Enlarged Prostrate Study. Studies Confirm Natural Remedies Are As Effective As Prescription Medications For Treating Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia. Countless Studies And Clinical Trials Now Reveal Herbs, Vitamins and Diet Can Treat And Even Cure BPH In Some Cases Without The Harmful Side Effects Of Traditional Treatments.

Enlarged Prostrate Study. Studies Confirm Natural Remedies Are As Effective As Prescription Medications For Treating Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia. Many would say benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) has reached epidemic proportions. With 50 percent of all Australian men over 60 currently suffering from the condition, it would certainly appear so. But as prevalent as BPH is, it is also a natural part of the ageing process. What is not natural however, is the often dangerous and ineffective medications prescribed to treat the symptoms of BPH, which is why so many men are turning to natural treatments.

The prostate gland is roughly the size of a walnut in a young male. It sits in front of the rectum and below the bladder and is an integral part of the male reproductive system. The prostate gland undergoes two primary growth stages during a man’s lifetime. During puberty, the gland will double in size and then again, around age 25, it will begin a further growth spurt. It is this latter stage that is thought to be responsible for the problems associated with an enlarged prostate.

As the prostate enlarges, it can also interfere with sexual functioning such as difficulty getting an erection or impotence in some cases. Because the urethra also carries semen, BPH can cause pain during sex or upon ejaculation. Often men suffering from an enlarged prostate experience a decrease in sexual desire.

Enlarged Prostrate Study: While BPH is not cancerous, I in 11 Australian men will develop prostate cancer. Since the symptoms of BPH and prostate cancer are similar, it is important to see your doctor if you experience any of the above signs. If left untreated, BPH can lead to severe complications including chronic bladder infections, incontinence, impotence and kidney disease.

It is not entirely clear why the prostate enlarges in humans. In fact, the only other mammal in which the condition occurs is dogs. Research shows however, that dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a metabolite of testosterone is a key factor in BPH. It is also known that DHT is synthesized in the prostate by the steroid enzyme 5-Alpha Reductase (5-AR). Men diagnosed with BPH show above normal levels of 5-AR and as such, DHT. For this reason, researchers look to possible remedies that will effectively inhibit the activity of 5-AR.

The traditional remedy for BPH usually starts with prescription medications including alpha-blockers such as Terazosin or Finasteride, a drug commonly used to shrink the prostate by reducing testosterone levels. As with any medications, both these drugs come with unwanted and often dangerous side effects.

Enlarged Prostrate Study: In Europe, it is customary for men with BPH to be offered the option of herbal remedies for their symptoms before being prescribed traditional medications. In fact, Germany’s Commission E recognises saw palmetto, an excellent herbal remedy, as the first-line treatment in 95 percent of BPH cases.

The therapeutic benefits of saw palmetto are likely attributed to liposterol, which researchers claim reduces the amount of DHT in the prostate. One international study gave 1,098 patients suffering from BPH either a commercial saw palmetto extract called Permixon® or Proscar® (finasteride). While results show both treatments relieve symptoms of BPH in 67 percent of all patients, those receiving the saw palmetto did not endure side effects such as decreased libido and impotence like those using the conventional drug. Researchers conclude saw palmetto is just as effective as drug therapy in treating symptoms of BPH, without the unwanted side effects.

Enlarged Prostrate Study: Another significant German study shows men taking 160mg of saw palmetto extract twice daily over three years, experienced a 73 percent reduction in night-time urination and significant improvements in urinary flow. Research further concludes because of its anti-spasmodic properties, saw palmetto may improve bladder conditions such as urinary urgency.

Saw palmetto’s therapeutic actions have been compared to such drugs as Hytrin®, a medication that eases the muscles of the sphincter, alleviating pressure and the need the to urinate.

Although certainly not a new plant, epilobium is another effective herb making strides as a powerful remedy for prostate issues. In May 2001, one study showed that epilobium does in fact inhibit the growth of human prostatic epithelial cells. A further study published in the Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology in May 2003, revealed that several species of epilobium hinder the growth of human prostate cells.

The active constituents in epilobium appear to be, among other things, two specific polyphenols, plant chemicals widely recognized to have powerful antioxidant properties. Researchers claim Oenothein A and Oenothein B are responsible for epilobium’s ability to inhibit the conversion of testosterone in the prostate by 5-AR to DHT. It is by this mechanism that researchers believe epilobium can effectively reverse BPH.

Pumpkin seed, curcurbita pepo, has also gained an excellent reputation as a preventative and possible curative for BPH. In parts of Europe doctors commonly recommend their male patients eat a handful of pumpkin seeds each day to reduce their risk of prostate problems. In 1990, 53 men suffering from BPH took part in one of the very few double-blind studies conducted on the effectiveness of pumpkin seeds on enlarging prostates. Over three months, those taking pumpkin seed showed significant improvement in urine flow, dribbling and urination frequency.

It was further surmised that pumpkin seed could possibly reduce any existing hormonal damage to enlarged prostate cells, effectively decreasing the possibility of prostate cancer.

Enlarged Prostrate Study: Researchers believe pumpkin seed is effective because it contains an estimated 50 percent concentration of fatty oils, which act like a diuretic, relieving extra urine and increasing flow, thereby decreasing swelling. It is also known pumpkin seed oil contains a number of fatty acids including 55 percent linoleic acid (an omega-6 fatty acid known also found in red meat) and 25 percent oleic acid (shown to block the action of cancer-causing cells) , both very beneficial for prostate health.

Pumpkin seeds also contain significant amounts of zinc, a mineral shown to be necessary for optimal prostate health. Germany’s Commission E has approved pumpkin seed for use in bladder problems, including bed-wetting and overactive and irritated bladder usually associated with BPH.

Enlarged Prostrate Study: Flaxseeds are also beneficial for optimal prostate health. These tiny brown seeds also called linseeds, are derived from the flax plant and were first cultivated in Babylonia in 3000 BC. The seeds were regularly used in various balms for skin inflammations and constipation.

Flaxseed is very high in essential fatty acids EFAs, including alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), an omega 3-fatty acid also found in fish oil. As well, flaxseeds contain linoleic acid, which is made up of fibre-like compounds called lignans . These lignans are thought to bind to testosterone, effectively removing it from the body. Researchers believe lignans may suppress the growth of prostate cancer cells.

Enlarged Prostrate Study: One small study of 15 men found that a low-fat diet supplemented with flaxseed, reduced blood prostate specific antigen (PSA) levels and slowed the growth of benign prostate cells leading researchers to believe flaxseed might be useful in reducing the risk of prostate cancer. Another study using 25 men with prostate cancer found that a low-fat diet supplemented with ground flaxseed reduced testosterone levels , slowed the growth of cancer cells, and increased the death rate of existing cancer cells.

Today, flaxseed is suggested for a variety of prostate problems. It is also useful in cases of infertility and impotence. Studies show that the EFAs in flaxseed oil may also help to prevent swelling and inflammation of the prostate and lessen the symptoms of BPH such as the urgency to urinate.

Enlarged Prostrate Study: Several studies have also looked at the relationship between prostate cancer and lycopene. Lycopene, the substance that gives tomatoes their red colour, is a member of the carotenoid family. This powerful antioxidant is currently gaining much attention as a anticarcinogen. O

ne large study of 14,000 Seventh Day Adventist men who were followed over six years, showed that eating tomato products significantly reduced the risk of prostate cancer. One of the largest studies done on lycopene and prostate cancer further showed that eating two to four servings of tomato sauce a week reduced the risk of total prostate cancer by 35 percent and advanced prostate cancer (cancer that has spread beyond the prostate) by 50 percent.

Another natural supplement that has gained much attention for its healing and preventative properties in prostate disease is zinc. This trace mineral plays a key role in protein synthesis and DNA/RNA metabolism, and is therefore essential for cell growth and in the production of connective tissue. Zinc is one of the key nutrients associated with the prostate gland. Studies show that zinc can not only decrease the size of the prostate gland, but also relieve some of the symptoms associated with BPH. Research also confirms that men with prostatitis and prostate cancer also have lowered levels of zinc.

There are many other nutrients and supplements that are key for prostate disease, some of which include selenium, fish oils, CoQ10 and Vitamin D. Research into safer and more natural alternatives to traditional treatments continues. If you are suffering from symptoms of BPH, be sure to discuss all of your options with your doctor before making a decision on any one treatment. Studies show that natural remedies are just as effective in many cases as prescription medications without the harmful side effects.

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Enlarged Prostrate Study. Studies Confirm Natural Remedies Are As Effective As Prescription Medications For Treating Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia. Countless Studies And Clinical Trials Now Reveal Herbs, Vitamins and Diet Can Treat And Even Cure BPH In Some Cases Without The Harmful Side Effects Of Traditional Treatments.