The prostate: The curse of men
About the age that the "curse of women" comes to a close, men begin what could be a curse for them. While women have no choice about having a monthly cycle, men have much control of the health of their prostate. Whether the prostate gland becomes a curse or not is dependent upon some lifestyle choices.
The prostate is a small gland that sits below the bladder in men. It is small, the size of a walnut, and becomes problematic if it swells. Most agree that there is natural swelling that occurs as men age. Approximately 80% of men over age 60 have some prostate difficulties and 90% of men over 85 do. Nearly 12% of men will have a prostate problem at some point earlier in their lives, generally due to prostate pressure on the urethra. This is generally asymptomatic, and rarely is it harmful (we're not referring to cancer here).
Prostate symptoms include frequency of urination at night, thinning stream, difficulty urinating or incomplete emptying of the bladder.
The two primary non-cancerous forms of prostate challenges include benign prostatic hypertrophy (or BPH), and prostatitis. BPH is increased prostate size, pressing on the urethra causing the symptoms, and prostatitis is an inflammation or infection in the prostate gland and is accompanied with pain on voiding and ejaculation as well.
Prostatitis needs to be corrected before any serious ramifications occur such as urinary tract infections, kidney/bladder damage, urinary stones, and incontinence.
There are several food and herb recommendations for improving prostate health. First, lots of fresh fruits and vegetables, with particular emphasis on those that are deep green, purple and red, especially grapes and tomatoes. A Harvard study performed in 2003 of 47,000 men found that men who ate 10 servings of tomatoes each week had a 50% less chance of developing serious prostate cancer, presumably due to the lycopene in tomatoes. I recommend eating the grapes and tomatoes, not isolating the resveratrol and lycopene and taking it in an isolated concentrate. Better to get the rest of the benefits of the complete food.
Saw Palmetto and Pygeum Africanun are the two herbs most touted for their ability to enhance prostate health. Saw palmetto is very effective for relieving inflammation and enlargement of the prostate, helps to control the hormones that cause prostate enlargement, and preliminary research demonstrates very promising results in inhibiting cell proliferation. There are no known side effects. Pygeum helps with painful urination and involuntary discharge of urine.
Acupuncture is also helpful in supporting prostate health. Acupuncture helps to increase blood and lymph circulation, improve the energy, immune and hormonal systems, and helps to strengthen bladder muscles. It is helpful for surgically-induced hot flashes and overall hormonal health.
Obviously, serious prostate health issues need to be addressed by the appropriate medical personnel.
Healthy lifestyle choices benefit more than just your prostate. Mid-life doesn't have to be a curse. Begin to take care of your prostate today!
Dr. Holly Carling is a Doctor of Oriental Medicine, Licensed Acupuncturist, Doctor of Naturopathy, Clinical Nutritionist and Master Herbologist with over 30 years of experience. Dr. Carling is currently accepting new patients and offers natural health care services and whole food nutritional supplements in her Coeur d'Alene clinic.
Visit Dr. Carling's website at www.vitalhealthandfitness.com to learn more about Dr. Carling, view a list of upcoming health classes and read other informative articles. Dr. Carling can be reached at (208) 765-1994 and would be happy to answer any questions regarding this topic.