posted by RobNHM on Apr 9
The prostate is a walnut-sized gland, which surrounds the urethra in men, and is part of the male reproductive system. It sits low in the pelvis below the bladder and just in front of the rectum. The prostate helps make semen, which is the fluid that carries sperm from the testicles through the penis when a man ejaculates.
As mentioned earlier, the prostate surrounds the urethra, the tube that carries urine out of the bladder. As men age, the prostate often becomes enlarged, putting pressure on the urethra. This, in turn, leads to difficulty in urination. For men under age 50, the most common problem of the prostate is prostatitis, and for men over age 50, the most common prostate problem is prostate enlargement.
Prostatitis is inflammation of the prostate. Inflammation in any part of the body is usually a sign that the body is fighting bacteria or repairing an injury. Prostatitis usually results in a burning sensation upon urination or an increased frequency of urination, which may or may not be caused by bacteria. Prostatitis can also cause fever and malaise (a general feeling of being tired and not feeling well) and may or may not be caused by bacteria.
Bacterial prostatitis is seen in a urine sample and is treated with an antibiotic. Most cases of prostatitis, however, are not caused by bacteria but may be caused by a kidney stone, cancer, or some other irritant. Sometimes the cause is unknown. Treatment for non-bacterial prostatitis includes changing your diet, taking warm baths, phytotherapy, physical therapy, and antihistamines. Your doctor may give you a medicine called an alpha-blocker to relax the muscle tissue in the prostate.
No single solution works for everyone with this condition.
Prostate enlargement is common in older men. This condition is also called benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Older men are at risk for prostate cancer, as well, but prostate cancer is much less common than BPH. Enlargement of the prostate often occurs as men age resulting in difficulty with urination.
The most common symptoms are: feeling like you have to urinate right away (urgency); urinating more often than usual (frequency); having to urinate frequently at night (nocturia); and having difficulty urinating (hesitancy). Prostatic enlargement also results in stasis of the urine (decreased flow), which can increase the likelihood of urinary tract infections.
Early diagnosis of an enlarged prostate is imperative and can usually be detected by having the physician perform a digital rectal examination (DRE). The DRE is recommended annually for most men over age 50 and is highly useful in determining if there is a problem with the prostate. In addition to the DRE, ultrasound can be used to check for disorders of the prostate, as well as a blood test known as the prostate specific antigen (PSA), which is often used by physicians as a screening test for prostate cancer.
Research has shown that there are multiple natural herbal supplements that promote prostate health. These include:
* Saw palmetto, a natural herb, has been clinically shown to decrease the urinary symptoms associated with BPH.
* Ginger root has powerful anti-inflammatory effects.
* Both nettle root extract, which increases urinary output, and pumpkin seed have been approved by Germany’s Commission E for relieving urinary disorders associated with BPH.
* Pygeum bark extract decreases frequency of nighttime urination, permits more complete emptying of the bladder, and increases peak urine flow by about 23%.
* Maca root decreases symptoms of BPH and may have a great side effect of improving sexual function.
* L-Arginine is an essential amino acid, which may play a role in improving sexual function, as well as in enhancing the immune system.
* Green tea leaf contains an active ingredient that is a powerful antioxidant polyphenol compound, which may reduce symptoms of BPH and may play a role in cancer prevention.
* Vitamin E protects the prostate from oxidative damage by unstable molecules known as free radicals.
* Zinc is an antioxidant mineral, which protects the prostate from oxidative damage.
* Selenium, another antioxidant mineral, protects the prostate from oxidative damage.
There are many herbal supplements that contain some of these ingredients, but look for one that contains all of these ingredients in order to achieve optimum prostate health. Be sure that you also get annual medical checkups.
Dr. Joseph Mix a Professor of Health Sciences at Liberty University, a member of the American College of Nutrition, and a Certified Nutrition Specialist has conducted original research in the area of herbal medicine. Go to http://www.NaturalHealthMix.com for more information.
