The Prostate
This article draws on information by Lauri M. Aesoph N.D.
Where is the prostate?
What does the prostate do?
The walnut-sized prostate’s job is to secrete a nutrient-rich fluid to enhance sperm viability. In addition, prostatic fluid protects a man’s urinary system and genitals from infection.
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)
BPH is the abnormal and painless enlargement of the prostate. Urinary
problems often occur because the prostate is wrapped around the urethra
(the tube that carries urine out of the bladder).
Signs and symptoms of BPH
- Frequent day time and night time urination
- Increased urgency to urinate
- Straining to urinate
- Weak urine stream
- Feeling that the bladder has not completely emptied
Should you be experiencing any of the aforementioned symptoms please see your health professional as proper treatment is crucial.
Statistics
- 50% of all men between 40 and 60 are affected with BPH.
- Although BPH is rarely fatal it is possible for it to develop into prostate cancer.
- Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men over 65 years
Treating BPH Naturally
Many of the treatments used for BPH can also be applied to prostate
cancer protocol.
However the main focus of any natural treatment is to enhance the
body’s overall immune system.
Firstly, the hormonal balance of the prostate needs to be restored,
while correcting nutritional problems, so diet it seems is always an
excellent place to start.
- Increase water consumption
- Decrease /eliminate coffee
- Avoid alcohol
Some prostaglandins, a class of hormone-like compounds, are vital for
proper prostate function. The building blocks for these prostaglandins
are essential fatty acids (EFA’s). Unfortunately most people’s diets
are low in EFA’S.
EFA’s are found in nuts, seeds and vegetable oils, but there are
particularly high amounts in walnuts, flaxseeds and pumpkin seeds.
Try to reduce sugar in your diet as this improves the body’s ability to
heal.
Keep pesticides out of your diet by eating as much organic food as
possible.
The most widely used nutrient for prostate disorders is ZINC as it is
more concentrated in prostate than in any other tissue. Are you ready
for the technical info? – Here goes!
5-alpha reductase (5-AR) is an enzyme that naturally increases with age
and is responsible for converting testosterone to the more powerful
dihydrotestosterone (DHT) a male hormone concentrated in the prostate.
Zinc inhibits 5-AR, resulting in a decrease in DHT and thus prostate
size – Hooray!!
Zinc levels tend to be lower in the cancerous prostate, yet cadmium a
toxic heavy metal, is markedly higher.
High amounts of cadmium is found in cigarette smoke, paint and
contaminated drinking water. However, good news, the mineral Selenium
which is plentiful in grains, milk, meat and onions offsets the cancer
promoting effects of cadmium.
Herbs play a significant role in the treatment of BPH. I like to use
(in combination with other herbs) Saw Palmetto, a small palm tree from
the south-eastern U.S.A. Its dark berries have been a traditional male
tonic and are used in the treatment of urinary tract infections and
sexual problems. The constituents in these berries have the same effect
as zinc by blocking 5-AR and thus DHT formation.
10 Steps to a Healthy Prostate
- Make an appointment with your natural health professional!
- Eat organic foods especially vegetables and fruit, as they are free of
synthetic pesticides which have been linked to prostate cancer.
- Drink plenty of pure, filtered water every day.
- Eat nuts and seeds, they are high in zinc and the essential fatty acids
vital for prostate health.
- Eat soyfoods, they contain constituents that protect against BPH and cancer.
- Avoid consuming hydrogenated fats and fatty meats.
- Do NOT smoke. Cigarettes are high in toxic cadmium.
- Alcohol contributes to BPH - avoid or reduce alcohol consumption.
- Caffeine can exacerbate BPH symptoms – cut down on the coffee.
- Keep stress to a manageable level to maximise a healthy immune system.
Meditate, have regular massage treatments. Do what makes you happy.
ZINC
RDA is 12-15mg per day
(Recommended Daily Allowance)
Zinc is present in all tissues of the body:
- 60% in muscle
- 30% in bone
Small amounts are also found (and needed) in:
- Eyes
- Prostate Gland
- Sperm cells
- Skin
- Hair
- Nails
- White Blood Cells
Function
Zinc acts as a constituent of enzymes for carbohydrate metabolism/glucose
production.
DNA synthesis/protein synthesis
Bone metabolism
Deficiency symptoms
Prostate disorders**Decreased appetite**Failure to grow**Dermatitis**
Impaired wound healing**Decreased taste and decreased sense of
smell**Decreased fertility in men and women**Increased infections and
infestations (candida albicans)**High cholesterol levels**Weak red
blood cells**Hypoglycaemia/Diabetes**Hypoadrenalism**Increased levels
of toxic minerals**Premature greying of hair** Decreased elasticity of
skin (stretch marks)
Food Sources
The bioavailability of zinc is better from animal sources – beef, ham,
chicken
fish.
Other good sources are nuts, seeds, legumes, and seaweed.
N.B Excess use of zinc supplements inhibits iron intake.
Top of Page
|
