Nearly
60% of men between the ages of 40 and 59 have an enlarged prostate gland, a
condition known as Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH). Symptoms appear
gradually once the prostrate reaches a size where it interferes with the release
of urine through the urethra. This causes trickling or dribbling when urinating
and a frequent urge to urinate. Repeated urges may become most obvious at
night, as the man must wake several times to urinate. Urinary flow is usually
unchanged, other than starting or stopping becoming more difficult than usual.
This is often most noticeable in the morning. Urinary difficulties usually mean
that the bladder is being only partly emptied, which increases the risk for the
development of urinary stones and urinary tract infections.
Many physicians feel that surgery is the only
solution to the problem. However, Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia will often
respond to nutritional and herbal treatment. This is particularly important as
the surgical procedure often results in complications. In addition, nutritional
factors may offer significant protection against developing prostatic
enlargement.
Prostrate enlargement is linked to hormonal
changes that take place as men get older, similar to the menopausal changes that
occur in women. Hormonal imbalances are also due to diet, nutrient deficiencies
and high cholesterol levels.
Adding nuts and seeds to the daily diet plays
a significant role in preventing and reducing prostrate enlargement. They
contain essential fatty acids and zinc, nutrients which inhibit the hormonal
process that causes swelling of the prostate. Unrefined, cold-pressed nut and
seed oils such as flax-seed, walnut and sesame seed oil are excellent sources
of essential fatty acids. Fish oil has a similar effect to that of nut and seed
oils. Pumpkin seeds are particularly rich in zinc. Add nutritional yeast to the
daily diet to provide both zinc and vitamin B6. The body needs vitamin B6 to
absorb zinc. Eggs and sardines also provide zinc with vitamin B6.
Paramount to an effective PBH prevention and
treatment plan is adequate zinc intake and absorption. It appears that zinc
picolinate and perhaps zinc citrate are the best supplemental forms of zinc to
use.
Avoid hydrogenated fats from processed foods
like margarine and vegetable shortening and limit the intake of saturated fats
from red meat. These fats, in contrast to the beneficial essential fatty acids,
exacerbate prostrate enlargement. Also, limit the intake of sugar, which puts
undue stress on the hormonal system.
In conjunction with a proper diet, herbs
provide effective prevention and treatment of prostrate enlargement.
Saw Palmetto, a scrubby palm tree native to
Florida, has a long folk history of use as an aphrodisiac. These berries have
also been used for centuries in treating conditions of the prostrate. Many
clinical studies have shown its use to improve greatly the signs and symptoms
of an enlarged prostrate. Another herb with a long folk use is horsetail, a
herb which is best taken in the form of a fresh juice rather than the dried
herb.
David Foley
MNIMH, MRCHM
Medical Herbalist
