Every year, over a million men undergo prostate biopsies, a procedure that comes with risks such as infection and urinary side effects including difficulty urinating and urinary urgency. If you want to heal well and lower your risk for complications, you should consider taking prostate supplements. In this article, we’ll discuss the most researched and proven top supplements for prostate health, which can help enhance your immunity, limit urinary symptoms, and prevent infection after a prostate biopsy.
Stinging Nettle
Stinging nettle can help prevent some complications associated with a prostate biopsy, such as pain, urinary urgency, and trouble urinating. Its diuretic and anti-inflammatory properties make it a top choice for men recovering from a prostate biopsy.
Curcumin
Curcumin has powerful anti-inflammatory properties that can help with prostate biopsy side effects. Research has shown its benefits in patients with chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome.
Saw Palmetto and Beta-Sitosterol
Saw palmetto contains fatty acids and plant sterols, such as beta-sitosterol, which make it a long-time choice for managing urinary tract and prostate problems. Beta-sitosterol has been shown to reduce urinary symptoms in patients with an enlarged prostate due to benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH). Moreover, studies suggest it may boost the immune system and act as an anti-inflammatory.
Cranberry
Long used for treating urinary tract infections, cranberries’ unique phytonutrients and antioxidants can help men who have just had prostate biopsies with side effects such as difficulty urinating and urinary urgency. They may also help prevent infection.
Diindolylmethane (DIM)
DIM is a phytonutrient that many men take to help with lower urinary tract symptoms of BPH. Known for fighting inflammation and improving prostate function, DIM can also benefit biopsy patients.
Green Tea
Green tea’s potent antioxidants, catechins, enhance the immune system and kill certain bacteria, thereby lowering the risk of infection. Moreover, its ability to stimulate immune cells known to attack tumors and impede the growth of prostate cancer cells makes it particularly useful if the biopsy indicates the presence of cancer.
Modified Citrus Pectin
This supplement has the unique ability to cause prostate cancer cells to self-destruct, not just in the prostate but also in the bloodstream, should any have been released during the biopsy.
Pollen Extracts
Pollen extracts can help manage urination, fever, and infections associated with prostate biopsies. Some experts believe they help relax the urethra and assist the bladder in contracting to push out urine.
Pygeum
An ancient herbal remedy for bladder problems, pygeum contains phytosterols and acids that boast anti-inflammatory properties. It has been shown to help improve BPH symptoms, making it a good choice for urinary symptoms associated with biopsy recovery.
Quercetin
Quercetin has strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, helping patients reduce swelling and pain from the biopsy procedure. It can be found in foods such as apples, berries, red grapes, red wine, and tea.
Vitamin D
As a powerful antioxidant, vitamin D supports prostate health and facilitates prostate biopsy recovery. It may help prevent complications such as pain, infection, and urinary symptoms like urgency or difficulty urinating.
Zinc
Zinc enhances immune function and maintains the overall health of the prostate gland, thereby reducing the risk of infection after a biopsy. Its benefits include fighting both viral and bacterial infections.
Other Prostate Biopsy Recovery Tips
In addition to taking supplements, you should follow some good advice and recovery tips to heal well and prevent infection or other complications.
- Avoid strenuous exercise and heavy lifting for the first day or two after a biopsy, and limit movement and exercise to moderate or mild activity for three to four days.
- Try not to strain during bowel movements or urination.
- Stay hydrated and don’t hold in urine when you feel the need to go.
- Avoid foods and drinks that can irritate your bladder, such as caffeine, alcohol, and spicy foods.
- Mild pain is normal, as is blood in your urine or stool for up to five days; semen may be discolored for a month following the biopsy.
- If you experience a fever over 101 degrees, chills, heavy bleeding, abdominal pain, trouble urinating, urinary urgency, or any new symptoms, call your doctor immediately.
By taking prostate supplements and following your doctor’s advice, you can reduce your risk of complications and support the healing of your prostate.
