Prostate Problems

An enlarged prostate can cause many uncomfortable and potentially serious problems. However, it is not a condition that you need to live with. There are many things that you can do to both prevent and treat prostate enlargement. Improved nutrition and dietary changes, herbs, elimination and reduced intake of toxins, and exercise can all assist.

Tips for the natural treatment of prostate problems:

Eat Foods Rich in Zinc. While the recommended daily allowance for zinc is 15 mg., most people who eat a “good” diet get 8 to 10 mg daily. One to four ounces of pumpkin seeds supply adequate nutritional zinc. Other foods that are high in zinc are mushrooms, spinach, sunflower seeds, brewer’s yeast, and whole grains such as brown rice, millet, and quinoa.

Inhibit Testosterone Conversion to DHT. Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is the result of a conversion of testosterone by enzymes associated with aging. Soy foods such as soybeans and tofu appear to inhibit the formation of DHT. Drinking black tea while eating soy foods may increase benefits.

Eat Fruits, Especially Red Ones. Fresh fruit contains natural sugar that protects prostate cells against cancer. Lycopene is the substance responsible for the red color of tomatoes and other fruits and is associated with a lower risk of prostate cancer.

Eat Fish, Not Meat and Milk. Fish contain the most omega-3 essential fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids found in wild-caught coldwater fish such as salmon are associated with less risk of prostate cancer. These healthy fats are also abundant in flaxseed, hemp seed, chia seeds, blue-green algae, and walnuts.

Treatment Using Herbal Medicine

Herbal medicines for prostate problems are among some of the most widely used forms of treatment. Many men try them, especially for light or moderate prostate symptoms, and use them alone or in combination with prescribed medication for BPH.

There are more than 30 different botanical (plant) products that are used in non-prescription medications for BPH. The most common herbal ingredients are:

• Saw palmetto (also called dwarf palm)

• African prune tree

• Rye pollen

• South African star grass

• Pumpkin seed oil

• Nettle root

Treatment Using Perscription Medicine

Alpha blockers. The most common medications for BPH belong to a group of drugs called alpha-blockers. They aim to relax the muscles around the bottom of the bladder so that it is easier to empty the bladder. Common side effects are a slight decrease in blood pressure upon standing, nasal congestion, and a decrease in ejaculation/ sperm volume. The most common alpha-blockers are Flomax (tamsulosin), Rapaflo (silodosin), and Uroxatral (alfuzosin).

Enzyme inhibitors. These used to be the most commonly used drugs for BPH, but the alpha blockers have largely replaced them. The full name of this group of drugs is 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors. These medications typically shrink the size of the prostate. They take about 6 months to get symptomatic relief. Studies have shown that these medications may cause permanent sexual dysfunction and may increase the risk of high-grade prostate cancer. The most common enzyme inhibitors are Proscar (finasteride) and Avodart (dutasteride).

Drug combinations. Alpha-blockers and enzyme inhibitors are combined to try to prevent the prostate from growing more by using the enzyme inhibitor while getting the maximum early relief from symptoms by using an alpha-blocker.

If one medicine does not work for you, you can discuss with your doctor whether there is another, more suitable, medicine that you could try. Each of the individual medications can have different advantages and disadvantages. It could take a few months of trying medications before you find out if they can help you.

If you are experiencing any prostate (urination) problems, contact our office today for a confidential consultation.