Prostrate Enlargement

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