Natural Help For An Enlarged Prostrate

Holistic Health For Men: Natural Help For An Enlarged Prostrate

By: Rita Louise

The prostate is a walnut sized gland that sits just below the bladder in men and is an integral part of the male reproductive system. Made up of two lobes and enclosed by a layer of tissue, the prostate goes through two main periods of growth. The first occurs early in puberty, when the prostate doubles in size. At around the age of 25, the gland begins to grow again. This second growth phase often results in what is identified as an enlarged prostate.

As the prostate gets larger, the layer of tissue surrounding it stops it from expanding, causing the gland to press against the urethra. While the data varies, it is believed that most men over the age of 45 experience some amount of prostate enlargement, but may live symptom free. This enlargement is usually harmless, but it often results in problems urinating later on in life. By 60, it is believed that 80% of all men experience some sort of urinary interference due to prostate enlargement.

Enlargement of the prostate is not a malignant condition, but it does put pressure on the urethra and can create a number of urinary complaints such as frequent urination, urinary urgency, the need to get up at night to urinate, difficulty starting, a reduction to the force of the urine stream, terminal dribbling, incomplete emptying of the bladder and even the inability to urinate at all. If left unchecked, benign prostatic hypertrophy can cause serious problems over time including urinary tract infections, bladder or kidney damage, bladder stones or incontinence.

It is important to take care of your prostate and address any prostate, be it an enlarged prostate, prostetitis (inflammation of the prostate) or prostate cancer early on. Take an active role and protect yourself by having your prostate checked regularly. Traditional treatments for prostate issues include the surgical removal of all or part of the prostate. While most people experience a relief of symptoms, it may leave them impotent. For the health conscious, this should only be used as a last resort.

Recommendations For Wellness

If you are over 40, have your doctor perform a prostate exam during your regular checkup.

Incorporate a healthful diet filled with lots of fruits and vegetables and low on unsaturated fats, sugars and processed foods.

Kegel exercises can be done to improve circulation to these tissues. A kegel exercise is performed by pulling up all the muscles around the scrotum and anus. Repeat this movement 10 times. Try doing this invisible exercise 5-6 times daily.

For men suffering from prostate enlargement, saw palmetto is the place to start. Saw palmetto has a long history of relieving testicular inflammation and inhibiting the hormone responsible for prostate enlargement.

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

The herbs nettle and pygeum have also been show to be effective for relieving symptoms associated with an enlarged prostate. They can be used alone or in conjunction with saw palmetto.

A great combination for prostate issues is Natures Sunshine Mens Formula with Lycopene, which contains pygeum, saw palmetto, gotu kola, stinging nettle and zinc.

You can also try Natures Sunshines PS II or P-X. PS II contains antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties that are beneficial for maintaining healthy prostate gland function.

Incorporate the herb damiana into your wellness program. Damiana has a long history of helping balance the bodys hormones.

Hydrangea is another herb that supports the urinary system, where it is know to promote the overall health of the prostate gland and help to reduce inflammation and swelling.

Take antioxidants. Supplementation with antioxidants (vitamins A,C, E and selenium), such as those found in Defense Maintenance or super Antioxidant will help to protect these sensitive tissues from oxidative damage.

Dr. Rita Louise, PhD is a Naturopathic Physician and a 20-year veteran in the Human Potential Field, but it is her unique gift as a medical intuitive that enlivens her work. So whether it is a physical problem, an emotional issue, a problem at work or a problem in a relationship, Dr. Rita Louise, Ph.D. a can help you identify what is really going on and provide you with straightforward guidance and advice. Visit her at http://www.soulhealer.com.

What Is The Side Effects And Precautions Of Saw Palmetto?

What Is The Side Effects And Precautions Of Saw Palmetto?

Side effects are rare, but may include headache, nausea, light-headedness and abdominal pain and a very small number of men taking the herb developed breast enlargement. It is always important that your doctor monitors your health when you self-prescribe herbal treatments and you should check with your pharmacist to see if the herbs you are taking may have any interaction with any prescription medications or pre-existing medical conditions that you may have. Once again, if you are experiencing the symptoms of BPH, and especially if there is blood in your urine, you should see your doctor right away to be tested for the possibility of prostate cancer.

If a prostate problem is suspected, consult a medical professional. Do not self-dose saw palmetto to treat the prostate. Women who are pregnant or nursing should not use saw palmetto. Saw palmetto may affect hormone levels and should not be taken with contraceptive pills, patches, or hormone replacement therapy. As with any vitamin, herb, or supplement - always consult a medical professional prior to incorporating these substances into your diet.

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Author By Rosa parks

Clinical research on saw palmetto side effects

Hepatotoxicity potential of Saw Palmetto in rats.

Singh YN, Devkota AK, Sneeden DC, Singh KK, Halaweish

Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, South Dakota State University, Brookings, SD 57007, USA.

Saw palmetto (Serenoa repens L.) is an herbal drug used to treat symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS).

There has been a report that a preparation containing this herb has caused cholestatic hepatitis in one person and some indications exist that it may have the potential to produce liver toxicity.
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of saw palmetto on rat liver function by measuring its effects on several enzymes and formation of malondialdehyde (MDA), a byproduct of lipid peroxidation.
A significant increase in these parameters is considered an indication of liver toxicity. Thirty-six rats were divided into 6 groups of 6 animals each. They were treated for 2 or 4 weeks with a placebo or saw palmetto at doses of 9.14 or 22.86mg/kg/body wt./day; that is, 2x and 5x the maximum recommended daily human dosages.
After 2 or 4 weeks, the animals were sacrificed and blood was collected to prepare serum for enzyme assays, which were performed using commercially available kits. A portion of the liver was removed, and a homogenate prepared for the lipid peroxidation assay.

Results showed no significant difference in animal body weight, enzyme activity, or MDA formation at either time or dosage level, as compared to controls. The data indicate that at the doses and time periods tested, saw palmetto did not produce any significant effect on the normal biological markers of liver toxicity.

PMID: 16854576

Saw Palmetto Side Effects

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Thanks Marcus