Prostate Gland


Prostate trouble can affect men of any age, you do not need to be over 60 to be concerned about the prostate gland. In fact, a good time to start thinking about prostate health is long before any challenges occur. Men in their early twenties have had bouts with prostate inflammation, much to their surprise.

The prostate gland is a firm, partly muscular, partly glandular body positioned beneath the bladder. Encircling the urethra it
squeezes out fluids which are ingredients in semen. This is where most male genitourinary problems occur. Three of the most
common problems are prostatitis, benign hypertrophy, and cancer.

Prostatitis is the chronic inflammation of the prostate gland which is usually caused by a bacterial infection invading the gland.
Because of its position in the urinary system, this can result in partial or total blockage of urine out of the bladder. This is not only painful, but can also cause the bladder to become distended, weak, tender and susceptible to infection due to the increased bacteria in the residual urine trapped in the bladder. Some of the symptoms of prostatitis are pain between the scrotum and rectum, frequent urination often with a burning sensation, blood in the urine and fever. As the infection becomes more advanced, urination becomes increasingly difficult and eventually can totally block up the urethra.

Benign prostate hypertrophy (BPH) of the prostate is very common in men over 50, about 1 in 3 are affected. It is a condition of excessive development or enlargement of the prostate gland with similar symptoms as prostatitis. The enlarged prostate presses against the urethra inhibiting normal urination which backs up into the kidneys. The kidneys become afflicted with both excessive pressure and being filled up with contaminated urine. The contaminated urine can easily cause an infection in the kidneys. This same scenario happens to the bladder and can cause infections such as cystitis, inflammation of the bladder.
 

Signs of prostate trouble include:

Nocturia - Frequent urination during the night due to the bladder being full at night from the urinary passage being blocked with an enlarged prostate.

Polyuria - Frequent urination due to the bladder muscle becoming overdeveloped in trying to push urine through the impeded urethra producing an over-active bladder. This may indicate bladder failure is imminent.

Urine retention - The inability to empty the bladder because of constricted urinary tract from enlarged prostate.

Strangury - Pain after urination with a desire to continue.

Incontinence - Involuntary urination resulting from excessive urine in small amounts. There is also urge-incontinence or urgency
which is the desire but inability to urinate.

Prostate Cancer is the third most common affliction in men just behind lung cancer and colon cancer. Almost 90 percent of prostate cancer goes undetected until it has gone beyond the most easily treated stage. Early signs of prostate cancer have the same symptoms as benign prostate hypertrophy; blood in the urine, difficulty in urination, strangury, nocturia. A cancerous prostate changes from a rubbery, firm consistency to a wood-like consistency upon examination. Venereal disease and recurring prostate infections have been linked to prostate cancer although it does not appear to be hereditary.

Diet plays an important role for this type of common cancer and in other prostate disorders. Men who have had a vasectomy are three times as likely to contract prostate cancer than men who have not had a vasectomy, according to the August 1989 issue of the Medical Tribune. Surgery is a common treatment for prostate cancer and confirmation of prostate cancer should be done by a physician. Men over 45 should have a thorough prostate examination every 3 years.

There are options:

Prostate problems can be serious stuff, luckily there are many known natural remedies and preventions. Many of the herbs and
foods that have been used for centuries are common in other cultures. It is important to consult a health practitioner or physician for serious conditions such as cancer.
 

Herbs:

Black Walnut- Commonly known as a vermifuge or anti-parasitic herb which may work similar to pumpkin seeds in the inhibition of cell division in the prostate. Black Walnut is helpful to the prostate especially when used with diuretic herbs.

Pumpkin Seed - This is one of the most fascinating herbal foods for the prostate because it is cross cultural. The native American Indians and native Africans have valued pumpkin seeds for the treatment of enlarged prostate. In Eastern Europe, pumpkin seeds have been a common snack which gives one energy. There is also very little history of prostate problems from this part of the world. Other findings show pumpkin seeds to have a cytotoxic principle helpful in fighting cancer-induced prostate enlargement. The seed contains an anti-parasitic compound also able to counteract cell division which may be responsible for treatment of hypertrophy of the prostate. Pumpkin seeds also contain zinc which is an important nutrient for the prostate.

Fennel Seed - Fennel acts as a diuretic and helps to expel waste material from the body.

Cornsilk - The main action of cornsilk is its remarkable diuretic properties helping with urine flow when the urethra is constricted by an enlarged prostate. The active part of cornsilk is the gumlike substance which contains fatty acids menthol glycosides, thymol, saponins, sugar, steroids, vitamin C and K and more.

Kelp - The people in Asia have used kelp for a long time in treating genital-urinary tract disorders. Daily ingestion of kelp has been found to gradually reduce enlarged prostate and alleviates painful urination, providing essential elements and relieving glandular congestion by supporting an exchange of body fluids.

Damiana - It improves digestion and stimulates the function of the reproductive organs. It is useful in increasing sexual prowess and is also good for the prostate.

Rosemary - Is known as one of the most powerful remedies for strengthening the nervous system and is also a good tonic for the reproductive organs. Contains Zinc which is a mineral that has been found to be beneficial in counteracting prostate enlargement and some studies show how Zinc may inhibit the hormonal actions that cause prostate enlargement. The lack of Zinc has been associated with prostatitis.

Gentian Root - Helps to stimulate circulation and the muscles of the digestive organs. Excellent for ridding the body of parasites, strengthens the blood and is also good for urinary infections. High in minerals, including Zinc.

Hyssop - Contains an essential hormonal oil to help build resistance to infectious disease. Has proven useful for clearing up mucous congestion in the intestines and helps with kidney and liver function.

Black Seed - It is anti-bacterial and anti-fungal and has an immune-enhancing effect on the human T-cell production which helps to balance and stabilize the immune system. It aids in healing of acute and chronic illness and also helps with gastrointestinal complaints, proper kidney and liver function and in the resistance to disease in general.
 

Vitamins:

Vitamins are a good way of feeding the body what it needs to maintain good overall health and specific health conditions. One
example of this is how the lack of Vitamin A can cause distressful symptoms of the prostate gland as well as other significant
repercussions in the body. Like Vitamin E, Vitamin A enhances the immune system and acts as an antioxidant. Vitamin B6 has
been found to have anti-cancer properties which can be helpful to deter a cancerous condition in the prostate. Vitamin C promotes immune function and aids in healing in dosages of 1,000 to 5,000 mg per day. Vitamin E has been found to be very beneficial for the prostate, in fact, one doctor claimed he cured his prostatitis with 800 units of Vitamin E daily, according to The Big Family Guide To All Vitamins, by Ruth Adams.
 

Foods and other nutrients:

Knowing what foods are good for the prostate such as brewers yeast, raw pumpkin seeds, lecithin, oat bran, wheat germ and
sesame seeds can be included in your diet. Lots of fresh foods, leafy green salads, steamed vegetables and whole grains can be a good outline for getting a head start on healing. Keep a very low fat diet and avoid caffeine, alcohol, tobacco, fried foods, fatty foods, refined foods, carbonated drinks and too much spicy food, especially when healing. In general, it is a good idea to go easy on these foods even after prostate health is restored because these foods have been linked to cancer. Increase fluid intake to stimulate urine flow. Spring water, natural herbal teas (saw palmetto, damiana) and fruit juices can prevent retention, cystitis and infections in the kidneys and bladder. Cold pressed oils such as sesame seed oil, safflower oil and olive oil supply beneficial fatty acids.
 

Do's and Don'ts:

Along with everything else mentioned, some other therapies can be combined with supplements and diet to get the prostate in good health. Heat can have a nurturing effect on the prostate. Try warm milk compresses applied to the areas behind the scrotum, stop if pain begins. Sitting in a tub of hot water for 15-30 minutes once or twice a day, also increases circulation to the prostate region. Adding chamomile to the water can add a soothing effect. During healing, a chamomile enema once a week can cleanse the body of harmful acids. Include exercise such as walking into your daily routine.

Chemical and natural antihistamines such as Ephedra (Ma Huang) can interrupt liver function and in turn result in prostate problems. Look for warnings on over the counter medicines concerning their effects on the prostate.

It is quite amazing how interconnected the body is and the prostate is a prime example of one little gland having a major effect on our health. Cleansing programs, along with a good diet and supplement program, are good preventions for prostate maladies and for strengthening the prostate, making it less susceptible to infection and enlargement. Keeping the prostate in good health can diminish the chances of prostate cancer. All of the above mentioned information is very important, but if you have or suspect a prostate problem, please consult a health practitioner, physician or urologist.
 
 
 

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