Prostate Problems

Problems with the Prostate gland include Prostatis and Prostate Enlargement.

Prostatis is an acute inflammation of the Prostate usually caused by an infection such as non-specific urethritis. The symptoms include a burning sensation or pain when urine is passed, pain in the genital area, back, lower abdomen or inner thighs, and fever.

Prostate Enlargement generally occurs in men over 55. In men under the age of 45 the prostate gland is walnut sized – after that age it can enlarge to lemon size which is common in 50% of men over 55 and 75% of men over 60.

As the Prostate enlarges it puts pressure on the bladder and urethra. This causes symptoms such as frequent urination, difficulty in urinating, and abdominal pain. Options for treatment if it gets too large might include diathermy, laser treatment, surgery or drugs to shrink the gland.

The majority of prostate enlargement problems are due to a condition called benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH). When the prostate gland enlarges it impedes the flow of the fluid. The underlying problem is in the endocrine system; to be precise there is less testosterone so the prostate enlarges in an attempt to compensate.

Occasionally the prostate can be affected with cancer. If you have any blood in your urine, swelling in your testicle area and difficulty in passing urine, please see your health practitioner or doctor immediately

What can be done?

An operation could have unfortunate side effects like dribbling of urine – loss of control, erective problems and impotence so is best looked at with caution

Complementary Medicine

Herbal Therapy

The number one natural remedy for treating prostate enlargement is saw palmetto berry tincture. Take three times a day for six months, then alternate one month off and one month on.
You could do the same with the homeopathic remedy made from the saw palmetto berry: Sabal Serrulata, take it in 6x potency exactly like the tincture.
One of the oldest remedies for enlarged prostate is Nettle – taken either as tincture or tablets. Modern research has confirmed it effectives. Take 5ml of tincture or tablets 1-3 times daily.
Keep the urine system clear with drinks like cranberry juice and herbal tea made with Goldenseal, Horsetail, Pulsatilla.
Ginseng extract helps decrease the weight of the prostate and increase testosterone levels.

Diet and Nutrition

Take a multi vitamin and mineral supplement that contains 15 mg zinc daily, (zinc also increases the libido).

Eat lots of pumpkin and sunflower seeds and other zinc containing foods like shellfish, especially oysters, herrings, beans, brown rice, wheat germ, onions, garlic, wholegrain flower, dried fruits, red meat, liver, dairy products, egg yolk.
Include a natural carotene source supplement that is rich in Lycopene – 20-40mg daily
A high protein diet and citrus fruits will enhance your ability to absorb zinc, while wheaten products decrease it.
Soya and the essential fatty acids in oily fish protect the prostate. Use organic walnut, sesame, sunflower and olive oils for salad dressings
Include plenty of fibre in your diet from vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower and Brussels sprouts which balance hormones naturally
The carotene Lycopene is the most abundant nutrient in the Prostate, and studies have shown that men who eat 10 or more cooked tomatoes a week are 45% less likely to develop or prostate cancer
Limit alcohol, caffeine, sugar, fried foods, and cholesterol-rich foods such as full fat milk and cheeses.

Lifestyle

A great Qi Gong exercise for all men (and women) to tone the sacral charka area is are the kegels where you stand on your toes, breath in and hold, while clinching the perineum (the muscle between the anus and genitals), as well as your fists in front of you and pull up the belly button at the same time, hold for five beats, relax come down on our feet and repeat ten times.

Also massage your prostate area – perhaps your partner can assist you. Massaging a few drops of essential oils of cypress, tea tree and juniper berry missed with a carrier oil into your lower back and groin areas help to strengthen the prostate.

To discourage enlargement, complementary practitioners usually focus on improving general health and wellbeing.

Also See: page on Cancer for Prostate Cancer.

Acupuncture, Ayurveda, Chinese Herbal Medicine, Herbal Medicine, Nutritional Therapy, Naturopathy, Yoga.

Prostate Problems