Saturday, July 22, 2006

Winning the War on Prostate Challenge

Conclusion
BPH is easily prevented and does not have to be inevitable as men age. The embarrassment and potential health risk can be totally eliminated with the addition of some simple protocols aimed at preventive maintenance. An appropriate age to start preventive maintenance would be any age over 40 years of age. The key is consistent and regular use.
We hope that this site will prove helpful as you strive to educate yourself and maintain optimal health!

Thursday, July 20, 2006

Reflexology and the prostate

Reflexology and the prostate
Reflexology is a health discipline that concentrates on manual stimulation of various reflex points located throughout the body including the feet, ears and hands. Pressure is applied to these areas using thumb, finger and hand methods. These reflex points correspond to body systems and organs located in the body and with stimulation of these various reflex points, increased energy and healing occurs in the affected target areas. In the case of prostate weakness or prostate enlargement, you would concentrate on the reflex points targeting the prostate and various endocrine glands including the pituitary, parathyroid, thyroid and adrenal glands.

In a study performed by the Bauneholm School of Reflexology in Denmark, forty-six participants, (14 aged 40 - 60, 32 aged 60 - 90), received thirteen foot reflexology treatments.

Results showed that :

  • thirty participants (65%) experienced a reduction in their need to urinate,
  • thirty-one participants (67%) experienced a better bladder pressure,
  • thirty-seven (80%) experienced reduced sexual problems, and,
  • twenty-eight (60%) experienced improvement of their general condition.

It was concluded that reflexology can help prostate problems as improvements were noted in all reported parameters.

Tuesday, July 18, 2006

Aged Garlic Extract to reduce BPH symptoms

Aged garlic extract
A specific aged garlic extract (Kastamonu Garlic) has been reported to be successful in reducing symptoms of BPH. Whether it is this specific aged garlic product or if any can be substituted is still unclear.

Dose
The dosage of 1 ml per kilo of body weight per day over 30 days was used with the result of a 32% reduction in prostate size in addition to a significant reduction in urinary symptoms. 35

  1. Durak I, Yilmaz E, Devrim E, et al. Consumption of aqueous garlic extract leads to significant improvement in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia and prostate cancer. Nutr Res 2003;23:199–204.

Monday, July 17, 2006

Pumpkin seed oil improves urethra & bladder function (BPH)

Pumpkin seed oil
Pumpkin seed oil has been used by itself as well as in combination with saw palmetto and in both cases has reported favourable results. 31-34 Furthermore, animal studies have corroborated these effects in that a noticeable improvement of both urethra and urinary bladder function was reported which could account for and decreased symptoms of BPH in humans.
Dose
Pumpkin seed oil extracts standardized for fatty acid content has been used in BPH studies in the amount of 160 mg three times per day with meals.
  1. Carbin BE, Eliasson R. Treatment by Curbicin in benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Swed J Biol Med 1989;2:7–9 [in Swedish].
  2. Carbin BE, Larsson B, Lindahl O. Treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia with phytosterols. Br J Urol 1990;66:639–41 [in Swedish].
  3. Schiebel-Schlosser G, Friederich M. Phytotherapy pf BPH with pumpkin seeds—a multicenter clinical trial. Zeits Phytother 1998;19:71–6.
  4. Friederich M, Theurer C, Schiebel-Schlosser G. Prosta Fink Forte capsules in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia. Multicentric surveillance study in 2245 patients. Forsch Komplementarmed Klass Naturheilkd 2000;7:200–4 [in German].

Saturday, July 15, 2006

Nettles to increase urine flow & volume (BPH)

Nettles
Often contained in formulas including saw palmetto and pygeum, preliminary studies have shown that nettle extract will also work alone to reduce symptoms of BPH such as increasing urinary volume and maximum flow rate of urine. 28, 29, 30
Dose
An appropriate amount appears to be 120 mg of nettle root extract (in capsules or tablets) twice per day or 2 to 4 ml of tincture three times per day.

  1. Koch E, Biber A. Pharmacological effects of sabal and urtica extracts as a basis for a rational medication of benign prostatic hyperplasia. Urologe 1994;334:90–5.
  2. Metzker H, Kieser M, Hölscher U. Efficacy of a combined Sabal-Urtica preparation in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Urologe B 1996;36:292–300.
  3. Safarinejad MR. Urtica dioica for treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia: a prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study. J Herb Pharmacother 2005;5:1–11.

Friday, July 14, 2006

Pygeum as a natural prostate (BPH) treatment

Pygeum
This evergreen bark from an African tree has been approved for use in Germany as an effective treatment for BPH. 27 Three different constituents found in pygeum have been theorized to be responsible for this therapeutic benefit; pentacyclic triterpenoids, which have a diuretic action, phytosterols, which have anti-inflammatory activity, and ferulic esters, which help rid the prostate of any cholesterol deposits that accompany BPH.
Dose
The dose has been as high as 200 mg of pygeum standardized to 13% total sterols.
  1. Andro MC, Riffaud JP. Pygeum africanum extract for the treatment of patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia: a review of 25 years of published experience. Curr Ther Res 1995;56:796–817.

Thursday, July 13, 2006

Saw Palmetto
Saw palmetto is a standard medical treatment for BPH utilized by many countries throughout Europe.
The fat soluble extract of saw palmetto berry when used regularly reduces and keeps symptoms in check.
Research suggests that the fat soluble constituents found in saw palmetto berry inhibits an enzyme 5-alpha reductase which in turn converts testosterone to its more active form dyhydrotestosterone (DHT) which in turn binds to prostatic tissue. Interestingly this form of testosterone has also been implicated in male pattern baldness. 23, 24
One European double blind study compared saw palmetto and finasteride, a common pharmaceutical drug used in the treatment BPH. Saw palmetto treated BPH as effectively as the drug with none of the side effects associated with the drug, such as loss of libido. 25, 26
Dose
Many studies have used 320 mg daily of saw palmetto extract standardized to 80 to 95% fatty acids.

  1. Schneider HJ, Honold E, Mashur T. Treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia. Results of a surveillance study in the practices of urological specialists using a combined plant-base preparation. Fortschr Med 1995;113:37–40.
  2. Koch E, Biber A. Pharmacological effects of sabal and urtica extracts as a basis for a rational medication of benign prostatic hyperplasia. Urologe 1994;334:90–5
  3. Carraro JC, Raynaud JP, Koch G, et al. Comparison of phytotherapy (Permixon®) with finasteride in the treatment of benign prostate hyperplasia: a randomized international study of 1,098 patients. Prostate 1996;29:231–40.
  4. Wilt TJ, Ishani A, Stark G, et al. Saw palmetto extracts for treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia. A systematic review. JAMA 1998;280:1604–9.

Tuesday, July 11, 2006

Zinc for natural Prostate health

Zinc
It is been noted that there is a substantial amount of zinc found in prostate secretions. For this reason it has been suggested that zinc may play a role in normal prostate function.
One human study reported a normalization of prostate size in 74% of cases of BPH with the use of a hundred 150 mg of zinc for two months.
This was repeated in an animal study using smaller doses of zinc in an injectable format.
Large zinc doses affect copper levels in the body so most practitioners suggest taking 2 to 3 mg of copper along with zinc.
  1. Bush IM, Berman E, Nourkayhan S, et al. Zinc and the prostate. Presented at the annual meeting of the American Medical Association Chicago, 1974.
  2. Fahim MS, Fahim Z, Der R, Harman J. Zinc treatment for reduction of hyperplasia of prostate. Fed Proc 1976;35(3):361.

Monday, July 10, 2006

EFAs (Essential Fatty Acids) for Enlarged Prostate

EFAs (Essential Fatty Acids)
Essential fatty acid use for enlarged prostate problems has been used since 1941. In this early study, it was reported that all 19 men with BPH included in the small study had positive effects with the use of EFAs. All 19 men reported a reduction in the amount of retained urine and 69% of the participants had a dramatic reduction in night time urination with 18 of the 19 men reporting a reduction in dribbling. 20
Along with this reduction in apparent symptoms, all men also reported improved libido and a reduction in the size of the prostate were also noted on physical examination. As this study was not a double blind study, the placebo effect cannot be ruled out as a possible reason for these positive reactions.
The dosage used was one tablespoon of flaxseed oil daily taken over several months. We now know that essential fatty acids play significant roles in overall inflammatory actions found throughout body. This could be part of the reason why positive effects were reported.
As increased vitamin E levels are needed whenever essential fatty acids are used, many practitioners suggest the use of 200 IU of a mixed vitamin E.

  1. Hart JP, Cooper WL. Vitamin F in the treatment of prostatic hypertrophy. Report Number 1, Lee Foundation for Nutritional Research, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, 1941.

Saturday, July 08, 2006

Amino acid mixture for BPH treatment & prostate health

Amino acid mixture
A mixture of alanine, glutamic acid and glycine has been studied as a possible treatment for BPH with surprising results. After three months of regular use a dosage ranging between 760 mg initially to 380 mg three times per day after the first 2 weeks, 50% of the participants in the study reported it reduced urgency or frequency with less delay starting the urine flow. This translates to a reduction in prostate size and increased urinary function. Although it is not known how the amino acid combination works, it obviously is believed to reduce the amount of swelling in prostate tissue. 18, 19

  1. Damrau F. Benign prostatic hypertrophy: amino acid therapy for symptomatic relief. J Am Geriatr Soc 1962;10:426–30.
  2. Feinblatt HM, Gant JC. Palliative treatment of benign prostatic hypertrophy: value of glycine, alanine, glutamic acid combination. J Maine Med Assoc 1958;46:99–102.

Friday, July 07, 2006

Rye Pollen - Natural Supplement for Prostate Health

Rye Pollen
A specific proprietary product, Cernilton ®, has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties, to relax the muscles that surround the urethra, and to inhibit growth of prostate cells with the end result of dramatically decreased symptoms of the BPH. 5-17
One double blind human trial reported dramatically reduced symptoms in 78% of people with uncomplicated prostatitis as well as BPH.
Dose used in the studies was 3 tablets or 4 capsules daily.


  1. Loschen G, Ebeling L. Inhibition of arachidonic acid cascade by extract of rye pollen. Arzneimittelforschung 1991;41:162–7 [in German].
  2. Nakase K, Takenaga K, Hamanaka T, et al. Inhibitory effect and synergism of cernitin pollen extract on the urethral smooth muscle and diaphragm of the rat. Nippon Yakurigaku Zasshi 1988 Jun;91:385–92 [in Japanese].
  3. Habib FK, Ross M, Buck AC, et al. In vitro evaluation of the pollen extract, cernitin T-60, in the regulation of prostate cell growth. Br J Urol 1990;66:393–7.
  4. Jodai A, Maruta N, Shimomae E, et al. A long-term therapeutic experience with Cernilton in chronic prostatitis. Hinyokika Kiyo 1988;34:561–8 [in Japanese].
  5. Ohkoshi M, Kawamura N, Nagakubo I. Clinical evaluation of Cernilton in chronic prostatitis. Jpn J Clin Urol 1967;21:73–6.
  6. Suzuki T, Kurokawa K, Mashimo T, et al. Clinical effect of Cernilton in chronic prostatitis. Hinyokika Kiyo 1992;38:489–94 [in Japanese].
  7. Rugendorff EW, Weidner W, Ebeling L, et al. Results of treatment with pollen extract (Cernilton N) in chronic prostatitis and prostatodynia. Br J Urol 1993;71:433–8.
  8. Horii A, Iwai S, Maekawa M, Tsujita M. Clinical evaluation of Cernilton in the treatment of the benign prostatic hypertrophy. Hinyokika Kiyo 1985;31:739–46 [in Japanese].
  9. Ueda K, Jinno H, Tsujimura S. Clinical evaluation of Cernilton® on benign prostatic hyperplasia. Hinyokika Kiyo 1985;31:187–91 [in Japanese].
  10. Hayashi J, Mitsui H, Yamakawa G, et al. Clinical evaluation of Cernilton in benign prostatic hypertrophy. Hinyokika Kiyo 1986;32:135–41 [in Japanese].
  11. Becker H, Ebeling L. Conservative therapy of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) with Cernilton. Urologe (B) 1988;28:301–6 [in German].
  12. Buck AC, Cox R, Rees RW, et al. Treatment of outflow tract obstruction due to benign prostatic hyperplasia with the pollen extract, cernilton. A double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Br J Urol 1990;66:398–404.
  13. Maekawa M, Kishimoto T, Yasumoto R, et al. [Clinical evaluation of Cernilton on benign prostatic hypertrophy—a multiple center double-blind study with Paraprost]. Hinyokika Kiyo 1990;36:495–516 [in Japanese].

Thursday, July 06, 2006

Beta -sitosterol for Prostate health (BPH)

Beta -sitosterol
One of the more effective methods of treatment is beta-sitosterol. Double blind human studies have showed positive results in increased improvement in urinary flow and other symptoms associated with BPH. 2, 3, 4
Good dietary sources of this plant sterol include; rice bran, wheat germ and corn oil, soybeans, peanuts, peanut butter and peanut flour.
The therapeutic dose is between 60 and 130 mg daily.
  1. Berges RR, Windeler J, Trampisch HJ, et al. Randomised, placebo-controlled, double-blind clinical trial of beta-sitosterol in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia. Lancet 1995;345:1529-32.
  2. Kiriakidis S, Stathi S, Jha HC, et al. Fatty acid esters of sitosterol 3-­glucoside from soybeans and tempeh (fermented soybeans) as antiproliferative substances. J Clin Biochem Nutr 1997;22:139-47.
  3. Klippel KF, Hiltl DM, Schipp B. A multicentric, placebo-controlled, double-blind clinical trial of ß-sitosterol (phytosterol) for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia. Br J Urol 1997;80:427–32.

Wednesday, July 05, 2006

Scientifically validated natural treatments for Prostate - Herbs & Vitamin Supplements

Scientifically validated natural treatments for BPH

Vitamin & Nutritional Supplements

Herbs

Other

Saturday, July 01, 2006

Preventative Prostate Health Maintenance

What does preventative maintenance include?
Diet plays a role in this condition as in so many others. Increasing fruit and vegetable content in your diet and reducing butter, margarine and other fats including animal fats will reduce your chance of developing BPH. Foods high in quercetin such as apples and onions also act as natural anti-inflammatories.
Increase your level of physical exercise. One study associated a lower frequency of BPH symptoms with increased physical activity, specifically walking. Men who walked for two to three hours per week had a 25% decreased rate of BPH symptoms. 1

1. Platz EA, Kawachi I, Rimm EB, et al. Physical activity and benign prostatic hyperplasia. Arch Intern Med 1998;158:2349–56.