Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia, BPH
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia or BPH is one of the most common conditions affecting men over 50. The prostate cells proliferate which results in enlargement of the gland. Symptoms include urinary frequency, urgency, hesitancy, incomplete bladder emptying, and decreased force of urinary stream, nighttime urination. Obstruction by the enlarged bladder is primarily responsible for these symptoms.
The cause of BPH is not well understood, but it is believed to be related to changes in testosterone metabolism, or to an excessive amount of estrogen in the prostate gland. BPH is considered by many to be a normal part of aging; but since not all elderly males have this problem, it suggests that there might be ways to prevent or delay progression.
Conventional treatments for BPH include: alpha-adrenergic blockers like Hytrin or Cardura; 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors like Avodart and Proscar; and surgery or transurethral resection of the prostate.
Diet:
While there have been no dietary intervention trials for BPH, certain dietary modifications might be useful. Avoid trans fatty acids (margarines, fast fried junk foods are rich in these). They can exacerbate an essential fatty acid (EFA) deficiency. Thermal oxidation of fats, i.e. frying and cooking at high temperatures, destroys EFA’s in foods and oils, avoid these too.
Soy products have been found to be helpful in preventing and treating BPH. Genistein is a protein found in soy that inhibits 5-alpha-reductase enzyme (like Avodart and Proscar).
Pumpkin seed oil was reported to be effective for preventing experimentally induced BPH in animals. Therefore include pumpkin seeds in the diet.
Preliminary study suggested that ground flax seed consumption might be helpful for prevention or treating BPH.
Supplements:
Essential fatty acids EFA’s go to make prostaglandins that are hormone like compounds that modulate the effect of testosterone on prostate cell growth. Small studies of supplementation in men with BPH are looking promising.
Zinc is present in high concentration in the prostate gland and plays a role in metabolism of prostaglandins and testosterone. High concentrations of zinc in human BPH tissue inhibit 5 alpha-reductase enzyme like genistein in soy. In an uncontrolled trial, zinc supplementation improved symptoms and decreased the size of the prostate in men with BPH.
Amino Acids: A popular supplement containing glycine, alanine, and glutamic acid was studied 50 years ago for BPH and found to relieve symptoms of BPH
Saw Palmetto (Serenoa Repens): An extract of saw palmetto acts like a 5 alpha-reductase inhibitor in many human studies with BPH. One study showed it worked as good as finasteride (Proscar) without the side effects. Prostatic symptoms improved across the board with saw palmetto.
Stinging Nettles (Urtica dioica): In clinical studies, this herb increased urinary flow rate, decreased residual urine volume and in some studies reduced the size of the prostate.
Pygeum africanum: It is an evergreen tree indigenous to Africa. Clinical trials have shown its effectiveness in mild-moderate BPH, without any side effects.
DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone): DHEA supplementation in controlled trials for 3-6 months produced no adverse effect on prostate function, and also improvement in some symptoms and prostate volume decreased.
Clinical approach to BPH:
Prescribing EFA’s, zinc and specific dietary recommendations of avoidance of trans fats and fried foods can bring about good results with BPH. Suppmentation with the above herbs is only recommended if need be.