Throughout the aging process, most men become more conscious about their
overall health. How we cope with stress, dietary habits, our hectic
lifestyle, and environmental surroundings all have a deep impact on the
status of our health. For most men entering their fourth and fifth decade
of life, there is concern about prostate disorders. According to the
American Cancer Society, prostate cancer has become the second leading
cancer killer among males, behind only lung cancer.
The prostate is a small male sex gland about the size of a walnut. It is
located beneath the urinary bladder and is the most common site of
disorders in the male genito-urinary system. Prostatitis or inflammation
of the prostate and benign prostatic hypertrophy (BHP) or enlarged
prostate are two common problems.
As a naturopathic doctor, the key problem to identify is education and
early detection so that painful signs and symptoms might be avoided.
Certain tests include a digital rectal exam to check for inflammation
along with a consultation with pertinent patient history. Initial
complaints of sufferers consist of pain between the scrotum and rectum,
fever, and frequent urination. As the problem progresses other symptoms
will manifest themselves, including burning urination, lower back pain,
blood or pus in the urine, premature ejaculation, and impotence.
In addition, blood tests can reveal levels of a prostate-specific antigen
(PSA), which is a protein secreted by the prostate and can be very useful
in the early diagnosis of prostatitis and BHP. A value of 0-4 on the PSA
exam is considered normal; 4-10 indicates BHP or prostatitis; 10-20
suggests cancer; over 20 is probably cancer.
Depending on which stage the prostate condition has progressed,
appropriate treatments can be considered. The key is early detection
through regular physical exams. There are many natural supplements to
consider along with a diet well balanced with Vitamins A, B-Complex, and
C. Since studies indicate that Zinc and Selenium are often deficient among
men with prostate problems, it can be reasoned that diet plays a vital
role in prevention. Include foods rich in Zinc, such as Pumpkin Seed Oil,
in your diet. I would certainly recommend herbal medicine like Pygeum and
Saw Palmetto in the treatment and prevention of BHP and prostatitis. In
Europe, these herbs have become the primary therapy for prostate
disorders.
General fitness and good health should also be considered essential to
avoid the danger. One very useful step should be to lower blood
cholesterol levels. Flax Seed Oil, along with a diet including soy,
vegetables and fruit, and less saturated fats will benefit the prostate
gland. A herb called Guggulipid, as a standardized extract containing 2.5
percent guggulsterone, from the commiphora mukul plant is helpful in
decreasing high levels of cholesterol in the blood.
Generally improving diet and lifestyle, as well as increasing the level of
physical activity will contribute to a reduced risk of prostate disorders.
Medical check-ups, however, also play a key role. In the early stages, you
should supplement with vitamins, minerals, and herbs, along with an
optimistic outlook each and every day towards prevention and wellness.
Other naturopathic remedies that can be useful include hydrotherapy,
By Dr. Elvis A. Ali, ND
Prostate Pitfalls and Some
Preventative Measures
