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I have come to believe that there are some good things associated with getting older. For one thing, I am much wiser than when I was younger. I know this because I am able to admit I don't know very much about a lot of things at 52 years old. When I was 19, I knew everything. For me, it is now all about awareness. Awareness of my surroundings, the potential dangers of lifestyle choices, my attitude towards those choices and the motivation to do something about the way I live.
In my late forties, early fifties, I started experiencing the changes that aging brings about. I noticed I got tired more easily and didn't recover as quickly. I also had aches and pains in places where there were none before. Being a typical male, one of the things I was totally ignorant about was prostate health. I didn't know, for example, that prostate disease affects one out of every two men at some point in their lives. The prostate is a gland located in the male reproductive system. The prostate produces and holds a component of the semen. It is found near the bladder and the rectum. The prostate encapsulates a portion of the urethra, the tube that delivers urine from the bladder. An average prostate is the size of a walnut. If the prostate enlarges, the urine flow can be diminished or completely cut off.
I guess I shouldn't feel too foolish about my ignorance as only fifteen percent of Americans have even heard of a serious and painful condition known as prostatitus. I didn't hear about it until I started experiencing discomfort and urgency at times and incontinence
at other times. Becoming concerned when the symptoms didn't go away, I naturally scheduled an appointment with my physician. He, in turn referred me to an urologist. I learned about the possible causes of prostatitus:
. Bacteria driven infection
. Yeast infestation
. Virus
. Food allergy
. BPH (benign prostatic hyperplasia)
. Auto-immune response
. Possible rare tumor in or around the prostate
. Physical injury
. Uric Acid disorder
. Prostate stones
. Prostate cancer
. Urethral stricture
Yes it is a long list of possible causes. It sounds complicated and it may well be. I did find out that there are a number of things I can do to address prostate problems. It starts with diet and exercise, limiting my intake of caffeine and alcohol, giving up extreme habits such as smoking, and getting a prostate exam at least once a year. Diet turns out to be of primary importance and a large intake of fiber was recommended. It was also strongly suggested that I start a regular regiment of mild daily exercise. An annual PSA (Prostate-specific antigen) test was recommended and administered. This test measures the levels of a specific protein in the blood, which, along with a digital rectum exam is used to help detect prostate cancer in men over fifty. It is also used to monitor any recurrence of cancer. The effectiveness of the PSA test is still controversial but my urologist suggested it was a good idea to have the test.
I learned a bit about prostate cancer. If it is detected early, the treatment is highly effective.
Nevertheless, 30,000 men die from prostate cancer annually. There is strong evidence that a dietary supplement of certain vitamins, herbal extracts and minerals can do much to prevent this type of cancer. In several studies it was found that men that had high intakes of the following, had much lower incidences of prostate cancer diagnosis: Boron, Daidzein, Grape seed extract, Green tea, Lycopene, Vitamin E, Selenium, Kohki leaf, Pygeum Africanum and Nettle root. In addition, Saw Palmetto berry has been widely documented as an effective treatment to lessen pain, swelling and irritation of the prostate. This is usually recommended for prostate cancer treatment, possibly inhibiting dihydrotestosterone, and slowing cell growth.
In learning about BPH (benign prostatic hyperplasia), I found that Saw palmetto has a long history of use. It is thought by some to have a very mild aphrodisiac effect. It is thought to boost the body's manufacturing ability of sperm and increase sexual energy. Saw palmetto extract is still used by many as the primary treatment for both short-term and long-term treatment of BPH. It also appears to be devoid of side effects.
Also recommended for good prostate health are:
Zinc & Copper, Stinging Nettle, Golden Flax Oil, Active AminosT, Pygeum Bark, Beta Sitosterol , Vitamin B-6 (Pyridoxine HCl), Pumpkin Seed, Burdock Root, Cayenne Fruit, Goldenseal Root, Gravel Root, Juniper Berry, Marshmallow Root, Parsley Leaf and White Pond Lily Root.
There are a number of packaged combinations that are available that can supply these necessary vitamins, herbs and minerals for good prostate health. They are not as exotic and hard to find as in the past. There are some excellent sources of not only supplements for prostate health but a great source of information on holistic health.
As it turns out, I have a mild case of BPH. It is very common in men over fifty. I have taken my primary care physicians’ and urologists’ advice in all areas. Along with regular check-ups and tests, diet and exercise and my new supplemental intake plan. BPH is something I can live with. I’ve started to make healthier lifestyle choices and I feel good about it. My BPH doesn’t seem to be a big deal anymore.
About the Author:
This article was written by VitaNet® Health Foods at http://vitanetonline.com/.