Paediatrics, Urinary Health and Men's Health Flashcards

1
Q

Children dosage of supplements - how are these adjusted for their age?

A

Instaill still breastfeeding: dose the mother

Infants < 2: Fried’s rule - (Age in months / 150) x adult dose

2+: Young’s rule- Age of child/(age of child +12) x adult dose.

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2
Q

What is a gentler alternative to psyllium husk for young children, and how can it be prepared?

A

Slippery elm powder or marshmallow root; soaked flaxseed mucilage blends well

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3
Q

Instead of using essential oils like oregano and thyme, what alternative approach can be taken for young children?

A

Avoid essential oils and use fresh garlic, thyme, or oregano as antimicrobials (e.g., garlic bread).

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4
Q

What is a modified approach to an anti-candida diet for young children?

A

Remove sugar from the diet and use S. boulardii and probiotics.

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5
Q

Why is establishing the infant microbiome within the first month of life crucial?

A

It influences health outcomes, with lower diversity linked to obesity, Type II diabetes, and chronic inflammatory illnesses.

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6
Q

Compare the microbiome composition of infants born vaginally and via caesarean.

A

Vaginal-born infants have higher diversity, including Bacteroides spp., Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus, Enterobacter, and Streptococcus.

Caesarean-born infants have lower Bifidobacterium, higher Clostridium, and Staphylococcus.

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7
Q

Why is the colonisation rate of gut microbiota higher in the first week for vaginal-born infants compared to C-section-born infants?

A

Bacteroides spp., crucial commensals, play a role in short-chain fatty acid production and the maturation of Peyer’s patches.

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8
Q

List some benefits of microbiome diversity in infants, particularly related to Bifidobacterium spp.

A

Enhanced lactose digestion.
Intestinal wall integrity through SCFA prod.
Innate immunity development.
Peristalsis stabilization.
Production of organic acids, bacteriocins, antimicrobial, and iron-scavenging compounds.

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9
Q

How is a healthy infant microbiome developed, and which bacteria are heavily colonizing breast milk?

A

Breast milk is colonized with Bifidobacterium spp. and Lactobacillus spp., including B. breve, B. bifidum, B. adolescentis, L. gasseri, L. fermentum, L. plantarum, L. rhamnosus, and L. salivarius. The microbiome is fostered by translocating the maternal gut microbiome to breast tissue.

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10
Q

What health implications are associated with the absence of an established microbiota in infants?

A

It has been linked to underdevelopment of the myenteric plexus and hypersensitivity of the HPA-axis stress response.

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11
Q

Describe the microbiome’s impact on infant temperament and cognitive scores based on studies by Fox et al. (2020) and Tamana et al. (2021).

A

High Bifidobacterium spp. and Lachnospiracea were associated with positive temperament.

Klebsiella and Ruminococcus-1 were associated with negative temperament.

Bacteroides spp. abundance had positive effects on language and cognitive scores.

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12
Q

How does a healthy microbiome influence infant immunity, and what changes are observed in Th2 dominance?

A

A healthy microbiome aids infant immunity, normalizing Th2 dominance, which is associated with increased IgE and allergen sensitivity. Lactobacillus spp. produce acids to prevent inflammation.

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13
Q

Define infantile colic, its signs/symptoms, and natural approaches for alleviation.

A

Regular prolonged crying in an otherwise healthy infant.

Symptoms: apparent pain, prolonged crying, and body stiffening.

Natural approaches: burping, probiotics, gentle abdominal pressure, fennel seed tea, chamomile tea, intolerance checks, and creating a soothing environment.

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14
Q

Name three therapeutic foods recommended for coughs, colds, and fevers in children.

A

Garlic, onion with manuka honey, and freshly grated ginger in hot water are recommended therapeutic foods.

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15
Q

Explain the benefits of fevers in children.

A

Fevers are essential for the immune system, promoting T-cell differentiation, increasing heat shock proteins, and aiding in the body’s response to infections.

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16
Q

What are the causes or risk factors for otitis media in children?

A

Common causes include age (3 months - 4 years), under-functioning immune system, and non-infective factors such as allergies or environmental irritants.

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17
Q

Provide three natural approaches for managing otitis media.

A

Encourage upright bottle feeding

Use hot/cold compresses

Apply tea tree or garlic oil around the ear opening.

Remove allergens and explore dental/TMJ

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18
Q

How can nutritional approaches help manage childhood anxiety?

A

removing caffeine, sugar, additives (CNM Diet),
stabilizing blood glucose,
hydration
herbal nervines: chamomile, lavender.

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18
Q

Identify two common causes or risk factors for childhood anxiety.

A

Common causes include bullying, social media, friendship issues, and poor teaching, along with blood sugar dysregulation (hypoglycaemia, poor sleep) and chronic stress (↑ cortisol).

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18
Q

List three functions of the urinary system.

A

filtering and eliminating wastes
regulating acid-base balance
maintaining fluid and electrolyte balance
regulating blood volume and pressure
regulating blood glucose levels
activating vitamin D,
producing erythropoietin

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18
Q

According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), what is the kidney associated with?

A

vitality, energy, sexual energy, reproduction, fertility, and the emotion of fear.

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19
Q

Why is limiting protein intake important for kidney health?

A

To reduce nitrogenous wastes (urea, creatinine, uric acid), which can overload the kidneys. Animal protein poses a higher risk due to increased acid load and inflammation.

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19
Q

What are the key signs and symptoms of cystitis?

A

dysuria, frequent/urgent urination, suprapubic pain/tenderness, foul-smelling/cloudy urine, hematuria, malaise, and fever.

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19
Q

What are common causes and risk factors for UTIs?

A

Bacterial overgrowth (commonly E. coli), recurrent infections linked to imbalances, women’s anatomy, menopause, pregnancy, sexual activity, aging, BPH, antibiotics, intestinal dysbiosis, and the “Gut-vagina-bladder axis.” (bacterial vaginosis)

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19
Q

What should be avoided or reduced in a natural approach to UTI prevention?

A

Avoid or reduce simple sugars, refined carbohydrates, urinary tract irritants (caffeine, diet soft drinks, alcohol), red meat, pork, poultry, and irritating body cleaning products.

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20
Q

What are the recommended inclusions in a natural approach for UTI prevention?

A

Include a plant-based diet, prebiotic and probiotic foods, adequate water intake, and consider cranberry (unsweetened juice or powder) to reduce bacterial adhesion to the bladder epithelium.

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21
Q

UTI supportive supplements and doses?

A

D mannose (500 every 2 hours 3-5 days) - recurrent UTIs

Vit A (5000): mucus membrane, re-epitelialisation, lymphatic tissue and immune cell support, T cell profiliferation

Vit C (500-5000): regulate lymphocytes, phagocytes, NK cells. Integrity of uroepithelial lining of urinary tract.

Vit D: anti-microbial, innate mucosal immunity. deter pathogens bacterial attachement

Zinc (15-60): ↑ phagocytle, NK, T+B cell activity ↑ resistance to infection

Probiotic Lactobacillus: Suppress pathogenic colonisation. Module immune system. Epithelial barrier integrity.

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22
Q

Name three herbs that provide natural support for UTIs.

A

Crataeva (Crataeva nurvala), Bearberry (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi), and Cornsilk (Zea mays)

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23
Q

What is the suggested herbal infusion for UTI support and how should it be consumed?

A

Infuse 5 g Crataeva, 4 g Bearberry, and 5 g Cornsilk in 500 ml freshly boiled water. Strain and take ½–1 cup every 2–4 hrs. However, it should not be used during pregnancy.

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24
Q

What are the symptoms of Interstitial Cystitis (IC)?

A

bladder and pelvic pain/pressure (intermittent or constant), urinary urgency/frequency, dyspareunia, and visible petechial (pinpoint) haemorrhages on cystoscopy.

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25
Q

What are the potential causes and risk factors for Interstitial Cystitis (IC)?

A

The exact cause of IC is not known, but potential factors include injury to the protective glycosaminoglycan layer of the bladder wall.
Allergies (↑IgE, mast cell activation),
neurogenic pain,
Alterations to the urinary microbiome (↓ Lactobacillus species, ↓ microbial diversity and ↑ pro-inflammatory cytokines).

26
Q

How does the natural approach for Interstitial Cystitis differ from that of UTIs?

A

The natural approach for IC follows UTI guidelines but emphasizes removing urinary irritants, ↓ inflammation, promoting microbial balance and diversity.

Additional strategies:
Assess for food and environmental allergies,
Aloe vera juice,
probiotics,
demulcent herbs like corn silk and marshmallow root,
Gotu kola for connective tissue integrity, castor oil packs topically.

27
Q

How does aloe vera juice contribute to Interstitial Cystitis support?

A

Aloe vera juice inhibits COX and, hence, PG2, and appears to ↑ production of glycosaminoglycans, contributing to the relief of IC symptoms.

28
Q

How can castor oil packs be used in Interstitial Cystitis support?

A

Castor oil packs can be applied over the lower abdominal/pelvic region for a minimum of 30 minutes. The fatty acid ricinoleic acid in castor oil has anti-inflammatory effects and helps relieve pain associated with IC.

29
Q

Supplements for Interstitial Cystitis Support?

A

Quercetin (500 x2): Anti-allergic. Inhibit histamine release. ↓ NfKb, LOX/COX

N-aceytl Glucosamine (1500-2000)/Chondroitin (200-400 x3): ↑ glucosaminoglycan synthesis in blader, ↑ mucous membran integrity. ↓ Inflamm by ↓ Inf cytokine formation.

30
Q

What is urinary calculi, and what are its common symptoms?

A

formation of crystalline salt and organic matter in the kidneys and bladder, often known as gravel. Common symptoms include being symptomless, severe pain (renal colic) when lodged in a ureter, nausea, vomiting, and fever.

31
Q

List the main types of urinary stones and specify the most common type.

A

The main types of urinary stones include:
Calcium oxalate (most common),
Calcium phosphate
Uric acid
Struvite (magnesium ammonium phosphate).

These often result from chronic bacterial infection and increased urine alkalinity.

32
Q

What are the causes and risk factors associated with urinary calculi?

A

Dehydration, altered urinary pH (either too acidic or too alkaline), dietary acid load (especially from animal protein, dairy, and soft drinks), high table salt intake, low fibre diet, high in refined carbohydrates and alcohol, and high intake of oxalate-rich foods contribute to urinary stone formation.

33
Q

How does a high protein intake, especially from animal sources, impact the risk of urinary calculi?

A

increases uric acid production, contributing to the risk of urinary calculi.

34
Q

What are the key dietary recommendations in the natural approach to manage urinary calculi?

A

↑ fluid intake,
Alkalizing the diet with chlorophyll-rich plant-based foods,
↓ animal proteins and high purine foods, limiting salt intake,
↑ potassium-rich foods, avoiding oxalate-rich foods
Supplements like magnesium, pyridoxine, and folate.

35
Q

Herbs for urinary calculi?

A

Stinging nettle leaf, prepared as a tea, acts as a diuretic and is alkalizing.

When combined with marshmallow root, it helps lubricate the urinary tract.

36
Q

Explain how lemon juice can be beneficial in managing urinary calculi.

A

Lemon juice, taken at 1 teaspoon every half hour for two days, helps soften stones. The citric acid in lemon juice binds to calcium, promoting its excretion.

37
Q

What is the role of castor oil packs in the natural approach for urinary calculi?

A

Castor oil packs, when applied to the front, sides, and back, help reduce inflammation and spasm, providing relief in the natural management of urinary calculi.

38
Q

What is the primary source of testosterone production in men, and what are its key functions?

A

Over 95% of testosterone in men is produced by the testes, specifically the Leydig cells.

Testosterone plays a crucial role in the development of male sexual characteristics, libido, sperm production, skeletal muscle growth, and increased bone density.

39
Q

How is testosterone circulated in the bloodstream, and what are the components of ‘bioavailable testosterone’?

A

Approximately 60% of testosterone weakly binds to albumin
40% tightly binds to SHBG (Sex Hormone Binding Globulin).

‘Free testosterone,’ (1-2%) and ‘bioavailable testosterone,’ which includes both free and albumin-bound testosterone, are key components.

40
Q

What are the signs and symptoms of low testosterone in men?

A

Central weight gain,
Low energy, low libido,
Erectile dysfunction,
Infertility or low sperm count/motility,
Osteoporosis,
Hair loss,
Fatigue,
Loss of muscle bulk and strength
mood changes.

41
Q

List the causes and risk factors associated with low testosterone in men.

A

Ageing
Chronic stress,
Elevated SHBG levels
Thyroid dysfunction
Zinc deficiency
Increased aromatase activity (e.g., obesity, insulin resistance, excess alcohol),
Exposure to environmental toxins
Sleep deprivation
Certain medications like opioids.

42
Q

What is the ideal testosterone to SHBG ratio in males, and how can low testosterone be addressed naturally?

A

0.7–1

Addressing the cause, low GI foods and zinc-rich foods, resistance training/HIIT exercise, good sleep hygiene, ↓ xenoestrogens, liver detox, gut microbiome, mitochondrial support (., B vitamins, CoQ10, alpha-lipoic acid, Se, glutathione)

43
Q

Supplements/dosages for low testosterone

A

Zinc (15-30): prod, spermatogenesis
Vit D: ↑ leydig cell testosterone pro, healthy testosterone/oestrodial ratio

Mg (200-400): with Zinc+B6 - improve testosterone in athletes.

D-chiro-inositol (600mcg x2): Modulate aromatase. Insulin sensitivity

B complex (50-150): mitochondrial support, methylation.

44
Q

Herbs for low testosterone

A

Ashwagadha (2-5g): ↑ testosterone + DHEA
Shatavari (3g): aphrodisiac.
Mucuna puriens (100): ↑ leydif prod od testosterone
Tribulus terrestris (500-650): ↑ free testosterone by ↑ LH release.

45
Q

Supplements for lowering DHT - inhibiting 5a-Reductase?

A

Zinc (15-30): ↓ 5a Reductase, stabilising DHT

Saw Palmeto (500-1000): ↓ 5a Reductase

Stinging Nettles (300-600): ↓ 5a Reductase and aromatase, binds to SHBG, ↑ testosterone.

46
Q

How is Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) produced, and what enzyme is involved in its synthesis?

A

from testosterone through the action of the enzyme 5a-reductase.

47
Q

What is the activity level of Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) compared to testosterone, and what are its specific characteristics?

A

DHT is a more potent androgen, approximately 2–5 times stronger than testosterone. It exhibits higher binding affinity to androgen receptors and does not undergo aromatization into estrogen.

48
Q

What are the potential effects of increased DHT levels in the body?

A

Increased DHT levels are associated with acne, male pattern baldness, mood changes (such as increased anger), and prostate disorders.

49
Q

What are the causes of elevated 5a-reductase activity leading to increased DHT levels?

A

Inflammation (resulting from poor diet and gut health),
↑insulin levels, obesity
Low zinc status
Exposure to pesticides
Presence of a steroid 5-alpha reductase type 2 (SRD5A2) SNP. The enzyme is found in the gonads, skin, hair, and the nervous system.

50
Q

How can DHT levels be naturally lowered through a holistic approach, specifically by inhibiting 5α-reductase?

A

address inflammation, stabilize blood glucose levels, support insulin sensitivity, ↓ adiposity
opt for an organic diet.

51
Q

Define Erectile Dysfunction (ED) and differentiate between ‘occasional ED’ and ‘frequent ED’.

A

Erectile Dysfunction (ED) or impotence refers to the inability to achieve or maintain an erection firm enough for sexual intercourse.

‘Occasional ED’ is common and often linked to stress, anxiety, or relationship issues, while ‘frequent ED’ may indicate an underlying health problem.

52
Q

Identify causes and risk factors associated with Erectile Dysfunction

A

Low testosterone, stress, anxiety, dietary factors (low antioxidants, citrulline), diabetes mellitus, medication side effects, cardiovascular disease (CVD), and neurogenic factors affecting nerve signaling to the corpora cavernosa.

53
Q

Explain the role of the sympathetic nervous system and noradrenaline in Erectile Dysfunction.

A

Stress and anxiety, which increase sympathetic nervous system activity, contribute to ED. Noradrenaline, the primary ‘anti-erectile’ neurotransmitter, is released under stress, hindering erectile function.

54
Q

Outline a natural approach to managing Erectile Dysfunction (ED).

A

The natural approach involves addressing the underlying cause (e.g., diabetes), Diet rich in phytonutrients, managing weight, incorporating moderate exercise, and addressing emotional factors.

Supplements: Tribulus terrestris, adaptogens (ashwagandha, Panax ginseng, Siberian ginseng), and Bach flower remedies.

55
Q

How can circulatory stimulants and what specific dietary elements support penile blood flow and address ED?

A

Circulatory stimulants like ginger, rosemary, and cayenne can support penile blood flow. Beetroot juice or powder, rich in nitrates, aids in increasing nitric oxide (NO) production, promoting vasodilation and improving blood flow.

Penile blood flow: ginger, rosemary, cayenne
Beetroot juice - NO production.

56
Q

Supplements for Erectile Dysfunction

A

Arginine (1500-5000): NO prod. Vasodilation.

Vit D: No synthesis via eNOS. Vascular protective.

Gingko Biloba (60-120): Improve blood circulation, antagonises platelet activating factor.

57
Q

Supplements for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) and dosages.

A

Se (200-600): Glutathione peroxidase

Reishi (3-9): ↓ 5a Reductase

Vit D: ↓ prostate cell proliferation, anti-inflam COX2/PGE2.

Berberine (50-250): ↓ 5a-Reductase, NF-kb

58
Q

What is Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), and what percentage of men over 50 are affected by it?

A

BPH is the non-malignant enlargement of the prostate gland, commonly experienced by men over 50.

Approximately 40% of men aged over 50 and 90% over 90 are affected by BPH.

59
Q

Enumerate the signs and symptoms associated with BPH.

A

urinary frequency, urgency, hesitancy, nocturia, incomplete evacuation, and terminal dribbling.

60
Q

Explain the diagnostic methods for assessing BPH

A

Digital Rectal Examination (DRE), ultrasound, and biopsy.

PSA blood tests are used to screen for prostate enlargement or inflammation.

Elevated PSA levels (>4.0 ng/ml) may indicate the need for further investigation.

61
Q

What are the key factors contributing to the etiology of BPH?

A

Factors contributing to BPH include elevated DHT levels (linked to obesity, insulin resistance, inflammation), increased stress (sympathetic nervous system activity), a higher ratio of estrogens to testosterone, and age-related decline in testosterone. The prostate’s zinc-rich nature is also relevant.

62
Q

Outline the natural approach to managing Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia , incorporating dietary and lifestyle strategies.

A

zinc-rich and organic foods.
Lowering DHT with zinc, saw palmetto, and nettle, optimizing body weight, reducing stress, eliminating bladder-irritating substances, and incorporating a variety of polyphenol-rich plant foods. Specific compounds like beta-sitosterol and tissue salts are also beneficial.

63
Q

Provide examples of polyphenol-rich foods that inhibit 5α-reductase activity and reduce inflammation in the context of BPH.

A

Polyphenol-rich foods that inhibit 5α-reductase/↓ inflammation include:
Lycopene (found in tomatoes), Epigallocatechin gallate (green tea),
Lignans (flaxseeds, sesame seeds),
Daidzein (fermented soya beans),
Kaempferol (apples, broccoli, onions, tomatoes)
Fisetin (strawberries, apples, grapes).

64
Q

Supplements for Prostate Cancer support (with dosages)

A

Zinc (15-30): ↓ cancer cell growth/invasion, ↓ NK-kb ↓ DHT

Se (200-600): ↑ Glutathione Peroxidase. Low levels linked to cacinogenesis

Vit D: Anti-proliferative. Cause apoptosis, inhibit tumour.

Reishi (3-9g): Its Triterpenes suppress migration/invasion of praste cancer cells, apoptosis.

Shiitake (1.5-10g): anti-proliferative, anti-angiogenic

65
Q

What are the signs and symptoms associated with prostate cancer?

A

Urinary symptoms (similar to BPH), along with hematuria, blood in ejaculate, pain on ejaculation, and back pain.

66
Q

Outline the dietary and lifestyle risk factors that contribute to an increased risk of prostate cancer.

A

Processed meats, high refined sugar, low fiber, caffeine, high saturated and trans fats, and dairy products (linked to increased IGF-1).
Abdominal obesity
poor methylation (due to lack of key nutrients, COMT SNP) — ↑ 4-OH-E (CYP1B1) activity and quinone formation which cause oxidative damage to DNA. Also consider a low antioxidant status).

Increased 5α-reductase activity ↑ DHT

Intestinal dysbiosis: can ↑ β-glucuronidase → raised circulating oestrogens. → cell proliferation.

Nutrient deficiencies (Zn, Se, vit. D)

SNPs (e.g., CYP3A4 polymorphism), impaired detoxification pathways.

67
Q

Explain the natural approach to managing and preventing prostate cancer, incorporating dietary strategies and supportive compounds.

A

Zinc and selenium-rich foods,
Mediterranean-style diet
Exercise.

Supportive compounds: quercetin, resveratrol, EGCG, and curcumin enhance zinc absorption.

Lycopene from tomato purée induces apoptosis and inhibits the spread of prostate cancer.

Supporting methylation, detoxification pathways, maintaining a healthy weight, and addressing the intestinal microbiome are also crucial.

68
Q

Define prostatitis and enumerate its signs and symptoms.

A

Prostatitis is inflammation of the prostate with or without infection.

Signs and symptoms include those similar to BPH along with frequent UTIs, dysuria, blood in urine or semen, urethral discharge, pain on ejaculation, and pain in the genitalia, anus, lower abdomen, and lower back. Fever and malaise may also be present.

69
Q

What are the key factors contributing to the etiology of prostatitis, and how does it relate to genitourinary dysbiosis?

A

Prostatitis is linked to chronic low-grade inflammation, low immune function, low testosterone, genitourinary dysbiosis (specifically proinflammatory bacteria like E. coli, Streptococcus anginosus, and Propionibacterium acnes), and STDs such as chlamydia.

70
Q

Outline the natural approach to managing prostatitis, emphasizing dietary considerations and supportive measures.

A

Diet focusing on reducing inflammation and providing immune support.

Zinc, selenium, lycopene, saw palmetto, and stinging nettle are recommended for prostate support.

Quercetin - anti-inflammatory properties,

Probiotics/prebiotics -↑ microbial diversity, particularly anti-inflammatory Prevotella.