Men's Issues Articles

Holistic Health For Men: Natural Help For An Enlarged Prostrate 
By Dr. Rita Louise

The prostate is a walnut sized gland that sits just below the bladder
in men and is an integral part of the male reproductive system. Made
up of two lobes and enclosed by a layer of tissue, the prostate goes
through two main periods of growth. The first occurs early in
puberty, when the prostate doubles in size. At around the age of 25,
the gland begins to grow again. This second growth phase often
results in what is identified as an enlarged prostate.

As the prostate gets larger, the layer of tissue surrounding it stops
it from expanding, causing the gland to press against the urethra.
While the data varies, it is believed that most men over the age of
45 experience some amount of prostate enlargement, but may live
symptom free. This enlargement is usually harmless, but it often
results in problems urinating later on in life. By 60, it is
believed that 80% of all men experience some sort of urinary
interference due to prostate enlargement.

Enlargement of the prostate is not a malignant condition, but it does
put pressure on the urethra and can create a number of urinary
complaints such as frequent urination, urinary urgency, the need to
get up at night to urinate, difficulty starting, a reduction to the
force of the urine stream, terminal dribbling, incomplete emptying of
the bladder and even the inability to urinate at all. If left
unchecked, benign prostatic hypertrophy can cause serious problems
over time including urinary tract infections, bladder or kidney
damage, bladder stones or incontinence.

It is important to take care of your prostate and address any
prostate, be it an enlarged prostate, prostetitis (inflammation of
the prostate) or prostate cancer early on. Take an active role and
protect yourself by having your prostate checked regularly.
Traditional treatments for prostate issues include the surgical
removal of all or part of the prostate. While most people experience
a relief of symptoms, it may leave them impotent. For the health
conscious, this should only be used as a last resort.

Recommendations For Wellness

If you are over 40, have your doctor perform a prostate exam during
your regular checkup.

Incorporate a healthful diet filled with lots of fruits and
vegetables and low on unsaturated fats, sugars and processed foods.

Kegel exercises can be done to improve circulation to these tissues.
A kegel exercise is performed by pulling up all the muscles around
the scrotum and anus. Repeat this movement 10 times. Try doing this
"invisible" exercise 5-6 times daily.

For men suffering from prostate enlargement, saw palmetto is the
place to start. Saw palmetto has a long history of relieving
testicular inflammation and inhibiting the hormone responsible for
prostate enlargement.

Zinc has also been used for decades to support a healthy prostate.

The herbs nettle and pygeum have also been show to be effective for
relieving symptoms associated with an enlarged prostate. They can be
used alone or in conjunction with saw palmetto.

A great combination for prostate issues is Nature's Sunshine Men's
Formula with Lycopene, which contains pygeum, saw palmetto, gotu
kola, stinging nettle and zinc. 

You can also try Nature's Sunshine's PS II or P-X. PS II contains
antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties that are beneficial for
maintaining healthy prostate gland function. 

Incorporate the herb damiana into your wellness program. Damiana has
a long history of helping balance the body's hormones.

Hydrangea is another herb that supports the urinary system, where it
is know to promote the overall health of the prostate gland and help
to reduce inflammation and swelling.

Take antioxidants. Supplementation with antioxidants (vitamins A,C,
E and selenium), such as those found in Defense Maintenance or super
Antioxidant will help to protect these sensitive tissues from
oxidative damage.

Copyright Body, Mind & SoulHealer 2004. All rights reserved.

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Free your mind, body, and spirit naturally at SoulHealer.com. Dr.
Rita Louise, PhD is a Naturopathic Physician and a 20-year veteran in
the Human Potential Field, but it is her unique gift as a medical
intuitive that enlivens her work. So whether it is a physical
problem, an emotional issue, a problem at work or a problem in a
relationship, Dr. Rita Louise, Ph.D. a can help you identify what is
really going on and provide you with straightforward guidance and
advice. Visit her at http://www.soulhealer.com or contact her at rita@soulhealer.com.

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