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Prostatis/Enlarged Prostate:

Just tell me what to do to help

The prostrate is a small chestnut sized gland located just beneath the urinary bladder and in front of the rectum.  It encircles the tube that carries urine from the bladder to the outside of the body.  Found only in men, the prostate adds a liquid medium that the sperm cells need for nourishment which carries the sperm during ejaculation

The prostrate is the most common site of disorders in the male urinary system.. Two of the most common prostrate problems are prostatitis and enlarged prostrate (medically known as benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH).

Prostatitis, common in men of all ages, is the inflammation of the prostrate gland.  The usual cause is infectious bacteria that invade the prostate from another area of the body.  Hormonal changes associated with aging may also be a cause.  The inflammation and enlargement can result in urine retention.  This causes the bladder to become distended, weak, tender, and itself susceptible to infection.  Infection in the bladder is in turn easily transmitted up to the kidneys.

Prostatitis can be either acute or chronic. Typical symptoms of acute prostatitis are:
          1) Difficulty in starting to urinate
          2) Increased urge to urinate
          3) Burning or painful voiding of urine.
          4) Dribbling and difficulty emptying the bladder
          5) Frequent or continuous lower back pain.

It may also include pain between the scrotum and rectum, fever, and blood or pus in the urine.  

Symptoms of chronic prostatitis are frequent and burning urination with blood in the urine, lower back pain, and impotence.  As prostatitis becomes more advanced, urination becomes more difficult.

Gradual enlargement of the prostate occurs in approximately 60% of men over the age of fifty and three quarters of the men over seventy ears of age and is largely attributable to hormonal changes associated with aging.  After the age of fifty or so, a man's testosterone and free testosterone levels decrease, while the levels of other hormones, such as prolactin and estradiol, increase. This creates an increase in the amount of dihydrotestosterone  a very potent form of testosterone - within the prostrate.  This causes an overproduction of prostate cells, which ultimately results in prostate enlargement.

While not cancerous, an enlarged prostate can nevertheless cause problems. If it becomes too large, it obstructs the urethral canal, interfering with urination and the ability to empty the bladder completely. Common prostate issues include hesitation or difficulty in urinating and frequent need to urinate throughout the day and night.  Because the bladder cannot empty completely, the kidneys may be damaged both by pressure and by substances in the urine.  Bladder infections are associated with both prostatitis and enlarged prostate.

Warning:  The symptoms for these disorders could also be prostate cancer, so check if you have these symptoms:

• Painful urination, coupled with lower back pain, fever and pelvic pain.

• Your frequently feel the urge to urinate but can't get started.

• You repeatedly urinate two or three times a night.

• You still feel full after urination.

Helpful Changes & Nutrition:

(See below for recommended nutritional supplements)

Use hydrotherapy to increase circulation in the prostate region.  One method involves sitting in a tub that contains the hottest water tolerable for fifteen to thirty minutes once or twice a day.  

Eliminate from your lifestyle such items as tobacco, alcoholic beverages (especially beer and wine), caffeine (especially coffee and tea), chlorinated and fluoridated water, spicy and junk foods, and tomato and tomato products. Limit your exposure to pesticides and other environmental contaminates. 

If you have prostatitis, increase your fluid intake.  Drink two or three quarts of spring or distilled water daily to stimulate urine flow.  This helps to prevent cystitis and kidney infection as well as dehydration.

Get regular exercise.  Do not ride a bicycle, however, this may put pressure on the prostate.  Walking is good exercise.

If your prostate is enlarged, be cautious about using over-the-counter cold or allergy remedies.  Many of these products contain ingredients that can inflame the condition and cause urinary retention.

Avoid exposure to very cold weather. 

Engaging in sexual intercourse while the prostate is infected and irritated may further irritate the prostate and delay recovery. 

Zinc deficiency is linked to enlargement of the prostate.  Soil used in farming is often deficient in zinc.  Alcohol causes a deficiency of zinc and other serious nutritional deficiencies.  However, too much zinc can depress immune function, upset your gastrointestinal system and can deplete your body of another mineral, copper. So do not take more than 50 mg a day without talking to your nutritionist or health care professional.

A healthy high fiber diet, weight loss if necessary, vitamin and mineral supplementation and in some cases, essential fatty acids.   See Whole Food Vitamin/Mineral Formula 

Recommended:

ProstaPhase™ - Prostate Support Formula

All-natural ProstaPhase™ is a unique herbal formula designed to support prostate and urinary tract health in men. 

While individual circumstances can affect how soon you notice positive changes, most men will notice benefits within the first month of use.*

ProstaPhase Ingredients

Many herbs have been used by men to support prostate health, including Saw palmetto, which has been used by millions of men and is often recommended. Some studies have shown that saw palmetto can bring relief, but according to the NIH, there is evidence that this popular herb is no better than a placebo in relieving the signs of enlarged prostate, and the agency recommends further study.

The herbs in the ProstaPhase formula come from the thousand-year-old Chinese Essence tonic tradition. Tonic is something that strengthens and invigorates.. Essence tonic herbs are noted for their ability to preserve healthy function during aging. They are used in various combinations depending upon which physiological systems need support.

In the case of ProstaPhase, Dr. Jake Fratkin drew upon his extensive knowledge of modern Essence tonics known to support healthy urination in men.

While many of the herbs may benefit urinary health by themselves, it is the precise combination of the twelve herbs in ProstaPhase that produce superior results over those seen with single herbs or lesser combinations.

Healthy urinary patterns supported by the formula include easy starting and stopping of urine flow and regular frequency of urination during the daytime and night.   At night, getting up 1-2 times to urinate is considered healthy in the Chinese herbal system and is supported by the formula.

Ancient and modern uses recognize the following herbs for their importance in supporting urinary function and health Alpinia, Cistanche, Cuscuta, Lindera, Nelumbo, Plantago, Poria cocos and Smilax glabra.

Other herbs in the ProstaPhase formula support circulation to aid in maintaining overall health - Achyranthes, Curcuma, and Sparganium

One special and very expensive ingredient that anchors the formula is Parentodera sinensis. While its general strengthening and tonic properties have made Parentodera a valuable herb, over time Chinese doctors have noted its special affinity for helping to nourish and regulate urinary health

Because of the high cost of manufacturing this ingredient in powdered form, its use for prostate health has become its primary application in modern herbology, and according to Dr. Fratkin, it is the one ingredient that has to be included in ProstaPhase in substantial amounts in order to get the best results.

Frequently Asked Questions


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