Thursday, November 15, 2012

Preventing Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy through Ayurveda

Definition:

Benign prostatic hypertrophy is swelling of Prostate gland. The prostate is a walnut sized gland that is only present in men. It is located just below the bladder and top of the penis. This gland surrounds the urethra ( the tube through which urine flows from the bladder and out through the penis ).

It is a very astonishing fact to know that the condition BPH has been explained in ayurveda long back. The anatomical position of prostate gland, symptoms of BPH and its remedies are explained by Acharya Sushruta.

 The anatomical position of prostate gland is described in ayurvedic classics as  follows

In Yogaratnakara it has been described as --
“ NAABHERADHASTHAATSANJAATAHA SANCHAARI YADI VAACHALAHA |
ASHTEELAAVAD GHANO GRANTHIROODHWAR MAAYATA UNNATAHA || “


Which means “ Below umbilicus (NAABHI), there is a hard gland which is little bit bulged and changes its place some times and some times stays stationary.  This gland is like “Ashteela” (A small stone used to sharpen swords). This gland when affected by vitiated vata causes a disease called “vataashteela” (or benign prostate hypertrophy)

Sushruta explains the structure , anatomical position of prostate gland and symptoms of BPH  as follows.

“SHACRANMAARGASYA BASTHESHCHA VAAYURANTARAMAASHRITAHAI
ASHTEELAAVADGHANAM GRANTHIMMOORDHVAMAAYATA MUNNATAM|| “

Which means - the place between rectum and bladder is occupied by vitiated vata it affects the easy flow of urine, stools and semen by enlarging the gland “ Ashteela”.

The prostate gland enlarges in all men as age advances. BPH is very common and affects one third of men who are over 50. A person suffering from BPH does not have the increased risk of prostate cancer.

Functions of Prostate gland

One of the main functions of the prostate is to produce a fluid, which contribute to the liquid portion of semen and this liquid allows the sperm to move freely.

The gland is divided into peripheral, transitional and central zone. The overgrowth takes place in central zone which leads to BPH.

Effects of BPH Prostate gland surrounds urethra. When prostate gland enlarges, it constricts the urethra reducing the urine flow. The emptying of bladder becomes very difficult because of this.

Causes of BPH According to present medical concepts

The actual cause of prostate enlargement is unknown.
But the causes of BPH are very well explained In ayurveda which is based on tridosha theory.

The causes of vataashteela or BPH are  explained  as follows
Causes for vataashteela according to dosha theory:
vataashteela is caused by vitiated vayu and apaana vayu ( a subcategory of Vayu)

( APAANA VAYU is located in two testicles, urinary bladder, phallus, umbilicus, thighs, groins, anus and colon.

Functions of apana vaayu are Ejaculation of semen, voiding of urine, stools, elimination of menstrual blood and expulsion of fetus. )

. The vitiation of vayu and apaana vayu is caused by

1.    Controlling the urge of urination

2.    Controlling the urge of defecation

3.    Over indulgence in sex.

4.    Consuming dry, very cold and less quantity of food

5.    Old age

6.    General weakness

7.    Indigestion

8.    Physical and mental overexertion.

Symptoms of BPH

•    Difficulty in starting to pass urine ( hesitancy ),

•    A weak stream of urine,

•    Dribbling after urinating

•    The need to strain to pass urine,

•    Incomplete emptying of bladder.

•    Difficulty to control the urination urge.

•    Having to get up several times in the night to pass urine,

•    Feeling a burning sensation when passing urine.

•    Passing urine mixed with blood (indication of infection)

Symptoms of vatashteela are described as follows.

“ VINMUTRAANILA SANGASCHA TANNAADMAANAMCHA JAAYATE|
VEDANAA CHA PARAA BASTOU VAATAASHTEELETI TAAM VIDUHU || “

The vitiated ashteela gland when enlarged is called as “vatashteela”. This enlarged gland causes

1.    Obstruction to easy flow of urine.

2.    Obstruction to Easy passage of stools and gas

3.    Bloating of Stomach.

4.    Pain in bladder.

When the above mentioned symptoms are noticed then one should seek proper medical advice.

Diagnosis

A digital rectal examination will be performed to examine the size of prostate by inserting a finger into the rectum. A distended bladder can be felt per abdomen. Ultra sound examination will be done to determine the amount of urine left in the bladder after urination. Routine urine test will be done to rule out infections.

A prostate gland tissue may be collected using a needle to check for cancerous cells

Ayurveda tips for SELF-CARE

If symptoms are mild, the following methods can be tried for relief:

1.    Vata gets vitiated when natural urges are controlled. Hence do not control the natural urge of passing urine. Urinate when you first get the urge.

2.    Go to the bathroom even if you do not have urge.

3.    Alcohol, tobacco, coffee increase vata and vitiate it. Hence avoid alcohol, tobacco and coffee, especially after dinner.

4.    Vata gets normalized and vitiation comes down when body is warm. This can be accomplished with regular exercises and keeping the body warm.

5.    Mental exertion leads to increase of vata. Avoid mental exertion at work place and at home.

6.    Avoid foods which cause constipation as constipation causes vitiation of vata..

Other general tips

1.    Avoid drinking fluids from two hours before going to bed.

2.    Avoid cold and cough medications that contain decongestants or antihistamines. These medications can increase BPH symptoms.

3.    Avoid drinking excess amount of liquids. Distribute the intake of fluids throughout day.

   
Prevention

BPH can be prevented by -

1.    Consuming low fat diet

2.    Including lots of fiber in diet ( fruits and vegetables which are rich in fiber).

3.    Visiting your family physician as soon as you notice any symptoms while passing urine.

Apart from these many effective herbal remedies have been mentioned in Sushruta samhita and Yogaratnakara.

http://www.ayurveda-increaselibido.com/articles/bph.html

Prostate Health - Preventing Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy and Erectile Dysfunction

Prostate health may be one of the biggest concerns of men over the age of 50. Up to one-quarter of all men over the age of 50 may develop benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH) and these figures rise dramatically as men age. BPH may cause symptoms such as weak urine flow, difficulty urinating, frequent urination and may disturb the sleep because of nighttime awakenings needed to urinate. BPH may eventually contribute to erectile dysfunction (ED) making prostate health a major issue for many men.

Saw Palmetto has been used for many years to treat BPH and ensure prostate health. It is actually an approved treatment for BPH in Europe, has been well studied and is widely used in America as well. In fact, Saw Palmetto is one of the most used herbal treatments around the world.

Saw Palmetto acts by inhibiting the production of dihydrotestosterone, a male hormone that encourages growth of prostate tissue. It may work to enhance sexual functioning and may even protect against cancer of the prostate. Though high amounts of Saw Palmetto in a supplement is a key component of herbal supplementation to promote prostate health, that is not the whole story.

The prostate gland also benefits by the addition of other valuable phytosterols. Soy products including soybeans and soy oil along with other plant products such pumpkinseed provide phytonutrients are high in beta sitosterols which are thought to be protective to the prostate gland in part by opposition to testosterone mediated prostate enlargement. Prostate health is also encouraged by the inclusion of tocopherols which may have antioxidant activity similar to that of Vitamin E. Antioxidants may promote prostate health by scavenging free radicals which may help to prevent inflammation and irritation of the prostate gland and urinary tract.

Saw Palmetto Complex is a highly concentrated blend of Saw Palmetto with other natural ingredients including soy and pumpkinseed. Studies around the globe have shown that the ingredients contained in Saw Palmetto Complex are highly effective at reducing the symptoms of BPH and may help one avoid the need for more invasive, damaging traditional treatments such as surgery.

Saw Palmetto Complex contains the finest extract of saw palmetto berries with up to 95% purity of essential fatty acids and phytosterols needed to support prostate health.

* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease


Read article at http://www.ayurveda-increaselibido.com/articles/bph-ed.html

Enlarged Prostate Causes

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), commonly called an enlarged prostate, is starting to affect more and more middle aged and elderly men.

The prostate gland is slightly larger than a peanut and is located snug in between the urethra and the pubic bone. As the prostate grows, the bladder has to work more in order to push urine through the newly thinned urethra. The muscles of the bladder become overworked and therefore more sensitive. This causes the person affected to have to urinate more frequently. As the prostate grows and places pressure on the already sensitive bladder, the bladder begins to lose the ability to empty itself completely.

There is not a true diagnosis for what causes benign prostatic hyperplasia. Some medical specialists have the theory that androgens, which include testosterone and hormones similar to testosterone, are the main causes of the development of an enlarged prostate. Testosterone is the most important androgen, and is also the most important chemical produced in a man's life.

The prostate works towards converting testosterone into a powerful androgen known as Dihydrotestosterone, or DHT. DHT stimulates the growth of cells inside the tissue lining of the prostate gland. This is the theory which causes the enlarged prostate. Another theory is that blood vessels deteriorate in men as they age. The end result is an abnormal flow of blood and in return, a loss of oxygen. This also results in an enlarged prostate.

The prostatic hyperplasia is diagnosed in three ways: a rectal exam, blood tests, and an ultrasound. A rectal exam is always tried first, but the doctor may or may not be able to tell if the prostate is inflamed. The doctor might also require a urine sample to determine if there is an infection present that has caused any urinary discomfort.

The chance of prostate cancer is also considered an option and must be determined before an enlarged prostate can be diagnosed. In order to determine this, the doctor will order an ultrasound of the prostate and urinary tract. The blood tests are able to pick up on abnormally high levels of prostate antigens.

Having your enlarged prostate diagnosed in the early stages is vital for preventing any permanent damage. The worst case scenario is urinary retention. As mentioned earlier, if you let the problems persist, your bladder could eventually stop contracting allowing urine to flow. The choices for treatment are medicine or a surgical procedure.

The doctor will probably recommend medicine first, unless your condition is so severe that a surgical procedure is the necessary first step. If you are experiencing any of the signs mentioned for an enlarged prostate, make sure that you make an appointment with your doctor as soon as possible. This is not a condition that can be put off for a later date.

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