Prostate Princess

Prostate Health – BPH

Today’s post is about the enlarged prostate, or BPH.

It is common for the prostate gland to become enlarged as a man ages. Doctors call this condition benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), or benign prostatic hypertrophy.

As a man matures, the prostate goes through two main periods of growth. The first occurs early in puberty, when the prostate doubles in size. Then at around age 25, the gland begins to grow again. This second growth phase often results, years later, in BPH.

Though the prostate continues to grow during most of a man’s life, the enlargement doesn’t usually cause problems until much later. BPH rarely causes symptoms before age 40, in approximately 6% of men, but more than half of men in their sixties and as many as 90 percent in their seventies and eighties have some symptoms of BPH. There is one other study that claims more men aged 24-40 are being diagnosed with early on-set of prostate problems, most commonly, BPH.

So guys, pay attention!!

Why BPH Occurs

Throughout their lives, men produce testosterone, an important male hormone, and small amounts of estrogen, a female hormone. As men grow older, the amount of active testosterone in the blood decreases, leaving a higher proportion of estrogen. Studies done on animals have suggested that BPH may occur because the higher amount of estrogen within the gland increases the activity of substances that promote cell growth.

Another theory focuses on dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a substance derived from testosterone in the prostate, which may help control its growth. Most mammals lose their ability to produce DHT as they age. This accumulation of DHT may encourage the growth of cells. Scientists have also noted that men who do not produce DHT do not develop BPH.

The size of the prostate does not always determine how severe the obstruction or the symptoms will be. Some men with greatly enlarged glands have little obstruction and few symptoms while others, whose glands are less enlarged, have more blockage and greater problems.

Severe BPH can cause serious problems over time.

Urine retention and strain on the bladder can lead to urinary tract infections, bladder or kidney damage, bladder stones, and incontinence—the inability to control urination. If the bladder is permanently damaged, treatment for BPH may be ineffective. When BPH is found in its earlier stages, there is a lower risk of developing such complications.

BPH and Prostate cancer present the same symptoms, but are separate diseases.

While some men with prostate cancer also have BPH, that doesn’t mean the two conditions are always linked. The two conditions, while similar in symptoms are very dissimilar in actuality. Where BPH involves the gland itself, prostate cancer involves the outer skin or covering of the prostate gland. However, since the early symptoms for both conditions are the same, you should see a doctor to have your specific situation evaluated.

Supplementation to Help Urinary Symptoms of BPH

To help mitigate some of the urinary symptoms of BPH, men turn to natural supplements such as saw palmetto. Naturally occurring sources of beta-sitosterol include saw palmetto, stinging nettle root, African pygeum, pumpkin seed oil, selenium and vitamin E. These phytonutrients or supplements have proven through time and scientific study to not only ease the urinary symptoms of BPH, but also help with cardiovascular health as well as regulating blood sugars.In addition to the positive nutritional benefits of beta-sitosterols, controlled studies have shown nutritional supplements to increase the level of quality of life issues, particularly having no negative sexual side effects.

Saw palmetto (Serenoa repens) – Is a palm-like plant native to the southeastern United States. The berries of the American saw palmetto plant can increase the flow of urine, reduce the inflammation of the prostate and relieve muscle spasms.

The berries from the saw palmetto were a staple food among Native Americans. Historical use of saw palmetto can be traced back to the Mayans who used it as a tonic; and to the Seminoles who took the berries as an expectorant, antiseptic, and also to treat digestive problems, intestinal disease and even to boost libido!

To lend further credibility to the documented use of saw palmetto, it was listed in the United States Pharmacopoeia from 1906 to 1917, and in the Natural Formulary from 1926 to 1950 as a remedy for bladder and urinary tract inflammation, breast disorders, bronchitis, laryngitis and BPH.

Saw palmetto has been used by millions of men to ease BPH symptoms and is often recommended as an alternative to the synthetic medicine finasteride. Saw palmetto’s active ingredients include fatty acids, plant sterols and flavonoids. The berries also contain high molecular weight polysaccharides, which are usually associated with either anti-inflammatory or immune-stimulant effects.

Numerous human trials have been conducted reporting saw palmetto improves symptoms of BPH, such as nighttime urination, urinary flow and overall quality of life. The effectiveness may be similar to the medication finasteride with fewer adverse side effects.

Stinging Nettle root (Urtica dioica) – Stinging nettle has a long history of use in medieval Europe. Diuretics and remedies for joint problems were made from stinging nettle. Stinging nettle has been used for hundreds of years to treat rheumatism, eczema, arthritis, gout and anemia. Today, many people use it to treat urinary problems during the early stages of BPH, urinary tract infections and kidney stones, to name a few.

Studies in people suggest the root of the stinging nettle, in combination with other herbs, especially saw palmetto, may be an effective treatment for BPH, relieving symptoms. Laboratory studies have shown stinging nettle to be comparable to finasteride in slowing the growth of certain prostate cells without the negative side effects.

Pygeum africanum (African plum) – Is a tall evergreen tree of the Rosaceae family found in central and southern Africa. Its bark has been ground into powder for tea to be consumed orally on a daily basis. Traditional African healers have used the bark to treat bladder and urination disorders, particularly symptoms associated with BPH.

The majority of clinical trials conducted since the 1970s report moderate improvement in urinary symptoms associated with BPH. This research has lent credibility to the common use of this agent in Europe for BPH. Pygeum may result in increased beneficial effects for the prostate if used in conjunction with saw palmetto and stinging nettle.

Pygeum has been observed to moderately improve urinary symptoms associated with enlargement of the prostate gland or prostate inflammation (BPH). Numerous human studies report pygeum to significantly reduce the number of nighttime urinary episodes, urinary hesitancy, urinary frequency, and pain with urination in men who experience mild-to-moderate symptoms.

Pumpkin Seed Oil (Cucurbit a Pepo Covariates Citrullinina) – Studies have shown pumpkin seed extract in combination with saw palmetto extract improves urinary flow and decreases the frequency of urination.

Pumpkin seed oil has been popular for years among natives of the Styrian region of Austria and those who live in the northern portion of Slovenia, Europe. The seeds from this pumpkin type contain vitamins A, B1, B2, B6, C, D, E and K, as well as many minerals including calcium and magnesium. The oil also contains over 60% of unsaturated fatty acid and is rich in vegetable protein. Recent medical research has also announced the health benefits provided by using pumpkin seed oil. These benefits include regulating cholesterol levels and aiding in the prevention and treatment of bladder and prostate problems.

Selenium – Selenium is a trace mineral found in soil, water and some foods. It is an essential element in several metabolic pathways. Selenium is found in Brazil nuts, whole grains sunflower seeds, seafood, poultry and lean meats.

Just think, this is only the beginning! I’ve learned so much researching the prostate and its issues I’m excited to be able to pass along this information to you. Until next time…

Ciao