Rita Mae Brown humorously commented: "If the world were a logical place, men would ride sidesaddle." Seriously, though, for such a small gland, a man's prostate gland can sure demand a lot of worrisome attention!
The prostate gland is walnut-sized and doughnut-shaped. It is below the bladder and surrounds the male urethra. It secretes a fluid that helps sperm movement and lubricates the urethra to prevent infection.
Prostate conditions include acute bacterial prostatitis, prostate cancer and benign prostate hypertrophy. Don't reach for your medical encyclopedia yet... I will explain the unfamiliar terms.
Acute bacterial prostatitis simply refers to inflammation of the prostate gland, caused by an infection. It is often caused by a urinary tract infection, after germs travel upward and infect the prostate.
Cancer of the prostate gland is a whole different subject. Today, I want to focus on benign prostate hypertrophy, better known as BPH or enlargement of the prostate. BPH affects over 50 per cent of men during their lifetime. Its frequency increases with age. Less than 10 per cent of 30 year old men have it, but 90 per cent of men, 85 or older, have experienced this condition.
CAUSES
BPH can be caused by hormonal changes that tend to occur after middle age. Levels of testosterone in the prostate may increase. There may also be more conversion of testosterone into DHT, a potent form of testosterone. Meanwhile, an increased level of estrogen in men slows down the elimination of DHT from the prostate gland. These factors create conditions for BPH to develop.
Other causes are more directly due to diet and toxicity. For instance, increased intake of saturated fat and alcohol creates a greater liver burden. This may affect hormone metabolism.
Zinc and healthy fats are required for good prostate health. Zinc is very important in testosterone production. A lack of essential fatty acids promotes inflammation.
SYMPTOMS
Because the prostate gland surrounds the urethra, BPH obstructs this tube, which carries urine from the bladder to the outside of the body. This interferes with urination. Symptoms of BPH include the frequent and urgent need to urinate, a reduced force and speed of urine flow, difficulty urinating (starting, burning, hesitating) and inability to empty the bladder completely.
A man with BPH usually has to get up more than twice during the night to go to the bathroom. He may have back pains associated with urinary difficulties.
His sex drive may be lost or diminished, or he may have discomfort or dull aching between the scrotum and anus.
WARNING: Prostate cancer has similar symptoms. If you have any of the above symptoms, see a medical doctor.
NUTRITION
BPH is partially caused by a lack of specific nutrients that the prostate needs to remain healthy and function properly. Therefore, wise nutritional choices can significantly affect the health of the prostate.
The prostate gland contains the highest concentration of zinc in the body, compared to any other organ or tissue. Good food sources of zinc, like pumpkin seeds, beans, nuts and whole grains, can benefit the prostate.
Essential fatty acids, richly provided in nuts and seeds, also help to improve prostate function.
The prostate gland has high requirements of certain amino acids. A good balance of various whole grains and legumes nourishes the prostate.
Remember that when you eat, you provide nutrition for every cell, tissue and organ in your body. If you are a man, that includes your prostate. (For more information on cellular nutrition, please visit the Philosophy of Regeneration page on my website.)
Do not ignore BPH. Left untreated, BPH can result in complete urine retention and kidney damage. If you ignore it, symptoms just tend to get worse. Fortunately, it can be greatly improved, using natural means.
Of course, prevention is always the best, so take corrective action now! I can assist you in getting on a health program that considers the needs of the prostate, as well as your whole body.
Dr. Gail Smolinski, Doctor of Natural Medicine, has her Doctor of Naturopathy degree and is Board Certified in Traditional Naturopathy and in Nutritional Wellness.
She is a Certified Low Intensity Laser Therapist, Master Herbalist, Registered Nutritional Consultant, Professional Homeopath and Holistic Iridologist.
Dr. Gail offers Low Intensity Laser Therapy, health consultations, bio-energetic therapies, detoxification footbaths and a wide variety of professional health products at her natural health clinic. You may contact her at 306-783-1261 or visit her website at www.drgail.ca
This column is not intended to diagnose, treat or cure any disease. It provides general information about health and nutrition. It is run bi-weekly, space permitting.
