Does Beta Sitosterol Shrink the Prostate?
Beta-sitosterol is a plant sterol (phytosterol) found in small amounts in foods including fruits, vegetables, seeds and nuts, and added to some margarine products. Beta-sitosterol also is available as a dietary supplement claimed to have benefits for many health conditions, including symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).
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BPH
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BPH is a noncancerous enlarged prostate disorder. It is common in men over age 50, and results mainly from changes in hormone balances. Symptoms can include frequent urination and difficulty urinating. Severe cases can lead to urinary tract infections, urethra blockage and kidney damage.
Beta-Sitosterol Benefits
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Beta-sitosterol supplementation has been shown to relieve urinary symptoms and urine flow in men with BPH, according to a review of studies published in the British Journal of Urology (BJU) International. Taking beta-sitosterol did not shrink the prostate, however. Beta-sitosterol also may reduce high cholesterol levels, as noted by the Mayo Clinic website. Other claims of health benefits have not been substantiated by research.
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Side Effects
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Beta-sitosterol supplements can cause gastrointestinal side effects, including diarrhea or constipation, gas, indigestion and nausea. Some men taking beta-sitosterol have also reported erectile dysfunction and decreased sex drive. EMedTV explains that prescription drugs used to treat BPH also tend to cause these sexual side effects.
Considerations
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To relieve BPH symptoms, men are advised to take 60 to 130 mg of beta-sitosterol daily, divided into two or three doses. Combining this supplement with the cholesterol-lowering drug pravastatin (Pravachol) may reduce the effectiveness of beta-sitosterol.
Diet Changes
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Other diet changes that can improve BPH symptoms involve reducing or eliminating certain foods. These include foods made with white sugar and flour, processed foods, fried foods and hydrogenated oils, as listed by the Urology Channel website. To lower the risk of developing BPH, men may choose to avoid eating cereals, bread, eggs and poultry, as these foods were linked to increased BPH occurrence in a study published in the journal Urology in 2006, as detailed by HealthandAge.com.
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