Benign prostatic hyperplasia (commonly known as prostate enlargement or BPH) affects more than half of men over the age of forty and is caused by hormonal changes associated with aging. Symptoms include an increased need to urinate, a decreased stream of urine, difficulty in starting and stopping urination, and getting up during the night to urinate. Surgery and drugs are the conventional treatments commonly prescribed, but dietary changes and herbal remedies often effectively shrink an enlarged prostate. Prostatitis is caused by an inflammation or infection of the prostate and also causes difficulties in urination. Additional symptoms include fever, discomfort in the lower back, pain during urination, and blood in the urine. Although prostatitis is usually caused by a bacterial infection, the prostate gland is prone to congestion, and chronic inflammation is a common problem. Hot sitz baths improve circulation to the genital area (avoid during acute infection or inflammation) and practicing stress management through biofeedback, yoga, tai chi, or deep abdominal breathing will help to relieve tension in the pelvic muscles. Symptoms of prostate difficulties should be evaluated by a health practitioner to determine the most appropriate treatment. Chiropractic Care Nutrition and Supplements Herbal Remedies Homeopathic Remedies Essential Oils Chiropractic Care coming soon  BACK TO MENU Nutrition and Supplements Testosterone stimulates the growth of the prostate, and a high-cholesterol, high-fat diet increases the production of testosterone. Reduce all saturated fats including red meat, eggs, whole milk products, butter, and processed foods made with lard, palm kernel, coconut, or cottonseed oils. Also avoid hydrogenated fits such as margarine, and polyunsaturated vegetable oils, including safflower, corn, sunflower, and soy oils. Foods rich in essential fatty acids, Such as raw nuts and seeds and cold-water fish (trout, salmon, and mackerel)) are necessary for a healthy prostate. Pumpkin seeds are not only a good Source of essential fatty acids, but are also rich in zinc, which helps heal and prevent prostate problems. Eat 1/4-1/2 cup of raw Pumpkin seeds daily. Especially in cases of prostatitis, avoid caffeine, alcohol, tobacco, and spicy foods, which can irritate the genitourinary tract. Drink plenty of fluids - at least 2 quarts of purified water daily - to increase urine flow and to prevent the infection from spreading into the bladder and kidneys. Supplements that are essential for a healthy prostate and are helpful for treating both BPH and prostatitis include: zinc, 60 mg daily for six months, then reduce to a maintenance dose of 15-30 mg daily essential fatty acids such as flaxseed oil, 1 tablespoon daily, and/or evening primrose oil, three to six capsules daily, or borage or black currant oil, one to two capsules daily vitamin E, 400 IU daily vitamin C plus mixed bioflavonoids, 2-5 grams daily or to bowel tolerance: to stimulate immune function and aid healing flower pollen, 500 mg twice daily: for its anti-inflammatory properties BACK TO MENU Herbal Remedies After obtaining an accurate diagnosis, consider the following herbs, which have been proven highly effective in treating prostate problems: For BPH. saw palmetto berries, 160 mg twice daily of a standardized extract that contains 85 to 95 percent of the fatty acids and sterols: an extract of saw palmetto berries has been proven to be more effective and safer for treating BPH than is Proscar, the drug normally prescribed; improvement will occur in four to six weeks For prostatitis: the cause of the infection must be determined by a health practitioner: goldenseal, 1/2 teaspoon of tincture or 250-500 mg in capsules three times a day: for its natural antibiotic properties, effective against the chlamydia organism, the most common cause of nonbacterial prostatitis Uva ursi, one teaspoon of tincture or 500-1,000 mg of freeze-dried herb in capsules three times daily: for its antiseptic and diuretic properties, effective against bacterial prostatitis BACK TO MENU Homeopathic Remedies The following homeopathic remedies may be helpful in the treatment of prostatitis: Causticum: for pressure in the prostate and pain after a few drops of urine have passed Lycopodium: for pressure in the prostate that is worse during and after urination Pulsatilla: for sharp pains in the prostate that extend into the bladder and pelvis and are worse after urination BACK TO MENU Essential Oils Essential oils may be used as baths or massage to the abdomen and lower back to help relieve the symptoms of prostatitis. Use any of the following oils: chamomile: analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial eucalyptus: analgesic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, diuretic sandalwood: urinary antiseptic, antibacterial, diuretic PAGE TOP Powered by ProfessionalPlanets.com™ Copyright 1999 © ProfessionalPlanets.com™ All rights reserved. Terms of Use