Prostate Disorders

Men’s health problems today are being aired more often than in the past and the most frequent health problem you will hear about is due to the humble prostate gland.

   The prostate is a walnut-sized male gland responsible for producing the fluid that mixes with semen to produce seminal fluid. It lies between the bladder and rectum, fitting snugly around the urethra, the tube that connects the bladder with the penis to allow the flow of urine to pass out of the body. Most prostate problems occur in men near or over the age of fifty in the form of a benign growth (which will put the squeeze on the urethra and obstruct urine flow). Also chronic inflammation of the prostate can cause prostatitis, which can be painful, and also cause urinary problems.

   A prostate inflammation, or prostatitis, can develop suddenly, causing severe problems, or else can develop in a slow and insignificant way. A severe infection usually follows a urinary tract infection. Fever and chills develop with lower-back pain and a strong need to urinate. The urine burns as it’s passed and blood or pus may be visible in the urine. Prostatitis also causes pain or discomfort in the rectum or nearby, with an urging to have a bowel movement. Acute prostate infections occur in men of all ages. When the inflammation develops slowly, there are few symptoms, little fever and only mild, local discomfort. In some cases, a chronic infection will cause painful ejaculation or erection.

   A sudden, acute infection of the prostate is usually caused by a bacterial infection, which has spread from another urinary tract infection. Acute infections can recur and become chronic if they are not properly treated.

   A number of herbal remedies can be used along with the antibiotics used by our doctor. Echinacea root tincture, 30-60 ml each day, plus Horsetail Juice, 1 tablespoon three times per day, and Plantain Juice, 1 tablespoon three times per day, will help the body clear the bacterial infection from the gland and prevent any recurrence.

   Benign enlargement of the prostate gland is known medically as benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH for short. Because an enlarged prostate can pinch off the flow of urine, BPH can be characterised by symptoms of bladder obstruction, such as increased urinary frequency, night-time awakening to empty the bladder (more than two times per night is considered abnormal) and reduced force and speed of flow of urination.

   BPH is an extremely common condition. Current estimates are that it affects over 50% of men during their lifetimes.

   To prevent BPH, start eating nuts and seeds, especially Pumpkin seeds, which contain large amounts of Zinc, and Fatty Acids, which inhibit the hormonal process that causes swelling of the prostate. Unrefined, cold-pressed nut and seed oils, like Flax Seed Oil, are excellent sources of essential Fatty Acids; they protect the prostate against prostate cancer - another major problem of the prostate gland. 

   To treat BPH, take Saw Palmetto berries. These specifically affect hormones so as to reduce the size of the prostate gland. Taken in combination with Damiana and Wheat-germ oil or Vitamin E, these berries will reduce the size of the prostate in about two to six weeks so that many of the symptoms will start to ease, and taken over 6 months, will often reduce the size of the prostate back to its normal size, thus preventing any need to use more drastic measures to ease this common problem.

David Foley

MNIMH, MRCHM

Medical Herbalist 

Cholesterol

  Cholesterol is a necessary ingredient for building cell membranes and hormones and for producing vitamin D and bile. High cholesterol levels, however, can lead to the development of heart attacks and strokes.

  Because high-density lipoprotein (HDL) is capable of removing cholesterol from the blood to the liver and out through the bile, it is called “good” cholesterol. Low-density cholesterol (LDL), on the other hand, carries cholesterol to the cells, and it is here that it is more likely to contribute to the development of plaques and arteriosclerosis (narrowing of the arteries).

   Although, in most cases, elevations of blood cholesterol and/or triglyceride (another blood fat) levels are due to dietary and lifestyle factors, elevations can also be due to genetic factors. These conditions are referred to as Familial Hypercholesterol, Familial Combined Hyperlipidaemia and Familial Hypertriglyceridaemia. These disorders are among the most common inherited diseases, as they affect one in every five hundred people.

  Most of the cholesterol in our blood does not come from dietary sources; a diet aimed at eliminating cholesterol will reduce it by 10 per cent only. Most of the body’s cholesterol is produced by the body itself. In fact, a deficiency in cholesterol is associated with a higher risk of cancer and immune disorders. This is because the role of cholesterol is a protective one, binding toxic mycotoxins in the blood.

  Researchers at the World Health Organisation (WHO) have found that a diet of mostly refined carbohydrates (sugar, white flour, etc.) increases the presence of fungal mycotoxin blood levels, which in turn trigger the liver to increase its production of circulating cholesterol.

  Many health factors raise cholesterol levels: hyperthyroidism, smoking, a sedentary lifestyle, alcohol abuse and a diet low in fibre and high in processed, refined foods. The most important approach to lowering a high cholesterol level is a healthful diet and lifestyle. The dietary guidelines are straightforward.

• Eat less saturated and cholesterol by reducing or eliminating the amount of animal products in the diet.
• Eat more fibre-rich plant foods (fruits, vegetables, grains and legumes).
• Lose weight, if necessary. Get regular aerobic exercise. Don’t smoke. Reduce or eliminate consumption of coffee (both caffeine and decaffeinated).

  In many cases, dietary therapy alone is not sufficient to get fat levels into the desired ranges. Fortunately there are several natural compounds that can lower cholesterol levels.

  Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid) will lower “bad” cholesterol (LDL) and increase “good” cholesterol by 10 to 15 per cent. Take 900 mg per day. Vitamin C directly promotes the breakdown of triglycerides. Take 1 to 3g per day.

  Lecithin will help in the proper breakdown and transport of fats. Take 4-6 tablespoons per day.

  Taking 1 tablespoon of flaxseed oil will help reduce cholesterol and triglyceride levels. 1-4 cloves of fresh garlic or 4,000 mg of allicin per day in tablet form will also help reduce cholesterol by 15 per cent.

David Foley

MNIMH, MRCHM

Medical Herbalist