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Prostate Health
The prostate is a walnut-sized gland that forms part of the male reproductive system. The prostate produces the fluid which accompanies the sperm during ejaculation. Located deep within the pelvis, it sits on top of the urethra, the tube connection the penis to the bladder. As it achieves adult size, the prostate wraps itself around the urethra, into which its secretions empty. The gland is made of two lobes, or regions, enclosed by an outer layer of tissue. The prostate is located in front of the rectum and just below the bladder, where urine is stored. Scientists do not know all the prostate's functions. One of its main roles, though, is to squeeze fluid into the urethra as sperm move through during sexual climax. This fluid, which helps make up semen, energizes the sperm and makes the vaginal canal less acidic.
It is common for the prostate gland to become enlarged as a man ages. Doctors call the condition benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), or benign prostatic hypertrophy. As a man matures, the prostate goes through two main periods of growth. The first occurs early in puberty, when the prostate doubles in size. At around age 25, the gland begins to grow again. This second growth phase often results, years later, in BPH.
Though the prostate continues to grow during most of a man's life, the enlargement doesn't usually cause problems until late in life. BPH rarely causes symptoms before age 40, but more than half of men in their sixties and as many as 90 percent in their seventies and eighties have some symptoms of BPH.
As the prostate enlarges, the layer of tissue surrounding it stops it from expanding, causing the gland to press against the urethra like a clamp on a garden hose. The bladder wall becomes thicker and irritable. The bladder begins to contract even when it contains small amounts of urine, causing more frequent urination. Eventually, the bladder weakens and loses the ability to empty itself. Urine remains in the bladder. The narrowing of the urethra and partial emptying of the bladder cause many of the problems associated with BPH.
Throughout their lives, men produce both testosterone, an important male hormone, and small amounts of estrogen, a female hormone. As men age, the amount of active testosterone in the blood decreases, leaving a higher proportion of estrogen. Studies done with animals have suggested that BPH may occur because the higher amount of estrogen within the gland increases the activity of substances that promote cell growth.
Another theory focuses on dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a substance derived from testosterone in the prostate, which may help control its growth. Most animals lose their ability to produce DHT as they age. However, some research has indicated that even with a drop in the blood’s testosterone level, older men continue to produce and accumulate high levels of DHT in the prostate. This accumulation of DHT may encourage the growth of cells. Scientists have also noted that men who do not produce DHT do not develop BPH.
Some researchers suggest that BPH may develop as a result of "instructions" given to cells early in life. According to this theory, BPH occurs because cells in one section of the gland follow these instructions and “reawaken” later in life. These "reawakened" cells then deliver signals to other cells in the gland, instructing them to grow or making them more sensitive to hormones that influence growth.A secondary health problem often associated with BPH is actual infection in the prostate gland. Incomplete emptying causes "stagnation" in the bladder, which sometimes results in a bacterial infection. However, in only 5% of the cases can an identifiable bacteria be cultured from the prostatic fluids.
Cancer of the prostate also needs to be mentioned. This year the American Cancer Society estimates that 165,000 men in the US will be diagnosed with prostate cancer and 35,000 will die of it. Presently, the only malignancy killing more men is lung cancer. The overall incidence has soared 39% since 1973. However, prostate cancer is rare before the age of 50. It occurs in at least 50% of men who live to be 80 and beyond, the average age of diagnosis being 73. And men who are over 65, African-American, or whose fathers had prostate cancer are at greatest risk for developing it .
Many symptoms of BPH stem from obstruction of the urethra and gradual loss of bladder function, which results in incomplete emptying of the bladder. The symptoms of BPH vary, but the most common ones involve changes or problems with urination, such as a hesitant, interrupted, weak stream urgency and leaking or dribbling more frequent urination, especially at night The size of the prostate does not always determine how severe the obstruction or the symptoms will be. Some men with greatly enlarged glands have little obstruction and few symptoms while others, whose glands are less enlarged, have more blockage and greater problems.
Sometimes a man may not know he has any obstruction until he suddenly finds himself unable to urinate at all. This condition, called acute urinary retention, may be triggered by taking over-the-counter cold or allergy medicines. Such medicines contain a decongestant drug, known as a sympathomimetic. A potential side effect of this drug may be to prevent the bladder opening from relaxing and allowing urine to empty. When partial obstruction is present, urinary retention also can be brought on by alcohol, cold temperatures, or a long period of immobility.
In 8 out of 10 cases, these symptoms suggest BPH, but they also can signal other, more serious conditions that require prompt treatment. Severe BPH can cause serious problems over time. Urine retention and strain on the bladder can lead to urinary tract infections, bladder or kidney damage, bladder stones, and incontinence. If the bladder is permanently damaged, treatment for BPH may be ineffective. When BPH is found in its earlier stages, there is a lower risk of developing such complications.
The lower segment of the large intestine called the sigmoid colon anatomically wraps around the prostate gland. Most people, as they get older, develop distention in the colon, especially the sigmoid area. This causes a thinning and weakening of the wall of the colon. Herniations, called diverticulas form and can rupture or leak toxins from the colon and cause inflammation and infection of the prostate gland.
Mercury toxicity, from amalgam dental fillings, as well as from immunizations, flu shots, etc. that contain mercury compounds, mercury toxic fish and commercial wheat, spermicides that contain mercury compounds, all can contribute to the body's toxic burden of mercury. Mercury, being a heavy metal will deposit at the bottom of body cavities. The prostate gland is at the bottom of the pelvic cavity and is a favorite site of deposition of mercury. Mercury wreaks havoc in any organ or tissue containing it. Fungus, such as candida albicans, can actually metabolize mercury and will colonize in areas of mercury accumulation, such as the prostate gland. Mercury also accumulates in the pituitary gland and can interfere with antidiuretic hormone action and can cause frequent urination problems, among other critical conditions, such as the regulation of the thyroid gland, reproductive glands, and adrenals, etc.
Herbal Medicine for the Prostate
Herbs for the prostate gland and urinary tract include: Saw Palmetto Berry, Pygeum, Uva Ursi Leaves, Juniper Berry, Corn Silk, Cleaver's Herb, Nettle Root, Thuja Leaf.
Natural healing has a long history of use in this country and abroad to support optimal prostate health. Saw Palmetto (Serenoa repens berry) has been traditionally used in treating male urogenital conditions. Serenoa is a small palm tree indigenous to the Atlantic seaboard from South Carolina to Florida. It produces a small berry that contains approximately 1.5% fat made up of fatty acids and sterols which affect testosterone metabolism. Like the drug Proscar, it too is a 5-alpha reductase inhibitor--blocking the formation of dihydrotestosterone, which is responsible for prostate enlargement. In addition, no toxicity has been reported for Saw Palmetto. Recent research on this herb shows what clinical medicine has known for centuries--it works! Since 1983, there have been numerous double-blind trials involving hundreds of patients.
All of the studies show that Saw Palmetto extract is effective for both subjective and objective measurements of prostatic enlargement. For instance, in one study of 110 men with BPH symptoms, the herb decreased night-time urination by 45%, increased urinary flow rate over 50%, and reduced post-urination residual volume (the amount of urine left in the bladder after urination) by 42%. Other studies show that Saw Palmetto extract selectively antagonizes 52% of the dihydrotestosterone receptors in the prostate, thus inhibiting the hormone from binding to them, and therefore minimizing its stimulation of cell growth.
For men suffering from prostate enlargement, Saw Palmetto is the place to start. You may use a capsule that contains what is called a lipophilic extract. This is merely a standardized concentrate of the fat soluble sterols in the berry which have been shown to be responsible for its beneficial activity. You may also consider a liquid extract. And the herb may be used alone or in a combination. In either case, take one dose three times daily for at least one month before evaluating its effectiveness. For those who do not have symptoms, considering taking the herb three times daily for one to two weeks out of the month for prevention.
Although not as widely studied as Saw Palmetto berry, both Nettle and Pygeum have been shown to be effective for symptoms of BPH. One recent study shows that Nettle (Urtica dioica root) inhibits membrane activity of the prostate, which may subsequently suppress prostate cell metabolism and growth. This, of course, reduces inflammation and enlargement of these tissues. And Pygeum (Pygeum africanum bark) contains pyto-sterols which have been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties. In clinical trials, extract of Pygeum was found to reduce symptoms of enlarged prostate, and is available as an over-the-counter medication for BPH in Europe. Both Nettle and Pygeum may be used alone, or combined with Saw Palmetto for a more effective protocol for prostate health.
When an enlarged prostate is accompanied by actual infection, botanicals with anti-microbial properties are indicated. In these cases, both Echinacea (E. angustifolia or E. purpurea) and Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis) may also be considered as part of a program. Studies show that Echinacea and Goldenseal possess anti-viral and anti-bacterial properties, and each has considerable traditional use in America for treating and preventing infections, although there are no studies directly associating them to the prostate.
In terms of nutritional medicine, practitioners have been using Zinc for decades to support a healthy prostate. This beneficial mineral is deficient in many American diets, and is needed for proper immune function as well as prostate health. Zinc has been shown to reduce the size of the prostate and reduce symptoms of BPH by inhibiting the activity of 5-alpha reductase. Zinc may be taken in a dosage of from 20 to 60 mg per day, and it combines well with the botanical remedies mentioned above. In addition, nutritionists find that Vitamin E, in doses ranging from 50 iu to 400 iu per day, is often effective for BPH. Furthermore, that dosage range reduces cardio-vascular risk and provides antioxidant protection for the body.
Homeopathy is also a useful tool for treating the prostate. The remedy Sabal serrulata (which is actually Saw Palmetto in homeopathic dilution!) is often effective in treating prostatitis. According to Boericke's Materia Medica, it is useful for irritation of the genito-urinary system, including enlargement of the prostate and its resulting urinary symptoms. If Sabal fails, you may consider other remedies, including the Staphysagria, Thuja, Merc, or Causticum. Lower potencies--3X, 6X, or 12X--taken three to four times daily usually provide good results. Obviously, it is best to consult a Materia Medica or your health care practitioner to find the appropriate remedy for your case or constitution.
Colon cleansing with enemas, or colonic irrigation, as well as herbal colon cleansing products and bulking substances will facilitate the emptying of the sigmoid colon, reducing the distention and allow the healing of the herniations in wall of the colon. Implants of wheatgrass juice can work wonders following enemas or colonics.
For people who need to use a catheter to drain the bladder due to an enlarged prostate gland, following the drainage, irrigate the bladder with colloidal silver water. If you don't have access to a syringe, use a bulb syringe available at the local drug store. After introducing the colloidal silver water into the bladder, let it drain out. This will disinfect the bladder, the urethra, and the catheter itself.
Mercury removal by a biological or holistic dentist using the "Huggins protocol" and/or a thorough mercury detox program will rid the body of the accumulated mercury and have a marked influence on every system in the body.
As age progresses the "energy" of the reproductive and hormonal systems weaken. Tonic herbs can be used in order to strengthen body function, which maintains a higher level of resistance and naturally helps to prevent disease. American Ginseng (Panax quinquefolius root) and Siberian Ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus root) are two of these widely used toning herbs that are especially helpful for men over the age of 40. After the acute symptoms of prostatitis are resolved, these tonic remedies may be used to support energy in general and the urogenital tract in specific. They are best taken in combination as a liquid extract, tablet, capsule, or tea for a month following an acute episode of BPH. They may be used preventatively one or two weeks per month.
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