BPH, benign prostatic hyperplasia, is a condition in which the prostate is enlarged. With BPH, there is an overgrowth of prostate tissue which pushes against the urethra and the bladder, blocking the flow of urine.
BPH affects the majority of men over the age of 50 and gets worse with age. Left untreated, it can lead to bladder damage and infection. It may also cause kidney damage. But remember, the “b” stands for benign. BPH is not prostate cancer, and having BPH doesn’t mean a man is more or less likely to get prostate cancer.
The risk of BPH increases every year after age 40: BPH is present in 20% of men in their fifties, 60% of men in their sixties, and 70% of men by age 70. (Prostrate Cancer Foundation)
According to Meridian Research the underlying cause of BPH is not certain, but it may be related to the decrease of active testosterone men produce as they age, leading to a higher proportion of estrogen or DHT (dihydrotestosterone).
Understandably, no one wants to suffer from this condition, so how do you take the prostate back to a younger, more normal size that doesn’t keep you running to the bathroom all night long?
Treatment for BPH
Point # 1 - Exercise - when testosterone and estrogen are imbalanced, DHT activity can increase and encourage the growth of prostate cells. Men who have a body mass index above 25 have an increased risk for BPH that ranges from 13 percent to 29 percent. Abdominal obesity is calculated by by dividing waist measurement by hip measurement. A ratio of 1.05 or higher has an increased risk of BPH of 45 percent. Exercising can help to keep your testosterone and estrogen balanced.
Point # 2 - Diet - Your diet also greatly affects your prostate health. Follow one that is low in red meat and higher in fish or vegetable sources of protein, fiber, fruits and vegetables. According to the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, failing to consume vegetables regularly nearly quadruples the risk of BPH.
Lycopene-rich tomatoes benefit the prostate also, as do foods high in zinc such as mushrooms, pumpkin seeds, seafood, spinach, and sunflower seeds.
Consume These 6 Superfoods:
Berries – they are high in antioxidants which prevent free radical cell damage which contributes to cancer – eat them raw, put them in salads, oatmeal, yogurt or smoothies
Nuts – fibre and omega fats
Beans – add to salads and replace as a meat protein, high in omega fats to help reduce inflammation, good source of fibre
Green Tea – in addition to prostate health, research shows it can also help to reduce cholesterol and improve memory function
Flaxseeds – essential fatty acids which promote prostate health
Take a good quality fish oil supplement with EHA & DPA – this helps to reduce inflammation in the body. Alternatively, consuming salmon, mackerel, sardines or herring are good sources of omega fatty acids that help lower the risk of cancer.
Point # 3 - Supplements - these have been been pointed out as being potent in combating BPH:
Pygeum - An review of 18 studies looked at the benefits of pygeum supplements on improving symptoms associated with BPH, finding significantly improved urinary flow measures and an improvement in overall symptoms - 300-500 mg per day
Beta-sitosterol - has been shown to have potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Use 300-600mg per day to promote urination in men with BPH.
DIM) 3,3’-diindolylmethane (hormonal balance) - 200-400 mg daily
Male glandular formula supplement - should contain zinc & saw palmetto, vitamin E, C, B, and glutamic acid as they all work synergistically to maintain prostate health.
Cranberry Pills - 2 x daily
All contain active components that can inhibit DHT production, naturally support the balance of testosterone and estrogen and promote normal prostate size.
There are also additional issues presented in the video below: