Holistic Aid for Men with an Enlarged Prostrate

There is a lot of information to be found these days on the prostate. A walnut-sized gland that sits just below the bladder in men and is an integral part of the male reproductive system, the prostate is made up of 2 lobes. Enclosed by a layer of tissue, the prostate goes through 2 main periods of growth. The first period of growth occurs early in puberty, when the prostate doubles in size. The second growth phase, in which the gland begins to grow again, and also often results in an enlarged prostate, usually begins around the age of 25.

Although they may remain symptom free, it seems that most men over the age of 45 experience some amount of prostate enlargement. The layer of tissue surrounding the prostate keeps it from expanding, causing the gland to press against the urethra. Usually harmless, by the age of 60, it is believed that 80% of all men experience a problem with urinating due to the enlargement of the prostate.

Not a malignant condition, prostate enlargement does however put pressure on the urethra, thereby creating a number of urinary problems. Some of these complaints are a reduction to the force of the urine stream, difficulty starting, frequent urination, the inability to urinate at all, incomplete emptying of the bladder, the need to get up at night to urinate, terminal dribbling, and urinary urgency. However, left unchecked, a benign prostatic hypertrophy can cause serious problems over time. These problems might include bladder or kidney damage, incontinence, and urinary tract infections.

Therefore, whether it is enlarged prostate, early stages of prostate cancer, or inflammation of the prostate (prostetitis), it is very important to take a proactive role in caring for your prostate. The main way to do this is by having your prostate checked on a regular basis. Although this should only be used as a last resort, the traditional treatment for prostate issues includes surgical removal, which may leave the individual impotent.

Recommendation For Wellness

Are you over the age of 40? If so, here are a few recommendations for prostate wellness:

* During your regular checkup, have your doctor perform a prostate exam.

* Try doing Kegel exercises. A Kegel exercise is performed by pulling up all the muscles around the scrotum and anus, improving circulation to these tissues. Repeat this movement 10 times, 5 to 6 times daily.

* Zinc has been used for decades to support a healthy prostate.

* Some herbs have been shown to be effective in relieving enlarged prostate symptoms. The use of nettle and pygeum are recommended, to be used either alone or in conjunction with saw palmetto, which has a long history of relieving testicular inflammation and inhibiting the hormone responsible for prostate enlargement. You might also want to incorporate the herb damiana, which also has a long history of helping balance the body’s hormones, into your wellness program. Another herb, hydrangea, is known to promote the overall health of the prostate gland and help to reduce inflammation and swelling.

* Antioxidants, such as Vitamins A, C, E, and selenium, have been found to help protect these sensitive tissues from oxidative damage.

* Be sure to incorporate a healthy diet into your lifestyle which is low on unsaturated fats, sugars and processed foods and filled with lots of fruits and vegetables.