15j. Men's Health - BPH Flashcards
What is BPH?
Enlargement of the prostate without presence of malignancy
Who does BPH mainly affect?
Older men
Signs and symptoms of BPH
Urinary frequency
Urgency
Hesitancy
Nocturia
Incomplete evacuation
Terminal dribbling
How is BPH usually tested?
Digital rectal exam
PSA blood test
Ultrasound
Why is a PSA blood test particularly useful?
Raised PSA indicates possible prostate enlargement or inflammation
What level of PSA needs investigation?
Levels >4.0 ng/ml
What are the causes of BPH?
High DHT levels
Obesity
IR
Inflammation
Excess alcohol
Low Zn
High stress
Higher ratio of oestrogens to testosterone
Why is high stress a risk factor for BPH?
Increase of noradrenaline stimulates a-adrenoreceptors on prostate smooth muscle cells = smooth muscle hyperplasia
Why is a higher ratio of oestrogens to testosterone a risk factor for BPH?
Oestrogen increases prostate growth
Declining testosterone as get older can heighten the affect of oestrogens/xenoestrogens on prostate tissue
Natural approach to supporting BPH
Naturopathic diet with focus on Zn rich foods and organic
Optimise body weight
Address stress
Remove alcohol/caffeine/artificial sweeteners/fizzy drinks
Include rainbow of plant foods
Reduce excess oestrogens
Physical activity
Why is removing alcohol/caffeine/artificial sweeteners/fizzy drinks good for supporting BPH?
Can irritate the bladder making urinary symptoms worse
Why is having a rainbow of foods good for supporting BPH?
Polyphenols to inhibit 5a-reductase activity, reduce inflammation/OS
Examples of rainbow foods/polyphenols to support BPH
Lycopene - tomato paste
EGCG - green tea
Lignans - flax, sesame
Daidzein - fermented soya beans
Kaempferol - apples, broccoli, onions
Fisetin - strawberries, apples, grapes
How can excess oestrogens be reduced to support BPH?
Reduce expose to xenoestrogens
Include aromatase inhibitors (white button mushrooms)
Support phase 1 and 2 liver detox
Support bowel clearance (fibre, probiotics)
Why is physical activity good for supporting BPH?
Shown to improve nocturia
Nutrients to support BPH
Zn
Saw palmetto
Nettle
Se
D
Beta-sitosterol
Reishi
Berberine
Why is beta-sitosterol good for BPH?
Improves urinary flow
Inhibits 5a-reductase
Inhibits aromatase
Dosage of beta-sitosterol in supporting BPH
60-130mg/day
Why is Se good for BPH?
Glutathione peroxidase synthesis
Reduced hyperplasia
Dosage of Se in supporting BPH
200-600mg/day
Why is reishi good for BPH?
Inhibits 5a-reductase
Reduces PSA levels
Dosage of reishi in supporting BPH
3-9g/day
Why is vit D good for supporting BPH?
Decreases prostate cell proliferation
Anti-inflammatory
Why is berberine good for BPH?
Reduces prostate hyperplasia
Inhibits 5a-reductase
