Therapeutics 2: Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia:

Question 1

Q1: What is Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)?

Answer 1

A1: BPH is the progressive, non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate, which can compress the urethra and obstruct urinary flow, leading to symptoms such as increased urinary frequency, urgency, incomplete voiding, dribbling, and nocturia.

Question 2

Q2: What hormones are linked to the development of BPH?

Answer 2

A2: BPH is linked to excess dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and oestrogens, which promote prostate enlargement. Testosterone is converted to oestrogen by the enzyme aromatase, which is mostly expressed in adipose tissue.

Question 3

Q3: What factors increase aromatase activity and DHT formation?

Answer 3

A3: Aromatase activity increases with abdominal obesity, inflammation, insulin resistance, alcohol consumption, and aging. DHT formation increases with low zinc levels, pesticide exposure, and chronic stress.

Question 4

Q4: What foods should be avoided to help manage BPH symptoms?

Answer 4

A4: Foods to avoid include red meat, cow’s dairy (increases IGF-1), caffeine, alcohol, and foods contaminated with pesticides and hormones, which can act as endocrine disruptors.

Question 5

Q5: What dietary guidelines are recommended for managing BPH?

Answer 5

A5: Follow a plant-based diet rich in antioxidants, B vitamins, moderate protein intake, oily fish for omega-3s, pumpkin seeds for zinc, and tomatoes for lycopene, which can suppress prostate cancer cell proliferation.

Question 6

Q6: How does zinc benefit prostate health?

Answer 6

A6: Zinc concentrates in the prostate, protects cell DNA, acts as an antioxidant, and inhibits the conversion of testosterone to DHT by blocking 5α-reductase activity.

Question 7

Q7: What is the role of selenium in prostate health?

Answer 7

A7: Selenium is a powerful antioxidant found in high amounts in prostatic tissue, believed to reduce the risk of mutations and potentially lower prostate cancer risk.

Question 8

Q8: How does vitamin D impact BPH?

Answer 8

A8: Vitamin D decreases prostate cell proliferation, inhibits growth-promoting factors like IL-8 and IGF-1, and higher levels of vitamin D correlate with a decreased risk of BPH.

Question 9

Q9: What herbs can help reduce BPH symptoms?

Answer 9

A9: Saw palmetto reduces BPH symptoms, inflammation, and smooth muscle spasm. Stinging nettle inhibits aromatase and 5α-reductase, reducing the conversion of testosterone to oestrogen.

Question 10

Q10: What other naturopathic recommendations are suggested for managing BPH?

Answer 10

A10: Liver and bowel cleanses, consuming green tea (catechins inhibit aromatase and 5α-reductase), using Reishi mushrooms, regular physical activity, and hydrotherapy (Sitz baths with cold water bursts) are recommended to reduce BPH symptoms.