Prostate health is very important to the general health of men, and prostate disease is on the rise. The 3 main prostate diseases are prostate cancer, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and prostatitis. Since prostate cancer is a topic of its own, I’m only going to address BPH and prostatitis.
BPH (enlarged prostate) mostly occurs in men as they age – 50% of men have it by age 60, and 90% by age 85. Prostatitis affects about 10-15% of males sometime in their lives. Both are uncomfortable. While it does not appear that either directly cause cancer, the symptoms, such as urinary frequency or urgency, UTI’s, pain or blood can apply any of the 3 top prostate conditions.
Symptoms of BPH, also include weak stream, incomplete emptying, difficulty starting or stopping urine stream completely, urinary retention or urinary tract infection (UTI). Prostatitis has similar urinary flow issues, plus pelvic pain, painful urination, flu-like symptoms, problems with ejaculation or blood, low back or rectal pain, and if an acute infection, fever.
The causes of prostatitis are bacterial infection, pelvic inflammation, UTI’s, sexually transmitted diseases, injury or trauma to the area, nerve damage and structural abnormalities. Auto-immune prostatitis generally follows untreated prostatitis (chronic prostatitis).
The causes of BPH are age, hormonal changes, obesity, lack of physical activity, diabetes and metabolic syndrome, erectile dysfunction, inflammation and certain medications such as hormone replacement therapy and antidepressants.
It is vital to commence diagnosis and treatment as soon as possible. Many choose the traditional treatment of antibiotics, muscle relaxants, anti-inflammatory and other medications.
For those that choose more natural methods, acupuncture is on the top of the list for effectiveness. Acupuncture provides pain relief, improved sleep, reduces inflammation, improves blood flow which promotes healing, relaxes the muscles, strengthens bladder function, regulates hormones, improves immune function, reduces symptoms, helps stress response and boosts moods. Acupuncture is also complimentary to medical choices, enhancing their effectiveness.
Nutrition also plays a significant role in the development and management of prostate disease. Foods that increase inflammation such as processed foods, sugars, unhealthy fats, coffee, alcohol and for many, gluten, can contribute to prostate disease, or slow the recovery. Foods rich in vitamins, minerals, healthy fats, fiber, protein, probiotics, and good hydration are key. Foods especially rich in zinc, selenium and vitamin D are important. Pumpkin seeds, in addition to having the good nutrients above, contain phytosterols that are particularly helpful for prostate health.
Avoiding phytoestrogens like soy and other chemical hormone mimickers, also known as endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDC’s), such as pesticides, phthalates and BPA’s found in plastics, parabens, dioxins, heavy metals and many others. This means avoiding plastics as much as possible, eating fresh, organic foods, and using natural body care products can be helpful (see EWG.org to evaluate what you are using).
As usual, there are natural remedies for a myriad of health conditions, and there is help for the prostate gland as well!
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©2024 Holly A. Carling, O.M.D., L.Ac., Ph.D.
