Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
The most common early signs of BPH are an increased need to urinate, especially at night. As the condition progresses, being able to urinate can become increasingly difficult, both in terms of beginning and stopping. Other symptoms include dribbling, burning sensations while urinating, and having the sensation that the bladder is not completely emptied despite recent urination. In some cases, infections of the bladder, kidneys, or prostate (prostatitis) can also occur, as can urinary incontinence, which is estimated to affect as many as three percent of all men who suffer from BPH. In certain cases, BPH can be so severe that complete urination becomes impossible, posing the risk of kidney failure.
Caution: If you experience symptoms of BPH along with any of the following symptoms—bone pain, blood in the urine, and/or inexplicable weight loss—seek prompt medical attention.
BPH is caused by the abnormal overgrowth or swelling of prostate tissue. As this occurs, eventually it begins to block the opening of the bladder, known as the urethra. One of the primary causes of prostate tissue overgrowth is changes in hormone levels, specifically a reduction in testosterone and an increase in dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a more active form of testosterone that is associated with increased risk of both BPH and prostate cancer. Because of this, many holistic physicians regard BPH as prostate cancer that is waiting to happen.
The increase in DHT is due to a hormone known as prolactin that is produced by the pituitary gland. As prolactin is secreted, it triggers activity of the enzyme that converts testosterone into DHT. Chronically excessive production of prolactin therefore can play a significant role in the onset and progression of BPH. Prolactin production is known to increase during times of emotional stress and alcohol production, particularly beer. Chronic constipation can also cause or contribute to BPH and exacerbate its symptoms.
Other factors that can cause or worsen BPH include poor diet, nutritional deficiencies, environmental toxins, and congestion in the lymphatic system, especially in the lymph nodes that surround the prostate gland.
Prevention is the best approach for dealing with BPH, as well as for all other male health conditions associated with the prostate and male sex organs. This includes having a regular (yearly) physical examination with both a digital rectal exam and, for men over 40, a blood test to determine your PSA (prostate specific antigen) score, which screens for signs of prostate enlargement. (Note: The PSA test is also commonly used to screen for prostate cancer, but in recent years has been found to be ineffective for this purpose, to the point where even its developer no longer recommends that it be used as a marker for prostate cancer.) Other useful diagnostic tests you can consider, depending on your symptoms, include urinalysis, ultrasound, and other blood tests that can help determine you immune status. Hormone testing should also be considered for all men over 40 years old.
Other preventive measures include eating a healthy diet, proper nutritional supplementation, and regular (at least three times per week) exercise. In addition, practice safe sex, using a condom to avoid infection.
- Avoid foods that are high in unhealthy saturated fats and low in fiber.
- Avoid alcohol, caffeine, simple carbohydrates, sugars and sugar products, hydrogenated and partially-hydrogenated fats and oils, margarine, shortening, and all processed and commercial “junk” food.
- Instead, emphasize a diet of organic whole foods, with plenty of fresh, raw fruits and vegetables, oats, whole grains, nuts and seeds, especially pumpkin and sunflower seeds.
- Minimize your intake of red meat, but be sure to consume adequate amounts of organic, free-range poultry and wild-caught fish.
- Throughout the day, also drink plenty of pure, filtered water, and avoid drinking—as well as bathing, and showering in—unfiltered tap water, because tap water contains heavy metals and pesticide residues that can set