Be Aware of Your Prostate!

If you are a man over 50, this article is a must read for you as you probably have a prostate problem that you are not aware of - its no more than a usually benign enlargement of the gland but it needs to be taken care of. Timely intervention by nutritional and herbal therapies will prevent or delay the need for treatment by conventional medical therapies or in some cases, even surgery.

What is a Prostate Gland?

It is present in the male reproductive system of mammals. The Prostate is a small walnut-sized gland that is located below the bladder and surrounding the urethra (the tube that transports urine out of the bladder). The function of the prostate is to secrete a slightly acidic fluid, milky or white in appearance. This fluid constitutes 20–30% of the volume of the semen along with sperms and seminal vesicle fluids. This fluid is alkaline in nature and is essential to counteract the acidity of the vaginal tract during intercourse. It also helps nourish the sperms. If this fluid were absent, the acidity of the vaginal tract would destroy the sperms even before it reached the female ovum and thereby banish any chances of fertilization and consequent reproduction.

The most common problem associated with prostate due to aging is the BPH - Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia or Hypertrophy. It is a noncancerous enlargement of the prostate that affects more than half the men who are over 50 in age. This condition can progress for many years with a few or sometimes, no symptoms initially. It is usually also not a risk factor for developing prostate cancer but it is still worthwhile to see your doctor about it to rule out cancer or inflammation of prostate (prostatitis) which are more serious.

What Causes It?

With advancing age, the prostate typically enlarges, in fact it starts enlarging in most men around age of 50. It is not known why it happens,but is believed that male sex hormones may play a role in this along with a variety of other factors. The hyperplasia causes the gland to increase in size and may compress urethra because of which there is difficulty in urination. In some cases, it may give rise to Prostatitis, inflammation of the prostate due to bacterial infection. The infection can be sexually transmitted or occur after jarring exercises such as jogging on a full bladder, or this infection usually begins elsewhere in the urinary tract or even because of cancer.

Symptoms of Prostate Problems

Frequent, urgent need to urinate, particularly at night.
Difficulty or hesitancy while urinating, inability to empty the bladder completely. Urinary incontinence, which can be quite embarassing.
A weak stream of urine or dribbling, fishy smell and cloudy appearance of urine. There is pain in the lower back and abdomen.
Burning sensation while urinating, fever, chills, pain behind the scrotum or painful ejaculation.

When to See the Doctor?

If you have blood in the urine or semen.

If any of the other above-mentioned synptoms of prostate condition are seen, get a blood work for PSA test (Prostate-specific antigen). This test can help distinguish a benign prostate disorder from cancer. Also, if you are unable to urinate or have lower abdominal swelling or severe pain, get help immediately.

Prevention

pumpkin Eating foods that rich in zinc, beta-carotene, flavonoids and vitamins C and E help a lot. Eating more beans, nuts and seeds. Also regular servings of oily fish help with the omega-3 fatty acids in them helping boost immunity, thus guarding against infections and other causes of prostatitis. Exercising daily helps improve prostate health by stimulating circulation to the pelvic area. Also, studies suggest that intake of foods with high amounts of lycopene, such as in cooked tomatoes, can help prevent prostate cancer.

Treatment of Prostatitis:

Prostatitis require prompt medical treatment. Follow medical advice coupled with proper diet. To promote faster healing, eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, foods containing essential fatty acids, selenium and zinc. Avoid physical and emotional stress.

Treatment of Benign Hypertrophy:

Reduce the consumption of dairy products and refined carbohydrates. Increase foods containing beta-carotene, vitamins C and E, flavonoids (cooked veg tomatoes), magnesium, fiber, and essential fatty acids.

Eat more foods containing zinc, eg. shellfish, root vegetables, pumpkin seeds.

Increase intake of soy-based products such as tofu. Soyabeans contain substances called isoflavones which are believed to protect against prostate disease.

Include lentils, nuts, and corn in your daily diet. These are abundant in a particular amino acid called glutamic acid, which is believed to reduce prostate enlargement.

Cut down on your intake of caffienated drinks. Daily yoga routine will also help improve circulation and reduce inflammation.

Hydrotherapy: Alternating hot and cold sitz baths every day stimulate circulation to the prostate and reduce enlargement and inflammation.

What is a sitz bath?

Fill two large tubs, one with hot water and the other with cold water. First, sit in the hot water tub with your feet in the cold water tub, for three minutes. After three minutes, reverse the procedure, that is, sit in cold water tub with your feet in the hot water. sit for one minute, then switch again. If comfortable, you can repeat the process two or three times.