ENLARGED PROSTATE / BPH

ENLARGED PROSTATE / BPH

Enlarged-prostate-1

WHAT IS IT

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is an enlarged prostate. Prostate is a walnut-sized gland in men located between the bladder and the penis. It goes through two main growth periods as a man ages. The first occurs early in puberty, when the prostate doubles in size. The second phase of growth begins around age 25 and continues during most of a man’s life. Benign prostatic hyperplasia often occurs with the second growth phase.

As the prostate enlarges, it can then squeeze down on the urethra; the bladder wall becomes thicker; eventually, the bladder may weaken and lose the ability to empty completely, leaving some urine in the bladder. The narrowing of the urethra and the inability to empty the bladder completely cause many of the problems associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia.

BPH is benign, which means it is not cancer, neither does it directly cause cancer. However, BPH and cancer can happen at the same time. BPH is common in aging men. About half of all men between the ages of 51 and 60 have BPH.

WHY DOES IT GROW?

It is just trying to do its job! Let’s take the example of thyroid. Thyroid is a gland just like prostate. When thyroid is lacking certain nutrients, it grows in size. Its only your body trying to survive and function normally. In the case of thyroid this enlargement is called goiter, in the case of prostate it is called BPH. It is your body’s way of crying for help.

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (prostatic hypertrophy)

IS IT REVERSIBLE?

If you want to know whether you can reverse a condition, first you need to know what causes it. There are a number of recognized factors leading to BPH including malnutrition (of certain nutrients), toxicity, and tumors.

Most BPH problems can be reversed with lifestyle adjustments, proper diet, and nutritional supplementation.

If this sounds too simple that’s because it is! Conventional medicine will have you believe there is no going back. It is something you live with and take medications to manage the associated symptoms, for the rest of your life. BPH may not be 100% reversible but it can be reversed enough to help you gain your quality of life back, be comfortable, and urinate normally again.

You can reverse the condition but it takes discipline, persistence, time and patience. So yes, the solution is simple but it may not be easy. It is certainly doable, an you can make it happen!

LIFESTYLE ADJUSTMENTS

Here are some simple things you can do to get on the path of recovery.

  1. Reduce stress levels. Do what it takes—aromatherapy, massages, less work load, nature walks, whatever works for you.
  2. Basic daily exercise. You don’t need to do anything extraordinary or strenuous. Any basic exercise would do. The key here is consistency.
  3. Walk and move around for a few minutes every hour so your blood can flow normally. Long sitting is crippling to the health. Those who do desk jobs need to make sure they take a stretch break for a few minutes every hour since constant sitting can destroy your prostate health even if you eat well and exercise daily. Regular exercise is important in the prevention and treatment of BPH. For example, a study in the Archives of Internal Medicine reported that men who walked two to three hours a week had a 25% lower risk of developing BPH.

DIET

  1. Consume foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids and mono unsaturated fat that help to decrease inflammation of the prostate gland. Good choices include:
    • avocados,
    • cold water fish (wild salmon, sardines),
    • ground flaxseeds (1-2 tablespoons daily), and
    • pumpkin seeds.
  2. Tomatoes and tomato paste, watermelon and cantaloupe contain the prostate friendly nutrient lycopene. Consume 3 servings weekly.
  3. A Diet low in starches and meats, but high in vegetables and polyunsaturated fats is advised.
  4. Men with BPH should avoid caffeinated beverages as well as alcohol; they irritate and inflame the prostate.
  5. Reduce your intake of foods that contain harmful fats such as fried foods that contain hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated oils which promote inflammation.
  6. Minimize your intake of dairy and red meat as they may worsen inflammation of the prostate. Stay away from packaged foods that are high in sugar, as they can also worsen inflammation.

HERBS TO HELP RELIEVE BPH SYMPTOMS

Herbs that can help relieve BPH symptoms and to some degree reverse them include the following. These can be taken in the form of supplements, as teas, or with food. It is best to work with a Naturopath or an herbalist to learn the most effective way of consuming these herbs in order to maximize their benefit.

  • Beta-sitosterol
  • Saw Palmetto
  • Lyceum (note: it can cause upset stomach)
  • Rye Grass Pollen Extract
  • Stinging nettle (mild side effects of upset stomach and skin rash)
  • Quercetin
  • Damiana
  • Hydrangea
  • Cayenne pepper (it is reported to alleviate the symptoms of a swollen prostate quickly)

ALTERNATIVE REMEDIES

  • Apple Cider Vinegar – 1 tbsp in a glass or juice, once or twice a day. You can increase the dose gradually later on, if necessary.
  • Blackstrap Molasses & Baking Soda – 1 tsp molasses, and 1 tsp baking soda. Increase dose gradually as necessary.

AYURVEDIC TREATMENTS

Natural home remedy using triphala powder:

  • Take 1 tablespoon of triphala powder, an ayurvedic herb
  • Add it to 250 ml of boiling water
  • Boil for 20 min
  • Strain the liquid
  • Drink when lukewarm

Natural home remedy using Indian gooseberries, turmeric powder and honey:

  • Cut, de-seed and crush 10-11 Indian gooseberries
  • Add a pinch of turmeric powder
  • Add 2 tsp of honey
  • Mix well
  • Have 1 table spoon of this mixture early in the morning

SUPPLEMENTS

  • Multivitamins that include lycopene, Vitamin D, pomegranate juice, and omega-3 fatty acids as supplements have been shown to have a protective role in the prevention of prostate cancer.
  • Beta-sitosterol is a natural treatment for BPH that works like the prescription drug Proscar. Beta-sitosterol is a type of phytosterol that is found in a number of plants and foods, including saw palmetto, pumpkin seed, rice bran, soybeans, peanuts, pecans, tuna, and certain oils. Over 1000 mg of total sterols in a supplement can have dramatically positive effects on the men suffering from BPH.
  • Some other nutrients whose supplementation can have significant improvement on BPH symptoms are the following:
    • Vitamin D3
    • Selenium
    • Chromium
    • Molybdenum

    Any supplement containing a combination of these ingredients is ideal.

You may be suffering from BPH but you don’t have to live with the symptoms. With discipline, persistence, and patience you can regain your quality of life and live a healthy, comfortable life.