Nearly
every man will have an enlarged prostate gland if they live long enough.
Already, prostate cancer is the number one cause of death among males.
Essentially, the prostate gland, unlike other glands, tends to degenerate over
time. It is more prone to toxin accumulation, due in part to slow blood circulation
and to its fatty, sponge-like makeup. The fact that blood flow is sluggish in
the prostate area explains why antibiotic therapy for prostatitis takes so long
to clear the infection.
BHP refers to a prostate condition where the gland becomes enlarged and diseased
thereby affecting the function of the male urinary system. Prostatitis is an
condition in which the prostate becomes inflamed (the symptoms of both BHP and
prostatitis can be quite alike and their treatment protocols are similar).
Symptoms
Prostate malfunction can be characterized by pain or burning when urinating,
dribbling urine, increased frequency of urination, fever and chills, penile
discharge, abdominal pain, pain around the rectum or scrotum or in the lower
back, blood or pus in the urine and impotence.
Precautions
Most men suffering from prostate trouble are experiencing nothing more than
enlargement or inflammation although these same symptoms may be caused by prostate
cancer. Prostate cancer, if caught early enough, is one of the most treatable
forms of cancer. Call your physician immediately if you have any symptoms involving
the prostate gland. It is essential to see a urologist or a similar expert to
rule out the possibility of prostate cancer, which, if unchecked, will ravage
other organs, like the lower intestine, the small intestine and the reproductive
organs. If you cannot urinate at all, go to the nearest emergency room. Excessive
urine retention is potentially life threatening.
Causes
Prostatitis usually results from a bacterial infection that has spread to the
prostate gland from the urethra or other area of the body through the blood.
BPH can result from prostatic tissue that has been infiltrated with certain
hormonal compounds which encourage overgrowth. It has also been linked to diet,
high cholesterol levels and zinc deficiencies.
Other ways that prostatitis and other prostate conditions may develop through
sexual contact; as a complication of venereal disease; from the presence of
a urinary catheter; zinc deficiency; taking antihistamines and decongestants
for prolonged periods of time; and exposure to pesticides and heavy metals.
Some health care professionals believe that constipation, the consumption of
alcohol and a high-fat diet are connected to prostatitis. High cholesterol levels
are thought to promote prostate enlargement by cholesterol metabolite accumulation
within the gland itself. Lowering cholesterol levels is believed to reduce the
risk of prostate disorders.
Conventional Therapies
Your physician will examine the prostate gland manually by inserting a gloved
finger into the rectum. The gland will be tender to touch and enlarged. Lab
tests will be ordered to classify the infection using urine samples and urethral
secretions which can be obtained through manual massage oft he prostate gland.
Antibiotic treatment will be initiated with a slow recovery being more the rule
than the exception. In severe cases, antibiotics will be administered intravenously.
Unfortunately, the prostate gland has a poor blood supply making it difficult
for antibiotic therapy to reach the area which prolongs curing the disease.
Nalidixic acid is also prescribed for prostatitis. Proscar, (finasteride) is
commonly used for prostate enlargement and while it can shrink the gland, it
comes with unpleasant side effects such as possible impotence.
Taking Proscar can also inhibit the detection of prostate cancer. Painkillers
are also routinely prescribed. If an abscess develops, surgical drainage may
be required. If the infection does not respond to antibiotic therapy, an operation
to drain out infected fluids may be required. It is considered fairly simple
and requires a short hospital stay.
TURP (transurethral resection of the prostate) is also available for an enlarged
gland but has some side effects and may not provide permanent relief. New laser
techniques will eventually improve this surgery. Continue
Article
The
information presented is for informational purposes only. The results reported
may not necessarily occur in all individuals. Consult your doctor or health
care practitioner for any health problem and before using any supplements.
Home - Brands - Conditions - Herbs - Supplements - International Shipping - Sitemap - Privacy Policy
Print
Order Form - UPS Tracking Page - For
a Free Catalog - Report
Any Website Problems
Total Health Discount Vitamins
1-800-283-2833
120 Broadhollow Rd (Route 110) Suite 1, Farmingdale, NY 11735
Phone
631-293-3001, Fax 631-293-3009
* Free Shipping for Domestic UPS Ground ONLY for online orders over $85.00
4.19.04
Dietary
Guidelines
• Increase your fluid intake by drinking large quantities of purified
water to stimulate urine flow before 6 p.m.
• Drinking parsley juice with apple juice is also good.
• Eat plenty of artichokes and asparagus, which act as natural diuretics
and help to cleanse the prostate gland.
• Avoid saturated or trans-fatty acids found in butter, margarine,
shortening, etc. Use olive oil instead.
• Lower your cholesterol levels by eating a high-fiber, low-fat diet.
Recommended Nutritional Supplements
Primary Nutrients
Pygeum - Pygeum is an herb that has been used in Europe to help the
prostate return to a more normal state and helps to concentrate zinc in
the gland. Pygeum also helps to lower prolactin, a hormone which is elevated
in men with prostate disorders and it also helps eliminate excess fluid
from the prostate. Numerous double-blind studies confirm the efficacy of
pygeum in treating an enlarged prostate. Using pygeum resulted in a significant
improvement in prostate swelling and urinary difficulties. Suggested Dosage:
100 to 200 mg daily in three doses for several weeks. Do not exceed recommended
dosages.
Prostagium - This mix of pygeum, vitamin B6, zinc and copper helps
maintain a healthy prostate through its synergistic effect. Suggested Dosage:Take
as directed.
Saw Palmetto - Saw palmetto extract (Serenoa repens) has undergone
extensive studies with clinical trials supporting its use as a primary treatment
for both short and long-term BPH. Statistics have been impressive showing
a very high improvement rate in relieving almost every symptom associated
with prostate enlargement after only 45 days of treatment. Suggested Dosage:
150 mg in fat-soluble extract form taken twice a day.
Nettle - Recent studies strongly advocate using nettle with saw palmetto
due to its ability to inhibit the potentially dangerous forms of testosterone
which are associated with the development of prostate disease. Suggested
Dosage: Take only as directed. Not recommended for children.
Zinc - Extremely important to prostate health. The gland contains
a concentration of zinc ten times greater than other organs in the body.
Zinc depletion has been linked to prostate disorders. Zinc gluconate in
lozenge form or zinc picolinate are readily absorbed. Clinical tests support
the ability of zinc to shrink the prostate and alleviate other symptoms
associated with prostatitis and BPH. Suggested Dosage. Take as directed.
L-Alanine, L-Glutamine, L-Glycine - This trio of amino acids can
help to relieve the frequency of nighttime urination. Suggested Dosage:
Take as directed.
Pumpkin Seeds - A naturally-rich source of zinc as well as other
nutritious compounds, such as essential fatty acids. Suggested Dosage: Take
as directed.
Vitamin B6 - Helps to promote normal cholesterol metabolism, which
can prevent fatty buildup in the vascular system of the prostate and fatty
deposits from accumulating in the gland. Suggested Dosage: Take as directed.
Essential Fatty Acids - Vital to the healthy functioning of the prostate
gland, EFSs have proven their ability to ease symptoms of BPH. Evening primrose
oil, sunflower, soy, borange and flaxseed oil are recommended. Suggested
Dosage: Take as directed.
Selenium and Vitamin E - Powerful antioxidant duo which helps to
protect gland from tissue damage. Suggested Dosage: Take as directed.
B-Sitosterols - These compounds are phytosterols extracted from plants
and used in Germany to reduce cholesterol levels. Tests have found that
these plant sterols can significantly ease the symptoms of BPH. Interestingly,
saw palmetto, pygeum, oils containing EFAs and pumpkin seeds are all rich
in phytosterols. Suggested Dosage: Take as directed.
Herbal Combination - Also recommended is an herbal combination containing
saw palmetto, cornsilk, pumpkin seeds, ginger, nettle root, kelp, burdock
and parsley. Several of the herbs (or their constituents) of this blend
have been the subject of a number of clinical studies for the treatment
of prostatic enlargement. Side effects caused by the most popular prescription
drug product makes this formula an attractive alternative, as it is more
effective and virtually free of side effects when used as directed. Suggested
Dosage: Four to eight capsules daily for several months until symptoms subside.
SECONDARY NUTRIENTS
Garlic: Acts as a natural antibiotic to fight infection and inflammation
and helps to improve vascular health by lowering bad cholesterol. High cholesterol
levels are thought to contribute to prostate disease. Suggested Dosage:
Take as directed. Deodorized forms are available.
Vitamin A and Beta Carotene: Act as antioxidants which help remove
free radicals caused by inflammation. Suggested Dosage: No more than 10,000
IU of vitamin A each day. Take the beta carotene as directed.
Proanthocyanidins: The flavonoid content of these compounds acts
as a natural anti-inflammatory agent. Suggested Dosage: Take as directed.
Grape seed extract or pycnogenol supply these compounds.
Flower Pollens: Several studies suggest that bee pollen can reduce
prostate inflammation and infection. Flower pollens have been used to treat
prostatitis in Europe for decades, and tests show that it is indeed effective.
Bee pollen is commonly used; however, it must be used carefully at first
to rule out the possibility of any allergic reaction. Look for quality,
freeze-dried varieties. Local pollens are always preferable. Suggested Dosage:
Take as directed.
Panax Ginseng: Acts as an herbal tonic for the male reproductive
system and helps to decrease prostate gland swelling. Suggested Dosage:
In extract form, take 50 mg of ginsenosides or three grams of dried ginseng
each day.
Home Care Suggestions
• Limit your fluid intake after 6pm and empty your bladder before
retiring.
• Fifteen minute sitz baths in water that is approximately 95°
F can help boost circulation.
• In cases of prostatitis, avoid sexual intercourse until the infection
is gone. Intercourse may further irritate the prostate gland and prolong
recovery.
• Mild exercise is recommended to increase circulation; however, riding
a bicycle is not advised.
• Avoid exposure to very cold temperatures. Apparently, urination difficulties
and retention are more common in cold climates.
• Try not to take antibiotics for longer than two weeks. Often, after
antibiotic therapy, prostatitis recurs.
Other Supportive Therapies
Acupuncture: Pressure points located near the bladder, colon, spleen
and kidney meridians can help to stimulate circulation to the prostate gland.
Yoga: The kneeling position is recommended to stimulate circulation
to the prostate gland.
Scientific Facts-at-a-Glance
A recently-published academic article examining how saw palmetto works
and why it should be used by physicians in their treatment protocols for
prostate disease points out the fact that if may be one of the best deterrent
compounds to prostate cancer available. In light of this fact, all men should
consider taking saw palmetto singly or in an herbal combination long before
they experience prostate disease symptoms. The value of adding nettle to
saw palmetto has also recently come to light for even better management
of prostate disease symptoms. A 1993 study also showed that using pollen
extracts (cernilton) for prostatitis resulted in some favorable results.
Spirit/Mind Considerations
The effects of stress on prostate disorders is clearly underrated. Increased
adrenalin, which is typical in unmanaged stress, causes both the neck of
the bladder and prostate gland to react, making urination more difficult.
Moreover, the link between stress and high cholesterol levels may also impact
the gland. Learning to relieve stress and to find spiritual contentment
helps to lower the risk of these types of degenerative diseases we normally
associate with age.
Prevention
• Do not consume alcohol, coffee, tobacco, caffeine, acidic foods,
or red pepper, which are considered prostatic irritants.
• Avoid becoming constipated by eating plenty of high fiber foods and
getting adequate exercise.
• Eat a diet high in zinc and take zinc picolinate supplement once
a day.
• Take pygeum and saw palmetto supplement after the age of 55.
• Avoid becoming constipated by eating plenty of high-fiber foods and
getting adequate exercise.
• Drink plenty of water. Become dehydrated can stress the prostate
gland.
• Avoid red meats and rich foods which may be high in uric acid which
is believed to cause prostate irritation.
• Prolonged jarring to the seat area which results from too much sitting,
riding a horse, motorcycle or bike can increase the risk of prostate infection.
• If you are allergic and must use an antihistamine, ask your physician
about taking hismanal or seldane, which do not contain antihistamines.
• Having frequent sexual intercourse can empty the prostate of secretions
and promote better prostate health.
• Having a vasectoomy has been linked to the incidence of prostate
disorders including cancer. Some studies report the risk of prostate cancer
for males who have had a vasectomy is three times greater than those who
have not.
• Keep cholesterol levels normal to prevent the accumulation of cholesterol
metabolites in the prostate gland.
• Avoid exposure to pesticides, heavy metals or any toxic substance.
• Take an supplement of essential fatty acids every day.
Doctor's Notes
I have found that taking pygeum and zinc together greatly enhances the
ability of zinc to stay within the prostate gland. The inflammatory process
which causes prostatitis and BPH is closely linked with compounds called
prostaglandins.
Men who experience BPH have higher prostaglandin activity. Taking pygeum
can reduce both the synthesis and activity of prostaglandins so that inflammation,
swelling and enlargement are all decreased. Studies with pygeum have found
that pretreating the prostate with this herbal compound can also inhibit
the growth of certain tumor cells.
Saw palmetto contains a specific fatty acids called steriles, which do not
allow testosterone to attach to the prostate gland; this can ultimately
stimulate the enlargement and tumor growth. Saw palmetto also decreases
the production of leukotriens which contribute to inflammation. Studies
have found that saw palmetto accomplishes the same action as Proscar, the
most common prescription drug for prostate diseases, without any negative
side effects.
The combination of these two herbs help to decrease prostate swelling and
to inhibit the negative action of inflammatory compounds and negative-acting
hormones. Make sure you purchase products with guaranteed potency when buying
saw palmetto and pygeum. When chemically analyzed, some products claiming
to contain saw palmetto actually contained none of the herb. This type of
fraud gives good and effective natural supplements a bad reputation. Look
for fat-soluble types of saw palmetto withan 80 to 90 percent sterol and
fatty acid content in the extract.
Back
to Top
