Approximately 50% of men over 55, and 75% of men over the age of 70 suffer from an enlarged prostate, giving an urgency to urinate, a need to urinate more regularly, and there could be blood in the sperm. In addition in the UK there are 10,000 cases of prostate cancer diagnosed every year.

The prostate is a walnut sized gland that sits below a mans bladder. Its job is to secrete seminal fluids and contract strongly during organism to cause ejaculation. Gradually as men get older, it is quite common for the prostate gland to slowly enlarge up to 4 times its normal size, about the size of a tennis ball. This is due to the decrease in levels of testosterone, and the increasing levels of other hormones such as oestrogen around the age of 50.

Many men have to get up 3 to 4 times a night to pass urine. Other problems include difficulty in beginning urination, poor stream, and dribbling at the end of urination, as well as pain. The enlarged prostate can also cause bladder infections, bladder stones and kidney problems. Usually the prostate enlargement is benign, but occasionally the prostate can be affected by cancer. Any symptoms of pain or blood in the urine must be immediately assessed by a doctor.

  • Early detection of an enlarged prostate greatly increases the chances of a complete cure. An enlarged prostate is usually detected by rectal examination by a doctor.

  • Enlarged prostate can be treated surgically by a very common procedure called TURP (Trans Urethal Resection of the Prostate) which is more effective than drug therapy, although it can have side effects of incontinence and impotence.

  • Avoid using over the counter cold or allergy remedies. Many of these products contain products that may aggravate this condition and cause urinary retention.

  • Regular exercise is vital as it helps reduce stress hormones and boots the natural immune functions, however avoid excessive cycling as this puts pressure on the prostrate. Swimming and walking are good exercise.

  • To help improve circulation. (Only if you are fit and have good hip and good joint flexibility). Lie on your back, bend your knees, bring the soles of your feet together and bring your feet towards your buttocks. Relax your legs, allowing your knees to fall gently towards the ground. Maintain this position for 5 minutes.

Further sources of help http://www.pha.u-net.com The Prostate Help Association, or http://www.prostrate-cancer.org.uk - The Prostate Cancer Charity (0845 300 8383). Read Prostate Health in 90 days Larry Clapp (Hay House); or Prostate Cancer by Phillip Dunn (Ostrich Publishing)

Prostate Diet : Healthy Foods

  • Processed and Cooked tomatoes. Studies have shown that men who eat 10 or more cooked tomatoes are 45% less likely to develop prostate cancer due to the carotene lycopene that is released when the tomatoes are cooked. Another source is also guava and pink grapefruit.

  • Pumpkin, sunflower and sesame seeds are rich in zinc, essential fats (helping to reduce conversion of testosterone to DHT), magnesium (a muscle relaxant)

  • Eat more oily fish, rich in omega 3, and use unrefined organic nut oils such as walnut, sesame, sunflower or olive oil.

  • Include plenty of iron rich fiber in your diet, such as broccoli, kale, cauliflower, brussel sprouts which help balance your hormones levels naturally

  • Eat fiber such as brown rice, quinoa, spelt, millet, oat, cereals, and rice bran as this fiber helps remove the excess hormones from your body

  • Lentils, alfalfa, yellow peppers, organic carrots, kidney beans, soya beans, corn, rice

  • Take 2 grams of vitamin C daily because seminal fluid which the prostrate produces requires vitamin C in large amounts.

  • One of the oldest remedies is nettle tea with a little honey, or take 200-300mg of standardized extract 2-3 times a day.

  • Saw Palmetto (herb) has been proven to be dramatically improve the symptoms of BPH. If taken as capsules take 150 - 350mg of standardized extract twice a day.

  • Zinc is more abundant in the prostrate than in any other organ in the body. Zinc deficincy is common in those with prostrate problems. Take 20mg 2-3 times a day. As zinc depletes copper, take a proportionate amount of copper, approx 1mg, for every 15mg of zinc

Prostate Diet: Foods to Avoid

  • Reduce your intake of animal fats, full fat milk and cheeses, hard margarines. Dairy foods, and too much non organic red meat or poultry (including processed meat pies) can contain high levels of chemical and hormone residues and therefore increase the risk of prostrate cancer.

  • Filter your tap water. This is because hormone resides from the contraceptive pill and the HRT are found in most water supplies and they have an oestrrogen effect in the body. One of the best ways to overcome is, is by reverse osmosis deionised water, which can be plumbed in under your sink. See The PureH2O Company or it can be purchased at most health stores.

  • Eat organic food as much as possible as pesticides and herbicides are now linked to prostate cancer.

The author has worked extensively in the Care industry in the UK, specialising with Alzheimers clients and has also been an employer of overseas Carers. With a former background as a Legal Executive she has developed a website http://www.independent-care.com to provide free information for those wishing to employ Carers in the UK, and those wishing to work, temporarily or permanently in the UK.