Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)

BPH is an extremely common condition. Current estimates are that it affects over fifty percent of men during their lifetime. The actual frequency increases with advancing age, from approximately five to ten percent at age thirty to over ninety percent in men over eighty-five years of age.

BPH is largely the result of hormonal changes associated with aging. It is clearly dependent on the actions of male hormones (androgens) within the prostate gland. These changes within the prostate reflect the many significant changes in both male (androgen), female (estrogen), and pituitary hormone levels in aging men. The ultimate effect of these changes is that there is an increased concentration of testosterone within the prostate gland and an increased conversion of this testosterone to an even more potent form known as dihydrotestosterone (DHT). The increase in levels of testosterone and DHT is largely due to a decreased rate of removal combined with an increase in the activity of the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase, which converts testosterone to DHT.


Warning: Prostate Disorders Can Only Be Diagnosed by a Physician. Do Not Self-Diagnose. If You Are Experiencing Any Symptoms Associated with BPH or Prostate Cancer, See Your Physician Immediately for Proper Diagnosis.

Signs and Symptoms:

• increased urinary frequency
• restricted flow
• nighttime awakening to empty the bladder
  
  
  BPH is largely the result of hormonal changes associated with aging. It is clearly dependent on the actions of male hormones (androgens) within the prostate gland. These changes within the prostate reflect the many significant changes in both male (androgen), female (estrogen), and pituitary hormone levels in aging men. The ultimate effect of these changes is that there is an increased concentration of testosterone within the prostate gland and an increased conversion of this testosterone to an even more potent form known as dihydrotestosterone (DHT). The increase in levels of testosterone and DHT is largely due to a decreased rate of removal combined with an increase in the activity of the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase, which converts testosterone to DHT.

Dietary Changes:

Diet appears to play a critical role in the health of the prostate. In trying to treat or prevent BPH, the diet should be as free as possible from pesticides and other contaminants (e.g., dioxin, polyhalogenated biphenyls, hexachlorobenzene, and dibenzofurans). It is quite possible that the tremendous increase in the occurrence of BPH in the last few decades reflects the ever increasing effect that toxic chemicals have on our health. BPH is perhaps just one of many health problems that may be due to these toxic substances. A diet rich in natural, whole foods may offer some protection against these toxins.

In particular, focus on whole, unprocessed foods, including whole grains, legumes, vegetables, fruits, nuts, and seeds in your diet. Eat 1⁄4 cup of raw sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds each day for zinc which is used by prostate enzymes., Consuming soy foods helps balance testosterone metabolism. Also, lycopene-rich vegetables, such as tomatoes, spinach, kale, mangos, broccoli, and berries, when consumed daily promote prostate health and play a role in preventing prostate cancer. It is also important educe the intake of alcohol (especially beer), caffeine, and sugar, all of which have an adverse effect on the way testosterone is metabolized and cleared from the body.

Protocols:

1. Basic Protocol ( see catalogue)
2. Pros-Forte

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Medical Disclaimer

• Dr. Dyler's recommendations and protocols for nutritional support are not intended as a substitute for appropriate medical care.
• The products and the claims made about specific products on or through this site have not been evaluated by the United States Food and Drug Administration and are not approved to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease.
• If you have a medical condition or disease, please talk to your doctor prior to using the recommendations given.
• Do not self-diagnose. Proper medical care is critical to good health. If you have a health concern or undiagnosed sign or symptom, please consult a physician, preferably a naturopathic doctor (N.D.), nutritionally oriented medical doctor (M.D. or (D.O.), or other health care specialist. Please go to www.naturopathic.org to find a qualified naturopathic doctor (N.D.) in your area to help you.
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