Prostate Gland Natural Support

Natural Health Support for the Prostate Gland

The prostate gland is an essential part of the male reproductive system and learning to treat the prostate with nature medicine can be of a great benefit to you men in need.

Overview of the Prostate

It actually behaves more like an organ than a gland and consists of about 70 percent glandular tissue and 30 percent fibro-muscular tissue. It is about the size and shape of a walnut with a thick fibrous capsule. This little nut shaped gland is located directly beneath the bladder and in front of the rectum.

The primary function of the prostate is to secrete an alkaline fluid that helps neutralize a women’s acidity and to prolong the lifespan of sperm. It has been shown that those sperm expelled in prostate fluid had a better motility, longer survival and better protection of the genetic material.

To work properly, there is a complicated hormonal system backing up the prostate. The gland wants and needs testosterone; the androgen (male) hormone that is responsible for male sex characteristics. However, it is dihydrotestosterone (DHT) which really regulates the prostate gland via an enzyme called 5alpha –reductase. DHT is found in the prostate as well as the testes, hair follicles and adrenal glands and is the primary contributing factor in male pattern baldness. Many young men who lose hair early in life should consider the possibility of having higher DHT levels regarding their balding.

Symptoms

Because there are diseases that are directly associated to the prostate, if you experience any discomfort, pain, pressure, change in urinary stream flow or just a sense of heaviness in the pelvic region, get checked out by a health care professional. There are three primary diseases that occur within the prostate gland. Prostatitis is an inflammation of the prostate and is usually caused by a bacterial infection, however sometime the cause is unknown. Benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH is an increase in the size of the prostate whereby urination can become difficult. The prostate can grow too large and obstruct the flow of urine, making it painful or in extreme cases, impossible to urinate. BPH is common in men over 50 and it is projected that 90% of men over the age of 85 will experience BPH. Cancer can also affect the prostate gland. Moreover, prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting older men with about 3% of men dying from it.

Whole Foods & Dietary Considerations

Supporting the prostate gland is vital to a man’s health. To keep the prostate healthy, eating a whole foods diet that is primary organic will help eliminate unwanted pesticides and provide vital nutrients. It is also important to identify and eliminate any food allergens you might have. This decreases the likelihood of the allergen-antibodies complexes wrecking havoc on the body. Incorporating pumpkin seeds, nettle greens, tomatoes, flax seeds, oysters and walnut will add essential nutrients. And zinc supplements or foods that contain zinc are also known to help. These foods include meat, poultry, seafood, eggs, Brewer’s yeast, legumes, whole grains and seeds.

Physical Activity

Activities that increase the blood supply and the lymphatic flow to the pelvic area are good for the overall health of the gland. Basic exercises like walking, dancing, and swimming work. Yoga and pilates can tonify the pelvic floor and kegals, a type of pelvic floor exercises that involves isolated muscle contraction can help. Manipulation and massage can promote pelvic health as well as an active and joyful sex life. Sitz baths, which alternates soaking in hot and then cold water, defiantly helps with circulation.

Hormonal Balancing 

Hormonal balancing also needs to be considered for prostate health. The prostate is analyzed by a blood PSA and hormones can be looked at with a salivary male hormonal panel. Of course some imbalances can be addressed with pharmaceutical drug but there are number of herbs that support prostate abnormalities. Saw palmetto inhibits 5-alpha reductase so that testosterone isn’t converted to dihydrotestosterone and stinging nettle root also alters the binding of DHT. These two herbs are used alone or in a formula regarding early male balding and for those suffering from prostate symptoms. And last but not least, if there is an underlying inflammatory issue going on, it needs to be addressed.

Supporting the prostate gland is vital in men’s health care and wellness. Taking preventative care now may provide you with the comfort later to keep you always healthy and moving freely.

If you or some one you know is having prostate problems, give Dr. Keri Brown a call at 719-539-7065 or contact us for a phone consult to see where we can help you.