Benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH)
Benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH) is a noncancerous condition in which the prostate of an aging man becomes enlarged. The prostate may then push against the urethra and bladder. Symptoms include frequent, difficult, or painful urination. Although it is unknown why the prostate becomes enlarged, it is known that it becomes more common with age. Men fifty-one to sixty years of age have a 40- to 50-percent chance of having benign prostate enlargement. Men over the age of 80 have an 80 percent chance.
These urination problems usually begin quite mildly, but you should see your doctor if they occur. He will perform a rectal exam to determine whether the problem is an actually BPH. This is very important, because the symptoms can also be indicative of a more serious problem. To patients with BPH, doctors will often suggest to wait and see if their situations improve without any medication treatment. Many patients have found it helpful to take the nutrients below. If the symptoms do not go away or if they become more uncomfortable, there are two popular options available. The first is medication. There are several different kinds of applicable medications. However, some cause (mostly sexual) side effects – and the BPH symptoms tend to come back when medication is stopped. The most successful treatment is surgery. Yet doctors often consider surgery a last resort because it does pose a small degree of risk to the patient. Your doctor will be able to suggest which option is most appropriate to your situation.
Supplements to treat benign prostatic hypertrophy
• Amino acids: alanine, glutamic acid, and glycine
• B vitamins
• Copper
• Flaxseed
• Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA)
• Lycopene
• Saw palmetto
• Selenium
• Soy isoflavones
• Stinging needles
• Vitamin A and mixed carotenoids
• Vitamin C
• Vitamin E
• Zinc
Herbs to help the Prostate Gland
Various prostate problems affect a large number of older men. The following herbs, which help keep this gland healthy, should be taken by most men, regardless of prostate history. Exercising regularly will also help maintain prostate health.
• Buchu
• Cernilton
• Couch grass
• Cramp back
• Cranberry
• Dong quai (Do not use if you have diabetes)
• Echinacea (Use short term to treat prostatitis – inflammation of the prostate)
• Garlic
• Goldenseal (Do not use if you have high or low blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, or glaucoma, or have had a stroke)
• Juniper
• Marshmallow
• Pipsissewa
• Pycnogenol
• Pygeum (pygeum africanum)
• Rosemary
• Saw palmetto
• Siberian ginseng
• Skullcap
• Stinging nettles (Urtica diocia)
• Valerian
