and reduce inflammation.
- Pumpkin seed extract – Contains compounds that may impact DHT and offer prostate protection.
The transcript notes these supplements seem to help some men more than others. They can be used alongside dietary changes, but should not replace the fundamental lifestyle interventions required to reduce insulin long-term.
Key Points About Reversing Prostate Enlargement
In summary, the key points about reversing prostate enlargement include:
- Insulin is likely the main driver of prostate growth, not testosterone or DHT
- Following a low-carb or keto diet normalizes insulin levels
- It takes months or years to shrink an enlarged prostate by lowering insulin
- Medications only provide temporary relief of urinary symptoms
- Some supplements may provide additional benefit when combined with dietary changes
- Lifestyle interventions to lower insulin are essential to treating the root hormonal imbalance causing BPH
By making insulin optimization the priority, men have the power to reverse prostate growth naturally and avoid endless medication routines or invasive surgeries. Consult a knowledgeable doctor to tailor a comprehensive plan combining sensible nutrition, activity, stress relief and targeted supplements as needed. A few key lifestyle modifications can go a long way towards shrinking the prostate and promoting male health.
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