The prostate is
a gland and a muscle that is located right below
the bladder and surrounds the urethra that
drains the bladder of urine. As a gland, it
produces fluids which lubricate the urethra,
increase sperm mobility and transport sperm
through the urethra. As a muscle, it's function
is to expel seminal fluid during ejaculation.
The prostate's muscles work in concert with the
bladder muscles to control urine.
The prostate is about the size of a marble
during childhood. It grows to about ping-pong
ball size when the male hormones kick in. It
starts growing again at about age 30 to 40. This
is a normal part of aging and is called BPH or
benign prostatic hyperplasia. The problem is
that the prostate can grow too much, thereby
pinching and narrowing the urethra. This can
cause a multitude of problems such as frequent
urination, straining to start, a weak stream,
dribbling and nighttime urination.
There are several
options to combat BPH, surgery, medication that
often causes unpleasant side effects, or the
option that is being discussed here - natural
herbal remedies using herbal supplements. That's
where saw palmetto comes into the picture in a
big way. This plant grows down the Atlantic
coast from South Carolina to Florida. The
reddish brown berries contain the active herbal
ingredients. American Indians used the herbal
berries to treat urinary tract problems. Its use
was continued for years even though the active
herbal ingredient responsible for the success in
treating BPH was not understood. As Americans
became more drug oriented in the 1950's, saw
palmetto studies shifted to Europe. In dozens of
double-blind studies, European scientists found
that an herbal extract from the saw palmetto
berries increased urinary flow, reduced residual
urine, increased ease in starting urination, and
decreased frequency of urination.
The fat soluble
part of the saw palmetto berry contains the
active herbal ingredients such as fatty acids
and sterols like beta-sitosterol. The fatty
extract works beneficially in three ways. One,
it blocks the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase. This
means less testosterone is converted to the
powerful prostate stimulating DHT (the bad
testosterone). Two, it inhibits DHT's ability to
bind to prostate cell receptors. Three, it is an
anti-inflammatory which helps reduce swelling
and further constriction of the urethra.
Saw palmetto
extract works quickly. In about 30 days you
should begin to notice a difference in your
symptoms. On the other hand, most synthetic
drugs take 6-12 months for effectiveness.
Besides saw palmetto, a good herbal supplement
will also contain pumpkin seed oil. The active
herbal ingredients in the oil are fatty acids
and sterols beneficial to the prostate. In
addition, it should contain beta-sitosterol, an
active herbal ingredient preferably from soy
beans. To prevent BPH in the first place, start
taking 160 mg of an herbal supplement once a day
beginning in your late thirties or early
forties. If you already have BPH, then take 160
to 320 mg of a herbal supplement each day while
being followed by a physician. It has been the
experience of many physicians using natural
methods, that two-thirds of men with BPH taking
herbal supplements for treatment find gratifying
and long-lasting relief.
|
