Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy, The Most Credible Theory

Every year, as our population ages, a larger and larger numbers of men visit their doctors complaining of problems urinating. They can't go, start and stop, have dribbles and weak flow, and in some cases pain. After describing these symptoms to their doctor and undergoing a rather uncomfortable exam they are told they have Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy (BHP) also known as an enlarged prostate.

It is also called Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia in the medical world. No matter its name it is a common problem in men over the age of 65. In fact fifty percent of all men over the age of sixty will suffer its effects while ninety percent of all men in their seventies and eighties will have to deal with BHP.

The big question for medical scientists is what causes benign prostatic hypertrophy? It seems to be a natural part of the aging process and seems to be a common condition for the vast majority of men.

The problem is there doesn't appear to be an easy answer to this question. Modern medicine doesn't have a specific cause but there is enough information to create a few viable theories.

If a mans father, brother, or other close relative has had BHP then chances are higher that he will also suffer it affects. This points to a genetic component that suggests it is passed down through the males in families.

Another theory suggests that cells of the prostate are given genetic instructions that controls its growth during puberty and for some unknown reason these instructions get sent again later in life causing the prostate cells to grow again or makes it more sensitive to growth promoting hormones.

Medical researchers have also discovered that men who have had their testes taken out early in life before puberty do not suffer from benign prostatic hyperplasia. It is thought that as the testes age they somehow contribute to its enlargement.

The role of the testes in all this is still not understood. What is known is that men produce testosterone and small amounts of the female hormone estrogen all through their life. As they age testosterone levels decrease but the levels of estrogen do not decrease at the same rate. It is theorized that as estrogen levels become proportionally higher it somehow promotes the activity of hormones that promote prostate cell growth.

The problem with this theory goes back to the link between men who had their testes removed not suffering from this condition. It would seem that the lack of testosterone in their bodies doesn't seem to have any negative effects on their prostate.

The most credible theory revolves around another hormone known as dihydrotestosterone (DHT). It is the hormone that is crucial for the development of the sex organs while still in the womb. It also starts the development of facial hair, the prostate, and deepens the voice during puberty.

Made from testosterone, DHT lives in the prostate and is thought to affect its growth. The interesting thing about DHT is that even as the production of testosterone drops as men age DHT production keeps humming along. It accumulates in the prostate promoting growth. Men who do lose the ability to produce DHT do not suffer from BHP.

Researchers continue to delve into identifying the causes of benign prostatic hypertrophy. Hormonal changes during the aging process are most certainly a primary cause, along with some men's genetic predisposition to BHP.

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Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy Home Remedies

Gradual enlargement of the prostate is known as benign prostatic hypertrophy. It is common among men who are over fifty years of age. It is caused by hormonal changes in the body which takes place due to the growth in age. Growth of size in prostate glands squeezes and narrows the urethra by exerting thrust on it. This results in urine retention in bladder and cause symptoms like slow flow of urine, burning sensation while urinating, frequent urge to urinate, and inability to initiate the urine stream, intermittent urine stream and semen or blood in urine. It can also cause pain in lower back, hips and upper thighs.

Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy Home Remedies

There are several home remedies for BPH (Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy) which are very helpful and are safe to use. Some of the common home remedies for BPH (Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy) are:

1. One of the most effective home remedies for BPH (Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy) is the use of pumpkin seeds. These seeds are known to have plenty of zinc and diuretic properties which help in building and repairing the immune system. All you need to do is take some pumpkin seeds and remove the shells. Eat them plain, remember not to add salts. Another method is to crush a handful of pumpkin seeds and then put them in a jar (one pint). Now fill the jar with boiling water and allow it to cool down. Strain and drink it.

2. Watermelon seeds are very helpful in solving prostate and bladder problems. Just take one eighth cup of watermelon seeds and put them in a jar (one pint). Now fill it with boiling water. Allow it to cool and then strain this water. Drink one pint of it daily for the next ten days. This is one of the simplest home remedies for BPH (Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy).

3. Tomatoes are also one of the effective home remedies for BPH (Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy). They are rich in lycopene which is a cancer fighting antioxidant. All you need to do is consume two servings of tomatoes every week. This will reduce prostate cancer risk by half.

4. Try to avoid consuming caffeine rich products such as tea, coke, coffee, mountain dew, chocolates, red bull etc. Caffeine can cause urination problem by tightening the bladder neck.

5. Avoid drinking alcohol and stay away from spicy foods.

6. Corn silk is very effective in treating prostate enlargement. Take six ears of corn and cut the silk. Now boil one quart of water and add corn silk in it. Let it simmer for ten minutes and then strain and drink this mixture. You should drink three cups of this mixture every week in order to benefit from it.

7. Omega-3 oils are very helpful in treating benign prostatic hypertrophy. Oily fish such as mackerel, tuna and salmon are rich in omega-3 fatty oil. Consume two servings every week.

8. Soy foods are very helpful in treating prostate problems. Soy foods are known to have phytoestrogens which are very helpful in reducing the production of testosterone. They are also believed to limit the growth of the prostate tumors.

These were some of the common and effective home remedies for BPH (Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy) which are simple, safe and easy to use.

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Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy, Home Remedies for Prostate Problems

The prostate is a male reproductive gland that produces the fluid that carries sperm during ejaculation. It surrounds the urethra, the tube through which urine passes out of the body.

Enlarged prostate means the gland has grown bigger. Prostate enlargement happens to almost all men as they age. As the gland grows, it can press on the urethra and cause urination and bladder problems.

Enlarged prostate is often called benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or benign prostatic hypertrophy. It is not cancer and does not increase the risk of prostate cancer.

During puberty, the prostate goes through a phase of very rapid expansion, but the levels of puberty, when finished. From middle age, the prostate begins to grow again, but slowly this time.

It is believed that these periods of growth resulting from increased levels of male hormones like testosterone. Testosterone is produced throughout the life of a man and, later, the prostate grows throughout the life of a man.

Due to the slow progression of this growth, most men do not realize the symptom until they are older BPH and prostate has grown to a size that affects the output of urine from the bladder.

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), also known as benign prostatic hypertrophy is a histologic diagnosis characterized by the proliferation of cellular elements of the prostate. Cellular accumulation and enlargement of the glands may be due to epithelial proliferation and stromal alteration of preprogrammed cell death (apoptosis), or both.

BPH involves stromal and epithelial elements of the prostate that arise in the peri-urethral and the transition of the gland (see physiology Path). Hyperplasia presumably as a result of enlargement of the prostate that can restrict the flow of urine from the bladder.

BPH is considered a normal part of aging in men and is dependent on the hormones testosterone and the production of dihydrotestosterone (DHT). An estimated 50% of men show histopathological BPH by age 60. This number increases to 90% at age 85.

Home Remedies for Prostate Problems

Avoid caffeine in any form, such as soft drinks, chocolates and coffee and tea, of course, and pulling the bladder neck creating problems for urination.

Avoid drinking alcohol, which also tightens the bladder neck which could hamper urination. Alcohol is a diuretic and increases urine in the bladder thus creating more problems.

Avoid antihistamines and decongestants because it is more harmful than beneficial.

Stay away from spicy and acidic foods as it affects men with bows dramatically expanded.

Be free of stress as it affects the prostate gland. Stress can increase adrenal hormones which causes difficulty in urination.

One of the best ways to alleviate the problem of urination is to have more sex. Ejaculation empties the prostate secretion that hinders urination.

Try to empty your bladder before going to bed.

Saw Palmetto, herb widely used in Germany is very useful in the treatment of benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH). Reduces inflammation, pain, nocturnal urination, retention, difficulty starting urination and dribbling. This should be used from 6 to 12 months and is very effective.

Goldenseal, an antibiotic is very useful for the treatment of prostitutes. It also heals the urinary tract that shakes the swollen prostate. A tomato lycopene extract bioflavonoids reduce leakage. With strong antioxidant properties prevent prostate cancer as well.

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