Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

Overview

Benign prostatic hyperplasia, also called benign prostatic hypertrophy, or just BPH, is a commonly-occurring condition among males 45 years and older. Past the age of forty five, approximately 50 percent of all men in the United States possess some degree of BPH. It is more typically known as a swollen prostate gland and makes normal peeing difficult. The prostate gland, which is located at the base of the bladder and surrounding the urethra, produces substances that protect and enhance the sperm cells. The prostate also helps to safeguard the entire genitourinary system against infection as well as disease.

By age seventy, 80 percent of all men encounter BPH. Consequently, most conventional physicians consider it to be a typical consequence associated with aging, which is a view that’s disputed by practitioners of natural treatments.

Symptoms of BPH

The most common early sign of BPH is an increased need to urinate, especially at night. As the condition advances, urinating can become progressively difficult, both in terms of starting and preventing. Other signs and symptoms include dribbling, burning sensations while peeing, and getting the sensation that the bladder isn`t completely emptied despite complete urination. In some cases, infections of the bladder, filtering system, or prostate gland (prostatitis) also occurs, as can urinary incontinence, which is believed to affect as many as three percent of all men who are suffering from BPH. In certain cases, BPH could be so serious that total urination becomes impossible, posing the risk of kidney failure.

Caution: If you encounter symptoms of BPH along with the following symptoms—bone discomfort, blood in the urine, and/or even inexplicable weight loss—seek prompt medical attention.

Causes of BPH

BPH is brought on by the abnormal overgrowth or swelling of prostate cells. As this happens, eventually it starts to block the actual opening of the bladder, known as the urethra. One of the main causes of prostate tissue overgrowing is changes in hormone levels, specifically a reduction in testosterone and a rise in dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT is a more active form of testosterone that is associated with elevated risks of both BPH and prostate cancer. Because of this, many holistic physicians regard BPH as prostate cancer that is waiting to happen.

The rise in Dihydrotestosterone is due to a hormone known as prolactin that is produced by the pituitary gland. Because prolactin is actually secreted, it triggers activity of the molecule that changes testosterone into DHT. Persistent excessive production of prolactin therefore can play a substantial role in the onset as well as progression of BPH. Prolactin production is known to increase during periods of emotional stress and alcohol intake, particularly beer. Chronic bowel problems can also cause or contribute to BPH as well as exacerbate the symptoms.

Other factors that can trigger or aggravate BPH include poor diet, nutritional deficiencies, toxins in the environment, and blockages in the lymphatic system, especially in the lymph nodes which surround the prostate gland.

Avoidance

Prevention is the best approach for dealing with BPH, as well as all other male health conditions associated with the prostate and male sexual organs. For men over 40, it is imperative to have a yearly physical exam, a rectal exam, and the blood test to determine your PSA (prostate gland specific antigen) score. The PSA test screens for signs of prostate enhancement and is also a popular test for cancer of the prostate. (Please note, in regards to prostate cancer, the PSA in recent years has been found to be ineffective for this purpose, to the point where even its developer no longer recommends that it be used as a test for cancer of the prostate). Other helpful diagnostic assessments you can consider, depending on your signs and symptoms, include urinalysis, ultrasound, along with other blood assessments that can help determine you immune status. Hormone testing should also be considered for men older than 40.

Other preventive steps include eating a healthy diet, proper nutritional supplementation, and regular (at least three times per week) exercise. In addition, exercise safe sexual intercourse, always use a condom to avoid an infection.

Natural Cures

Aromatherapy: The following essential oils can help to decrease symptoms of BPH: Bergamot, lavender, sandalwood, as well as tea sapling oil.

Ayurveda: Ashwagandha, a good Ayurvedic plant, can help to reduce symptoms.

Diet plan: Avoid foods that are high in unhealthy saturated fats and low in fiber. Additionally avoid alcohol, caffeine, simple carbohydrates, sugar and sugar products, hydrogenated and partially-hydrogenated fats as well as oils, margarine, shortening, and all processed as well as commercial “junk” food. Rather, emphasize eating organic whole foods, with plenty of fresh, uncooked fruits and vegetables, oats, whole grains, seeds and nuts, especially pumpkin and sunflower seeds. Reduce your intake of red meat, but be sure to consume sufficient amounts of organic, free-range poultry and wild-caught fish. During the day, also consume plenty of filtered drinking water, and avoid drinking, showering and bathing in unfiltered tap water, simply because tap water contains heavy metals and pesticide deposits that can settle in high concentrations in the prostate gland, causing a variety of prostate problems. Also avoid foods that are overly spicy.

Flower Essences: Crab Apple company and Pine can each be useful for men with prostate problems.

Herbs: Helpful herbs for preventing and treating BPH include saw palmetto (Serenoa repens), Pygeum africanum, and nettle root (Urtica diocia). Whole milk thistle may also be effective due to its ability to detoxify the liver and improve hormone balance.

Homeopathy: Helpful homeopathic treatments for BPH include Apis mellifica, causticum, chiaphilla umbellate, clematis, lycopodium, pulsatilla, and thuja.

Hydrotherapy: Hydrotherapy is the process of alternating between hot and cold temperatures using water, ice and steam to maintain and restore health. Treatments include complete body immersion, steam baths, saunas, sitz baths, colonic irrigation and the application of hot or cold compresses. Hydrotherapy is effective in the treatment of a wide range of conditions and can easily be utilized in the home as part of a self-care program. Numerous naturopathic physicians, physical therapists and day spas use hydrotherapy as part of their treatments. We recommend several in-house hydrotherapy treatments. Please seek the advice of an alternative healthcare practitioner prior to undergoing these types of procedures to make sure they are right for you.

*Purified water is essential for any hydrotherapy treatment.*

Juice Therapy: Mix red cabbage, celery, and lettuce juice, and consume and 8oz. glass twice daily.

Lifestyle: Exercise regularly, at least 3 times per week for at least 30 minutes each time. Avoid bicycling, however, as this can place stress on the prostate.

Also be certain you are managing your stress properly and avoid stressing altogether whenever possible.

Engaging in regular sex (a couple of times a week) with your partner can also be useful, as sex helps to reduce the buildup of pressure around the prostate. If you don`t have a sex companion, masturbation can also help but be certain you are using clean hands.

Organic Hormone Replacement Therapy (NHRT): NHRT can often quickly resolve prostate problems related to endocrine deficiencies and imbalances. The most commonly used endocrine for this purpose is natural androgenic hormone or testosterone, which works not only to enhance prostate difficulties, but can additionally help to improve sexual urges and eliminate impotence problems.

NHRT should only be undertaken under the supervision of a physician trained in its use. The practitioner will first assess your testosterone levels, as well as other hormone levels, using either a blood or saliva check. Testosterone can then be boosted, if necessary, through weekly or biweekly shots of the testosterone cypionate (weekly) or even testosterone enanthate (biweekly) till your androgenic hormone or testosterone levels are restored to those of a healthy 30 year-old man. Testosterone and dental lozenges can also be used in place of injections. Many holistic practitioners recommended testosterone pores and skin creams (transdermal creams) as the best treatment option, due to the fact that they seem to be the safest approach as well as least prone to cause side effects.

Note: Should you choose to explore testosterone alternative therapy, make sure that your physician frequently monitors your PSA (prostate gland specific antigen) levels to safeguard yourself against BPH. You should also be tested for liver toxicity, as well as high blood pressure and elevated red blood cell counts, testicle shrinkage, and gynecomastia (irregular mammary glands in men) throughout your treatments. In addition, males receiving testosterone replacement treatment are advised to supplement with the herb saw palmetto, to help ensure that testosterone does not get converted in to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which can lead to prostate cancer, as well as other health issues.

Nutritional Supplements: Helpful nutrients for treating as well as preventing BPH include supplement B3 (niacin), B-complex vitamins, vitamin C, vitamin E, magnesium, manganese, and zinc. Garlic capsules, acidophilus, as well as hydrochloric acid (HCl) may also be helpful. Other helpful nutrients include the amino acids alanine, glutamic acidity, and glycine, as well as beta-sitosterol.

Glandular treatment can also help to significantly relieve prostate difficulties. Extracts of bovine (cattle) or porcine (pig) prostatic tissue used orally or even administered intramuscularly provides important nourishment and growth factors to the gland. Glandular therapy may also help protect against circulating auto-antibodies caused by infection and diminished immune function.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM): TCM professionals consider prostate problems to be caused by a mixture of stress, nutritional deficiencies, low hormonal levels, and diminished kidney function. To resolve this kind of problems, they recommend a treatment program that includes Acupuncture, traditional Chinese herbs, such as ginseng and lotus seed, meditation, and Tai chi as well as Qigong.

Alternative Professional Treatment

Other useful therapies for preventing and treating BPH include Acupressure, Biofeedback Instruction and Neurotherapy, Bodywork (Feldenkrais Method, Reflexology, Shiatsu), Chelation Therapy (to improve overall blood circulation and detoxify heavy metals), Chiropractic care, Detoxification Treatment, Energy Treatments (Light Beam Generator), Guided Imagery and Visualization, Hypnotherapy, Magnet Therapy, Mind/Body Medicine, Naturopathic Medicine, Osteopathic Medicine, and Yoga. (See Glossary for descriptions of these Alternative Treatments).