Geoffrey Leigh
MSc.,ND.D.N.Sc.

Prostatic Hypertrophy

The prostate is an exocrine gland of the male mammalian reproductive system. Its main
function is to store and secrete a clear, slightly basic fluid that constitutes up to one-third of
the volume of semen. A healthy human prostate is slightly larger than a walnut and
surrounds the urethra just below the urinary bladder. The most common disorders of the
prostate are prostatitis and benign prostatic hyperplasia.
Prostatitis is an inflammatory disorder of the prostate. Prostatitis can be idiopathic (i.e.,
nonbacterial prostatitis), or bacterial (i.e., caused by enteric gram-negative bacilli). It
commonly causes pain in the testicles and may sometimes cause problems with ejaculation,
urination, or defecation.
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland
that gradually narrows the urethra. The clamping effect eventually obstructs the flow of urine
and as a result, the bladder fails to empty completely. Urine remaining in the bladder
stagnates, leaving the patient vulnerable to infections (e.g., prostatitis), formation of bladder
stones, and kidney damage. As men age, the amount of active testosterone in the blood
decreases, resulting in a higher proportion of oestrogen in the blood. Animal studies suggest
that this excess oestrogen increases the activity of promoters of cell growth in the prostate.
Dihydrotestosterone, a derivative of testosterone, may also have a role in BPH aetiology as it
may accumulate in the prostate and encourage the growth of cells there.
Aetiology / Risk Factors
Factors that can contribute to the incidence of BPH/prostatitis include:
• Recent urinary tract infection
• Prior sexually transmitted disease, such as gonorrhoea or chlamydia
• Smoking
• Excess alcohol consumption
• Age over 50
• Partial urethral obstruction which can escalate to acute urinary retention as a result of
sympathomimetic drugs or alcohol, exposure to cold temperatures, or a long period of
immobility.
• Occupations that subject the prostate to strong vibrations, such as driving a truck or
operating heavy machinery, may play a role.
• Prolonged periods of bike riding may irritate the prostate gland.
• Structural abnormalities of the urinary tract – e.g., narrowing (strictures) of the
urethra may elevate pressure during urination and cause symptoms.
Symptoms & Signs
Common signs and symptoms of BPH/prostatitis include:
• Recurrent urinary tract infections
• Difficulty starting urine stream
• Decreased strength and force of the stream
• Dribbling after urination
• Urinary frequency
• Nocturia
• Incomplete bladder emptying
• Urinary urgency
• Dysuria
• Fever with chills
• Generalised malaise
• Bladder outlet obstruction, complete inability to urinate
• Painful ejaculation, bloody semen, or sexual dysfunction
• Pain localised to lower back (sacral), pelvis, or perineum
• Blood in the urine, caused by bursting of small veins in the urethra and bladder

Diet and Lifestyle
Dietary and lifestyle guidelines that may assist in the management of BPH/prostatitis:
• Avoid alcohol, caffeine, refined foods, sugars, saturated fats.
• Patients should rest during infection as much as possible to support immune function.
• Diet should be based on fresh, whole foods. Nutrients are essential for adequate
immune function.
• Smoking cessation is the highest priority in currently smoking patients.
• Stress management techniques, such as yoga, meditation and exercise are advised.
• A diet high in fresh fruit, vegetables, essential fatty acids and lean protein sources
provides essential phytonutrients, antioxidants, magnesium is essential.
• Cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, etc.) enhance glutathione
activity which is important for the detoxification of hormones.
• Fibre facilitates the excretion of metabolised hormones and toxins.
• Minimise refined foods, as they deplete the body of magnesium and other essential
nutrients which are needed for normal hormone production.
• Reduce excess body fat with overweight or obese patients with Professional Weight
Management Program

TEST INTERPRETATION GUIDELINES
Bacterial culture A bacterial culture may determine what bacterium is causing the
infection. First void and mid-stream urine samples and possibly
expressed prostatic secretions may be collected and subjected to
microscopy and culture.
Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) test has at the time of writing fallen into disrepute.
Prostate cancer is typically slow growing. High PSA levels can occur five to ten years before the onset of prostate cancer symptoms and early prostate cancer often has no symptoms. The PSA test can help to indicate the presence of cancer at this early stage. 

At present, however, health authorities do not recommend widespread ‘screening’ for prostate cancer. While there exists some evidence that regular testing may prevent prostate cancer deaths, there are concerns that many men may be diagnosed and treated unnecessarily as a result of being screened – with a high cost to their health and quality of life, such as incontinence and impotence. 

Preventive and Therapeutic Therapy

ProResolvin Rejuvenate