INTRODUCTION

· According to Michael Murray, N.D., nearly 60% of men between the ages of 40 and 59 have an enlarged prostate gland, also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia or benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH). Barbara and I feel that the combination of craniosacral acupuncture with proper diet, lifestyle, herbs and supplements can help prevent or delay the onset of BPH in men in this age group if treatment is started early enough. We have written this article to help give you a better understanding of BPH and how we would approach it from the standpoint of herbs, supplements, diet and lifestyle changes.

NUTRITIONAL SUPPORT

· Vitamin B complex – is necessary for all cellular functions. Anti-stress vitamins.

· Vitamin B₆ – enhances zinc absorption. Dosage: 50 mg twice daily.

· Zinc – deficiency has been linked to enlargement of the prostate, prostatitis and even prostate cancer. Use zinc picolinate or zinc citrate. Dosage: 30-60 mg daily including what you take in any multivitamin. Do not exceed a total of 80 mg daily from all supplements.

· Essential Fatty Acids – are important in prostate function. Use polyunsaturated omega-3 rich oils such as flax seed oil and pumpkin seed oil and polyunsaturated omega-6 rich oils such as borage seed oil and evening primrose oil. Cold water fish is also a good source of Essential Fatty Acids.

Note: Take a natural source vitamin E supplement when consuming highly unsaturated oils such as omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.

· L-Alanine, L-Glutamic Acid and L-Glycine – are amino acids needed for maintaining normal prostate function.

· Pumpkin seeds – ¼ to ½ cup per day for zinc and EFA content. As an alternative, pumpkin seed oil can be taken in capsule form.

· Selenium: One double-blind, placebo-controlled randomized trial evaluated the effects of oral selenium, 200 μg/day, against skin cancer in 1312 seniors for an average of about 6 years. The selenium -treated group experienced statistically significant reductions in prostate, colorectal and lung cancer; they also experienced a statistically significant reduction in overall mortality, lung cancer deaths and total cancer deaths. No cases of selenium toxicity were reported. (Clark et al 1996) CAUTION: High doses of selenium can be toxic to the kidney and bones. (Tuten, 2004)

· Beta-sitosterol – has been found to be helpful for men with BPH. Select a product that contains at least 50% beta-sitosterol. The main active components in pumpkin seeds are understood to be the sterols such as beta-sitosterol.

· Soy isoflavones notably genistein – dramatically inhibit prostate cancer cell growth.

· Vitamin A & Vitamin E – are potent anti-oxidants and immune system enhancers.

· Kelp – supplies necessary minerals for improved prostate function.

· Magnesium plus Calcium – are necessary minerals for improved prostate function.

· Vitamin C – promotes immune function and aids healing.

USEFUL HERBS

· Saw Palmetto berries extract – reduces prostatic enlargement by reducing the amount of hormonal stimulation of the prostate gland. Dosage: 160 mg twice daily of liposterolic extract of saw palmetto berries. Saw Palmetto (Serenoa repens) inhibits accumulation of DHT (dihydrotestosterone)-- a testosterone derivative which contributes to prostate growth. Active constituents: lipophilic components (fatty acids + steroid beta-sitosterol). Only available in ethanolic extract. It inhibits the enzymes responsible for conversion of testosterone to DHT. (Tuten, 2004)

· Pygeum – has been proven effective in the treatment and prevention of benign prostatic hypertrophy and prostatitis in many worldwide studies. Dosage: 100-200 mg of a standardized extract of pygeum (containing 14% triterpenes and .5% n-docosanol) in divided daily doses. Duration of treatment is from 45 – 90 days to obtain significant improvement in symptoms. Treatment time for 6 months has been reported to have a lasting effect for at least 18 months.

· Dong Ling Cao, Rabdosia (Rabdosia rubescens) inhibits growth of cancer cells -- specific for prostate cancer. Active constituents: diterpenes (oridonin & ponicidin) (Tuten, 2004)

· Shan Zhu Yu, Dogwood (Cornus officinalis) acts as a diuretic and hypotensive. It is similar in energetic function to Saw Palmetto. Active constituents: iridoids and tannins. (Tuten, 2004)

· Jin Qian Cao, Lysimachia (Lysimachia christinae) is specific for urinary stones due to urine retention. It also contains quercetin an anti-oxidant. (Tuten, 2004)

· Tu Si Zi, Dodder (Cuscuta chinensis) is an antioxidant and is immune stimulating. The polysaccharides have been found to have a protective effect against free radicals. Active constituents: flavonoids (quercetin) & heteropolysaccharides. (Tuten, 2004)

· Che Qian Zi, Plantain (Plantago asiatica) has anti-cancer activities in bladder carcinoma cells. It is also a gentle diuretic and antiseptic. (Tuten, 2004)

· According to Subhuti Dharmananda (2001) among the Chinese herbs recommended for BPH, the iridoid glycosides may be the active components: These include aucubin from plantago seed, catalpol from rehmannia and morroniside from cornus. Triterpenoids found in vaccaria and alisma (an ingredient in rehmannia formulas) could contribute to their therapeutic effects, in a manner similar to those suggested for pygeum.

FOOD & LIFESTYLE RECOMMENDATIONS

· Eliminate tobacco, alcoholic beverages* (especially beer and wine), caffeine (especially coffee and tea), chlorinated and fluoridated water, spicy and junk foods, tomato and tomato products. *Alcohol reduces zinc uptake and increases zinc excretion leading to relative zinc deficiency.

· According to Dr. Mark McClure in his book, Smart Medicine for a Healthy Prostate, men should avoid high-fat, high-salt foods because they increase the risk of benign prostatic hyperplasia. Both red meat and dairy products are high in saturated (animal) fats.

· Eat fresh fruits and vegetables as they contain lignans which are converted into phytoestrogens which reduce the harmful effects of estrogen. The phytoestrogens in soy also block BPH by competing with serum estrogen.

· Take steps to reduce your blood cholesterol level. Studies have shown a connection between high cholesterol and prostate disorders. High levels of cholesterol in the prostate make it easier for testosterone to bind to prostate cell receptors, thereby turning on the prostate growth factors.

· Eat plenty of fiber because it decreases the risk of BPH.

· Increase your fluid intake. Drink two to 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 and reduce stress.

REFERENCES

Balch, James F., MD & Phyllis A. Balch, CNC, Prescription for Nutritional Healing, Garden City Park, NY: Avery Publishing Group, 1997

Bratman, Steven MD & Andrea M. Girman, MD, MPH, Handbook of Herbs and Supplements and their Therapeutic Uses, St. Louis, Mosby, 2003

Dharmananda, Subhuti, Ph.D., “Herbal Therapy for BPH.” Institute for Traditional Medicine, Portland, Oregon, Nov. 2001

Lininger, Schuyler W., Jr., DC, Editor-in-Chief, Alan R. Gaby, MD, Steve Austin, ND, Donald J. Brown, ND, Jonathan V. Wright, MD & Alice Duncan, DC, CCH, The Natural Pharmacy, Rocklin, CA: Prima Publishing, 1999

Kirschmann, Gayla J., & John D. Kirschmann, Nutrition Almanac, New York: McGraw Hill, 1996

McClure, Mark W. MD, Smart Medicine for a Healthy Prostate, New York: Avery, 2001

Murray, Michael, N.D. and Joseph Pizzorno, N.D. Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine, Rocklin, CA: Prima Publishing, 1991

Tuten, Sean A., DOM, RH (AHG), "Herbal Energetics & Men's Health", Golden Flower Chinese Herbs, 2004

Werbach, Melvyn R., MD, Nutritional Influences on Illness, Tarzana, CA: Third Line Press, 1996

Wilt, TJ, Ishani A, Stark G, MacDonald R, Lau J, Mulrow C, “Saw palmetto extracts for treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia: a systematic review.” Journal of the American Medical Association, 1998 Nov 11;280(18):1604-9

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