The most recommended supplement for BPH are Saw Palmetto with Beta-sitosterol, also Phygium, Stinging nettle root and Pumpkin seeds extract.
Key nutrients needed in this condition are Zinc, Vitamin D, Omega-3 fatty acids and Lycopene. Further Quercetin, Flaxseed Lignans, and Green Tea Catechins could assist.
So on what well reasoned ground your doc recommends such an unusual sole nutrient for this condition, at such a high dose and unaffordable price for an Indian? Especially as your family already struggles for food?
Supplements do work, as is my experience with remission in various chronic conditions. But take many more times to use than just one month, on the contrary would have to be taken continuously. I'm speaking from personal experience. I am spending about $500,- a month on them, to keep diagnoses of PAD, COPD and ME/CFS in remission for many years.
You also seem not to be scared from Indian import taxes, which can be arbitrarily high and definitely would exceed your spending ability, even if send to you for free.
So no reason for you to long to such most expensive supplements with little research behind against BPH.
In fact, whenever in India - as I'm right now - I leave out all above-mentioned supplements, and take instead Indian Ayurvedic alternatives.
Just as in Nutritional medicine, Ayurveda has this concept that if one plant is helping a condition at high dose (for example Arjuna powder, at least 5 g/d against CVD), combining that one with synergistic other plants, according to ones metabolic propensities, also the main ingredient doesn't have to be that high.
Though I just take high dose Chavanprasam, along with the major Arishtas and Asavas, along with plant extracts. Just asked perplexity.ai, what is mostly recommended against BPH in Ayurveda, here its answer:
Ayurvedic recommendations for managing Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) focus on balancing the doshas, particularly Vata and Kapha, and include various herbal formulations and treatments. Here are the most common recommendations:
Key Ayurvedic Treatments:
- Dashmoola Kwath Niruha Basti: This is a medicated enema treatment using a decoction of ten roots, effective in managing BPH symptoms by addressing the underlying dosha imbalances.
- Bala Oil Anuvasana Basti: A type of oil enema that nourishes and supports the reproductive and urinary systems.
- Gokshuradi Vati: A well-known herbal formulation that helps in reducing prostate size and improving urinary function.
- Dhanyaka-Gokshura Ghrita Matra Basti: This involves using a medicated ghee for therapeutic enemas, which has shown efficacy in reducing prostate symptoms.
- Chandraprabha Vati: An herbal formulation that supports urinary health and reduces symptoms associated with BPH.
- Varunadi Kashayam: A decoction made from various herbs, traditionally used for its diuretic properties.
- Haritaki Churna, Amla Churna, and Haridra Churna: These powders are often used for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Kanchnar Guggulu and Trikantakadi Vati: These formulations are known for their effectiveness in managing symptoms of BPH.
Lifestyle Recommendations:
- Dietary Adjustments: Incorporating foods that balance Vata and Kapha, avoiding excessive dry or cold foods, and ensuring adequate hydration.
- Panchakarma Therapies: Detoxification methods to restore balance in the body.
- Physical Activity: Regular exercise to enhance overall health and support urinary function.
Ayurveda emphasizes a holistic approach to treatment, addressing not just the symptoms but also the lifestyle factors that contribute to BPH. Always consult with a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner for personalized treatment plans.
Citations:
- https://ayushdhara.in/index.php/ayushdhara/article/view/1714
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3665207/
- https://www.ayurbethaniya.org/diseases/prostate
- https://www.ijsurgery.com/index.php/isj/article/download/8392/5210/33066
- https://ijpsr.com/bft-article/herbal-drugs-in-benign-prostrate-hyperplasia-bph-a-current-update/
- https://www.ayurindus.com/treatments/ayurvedic-treatment-for-benign-prostate-hyperplasia-2/
- https://jaims.in/jaims/article/view/2249/3096
- https://www.kottakkalayurveda.ae/b/ayurvedic-treatment-for-bph--benign-prostatic-hyperplasia-
With my approach, I'm already covered with enough with above-mentioned Dashamoola, Bala, Gokshura, Amla, Haritaki, Haridra, Guggulu, and numerous others not especially mentioned. And it works just as well for me.
So getting donated 100,- worth a month on an ongoing basis for such an unsevere condition is just very unrealistic. Ayurveda could help just as well, and is hilariously affordable on an ongoing basis.
