Some of the most common health problems with men relate to the prostate gland — note it’s “prostate,” not “prostrate” (verb meaning “bend over”), as about one-fourth of the population insists on mispronouncing it.  The only “prostrate” involved is the position one assumes for a “prostate” exam in the doctor’s office!  Just help my number one language pet peeve and remember there’s no second “r” in prostate.

            The prostate is a doughnut-shaped gland about the size of a walnut which surrounds the urethra (the tube that carries urine from the bladder).  It produces most of the milky fluid (semen) which carries the sperm produced by the testicles. During a man’s orgasm, muscles squeeze this fluid from the prostate into the urethra for ejaculation.

PROSTATITIS

                        Prostatitis referes to inflammation of the prostate, which may be acute or chronic.  Typically bacteria from elsewhere in the body has entered the prostate.              This may result in a partial or complete blockage of urine flow from the bladder.  Such urine retention causes the bladder to become weak, distended, tender and more prone to infection.  This infection may also be transmitted up the ureters from the bladder into the kidneys.

            Symptoms associated with acute prostatitis include:

1. Pain between the scrotum and rectum
2. Fever
3. Frequent urination with a burning sensation
4. Blood or pus in the urine

Symptoms of chronic prostatitis include:

1. Frequent, burning urination
2. Blood in the urine
3. Lower back pain
4. Impotence
5. Increasingly difficult urination

BENIGN PROSTATIC HYPERTROPHY (BPH)

            BPH refers to enlargement of the prostate gland.  This is non-cancerous, and, according to conventional medical authorities does not lead to prostate cancer.  BPH is common in men over age 50, half of all men over age 60 have it, and 80% of all men over age 80 have it.

            This enlargement of the prostate presses on the urethra and bladder, potentially causing back up of urine into the kidneys.  This in turn may produce infection in the kidneys or bladder.  Common symptoms of BPH include:

1. Frequent urination
2. Having to get up at night to urinate
3. Feeling of incomplete emptying of the bladder
4. Starting and stopping when urinating
5. Strong, sudden need to urinate
6. Restricted flow during urination
7. Straining to start urination
8. Painful or burning urination

PROSTATE CANCER

            Prostate cancer is the third most common cancer in men, following cancer of the lungs or colon.  It seldoms occurs before age 60, and typically is difficult to detect.  It often reaches an advanced stage before being diagnosed.

            Symptoms of early prostate cancer are similar to those of BPH:

1. Blood in the urine (or reddish or pink urine)
2. Difficulty starting urination
3. Increasing need to get up at night to urinate
4. Burning sensation during urination

A history of venereal disease or repeated prostatic infections may lead to prostate cancer.  Heredity is not believed to be involved.

MEDICAL DIAGNOSIS

            Men over 45 should definitely have prostate examination by their medical doctor at least every three years.  This consists of two parts:

1. Digital Exam — Your doctor inserts a gloved finger into the rectum, while you are bent over (this is the only “prostrate” in “prostate”) to feel the prostate through the wall of the rectum.  He’s looking for lumps, abnormal textures, or hardness.  For example, in prostate cancer the prostate takes on a wood-like firmness instead of its typical rubbery firm feeling.  Unfortunately, the digital exam is limited — you could pass this test and still have a problem.
2. P.S.A. Blood Test — The PSA (or Prostate Specific Antigen) measures a protein which elevates with aging, prostate enlargement, or prostatic cancer.  Though there is disagreement about its effectiveness, PSA is generally considered a good early detection tool, being credited with the great increase in detection of prostate cancer.

CONVENTIONAL MEDICAL TREATMENT

1. Wait and See — Frequently the conventional medical approach to prostate problems like BPH is just do nothing but monitor the condition, particularly if the patient is not bothered by any symptoms.
2. Alpha Blocker Drugs — These drugs help relax the prostate muscles and sometimes help on urinary symptoms.  Like all drugs, there are possible side effects, like headaches, dizziness, low blood pressure and tiredness.  Long-term benefits and risks are unknown.
3. Finasteride Drug —  This drug, brand name Proscar, can cause the prostate to shrink and thus improve urinary symptoms.  Reduced sexual libido and performance are side effects.
4. Balloon Dilation — A catheter is inserted into the penis, through the urethra and into the bladder, where a balloon is inflated on the end.  This theoretically stretches the urethra where the enlarged prostate has constricted it, opening it up for urination.
5. Surgery — There are three kinds of surgery:  (1) Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP), which is the most common.  With an instrument inserted through the penis into the urethra, part of the inside of the prostate is removed.  (2) Transurethral incision of the prostate (TUIP), which is similar to TURP, but only involves one or two incisions in the prostate to relieve pressure on the urethra.  (3) Prostatectomy, removal of the prostate.

            I don’t know about you, but the only conventional medical treatment that appeals to me is doing nothing!  There’s got to be a better way, and I believe natural medicine offers that.

PREVENTION

            Let’s face it, like most health problems, it’s a lot easier to prevent prostate disease than to treat it once you already have a problem.  While most conventional medical material I read on this subject laments the inevitability of prostate disease in older men, the fact remains that not every man develops prostate problems.  Likewise, prostate disease is not equally common in all cultures — Japan has a much lower incidence of prostate disease than America. Dietary prevention should include:

1. High carotenes — Red-orange fruits and vegetables are high in carotenes and correlate with decreased prostate problems.
2. Soy products — Soy contains natural isoflavones which help detoxify the “bad” testosterone associated with prostate disease — DHT (dihydrotestosterone).
3. High fiber diet — Whole grains, fruits, and vegetables have a higher fiber content which promotes bowel regularity, therefore removing pressure from the prostate.
4. Pumpkin and Sunflower Seeds — These appear to have a beneficial effect on preventing prostate problems.

SUPPLEMENTS FOR PROSTATE

1. Prostate glandular — Bovine glandular prostate supplements are often helpful is nourishing and balancing the genetically similar tissue of the human prostate.
2. Zinc — Chelated zinc supplements, such as zinc picolinate, has long been regarded as helpful to the prostate.  Zinc is necessary to the utilization of carotenes, which appear to have a cancer preventive effect.  Zinc, along with Vitamin B-6, regulates the 5 alpha reductase enzyme which converts testosterone to the harmful DHT testosterone.
3. Essential Oils — Evening Primrose, flax seed oil, or borage oil relate to proper prostaglandin formation.  Prostaglandins are ‘messenger hormones” first discovered in the prostate, which are anti-inflammatory and regulate other functions.
4. Beta Carotene — While it’s important to eat a diet rich in carotenes, supplementation is also important.  A good multi-vitamin or prostate formula will usually contain beta carotene.
5. Saw Palmetto — The berries of this common southeastern U.S. tree (Serenoa repens) inhibit the 5 alpha reductase enzyme from converting testosterone to DHT, prevent the DHT already formed from acting, and reduce inflammation in the prostate. Studies have shown it more effective than the drug Proscar with fewer side effects.
6. Pygeum africanum — This bark of an African evergreen is widely used in Europe.  It likewise seems to work by limiting DHT formation and lowering the pituitary hormone prolactin.  It also functions as an antibiotic.
7. Stinging Nettles — Another herb used in Europe that blocks DHT.

            As always, the key to developing an appropriate diet and supplement program is individual testing at the clinic.  Some of the above products may be appropriate, while others are not for a given individual.

Better Health Update is published by Pacific Health Center, PO Box 1066, Sisters, Oregon 97759, Phone (800) 255–4246 with branch clinics in Boise, Idaho, Post Falls, Idaho and Portland, Oregon.  E-Mail:  drkline@pacifichealthcenter.com.   Monte Kline, Clinical Nutritionist, Author.  Reproduction Prohibited.

DISCLAIMER:  The information contained in this publication is for educational purposes only.  It is not intended to diagnose illness nor prescribe treatment.  Rather, this material  is designed to be used in cooperation with your nutritionally-oriented health professional to deal with your personal health problems.  Should you use this information on your own, you are prescribing for yourself, which is your constitutional right, but neither the author nor publisher assume responsibility.