Your Guide to Treating Prostate Enlargement with Ayurveda

Do you miss those uninterrupted nights of deep sleep where you woke up in the morning all fresh? Are those annoying trips to the bathroom every night, becoming troublesome?

For most men, these nightly bathroom runs may be the first sign of an enlarged prostate. Other symptoms may include trouble starting a stream of urine, leaking, or dribbling. 

Doctors say like gray hair, an enlarged prostate is a natural by-product of getting old. Trouble is, the nightly bathroom visits become more frequent, eventually edging their way into the daytime routine.

"They can't sit through a meeting or a plane flight without getting up," says Kevin Slawin, MD, a professor of urology at Baylor School of Medicine in Houston. "It is a very annoying … and when they have to go, they really have to go."

It's a problem that has several names -- enlarged prostate, benign prostate hyperplasia, or simply BPH. According to the National Kidney and Urological Disease Information Clearinghouse, the most common prostate problem for men over 50 is prostate enlargement. By age 60, over one-half of men have BPH; by age 85, the number climbs to 90%, according to the American Urological Association (AUA).

So let us first understand what exactly is prostate enlargement and further the Ayurvedic treatment for prostate enlargement.

What Is Prostate Enlargement?

Prostate enlargement occurs in the male prostate gland. The prostate gland is a small walnut-shaped male accessory gland located near the bladder that produces the seminal fluid. The Prostate can sometimes become prone to Prostate Cancer. Though a serious disease, it is not a very common cause of death in men.  Prostate cancer is characterized by slow growth usually restricted to the prostate gland. In many such cases, treatment may not be required. However, there are other types of cancer that are aggressive and spread quickly.

To explain this better and help you classify, here are the various levels of Prostate Cancer:

Stages of Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer usually occurs in four stages:

• Stage 1 - This is the earliest stage of prostate cancer and usually stays in the area of the prostate. The cancer cells at this stage are not aggressive. This is normally a very small-sized tumor.

• Stage 2 - At this stage, the cancer cells appear aggressively under a microscope. Cancer at this stage may still be considered small but may be considered aggressive when cancer cells are viewed under the microscope. Stage 2 prostate cancer can be large sometimes and may have spread to both sides of the prostate glands. Still, at this stage other organs and lymph nodes are not involved.

• Stage 3 - This characterizes the spread of the cancer cells outside the prostate to the nearby tissues and sacs.

• Stage 4 - This stage of prostate cancer constitutes the invasion of organs around the prostate and beyond the lymph nodes to bones, lungs and other organs.

 

Symptoms of Prostate Enlargement

Knowing about the various stages of Prostate cancer - can lead to questions like ‘Do I have it?’ and ‘How can I tell if I have it?’. The symptoms for BPH and prostate cancer can be similar, so here are a few symptoms to look out for:

• Dribbling at the end of urinating
• Inability to urinate (urinary retention)
• Incomplete emptying of your bladder
• Incontinence
• Needing to urinate 2 or more times per night
• Pain with urination or bloody urine (these may indicate infection)
• Slowed or delayed start of the urinary stream
• Straining to urinate
• Strong and sudden urge to urinate
• Weak urine stream

The symptoms of BPH are often very mild at first, but they become more serious if they aren’t treated. Talk to your doctor if you have any of these symptoms. They are treatable, and more often treating them can help prevent complications. 

Causes of Prostate Enlargement

It is always said that - one should know the causes of the disease before looking for its remedies. This helps you to treat it better and avoid doing things that caused it in the first place. 

The actual cause of prostate enlargement is unknown. Factors linked to aging and changes in the cells of the testicles may have a role in the growth of the gland, as well as testosterone levels. Men who have had their testicles removed at a young age (for example, as a result of testicular cancer) do not develop BPH. Also, if the testicles are removed after a man develops BPH, the prostate begins to shrink in size. However, this is not a standard treatment for an enlarged prostate.

Some facts about prostate enlargement:

• The likelihood of developing an enlarged prostate increases with age.
• BPH is so common that it has been said all men will have an enlarged prostate if they live long enough.
• A small amount of prostate enlargement is present in many men after the age of 40. More than 90% of men over the age of 80 suffer from the condition.

 

Risk Factors

Even though the actual cause of BPH is not known, there are certain factors that increase the risk of contracting prostate cancer or getting an enlarged prostate. These are as follows: 

• Age of more than 65
• Ethnicity – men of African origin are more prone
• Family history
• Nationality – more common in North America, Northwestern Europe, Australia, and Caribbean islands
• Obesity

 

Enlarged Prostate (BPH) BPH stands for benign prostatic hyperplasia. BPH is not linked to cancer and does not increase your risk of getting prostate cancer—yet the symptoms for BPH and prostate cancer can be similar. So if you are wondering how to differentiate between the two, read on.

How is Prostate Cancer Screened & Diagnosed?

The screening process includes digital rectal exams (DRE) and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) tests. An abnormality on a DRE or PSA test may prompt the physician to recommend an ultrasound or prostate biopsy. Whether screening of men for prostate cancer is beneficial is an issue that is hotly debated. 

How do you determine whether it is aggressive and how far it has spread?

If a biopsy confirms cancerous cells the tissues are further studied and compared with healthy cells. The more the difference between the healthy and cancer cells the more aggressive the cancer is considered and the more likely they are to spread faster. More aggressive cancer cells are graded higher. Imaging tests are recommended to determine how it has spread.

Western Treatment and Prevention

Remedy and treatment of prostate cancer according to western medicine depends on the speed of growth of cancer cells, how far it has spread, the general health of the patient and how potentially beneficial or harmful the treatment may be. Various therapies that lead to the remedy of prostate cancer are:

1. Radiation therapy (High-powered energy to kill cancer cells) - This option is for the early and late stages of cancer.

Side effects:

• Painful urination
• Frequent urination
• Urgent urination
• Loose stools
• Pain when passing stools
• Erectile dysfunction 

 

2. Hormone therapy - This therapy is to prevent the body from producing testosterone which helps the prostate cancer cells to grow. It is usually recommended for men in advanced and early stages to help shrink the tumor and slow down the growth.

Side effects:

• Erectile dysfunction
• Hot flashes
• Loss of bone mass
• Reduced sex drive
• Weight gain
• Increased risk of heart disease and heart attack.

 

3. Surgery - Surgery for prostate cancer is performed to remove the prostate gland, nearby tissue, and lymph nodes.

4. Cryosurgery or Cryoablation - This involves freezing the prostate tissue to kill cancer cells. It is usually recommended when radiation has not been of much help.

5. Ultrasound Treatment - The prostate tissue is heated using ultrasound waves, killing the cancer cells.

6. Chemotherapy - Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill rapidly growing cells, including cancer cells.

7. Surveillance - Surveillance or active surveillance involves a regime of regular blood tests, rectal exams, and biopsies to track the progression of cancer. This option is considered only for men in very early stages of prostate cancer and when it is not causing symptoms.

Prevention

Western medicine recommends the following to prevent prostate cancer:

• Healthy weight
• Exercising
• Healthy diet
• Avoiding red meat and high-fat dairy products
• Drinking green tea

 

Ayurvedic Interpretation of Prostate Cancer

According to Ayurveda prostate cancer is a result of the vitiation of the three doshas – Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. Prostate cancer is a reflection of the physical, emotional and spiritual relationship that a man has had with his reproductive functions and consequently his whole body.

 

Causes of Prostate Cancer according to Ayurveda

It is known that prostate cancer arises from the following:

• A combination of doshic disturbances in the Shukra Dhatu
• Accumulation of Ama (Toxins) around the prostate gland
• Accumulation of the other two doshas due to the above
• Tridoshic provocation

 

In addition, other subtle causes also play a role:

• Toxic environment
• Devitalized foods
• Sedentary lifestyle
• Lack of spiritual purpose or effort in life
• Suppressed emotions or emotional stagnation
• Imbalances or blockages of energy.

 

Treatment of Prostate Enlargement in Ayurveda & Prevention

Ayurvedic management of prostate enlargement involves treatment on physical, mental, emotional and spiritual levels. It has herbal remedies for this disease.

Physical Treatment

• Herbs -  This treatment involves taking herbal formulations or supplements or applying herbal pastes over the enlarged area. These include herbal poultices, herbal purgatives, herbal emetics, and hot plasters. Herbs are also known to improve urogenital health and slow down the growth of the tumour.
• Tonification & Purification - In the early stages of prostate cancer/enlargement patients are prescribed a period of purification and then toxification to reduce Ama and excess dosha to boost their immune system. This can be an excellent cure.
• Improving the Digestive System - Ayurveda prescribes a healthy digestive system as a remedy to heal all the tissues of the body. This comprises removing Ama, by following a proper diet, application of herbs and Panchkarma therapies like Vamana, Virechana, and Basti.

 

Mental, Emotional and Spiritual Treatment

This form of Ayurvedic treatment may include:

• Periods of Silence
• Meditation
• Oil therapies
• Nasya
• Pranayama
• Yoga
• Positive Visualisations
• Spending time in nature
• Staying socially active

 

Ayurvedic Medication

Ayurvedic medications have proved to be an extremely effective remedy in prostate enlargement. The medication used to treat the symptoms of prostate cancer are essentially Ayurvedic Medicine for Prostate Enlargement. Ayurvedic medication treats prostate cancer/enlargement by:

• Shrinking the tumour
• Relieving symptoms of prostate enlargement
• Reducing PSA levels

Ayurvedic medication has the additional benefit that it can be taken along with both radiotherapy and chemotherapy and will help to reduce their side effects.

Ayurvedic Diet Tips 

Stinging nettle - You’ll know if you’ve accidentally touched the common European stinging nettle: The hairs on its leaves can cause a sharp jolt of intense pain. But stinging nettle may have some benefits when used as a medicine. Nettle root is known to improve some BPH symptoms and is commonly used in Europe. Sometimes nettle is used in combination with other natural BPH treatments, such as Pygeum or Saw Palmetto. Side effects from nettle are usually mild, including upset stomach and skin rash.

Foods to treat BPH

The role of diet in the prevention of BPH and in treating its symptoms continues to be explored.

A recent four-year study in China looked at the effects of diet on BPH symptoms. Researchers found that men with diets high in fruits and vegetables — especially leafy, dark vegetables and tomatoes — had less BPH and fewer symptoms of BPH. Researchers believe it’s not just one nutrient, but rather the combinations found in a healthful diet and lifestyle, that are beneficial.

Going the natural route

It’s important to remember that just because a supplement is labeled “natural” doesn’t always mean it’s safe, healthy, or effective. Remember that the FDA doesn’t regulate herbal remedies like it does prescription and over-the-counter drugs. This means you can’t be totally sure that what’s listed on the label is inside the bottle. Herbal remedies can also cause side effects and interact with other medications you take. Check with your doctor before trying any natural supplement.

Lifestyle tips to manage BPH

Lifestyle tips that may help someone manage the symptoms of an enlarged prostate include the following:

• Attempt to urinate at least once before leaving home to avoid urinary leakage or other incidents in public that can be very stressful and embarrassing.
• Double void by trying to urinate again a few minutes after urinating the first time, to drain the bladder as much as possible during bathroom visits.
• Try not to drink fluids in the 2 hours before bedtime to avoid going to sleep with a full bladder.
• Try to stay hydrated by drinking at least 2 litres of water daily.
• Try to maintain healthy body weight as much as possible.
• Exercise regularly and as often as possible.
• Try not to drink too much at one time.
• Try to reduce or avoid stress to reduce the urge for urination.
• Avoid or limit products that cause dehydration, such as cold medications and decongestants
• Use absorbent urinary pads or pants to absorb urine leaks and decrease wetness and discomfort.
• Use urinary sheaths, which are condom-shaped and fit over the penis to drain urine into a small bag strapped to the leg.
• Use urethral massage, after urinating, by gently pressing the fingers upwards from the base of the scrotum to try to squeeze out any urine left in the urethra and prevent any leakage later.

 

Foods that may be beneficial for BPH include:

• Fiber-rich foods, such as whole grains, legumes, beans, and dark, leafy greens
• Fruits and vegetables rich in antioxidants, usually dark red, yellow, and orange varieties
• Foods rich in zinc, such as eggs, most types of seafood, and nuts
• Products that contain phytoestrogens, such as soy foods, chickpeas, alfalfa, and fava beans
• Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, including most fish and some nuts and seeds, such as hemp and chia

 

List of food items that people with BPH, or those at risk of developing it, should avoid or limit include:

• Caffeine
• Artificial sweeteners
• Alcohol
• Nicotine
• Carbonated drinks
• Starchy, refined foods
• Red meat

 

Making dietary changes may help manage or prevent an enlarged prostate and any resulting symptoms.

Ayurvedic Self Care Tips 

Ayurveda and Yoga go hand in hand. So here are a few yoga poses you can do to reduce the effects of Prostate Enlargement:

• Cobbler Pose (Baddha Konasana) 
• Hero Pose (Virasana)
• Reclining Big Toe Pose (Supta Padangusthasana) 
• Head-to-Knee Pose (Janusirsasana) 
• Bow Pose (Dhanurasana)
• Shoulder Stand (Biparitkarani Mudra)

 

Ayurveda recommends consuming natural foods, juices, leafy vegetables, etc. and avoiding fried stuff, packaged food, citrus fruits, meat, frozen food, alcohol, and caffeine to enhance the effectiveness of the medication.

Ayurvedic Medicine from Nirogam

Nirogam offers a combination of Ayurvedic herbs called Purushrink that are also prostate enlargement Ayurvedic treatment. This combination has successfully worked as an Ayurvedic medicine for prostate enlargement by:

• Reducing the frequency of urination, urgency, and hesitancy (trouble starting a urine stream)
• Relieving the inflammation of the prostate gland, facilitating easy urine flow
• Relieving pain, burning or discomfort
• Treating incontinence
• Improving Ejaculation

Buy it now

Purushrink also helps to:

• Stop the tumor from growing
• Stop cancer from spreading
• Improve the results of ongoing treatment
• Rejuvenate the cells
• Optimize the functioning of the cells
• Boost stamina
• Improve sexual health
• Treat and prevent urinary tract infections
• Prevent infections
• Relieve inflammation
• Prevent wear and tear of tissues
• Improve kidney function

 

Dosage: 2 tablets before breakfast and dinner with warm water. 

Why Nirogam?

• Tablets made from natural, vegetarian ingredients with no gelatin
• Highly potent pure herb powders free from any chemicals are used for all products
• The quality of all ingredients is standardized.
• Tablets are made purely from standardized 100% natural herb extracts

 

In Conclusion

The western methods of treating prostate enlargement have both their strengths and weaknesses. The risk of over-treatment in the early stages of the condition is frequently observed with serious results in terms of side- effects. The invasive nature of western treatments for BPH is many times more severe than the disease itself.

Ayurveda, on the other hand, is based on nature and natural remedies and natural healing processes, this makes it completely harmless in terms of side-effects while giving excellent results in terms of managing and treating prostate cancer. Prostate enlargement Ayurvedic treatment has proved to be very effective to relieve the symptoms of prostate cancer as well.

If you have prostate cancer running in your family, talk to your doctor for early detection and prevention. You can also recommend Ayurvedic medicine for prostate enlargement to patients of BPH.