Prostate Disorders

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia BPH

There are 3 most common types of prostate disease that most men may experience:

• BPH Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia or Non-cancerous Prostate enlargement
• Inflammation (prostatitis)
• Prostate cancer which is not curable with naturopathy

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia BPH

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia BPH is also referred to as BPE or Benign Prostate Enlargement. This is commonly found in men in their mid-40s when the area around the urethra starts to grow. The prostate’s overgrowth is referred to as Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia or BPH. The overgrowth constricts the urethra and the patient finds difficulty in urinating. This may either take form as a weak urine stream or difficulty in starting urinating.

• Difficulty starting urination
• Interrupted urination
• Straining while urinating
• Incomplete urination
• Dribbling at the end of urination
• Weak urine stream
• Urgent need to urinate
• Frequent need to urinate
• Increased frequency of urination at night
• Blood in the urine

BPH is also considered as idiopathic and has no cause or reason as to why the prostate’s cells begin to divide or multiply. But it is most popular after the age group of 50 as the hormone levels and estrogen, testosterone and dihydrotestosterone levels change.

Who are inclined to getting BPH?

About 30% of men in their 50s and 35% of men in their 60s are vulnerable to BPH. And yet more than 40% of men get it in their 70s. Most of these men may suffer urinary tract issues that are linked with BPH. This may include bladder stones or kidney or bladder damage. BPH can cause discomfort but cannot be associated with cancer and is no threat to life.

Other factors that may be responsible may be:

• Age
• Obesity
• Diabetes
• Asian descent
• BPH family history

How does it happen?

When the cells begin to multiply or divide abnormally, they cause the organ to enlarge. The person, therefore, cannot urinate properly or may also have sexual difficulties. It can hinder the quality of life.

Controlling BPH with Naturopathy Treatment

• The conventional treatment for BPH includes surgery and medicines that include enzyme inhibitors and alpha-blockers. These treatments have short or long time side effects.
• It is best to go for alternative therapy or a combination of naturopathy and conventional medication to lessen the dosage of the medications.
• The highly qualified doctors would identify the goals of the treatment.
• Devise the food and treatment plan after taking a look at your medical report. Dr. Mathur emphasizes that all aspects have to be considered including physical, emotional, psychological, and lifestyle factors that could be affecting the patient’s health.
• The plan is timely monitored for any adjustments
• Also, lifestyle habits including alcohol, caffeine use, are looked into.
• Patients already taking medication continue their course and with the help of naturopathy, the dosages get reduced after the program.
• We use food as medicine. After your body detoxifies and starts accepting the food as nourishment, the body feels a great deal of positive difference.
• The right combination of herbs and food help you to urinate better.

Foods and Enzymes that are most helpful in BPH Treatment

Pumpkin Seeds:

BPH patients take pumpkin seeds daily. The pumpkin seeds have beta-sitosterol which is a compound like cholesterol, found in certain plants. Beta-sitosterol has the qualities to improve the flow of the urine. It also helps to almost empty the bladder.

– Dr. Pradeeep Mathur, Sanjeevani Kaya Shodhan Sansthan

Lycopene Enzyme

Lycopene is a pigment that occurs naturally in vegetables and fruits. The enzyme slows the BPH progression. Dr. Mathur at Sanjeevani Gohana, says that the richest form lycopene is found in the tomatoes as compared to other vegetables and fruits which have relatively a lesser amount of the antioxidant. The deeper red or pink, the color of the vegetable or fruit, the higher is its lycopene content.

Other good sources of Lycopene enzymes are:

• Grapefruit
• Papaya
• Watermelon
• Carrots
• Guava
• Apricots
• Red cabbage
• Red bell peppers

ZINC

Foods rich in zinc should be consumed. Zinc reduces the urinary problems related to an enlarged prostate.

– Dr. Vashisht, Sanjeevani Kaya Shodhan Sansthan

Rich sources of zinc include:

• Sesame seeds
• Pumpkin seeds
• Poultry
• Seafood

Fiber-rich foods

• Whole grains
• Legumes
• Beans
• Dark leafy greens

Rich Antioxidant Vegetables and Fruits

These include yellow, dark red, and orange varieties

Foods with phytoestrogens

• Soy foods
• Alfalfa
• Chickpeas
• Fava beans

Foods rich in Omega-3 fatty acids

• Cold-Water fish
• Nuts and seeds Such as hemp and chia

Foods to avoid or limit include:

• Caffeine
• Alcohol
• Carbonated drinks
• Artificial sweeteners
• Red meat
• Nicotine
• Starchy refined foods

How to Best Manage BPH in your Daily Life?

• Urinate before leaving home to avoid leakage and embarrassing situation in public.
• Try to empty the bladder fully in each bathroom visit.
• Avoid drinking fluids before going to sleep at bedtime with your bladder full
• Keep hydrated and drink 2 liters of water during the day
• Do not drink too much each time
• Try avoiding stress to lessen the urge to urinate
• Maintain a healthy body weight
• Exercise daily and whenever possible
• Avoid products causing dehydration including decongestants and cold medications
• Use the condom shaped urinary-sheaths that may be strapped to the leg
• Use urinary pads or pants that absorb urine leakage to avoid discomfort and wetness
• Using urethral massage is helpful after urinating to help squeeze out remaining urine after urinating. The fingers are pressed upwards from the base of the scrotum.