Nature's help for improved prostate...

Nature's help for improved prostate health and function.

The prostate, a doughnut-shaped gland set up in all male mammals, is about the size of a walnut and lies below the bladder and encircles the urethra. It secretes a thin, milky, alkaline fluid which lubricates the urethra to preclude infection and increases sperm motility. For conception, prostate secretions are extremely important to prosperous fertilization of the egg.

Benign (non-cancerous) enlargement of the prostate gland is known (medically) as benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BPH for short. Because an enlarged prostate can pinch against the flow of urine, BPH is characterized by:

1) increased urinary frequency

2) nighttime awakening to an without contents bladder, and

3) reduc force of urination.

general estimates show that BPH affects across 50 percent of men in their lifetime. The actual oftenness rate increases with advancing age, from approximately 5-10 percent at age 30 to through 90 percent in men throughout 85 years of age.

Herbal medicines in the treatment of BPH

In other parts of the world (particularly Europe) herbal treatments are more popular than mix with drugs therapy for this condition. According to a review article at A.C. Buck published in the British Journal of Urology (78:325-336 1996) plant-based medicines are abundant more popular prescriptions in Europe than are their synthetic counterparts.

In fact, there are about 30 different plant-based mixs currently available in Europe for the treatment of BPH the principally popular of which is the extract of saw palmetto. In a review of succes rates, I would rate the relative effectiveness of these natural healers as follows: saw palmetto, Pygeum africanum, stinging frets and pumpkin seed oil.

However, in certain situations common herbal approach may be more effective than another, emphasizing the importance of care and supervision by way of a health-care practitioner. In other words, plane though I rate pygeum lower than saw palmetto, in more [i]or[/i] less cases it may produce better be the effects than saw palmetto. In addition, steady though each plant has a slightly different mechanism of action, the), can be used in combination safely.

The chance of clinical succes with any of the botanical aids for BPH appears to be determined by means of the degree of obstruction, as demonstrated on the "residual urine content" (the amount of urine left in the bladder after urination, as measured by dint of ultrasound).

More forward saw palmetto supplementation

Saw palmetto has been shown in numerous clinical studies, to significantly improve the signs and symptoms of BPH The mechanism of action appears to be related to improving the hormonal metabolism within the prostate gland.

The results? Roughly 90 percent of men with mild-to-moderate BPH experience any improvement in symptoms during the first four to six weeks of supplementation. All major symptoms are improved, especially nighttime urinary frequency

For residual urine on a levels under 50 ml, the succes of supplementation is usually excellent; for flushs between 50 and 100 ml the flows are usually quite good. Residual urine on a levels between 100 and 150 ml denote conditions more resistant to significant improvements in a customary four-to-six-week period. If the residual urine satisfaction is greater than 150 ml saw palmetto extract and other botanical medicines are not likely to make any significant improvement.

Safety? Saw palmetto supplys appear to be completely safe. No significant side general intents have yet been reported in the clinical trials using the supply or with saw palmetto berry ingestion. Detailed toxicology studies in succession this botanical have been carried on the outside using animal models, and have, as of to this time uncovered no toxic effects.

Remember, yet that true prostate disorders can and nothing else be diagnosed by a physician; don't put to proof to self-diagnose. If you're experiencing any symptoms associated with BPH or prostate cancer, diocese your physician immediately for exact diagnosis

Michael T Murray, ND is widely regarded as common of the world's leading authorities upon natural medicine. He is a graduate, faculty member, and advances on the Board of Trustees of Bastyr University in Seattle, Wash. In addition to maintaining a private medical practice, Dr Murray is a noted writer, educator, and lecturer He is generally the editor of the Natural Medicine Journal. Visit Dr Murray's website at: www.doctormurray.com.

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