Natural Treatments for Prostate Problems
Most men over the age of 80 have the beginnings of cancer in the prostate. At any age, cancer of the prostate is determined by a rectal exam of the gland, coupled with a blood test, the Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) which shows if prostate cancer has begun to spread.

The natural approach to prostate problems involves four steps. The first is to lessen “congestion” in the lower pelvis area, that is, to improve the blood and energy flow to the prostate region. Constipation, low back problems, scar tissue and injury all affect this flow, and can be improved by the appropriate dietary changes, massage and manipulation therapies, and acupuncture.

The second is to eat a diet aimed at improving the health of the prostate . Diets containing a high amount of soy products have been recommended as preventing prostate enlargement, since soy contains natural substances (isoflavones) which help detoxify the harmful DHT. This may explain why Japanese men, who eat a higher soy diet, have lower incidences of prostate problems. Diets which rely on red-orange fruits and vegetables (containing carotenes) are associated with decreased prostate cancer incidence, as are diets higher in polyunsaturated fish and vegetable oils. Adequate fiber in the diet helps, by decreasing the pressure in the lower bowel area. Finally, some foods like sunflower and pumpkin seeds seem to have a positive effect on prostate symptoms.

The third is to supplement the nutrients which seem to aid in prostate function. Zinc is required to utilize carotenes, and therefore may be cancer protective. Zinc also, in conjunction with vitamin B6, regulates the enzyme which converts testosterone to the harmful DHT. Essential fatty acids are converted in the body to the messenger hormone prostaglandins (so-called because they were first found in the prostate) which control inflammation, among other functions. Vitamin E helps preserve the fatty acids. Thus a nutritional supplementation program for prostate function would include zinc (usually chelated 50-75 mg, or picolinate 30-60 mg); Vitamin E 800 IU; flax seed oil 2 tbps of liquid (keep refrigerated) or 3 capsules (cod liver oil 1 tsp per day is also helpful); B complex 50 mg with B6 50 mg; and vitamin A / beta carotene (10-15,000 units of each). Selenium, Evening Primrose Oil, and the amino acids glutamine, alanine and lysine have also been helpful.

Fourth, several herbs have been studied and used extensively in prostate conditions. Saw palmetto berries (also called Serenoa repens, it is from a common tree grown in the southeastern U.S.) contain substances which actively inhibit the formation of DHT from testosterone (by inhibiting the enzyme, 5 alpha reductase, which converts it), prevent the DHT that is produced from acting on the prostate, and cools inflammation in the gland itself. Studies show this herb to be remarkably safe, and “metanalyses” comparing the saw palmetto extract to Proscar show higher effectiveness in improving prostate symptoms, with much less side effects. German studies of up to 2000 men with BPH, as well as studies in British, French and Italian medical journals have confirmed the value of saw palmetto extract, and there is currently a huge market in Europe for its use. The results frequently were less residual urine after voiding, less nighttime visits to the bathroom, and stronger stream. In order for saw palmetto to be effective, it must be in an extract form (usually capsules, though tinctures are also used) since the active ingredients are fat soluble, and a tea made from the berries would not make these components usable. The dose of extracts in the studies is usually 320 mg per day, in two divided doses.

Pygeum africanum (the bark of an African evergreen) is another herb used extensively in France and elsewhere in Europe, and recently imported into the U.S. In several double-blind studies, a fat-soluble extract of this herb improved prostate symptoms significantly without many side effects (stomach irritation was the most common). In fact, in one study sexual ability was increased as well. The herb seems to work, again, by limiting the formation of DHT and by lowering prolactin levels ( a pituitary hormone related to prostate and sexual function). It also is a mild antibiotic, which may explain its good effect in prostatitis as well as BPH. A usual dose is 50-100 mg twice daily, as an extract. Several studies have shown that the two herbs work well together.

A third herb, Urtica dioica, or Stinging Nettles, has also been studied in Europe and has beneficial effects on the prostate, again by blocking DHT. The dose is 300 mg of an extract. Finally, there is a Swiss extract of flower pollen (Cernilton) which has potent anti-inflammatory actions and has been effective in prostatitis in a number of clinical studies.

Of course, the diagnosis of prostate conditions is still best done by an MD (digital exam, urine and blood tests) but natural medicine offers a wealth of safe and easy methods of treatment.