Protecting Your Prostate By Vicki Kobliner MS, RD, CD-N T BPH Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) can obstruct the urethra.
This often causes a loss of bladder function due to incomplete emptying. Common symptoms include trouble starting a urine stream, a frequent need to urinate, a slow or interrupted stream, straining, or night waking to urinate. It is important to identify and address these symptoms early, since untreated BPH can cause further damage, and in severe cases, kidney failure. Many dietary supplements can reduce prostate enlargement. In
particular, Beta-sitosterol, a plant sterol which is related to cho- lesterol, inhibits a specific enzyme that converts testosterone to DHT. By doing so, it limits the cell proliferation that DHT typically induces. Nettle is another plant compound that has been shown to increase urinary volume in BPH. Rye pollen can decrease symp- toms. Pygeum is another herb which reduces the functional symp-
he prostate is a walnut-sized, seminal-fluid producing gland - located just below the bladder. Disorders of the prostate, most notably prostatitis, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and prostate cancer are quite common in elderly and middle aged men. Prostate cancer ranks number one for male cancers, and even men who do not develop malignancy often have some can- cerous cells in the organ.
Disorders of the prostate result from changes in hormonal
balance. As men age, they begin to produce less testosterone and more of both estrogen and a lesser known hormone called dihy- drotestosterone (DHT). It is increased DHT which promotes the growth of additional cells (hyperplasia) and results in an enlarged prostate.
toms of BPH and night waking. Saw palmetto is the leading herbal treatment of BPH, but there is conflicting evidence as to its effec- tiveness. There are multiple high-quality studies that underscore a positive effect, while additional research shows no improvement in symptoms. It is very safe, so it’s worth a trial. Physically active men have a lower frequency of BPH, and in
one study, physical activity was associated with lower incidence and reduced symptoms of BPH.
Prostatitis
Prostatitis is an inflammation or infection of the prostate gland. It can be painful and in some cases debilitating. While prostatitis may be bacterial in nature, it usually is not, and antibiotics are ineffective in non-bacterial episodes. Symptoms include painful urination, frequency and urgency, with pain in the lower back and groin.
Drinking a generous amount of fluid daily helps keep the pros-
tate healthy and avoids bacterial overgrowth. The herb quercetin reduces pain and can improve quality of life, but does not seem to improve voiding in patients with prostatitis. Bromelain is another anti-inflammatory compound which is effective, while in bacterial cases, cranberry can limit the attachment of bacteria to cell walls, and result in a reduction of symptoms.
Prostate Cancer
For prostate cancer prevention and treatment, some standard dietary recommendations apply. A diet high in produce and legumes, low in sugar and processed foods, moderate in animal
28 Natural Nutmeg June 2012
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