The Prostate Gland
What is the prostate gland?
Compound Saw
The prostate is a chestnut-shaped gland that weighs between 15-20gm and sits at the base of the bladder, in front of the rectum and surrounds the urethra and is actually part of the male sexual organ.
The prostate gland plays a critical role in the reproductive system of men.
Most men know about the prostate but very few know what its overall purpose is or where it is located until they have a prostate exam.
When we first have what is called a "digital exam" we become acutely aware of where it is located
Function of the Prostate
Its purpose is to produce semen to transport sperm during ejaculation. Most of the time we do not have any problem with the prostate, that is, it functions as it should for the most part.
Enlarged Prostate
One of the problems that can occur with the prostate is that it can become enlarged.
The medical term is Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia or (BPH).
Left untreated this condition can escalate into a real health concern.
When a man is young prostate problems or prostate cancer are the least of his worries.
Most young men simply take their good health for granted until they get around 40 or so.
At this age in men you can start to see prostate cells produce at a faster rate and this will eventually result in an enlarged prostate.
Because the Prostate Gland surrounds the Urethra tube when the prostate gland becomes enlarged it has a tendency to put pressure on the Urethra and this results in a slower, smaller urine stream.
This can be especially frustrating for men who may find themselves getting up several times during the night to urinate.
If this condition is left untreated urination can be difficult at best and downright impossible at worst.
Without proper medical attention this condition can lead to urinary tract infection and even more severe health issues including liver problems.
Although prostate problems generally affect older men most , all men regardless of age can be the victim of a multitude of prostate issues including enlarged prostate (BPH) and prostatitis and even cancer.
But let me hasten to add that just because you have an enlarged prostate doesn't automatically mean you have cancer or other serious ailments. You may very well have something as simple as an infection.
Symptoms of an enlarged prostate
1. Burning sensation while urinating
2. Interrupted sleep due to the constant need to urinate at night
3. You experience a weak urine flow
4. You find that you cannot empty your bladder completely
5. You experience pain, hesitancy or urgency to urinate
6. You see blood in your urine
7. You have lower back pain
8. You feel uncomfortable when sitting
9. You experience pain in the testicles groin or penis
10. You feel pain when ejaculating or during sex
11. You have a constant itchy feeling in your penis
12. You experience difficulties getting an erection or impotence
NATURAL ALTERNATIVES FOR PROSTATE HEALTH
Good nutrition along with a regular exercise regiment are the most important factors in promoting good prostate health.
Be sure to include in your daily diet a good portion of fruits and vegetables.
Fructose, the natural sweetener in fruits helps improve prostate health.
Avoid excessive use of products high in fat such as red meat and dairy products.
OTHER THERAPIES
Saw Palmetto is a palm tree native to the Atlantic seaboard.
Saw palmetto is the most popular prostate herb because it contains a powerful compound that affects the conversion of testosterone to DHT.
Saw Palmetto has been proven to shrink aid in the reduction of enlarged prostates.
(A Note about Saw Palmetto:)
The fat-soluble (liposterolic) extract of the saw palmetto berry has become the leading natural treatment for BPH. When used regularly, it has been shown to help keep symptoms in check.
As a matter of record, a three year German study has found that 160 mg of Saw Palmetto taken twice a day reduced urination at night in about 73% of the patients.
Pau D' Arco-
Pau d'Arco is a natural herb retrieved from the inner bark of the Tabebuia Avellanedae or Tabebuia Impetiginosa, known as taheebo. The taheebo tree is grown predominantly in Central and South America, but may also be cultivated in southern Florida.
Red Clover - red clover is a member of the pea family and contains powerful antioxidants that fight off cancerous growths. Red clover aids in inhibiting DHT formation which in turn helps shrink the enlarged prostate.
Zinc -It is a known fact how important Zinc is to the well being of the prostate gland. Zinc can be taken as supplement or can be found in shellfish and pumpkin seed.
Vitamins D & E are also very important as part of a regular maintenance program for good prostate health.
Lycopene - as a extract can be found in watermelons, tomatoes and pink grapefruit .
It contains antioxidants that may contribute to the reduction of inflammation caused by BPH.
Selenium Supplements-Selenium is a trace mineral that is essential to good health but required only in small amounts.
Some of the foods high in selenium include: poultry, seafood,shellfish,garlic,asparagus and cashews.
o Focus on physical fitness
o Increase your physical activity by walking more or adding other exercise. A regular exercise plan that includes walking 2-4 hours a week is generally considered a good method for lowering the risk of BPH.
Of course these are just some procedures to consider when trying to lower your risk of prostate issues.
As in the case of any serious health problems it is always best to consult the advice of a Physician if your problem persists.