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MEN'S HEALTH
Article by herbalist
Dave
Hawkins, MH, CNC
Men health centers mostly on the
genitourinary tract, but there is much more to men's health
issues. Hormonal balance is just as important for men as it
is for women. We experience changes with our hormonal
balance but usually are not aware of these changes. Men are
brought up in this society to be the strong breadwinner of
the family, and the pressures to provide and to take care
put a lot of stress on us. The fact that we don't know how
to express our emotions also put us under stress conditions
that have health ramifications.
This article will deal with some of the main
health issues such as impotence, enlarged prostrate,
prostatitis, and cancer. We
will discuss an approach that includes dietary and
lifestyle changes and some natural remedies that can aid
these conditions.
To begin let's discuss the
prostate gland. In a recent article in the London Times
the results of a survey taken showed that 89% of the men
did not know where their prostate gland was located. They
also did not know the function of this gland or the
problems associated with it. It is estimated that 50-60% of
all males in the
United States
have problems with enlarged prostate.
So where
is this gland and what is its function? The
prostate, which is the size of a walnut, lies below the
bladder and is wrapped around the urethra, the tube used to
carry urine from the bladder. The prostate gland produces
seminal fluid that is needed for reproductive processes.
One of the main problems with the prostate is enlargement
called BPH (Benign Prostatic
Hyperplasia). The symptoms are painful
urination, straining to urinate, prolonged
dribbling, incomplete bladder emptying, increase frequency
of urination, and nocturia
(night time urination). Other symptoms can be bladder
infections, bleeding, and incontinence.
Enlargement is caused by
numerous factors. To describe it simply, it is usually
caused by abnormal growth or swelling of the prostate
tissue. This is a result of the hormone testosterone. The
prostate gland takes testosterone and converts it to a more
potent hormone called DHT (Dihydrotestosterone).
Enlargement happens when too much conversion takes place,
it then begins to block the urethra, and urination is
impaired.
The drug prescribed for this
problem is Proscar. It has been
compared in numerous studies with a natural substance found
in saw palmetto berries and the results are very
interesting. Proscar takes
approximately six months to begin working effectively. In
the studies with the use of an extract of the saw palmetto
berries, results have been seen in as little as 30 days
without side effects. There are saturated and unsaturated
fatty acids and sterols in the berries that help to reduce
this conversion factor of the testosterone, thus reducing
the swelling and helping to relieve symptoms. Saw palmetto
has a long history of use for this condition, and it is
beneficial that science has been able to understand how it
works. A diet high in fat and sugar has been shown to be a
contributing factor with this problem. I will address
dietary changes later in the article.
Impotence affects
approximately 10 million men in the United States with only about
200,000 seeking medical help. Even though this has been
associated with aging, growing older does not necessarily
mean we will be impotent. There are two types: Primary and
secondary. Most cases are secondary and are related to
stress, emotional factors such as low self esteem,
immaturity, depression, hypothyroidism, and hypo pituitary
function. Other causes can be lack of circulation or
impairment of blood flow. The herb gingko
biloba and
yohimbe have been studied in research and have shown
to provide some benefits. Some other herbals that have seen
improvement are panax and
Siberian ginseng due to how they affect the adrenal
hormones, and again, saw palmetto berries.
Prostatitis
is an inflammation or infection of the prostate usually
seen in men from 20 to 50 years of age. This is usually due
to a bacterial infection and can be contracted through
sexual partners. Candida albicans
and chlamydia are two known
bacteria. Deficiency of zinc, Vitamin C and
proteolytic enzymes can also be
factors. Some excellent remedies are the herb
pipsissewa, horsetail,
Echinacea, goldenseal, uva
ursi and marshmallow root.
These plants are soothing and have an anti-bacterial effect
on the urinary tract system. They are normally taken in tea
form for better effectiveness.
Prostate cancer is
responsible for approximately 35,000 deaths in America. It
is most commonly found in men over 50 and is the second
most prevalent form of cancer affecting men. About 20% of
enlarged prostates are a result of cancer. Fully 80% of
these cancers do not metastasize or are of the slow growing
type. One of the problems with prostate cancer is that it
is present without many detectable symptoms. It is now
recommended that men have a PSA (Prostatic
Specific Antigen) test once a year. This can indicate the
possible presence of cancer. The precise cause is unknown,
but many factors seem to play a role. Some factors are
genetics, hormonal balance, vasectomies, diet, and personal
sexual activities over a period of time. Of course,
prevention is the key to any health condition, and the
herbals mentioned earlier have positive effects.
Let's look at some of the
dietary and nutritional helpers for these conditions.
Several studies have found that decreasing sugar leads to a
decreased risk of cancer, and a high fat diet (especially
animal fats) contribute to higher incidence of cancer.
Excessive consumption of caffeine and alcohol can be
contributing factors. It is recommended to use more complex
carbohydrates and more fresh vegetables and fruits. Some
other nutrients that help to prevent problems are:
·
Zinc:
15-60 mg daily. Necessary for proper prostate function
·
Vitamin
B6: Enhances absorption of zinc
·
Magnesium:
200-600 mg daily. Aids muscle and immune function
·
Flaxseed
oil: 1-2 TLB Balances fatty acids
·
Vitamin E:
400 IU 1-2 times day
·
Selenium:
200-mcg daily
·
DHEA: An
adrenal hormone used for hormonal balance
·
Saw
palmetto extract: 160-320 mg daily
·
Pygeum
africanum: Works on
inflammation and bacteria
·
Stinging
nettle: Aids kidney bladder function; aids flow
Prevention is the best
approach when dealing with any genitourinary health
issues. Be sure to educate yourself before using any
treatments recommended and check with your health care
practitioner when dealing with these ailments.
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