The prostate gland Increases in size as men age. This can lead to pressure on the bladder causing a frequent need to urinate. Not emptying the bladder completely can lead to urinary tract infection.
The prostate’s purpose is to help with the male reproductive system. It makes up to 70% of the fluid that is ejaculated during intercourse, mixing its secretions with the sperm that are made in the testicles. The prostate also contracts at the time of ejaculation to prevent retrograde (backward) flow of semen into the bladder.
Because of its location, the symptoms of any prostate problem tend to be associated with the bladder and can include urgency to urinate, frequency of urination, burning with urination (dysuria), poor urine flow, or inability to begin a urine stream.
Prostatitis
The general term used to describe prostate inflammation is prostatitis but because the term is so general it does not adequately describe the range of abnormalities that can be associated with prostate inflammation.
The four types of prostatitis
- Acute bacterial prostatitis
- Chronic bacterial prostatitis
- Chronic prostatitis without infection
- Asymptomatic inflammatory prostatitis
Acute bacterial prostatitis is an infection of the prostate that is often caused by some of the same bacteria that cause bladder infections. These include E. coli, Klebsiella, and Proteus. While it may be acquired as a sexually transmitted disease, the infection can also spread to the prostate through the blood stream, directly from an adjacent organ, or as a complication of prostate biopsy.
Patients with acute bacterial prostatitis present with signs of an infection and may have:
Fever, chills and shakes. Commonly there is urgency and frequency of urination and dysuria (painful or difficult urination).
Chronic bacterial prostatitis is an uncommon illness in which there is an ongoing bacterial infection in the prostate. Chronic bacterial prostatitis generally causes no symptoms, however, on occasion; the low-grade infection may flare and be associated with a bladder infection.
Chronic pelvic pain syndrome
Chronic prostatitis without infection is a condition where there is recurrent pelvic, testicle, or rectal pain without evidence of bladder infection. There may be difficulties with painful urination or ejaculation and erectile dysfunction. The cause of chronic prostatitis without infection is not clearly understood. Asymptomatic inflammatory prostatitis causes and symptoms.
Asymptomatic inflammatory prostatitis There are no symptoms. The cause of asymptomatic inflammatory prostatitis is not clearly understood.
Natural remedies for prostatitis
Beta sitosterol is an effective compound for treating benign prostatic hyperplasia.
Natural sources of beta-sitosterol in alphabetical order
- Almonds
- Amaranth
- Avocado
- Dark chocolate
- Hazelnuts
- Macadamia
- Pecans
- Pistachio
- Pumpkin seeds
- Saw palmetto berries
- Squash seeds
- Walnuts
- Winged beans
Courgettes: There are components in courgettes that aid in reducing the symptoms of benign prostatic hypertrophy (BOH), a condition in which the prostate gland enlarges and leads to complications with urination and sexual functions in men.
Hemp seeds are a super food which has high nutritional content and contain properties that protect the prostate. Choose whole seeds (not milled) and grind into a powder to add to meals.
Phyllanthus amarus is a herb that is very effective in naturally treating prostatitis.
Saw palmetto berry is said to nourish glandular tissue and has been used by herbalists and others to nutritionally support the prostate gland. Saw palmetto prevents the excessive conversion of androgens to dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Excessive levels of hormonal conversion to DHT are highly associated with prostate abnormalities in men and may be a cause of prostate cancer. Saw palmetto has been documented to increase prostate health.
To nourish the prostate make a tea from the following herbs and drink three times a day.
- Coneflower
- Corn silk
- Goldenseal
- Uva ursi
Make smoothies with the following fruit and vegetables using a powerful 900-watt blender. Make sure they are organically grown.
- Apple
- Apricot
- Asparagus
- Carrot
- Celery
- Cranberry
- Cucumber
- Lemon
- Lettuce
- Parsley
- Spinach
- Watercress
Related subjects
- A-Z of ailments
- Anti-microbial healing plants and foods
- Bacterial infections and natural antibiotics
- Erectile dysfunction
- Gland disorders
- Infertility
- Menopause and andropause (female and male)
- Urinary system disorders
- Urinary tract infection cystitis
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