Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia:

This is a disease that progresses slowly as men age. The prevalence is low at 35, but by the age of 50, approximately 25% of males have symptoms. By the age of 75, 80% of men have symptoms. Men should start having yearly prostate exams from the age of 35 as well as checking the levels of the blood for prostate specific antigen. The cause of the enlargement of the gland is believed to be caused by the hormone dihydrotestosterone, a derivative of testosterone, which is stored in the prostate. Its action is the production of prostate cells. Some believe its excess storage in the gland is due to deficient breakdown and excretion from the body. As men age, their levels of testosterone decrease, however levels of follicle stimulating hormone, leutinizing hormone, prolactin and estradiol (an estrogenic hormone) increase. Estradiol is believed to inhibit the metabolism of the dihydrotesterone to less reactive substances. (Brinker, Francis. An Overview of Conventional, Experimental and Botanical treatments of Non-malignant Prostate conditions. The British Journal of Phytotherapy. Vol. 3, No. 4, PP 154-176.1994). Dr. Metcalfe finds that natural supplements work very effectively for BPH and a lot of research has been done to study their effectiveness in comparison with drug therapy. The results are excellent.

Signs and Symptoms:

Nocturia: waking up more than 2x a night to urinate.
A sudden uncontrollable urge to urinate.
The onset of urination is hesitant or the stream is split or slow.
An increased frequency to urinate.

Treatment:

Lifestyle Changes:

Maintain cholesterol levels between 175 - 200.
Exercise daily for at least an hour.
Decrease body fat, as estrogenic hormones are often stored in the body’s fat stores.
Avoid exposures to pesticides. Studies have linked chemical exposure and pesticide exposure to increased diseases of the breast and prostate. These chemicals increase the formation of dihydrotestosterone.

Dietary Changes:

Increase your consumption of good fats and oils: nuts, seeds, and fish. This will help lower cholesterol levels and protect the damaging effects of cholesterol metabolism to the prostate gland.
Avoid foods that may be high in estrogenic hormones, choose organic or free range forms of these foods: beef, chicken, dairy products, eggs.
Pumpkin seeds: which are high in zinc (see zinc below) and essential fatty acids. These have been used for centuries as a medicine for the entire urinary tract to tonify and facilitate urination. Eat a handful a day.
Decrease caffeine
Increase fresh fruits and vegetables. 5 a day!
Increase fluids to 1 glass of water every hour.
A glass of cranberry juice twice daily.

Natural Solutions:

Prostatic Hyperplasia Management Protocol:

Prostate Phytonutrition: 2 capsules three times daily away from food.
Indolplex: 4 capsules once daily.

Other beneficial products: