The Midwife on Prostate...
When I did an Instagram reel about (medicinal) weeds in my yard, it surprisingly led to being flooded with prostate questions! I know, LOL, that’s what I thought too! It’s an huge incrimination of state of our health care system that a midwife would seem like the best person to ask about men’s prostate health…but that’s a blog for anther day. So let’s take a look at how to help our men by helping their prostate, because nourishing and preventing is always a lot easier than solving a problem that compounds for years!
The prostate is a donut-shaped, walnut-sized glad that is wraps around the male urethra near the bladder. It produces the nutrient-rich fluid that nourishes and transports sperm (semen). The most common problems with the prostate are those that tend to increase as men age; men who are sedentary or sit a lot (ie. truck driver) are at increased risk. Prostate enlargement will squeeze the urethra, increase pressure in the bladder, and lead to frequent painful urination while not feeling like the bladder gets fully emptied. This may also increase the risk of bladder infections and stress on the kidneys.
BPH (Benign prostatic hyperplasia)
The official diagnosis of prostate enlargement.
Incredibly common
Relatively benign
Primarily from inflammation or infection.
Recent study suggests that it does not increase risk for prostate cancer.
Steven Horne* makes an interesting point, “One reason the prostate may become inflamed involves its proximity to both the bladder and the rectum. If the body is toxic, the irritants being eliminated from the colon and urinary passages may be irritating the prostate gland, causing it to swell.” Since some research indicates a BPH relationship to venous stagnation and elevated estrogens, all natural manners of detoxing the elimination system should be considered, such as reducing exposures to environmental endocrine disruptors, reducing excess estrogen from products, and embracing daily exercise such as a brisk walk. Essentially we are looking to ease stagnation by improving blood flow and drainage, and reduce hormonal imbalance through lifestyle, herbs, foods, supplementation, movement and (as in all health conditions, especially of the reproductive system), addressing any emotional components.
General Suggestions include:
Saw Palmetto - An herb found in several trials to be at least as effective at the prescription Proscar at inhibiting DHT (a form of testosterone thought to be at blame) and seemingly to also balance estrogen and testosterone. Tastes awful apparently, capsules are most recommended. (This is an example of quality, potent herbs being essential - know your source!)
Zinc - a mineral long known for its beneficial effects on the male prostate. Horne’s dosing suggestion is “50 mg daily with 2 mg copper, easily supplied by drinking an ounce of liquid cholorophyll.” Oysters and pumpkin seeds are also high in zinc, pumpkin seed oil is also said to help tighten and tone the bladder and prostate while reducing BPH symptoms.**
Cruciferous vegetables - contain infection-fighting sulphur compounds which help the liver break down excess estrogens. Also called Brassica vegetables, this plant family includes arugula, broccoli, cabbage, califlower, collards, horseradish, kale, turnips and radishes.
Reduce systemic inflammation - Make dietary and exercise changes until there are regular, normal bowel movements (at least 2x/day), and drink at least 8 full glass of pure water daily. An anti-inflammatory diet for healing often includes increasing raw food and quality protein, increasing raw nuts and seeds, eliminate hydrogenated fats and oils while increasing raw and fresh oils, eliminating gluten, alcohol (the hops in beer is a problem here), and dairy (except butter). I strongly urge you not to try to force extreme dietary changes on anyone not all in, it doesn’t end well :). However, the AVACEN device reduces systemic inflammation brilliantly, and easily combines with any lifestyle and diet. LOVE it!
Supplements considered ‘essential’ in the resolution*** of BPH include:
Acidophilus (specifically Kyo-Dophilus from Wakunaga) - as directed on label
Quercetin - 200-2000 mg/day, anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor flavonoid
Selenium - 200 mcg daily, NOT over 400 mcg (can cause toxicity), antioxidant properties hat help protect dells from toxin damage linked to prostatis, especially effective when taken with vitamin E.
Vitamin B complex, with up to 50mg B6 extra 2x/day
Zinc - up to 40 mg/day, plus Copper 3 mg/day
‘Very important’ supplements include:
Essential fatty acids (fish or flax oil) - as per label, 3x/day
Garlic (Kyolic from Wakunaga) - 2 capsules 3x/day
Vitamin E - 200IU/day, or 400 IU/ every other day
And more***
It goes without saying that testing with both an exam and blood test are indicated when there are any symptoms, as infection or prostate cancer can another causes. All of my sources noted that even in more serious cases, these natural health approaches are helpful and unknown to be counter-indicated. Prostate issues will most effectively resolved with a comprehensive health and lifestyle approach, this is one case where I strongly suggest finding a local health care provider who is experienced in naturopathic health to help you navigate over ‘winging it’ at the health food store. That said :), for those of you looking to add in some supplements, I have gathered those mentioned here into a protocol at my Fullscript account. (As always, signing up to take a look has no obligation, provides total privacy, zero spam, free ship over $50 and a 15% discount.)
Great sources of further information include:
**Body Into Balance: An Herbal Guide to Holistic Self-Care, by Maria Noel Groves (Not elaborate, but very approachable and encouraging place to start)
The Male Herbal: The Definitive Health Care Book for Men and Boys, by James Green (“Very good”, says Mathew Wood, Master Herbalist)
***Prescription for Nutritional Healing, by Phyllis A. Balch CNC (Solid introductory info and nutritional approaches)
*Strategies for Health, By Steven Horne, RH (AHG) (I think this is an excellent resource, quality info in both herbal detail and philosophical guidance.)