Every aging man’s worst nightmare, Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia is a condition in which the prostate gland, which is located at the base of the bladder and around the urethra (the tube that carries urine from the bladder), swells in size due to an increase in prostate cells. A swollen prostate can pinch the urethra, which can obstruct the flow of urine.
This can result in a number of symptoms including:
-Obstruction of urination
-Painful urination
-Weak Stream of urine
-A feeling that your bladder is not completely empty
What Causes It?
The pathogenesis involves increased sensitivity to growth factors and increased estrogen levels. Estrogen causes androgen receptors in the prostate to become hyperactive. This results in increased production and absorption of DHT (Dihydrotestosterone), which results in hyperplasia – an increase in the size and number of cells in the prostate gland.
DHT is made from testosterone with the help of an enzyme called 5-a reductase.
Most BHP treatments involve the inhibition of 5-a reductase.
Remedies:
Inhibit 5-a reductase
1. Pumpkin Seed Oil
Pumpkin Seed Oil is extracted from pumpkin seeds and possesses considerable health benefits. Its gotten really popular for reducing DHT via 5-a Reductase inhibition and is being used in many supplements for prostate health as well as other conditions related to DHT such as hair loss. In 2 clinical trials, Pumpkin Seed Oil was found to significantly improve the symptoms of BPA (study 1 & study 2)
2. Lycopene
Lycopene, a carotenoid pigment and phytochemical found in tomatoes, watermelon, carrots, pink grapefruit, pink guavas, and mangos, is known to inhibit 5-a reductase according to multiple studies. (1-3). Consumption of these foods is part of my treatment protocol for BPH. Also, taking a Lycopene supplement can be quite beneficial.
The general dose for Lycopene is around 15mg a day.
3. Saw Palmetto
Saw Palmetto has been traditionally used for treating BPH, UTI’s, Colds, Bronchitis and as an aphrodisiac. Saw Palmetto is known to have anti-androgenic properties, and research has demonstrated that it’s fatty acid and phytosterol content can significantly inhibit 5-a reductase, thus potentially reducing BPH symptoms (4-6). In a clinical trial, an extract of Saw Palmetto known as Permixon was found to be effective in relieving the symptoms of BPH (10)
The general dose is between 150-300 mg of the extract.
Other options:
– Acacia Catechu
– Tribulus Terrestris
– Nettle
– Green Tea Extract
Reduce Estrogen
1. Mushrooms & Nettle
Mushrooms and Nettle both inhibit an enzyme known as “Aromatase” (7,8). Aromatase is an enzyme that converts testosterone into estrogen. This hormone is essential for females to produce enough estrogen, however, in males this can cause quite a problem hormonally. In order to prevent excessive estrogenic activity within the body, it is essential to prevent the formation of estrogen in the first place. I recommend consuming Mushrooms daily and drinking Nettle tea (a supplement can help as well).
2. Consume Cruciferous Vegetables
This includes Cabbage, Kale, Cauliflower, Brussel sprouts, and Broccoli. These vegetables contain a compound known as indole-3-carbinol which is able to reduce estrogen effectively (9). However, they should be steamed or cooked in order to avoid the toxic effect they have on the thyroid gland. Also, do not consume too much of them as they can deplete iodine.
Diet
The best foods for prostate health and overall urinary health are the foods that contain lycopene such as tomato, pink guavas, watermelons, apricots, and pink grapefruit. Consume a light diet of white meat, Salmon, steamed cruciferous vegetables, lentils, almonds, walnuts, fresh fruits, cranberries, blueberries, raspberries, pumpkin seeds, and anti-inflammatory spices like turmeric, cayenne, black pepper, and ginger.
Avoid starches, red meat, alcohol, junk food, excess cholesterol, and soy.
(Always use medicinal herbs under the supervision of a doctor)
For more information contact me at doctornishal@gmail.com
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by Dr. Nishal R.
Copyright © 2017
References
1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18283040
2. http://www.hairloss-research.org/LinkUpdateLycopene1-08.html
3. https://www.nutraingredients-usa.com/Article/2004/04/15/Breakthrough-research-on-lycopene
4. http://www.fasebj.org/content/29/1_Supplement/753.15
5. http://www.naturinstitut.info/docs/klettenwurzeloel-sitosterol.pdf
6. http://priory.com/med/saw.htm
7. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17178902
8. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17238068
9. https://academic.oup.com/jnci/article/89/10/718/2526073
10. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8876706/