Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) — also called prostate gland enlargement is a common condition as men get older. An enlarged prostate gland can cause uncomfortable urinary symptoms, such as blocking the flow of urine out of the bladder. It can also cause bladder, urinary tract or kidney problems.
CAUSE
The actual cause of prostate enlargement is unknown. Factors linked to aging and changes in the cells of the testicles may have a role in the growth of the gland, as well as testosterone levels.
Men who have had their testicles removed at a young age (for example, as a result of testicular cancer) do not develop BPH.
Also, if the testicles are removed after a man develops BPH, the prostate begins to shrink in size. However, this is not a standard treatment for an enlarged prostate.
SYMPTOMSÂ
– Increased urination.
-Difficulty starting urine.
-Weak urine flow.
-Inability to control the bladder- stopping and starting urine flow.
-Problem with sexual performance.
-Blood in the urine.
-Kidney damage.
-Bladder damage.
-Bladder stone.
-Urinary tract infection.
RISK FACTORS
-Age.
-Diabetes.
-Heart disease.
– Genetics.
-Lifestyle -obesity increases the risk of BPH, while exercise can lower your risk.
Supplements for BPH include:
-Saw palmetto: This herb has been used to treat enlarged prostate. The berry in saw palmetto contains ingredients that helps in balancing out hormones.
-Lycopene: Is a food nutrient that is beneficial for prostate health. Food sources includes tomatoes, watermelon, and pink grapefruit.
-Wellman prostate: these combines a potent blend of antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and amino acids such as Zinc, Folic acid, Vitamin B6 & B12, Magnesium, L-Carnitine and L-Arginine which have been specifically chosen for their role in supporting healthy male reproductive function, hormonal health and spermatogenesis.
Healthy foods for prostate health are:
-Salmon: Salmon is rich in healthy fats that contain omega-3 fatty acids, which help prevent and reduce inflammation within the body. Other cold-water fish, such as sardines and trout, are also rich in these types of fats.
-Tomatoes: Tomatoes are packed with lycopene, an antioxidant that may benefit prostate gland cells. Cooking tomatoes, such as in tomato sauce or soup, helps to release the lycopene and make it more readily available to the body.
-Berries: Strawberries, blueberry, raspberries, and blackberries are excellent sources of antioxidants, which help to remove free radicals from the body. Free radicals are the by-products of reactions that occur within the body and can cause damage and disease over time.
-Nuts: Nuts are rich in zinc, a trace mineral. Zinc is found in high concentrations in the prostate and is thought to help balance testosterone and Dihydrotestosterone. Besides nuts, shellfish and legumes are also high in zinc.
-Citrus: Oranges, lemons, limes, and grapefruits are all high in vitamin C, which may help to protect the prostate gland.
