The vast majority of men will develop prostate problems of some degree as they get older, with the first signs of trouble appearing for a few men at about the age of 50,or possibly slightly earlier. By the age of 60 about half of all men will be experiencing prostate symptoms and this figure will have increased to about ninety percent by the age of 80.
For most men prostate symptoms will be fairly mild and, because most of us begin to develop a range of medical problems at this point in our lives, it is not uncommon for men to simply ignore their prostate symptoms as nothing more than a normal part aging. Many prostate problems are not serious, and the symptoms can often be very mild. However, not all prostate problems are harmless and if your particular prostate problem happens to be prostate cancer and you ignore it then it could quite easily start to spread and eventually kill you. Indeed, ignoring prostate symptoms is the main reason why prostate cancer represents the second highest cause of cancer death the United States.
Prostate cancer is one of the most common type of cancer affecting 1 in every 6 males. In it's early stages, prostate cancer has few symptoms and many of the symptoms associated with this disease are also symptoms found in other less serious illnesses. Prevalent symptoms of prostate problems which may or may not signal cancer include: frequent urination, bloody urine, burning urination, lower back pain or pain in the pelvis or upper thighs, blood in semen, pain during ejaculation, stopping and starting urination along with not being able to urinate.
There are many different symptoms which might point to a developing prostate problem and one difficulty we have in recognizing the cause of these symptoms is that they are often symptoms which could arise for many different reasons. However, if symptoms are not being caused by prostate problems then they will often be short lived and will disappear in a matter of days without the need for treatment. When symptoms stay with you, or appear on a regular basis, then it is likely that they are being caused by a problem with the prostate gland.
Accordingly, as soon as these symptoms appear, you should consult your doctor who will be able to tell you exactly what the problem is and how to treat it. More importantly, if the problem does turn out to be prostate cancer, he can recommend treatment while the problem is in its early stages and can be relatively easily treated and, hopefully, eliminated altogether.
There are some things that men can do to help protect and maintain good prostate function. Experts in diet strongly recommend that a good diet and exercise routine help in preventive and treatment of prostate problems. The general recommendations are to reduce red meat and saturated fat in the diet and eat more fruit and vegetables. Drinking more water rather that coke and a good exercise program are essential both for prostate care and leading a better, healthier and happier life. The three no's for prostate health, and these are cigarettes, booze and high fat foods.
Research has shown that aerobic exercise such as jogging, dancing or swimming can improve the state your your prostate. Men who walked for two to three hours per week were 25 percent less likely to develop prostate problems than those who did little walking. Just 20 minutes walking a day is a little time to put aside for increased health benefits and more energy and as a side benefit better sexual function. The good news is that lovemaking a few times a week helps your prostate due to the action of the semen and prostate function.
There are many natural therapies that are based on herbs or antioxidants. Saw Palmetto is primarily known for its anabolic properties and is more commonly used in treating Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy (BPH). The herb operates by inhibiting the synthesis of growth-stimulating dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and promoting DHT elimination through the lowering of estrogen levels. According to several clinical studies, saw palmetto is actually more effective in treating enlarged prostate than the prescribed drug, Proscar. These studies also argue that using the herb is better than using Proscar since the latter is more expensive and is associated with several more side effects that include erectile dysfunction.
Nettle Root has often been found in herbal formulas for prostate. It is an excellent diuretic and is used to stop the urine retention that often accompanies prostate inflammation.
Pygeum is a African Tree Bark that has been used for the treatment of prostate inflammation. It is often used in combination with Saw Palmetto.It is thought to ha anti-inflammatory effect, by inhibiting production of prostaglandins in the prostate. Pygeum also contains substances that reduce prolactin levels and block the accumulation of cholesterol in the prostate. It has been shown that cholesterol accummulation in the prostate, can increase inflammation and is seen in BPH.Pygeum is also thought to reduce the detrimental effects of testosterone on the prostate.
Astragalus is a chineases herb(Huang Qi)that is common in most TCM( Traditional Chinese Medicine) formulas for the treatment of prostate Cancer. Studies have shown that patients undergoing chemotherapy or radiotherapy recover faster and live longer if given Huang Qi(Astragalus) with therapy.
There are two major nutrients that are given to help prevent and treat prostate inflamation and Prostate Cancer.Lycopene is a bright red carotenoid pigment and phytochemical found in tomatoes and other red fruits & vegetables, such as red carrots, watermelons and papayas. Lycopene has been found to possess antioxidant and antiproliferative properties.In another study of prostate cancer, researchers looked at blood levels of lycopene and found that the risk of developing prostate cancer, especially aggressive cancer, decreased with increasing blood lycopene levels.research showed that lycopene is better absorbed by the body when tomatoes are processed
Gamma linoleic acid (GLA), is found in evening primrose, borage and black currant seed products, also helps relieve prostate inflammation. It is also shown to have benefit in Heart problems.
In conclusion Prostate problems are a major problem as men age. It is often overlooked, or ignored by men, until symptoms are advanced. Men need to know that there are therapies that can help prevent prostate problems, and treat prostate conditions that are already in place. Adding certain foods into the diet as well as taking nutritional supplements can help men suffering with prostate problems or undergoing cancer treatment. Whatever one decides to use the most important thing is to be evaluated and tested on a regular basis. If there is a problem to identify the cause early when the chance for resolution is much better.
