Prostate Health » prostate

Natural Treatments for Prostate Infection

admin — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 15:20:29 +0000

A prostate biopsy is required to be sure that the tissue of the prostate does not contain any cancerous cells. The procedure leaves an open sore which is highly prone to infection given its location within the body. Patients are often prescribed a course of antibiotics to prevent infection, and the area is carefully cleaned with an antiseptic solution. However, an infection will sometimes still develop.

While antibiotics are usually needed for a prostate infection to clear entirely, some natural remedies will help to speed recovery.

Fresh Herbs

There are two types of prostate infections – bacterial and nonbacterial. Bacterial prostate infections are caused by a micro-organism, such as fungi, E. coli, or parasites. Very rarely, staphylococcal and streptococcal organisms have been found to cause bacterial prostate infections. The cause of nonbacterial prostate infections is not known.

Prostate infections cause severe abdominal pain and fever. They also produce symptoms that are very similar to urinary tract infection symptoms, such as frequent and painful urination.

Standard medical treatments, such as prescribed antibiotics, may be required to clear a prostate infection. Complementary therapies (methods used along with standard medical care) and natural remedies (which focus on supporting the immune system) can also help to treat a prostate infection.

Natural remedies that may be helpful for treating the symptoms of prostate infections include:

Herbal and homeopathic remedies – can provide a safe and effective alternative to antibiotic treatments. The right remedies are gentle on the system yet highly effective. You should always check with your doctor before beginning an herbal or homeopathic remedy. Other medicinal herbs, such as garlic and goldenseal, have antibiotic and anti-inflammatory properties.
Supplements – other herbal supplements to nourish the body may be helpful. Certain extracts, such as Hypoxis rooperi (African Potato), Agothosma betulina (bechu) and Mentha piperita help to strengthen the immune system and improve the body’s functioning.
Drink a lot of water to help keep your system flushed. It is recommended that you drink 50 percent of your body weight in ounces of water daily. (For example, if you weigh 150 pounds, drink 75 ounces of water each day).

Treating infection through complementary therapy is also helpful. Some complementary therapies that may be effective include:

Acupuncture
Nutritional therapy
Meditation

Diverticulitis: What is it and what can you do about it?

admin — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 14:54:25 +0000

Doctors are uncertain as to the direct causes of Diverticulitis. One thought is that a diet low in fiber may be a contributing factor. When the diet is missing fiber in order to add bulk to the stool, the colon must work harder than usual in order to push the stool forward.

Symptoms of diverticulitis may last anywhere from a few hours to a week or longer

Symptoms of diverticulitis include:

Belly pain, which is usually localized to the lower left side and is sometimes worse when the individual moves (this is the most common symptom)
Fever and chills
Bloating and gas
Diarrhea and constipation
Nausea and sometimes vomiting
Not feeling like eating

Diagnosis of diverticulitis should be completed by a doctor. There are particular tests, which will determine the diagnosis. Tests will be run in order to determine if the patient has an infection. Tests may include:

Blood tests, including a complete blood count
X-ray, CT scan or a colonoscopy

Treatment depends on how bad symptoms are and whether or not the patient is also suffering from an infection. Some patients are given liquids at first, but can return to solid food once they start feeling better.

Antibiotics may be prescribed if the patient has an infection. Patients should take the medications as instructed and should complete the prescription and avoid stopping taking them because they feel better.

If the patient is suffering from mild cramps or belly pain, the patient should try using a heating pad set on low on his or her belly. Relax and lay down whenever necessary. Meditation and deep breathing exercises can be beneficial to relaxation. Medicine, such as Tylenol or other forms of acetaminophen can also help to reduce pain.

If diverticulitis does not improve with normal treatment, surgery may be the only option. Long-lasting or chronic pain, bowel obstruction, a fistula or an abscess may also be a symptom of diverticulitis.

You can prevent diverticulitis by drinking plenty of water, getting regular exercise and eating a diet high in fiber. High fiber diets include lots of whole grains, fresh fruits and fresh vegetables.

Talk to your doctor about the treatment option, which is best for you. Follow your doctor’s recommendations and try to follow a healthy lifestyle.

Natural Treatments for Prostatitis

admin — Sat, 15 Aug 2009 11:01:47 +0000

Prostatitis has many negative affects on the male reproductive system, especially when the inflammation lasts for a prolonged period of time or becomes chronic. Prostatitis reduces sperm count and stamina during sexual intercourse. Fluid may be continually secreted from the penis. A long-lasting bought with prostatitis may also cause impotence.

Although antibiotics may be needed to clear a severe case of prostatitis, many mild and moderate cases of prostatitis can be treated using natural remedies.

There are several types of prostatitis, and depending on the particular diagnosis, several standard treatments are generally relied upon. These treatments include antibiotics, alpha-blockers, pain relievers, muscle relaxants, and surgery to open the blocked ducts in bacterial prostatitis.

Although standard medical treatment is almost always required in bacterial prostatitis, alternative treatments may be just as effective as standard treatments in mild and moderate cases of nonbacterial prostatitis.

Organic Fruits and Vegetables

The key to naturally treating prostatitis is eliminating inflammatory agents from one’s diet, while supplementing the diet with anti-inflammatory nutrients.

Some effective alternative treatments for nonbacterial prostatitis include:

Eating whole, fresh, unprocessed foods, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, seeds, nuts, soy, and cold-water fish (such as tuna, salmon, sardines and mackerel). Organic foods will reduce the exposure to pesticides and hormones.
Avoiding dairy products, processed and refined foods, fried foods, caffeine and sugar.
Eliminating foods that your body is overly sensitive to. Although this varies from person to person, many people are sensitive to spicy foods (for example).
Drink a lot of water to help keep your system flushed. It is recommended that you drink 50 percent of your body weight in ounces of water daily. (For example, if you weigh 150 pounds, drink 75 ounces of water each day).
Use medicinal herbs with antibiotic and anti-inflammatory properties. For example, garlic, goldenseal and Echinacea will help to eliminate infection and reduce inflammation.

Supplements provide additional nutritional support. Some supplements may be helpful in treating prostatitis, especially chronic and long-lasting infections. Check with your doctor before using any of the following supplements:

Bromelain – contains proteolytic enzymes which can heighten the effectiveness of antibiotics.
Probiotics – if antibiotics are taken, probiotics replenish the good bacteria found in the intestinal tract.
Quercetin – has anti-inflammatory properties.
Selenium – is an anti-oxidant.
Zinc – vital to prostate health, zinc also prevents infections.
Flaxseed meal
Vitamin C
Vitamin E

How Can Interstitial Cystitis Affect Your Prostate?

admin — Sat, 01 Aug 2009 10:27:23 +0000

Symptoms vary from person to person, however, the patient may experience mild discomfort, pressure, tenderness or even intense pain in the bladder or pelvic region.

Some women may experience additional pain during menstruation or during vaginal intercourse

The pain may change in intensity as the bladder fills or empties. Some symptoms include the need to urinate frequently or urgently or a combination of both.

Symptoms vary so much that researchers believe that rather than there being one cause of IC, that there are several different diseases and illnesses which may point to it.

Symptoms of IC are very similar to that of a bacterial infection. When a patient presents with symptoms of a bacterial infection, his or her doctor will typically run a urinalysis, however, no bacteria will be present in the sample. There is a possibility that heredity may play a role in whether or not an individual suffers from IC.

There is no real test to decide whether or not someone is suffering from IC. The only thing doctors can do is to review the symptoms the patient is having and to rule out all other possible medical ailments.

As of right now, there is no cure for IC. Because of this fact, it is difficult for doctors to determine who will respond to treatment or if treatment will work at all. Distension seems to be of help to patients suffering from IC. Right now the FDA has approved only one drug for IC, which is dimethyl sulfoxide, or DMSO.

One side effect of DMSO is the garlic aftertaste the patient experiences. This odor may affect the breath and skin for up to seven hours after treatment has been completed. Research has shown that long-term use of DMSO has caused cataracts in animals. To date, this side effect has not appeared in humans. For patients who are undergoing DMSO treatment, a series of tests should be completed every six months. These tests include a blood count and kidney and liver function tests.

Electrical nerve stimulation and dietary changes may be recommended by the patient’s doctor as a means of treatment. Exercise and bladder training may also be options. In some cases, surgery or bladder removal may be the final option. Patients should discuss their treatment options with their doctor and make sure they understand the positive and negatives of everything.

Herbal Supplements to Promote Prostate Health and to Treat Prostate Disease

admin — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 10:16:29 +0000

An ongoing joke runs that there’s a third inevitability awaiting American men besides “death” and “taxes” – prostate disease. At least one in six men will develop a growth in their prostate, a gland that plays an important role in the male reproductive system.

Some herbal supplements may not only promote prostate health, but may even help to treat prostate disease.

Alternative remedies

Herbal supplements have gotten a bad rap over the years. Critics to the medicinal properties of herbs point out that, because herbal supplements are not regulated by the FDA, they may vary widely from the amount of active herbal extract that is listed on the label. One recent study showed that some brands contain less than 15 percent of the listed active ingredient.

Others worry that patients who use herbal supplements will neglect to see their doctors or will refuse proven treatments for an herb that only produces mixed results.

While many doctors would not go so far as to say that herbal supplements work better than traditional medicines, most doctors agree that they do have their place. Herbal supplements may work best when used in conjunction with other more traditional medical treatments.

You should always talk to your doctor before taking an herbal supplement. Herbs may produce different results in different people, and your doctor will be able to tell if a specific herb is right for you.

Herbs that promote a healthy prostate and may help to treat prostate disease include:

Saw palmetto – an herb from a small palm tree that grows along the Atlantic seaboard, saw palmetto is by far the most popular and well-researched prostate herb. It contains beta sitosterol, a powerful compound that stops testosterone from converting into DHT. Some studies also indicate that saw palmetto helps to shrink enlarged prostates and relieves urinary problems and other symptoms of an enlarged prostate.
Red clover – a member of the pea family, red clover contains antioxidants that inhibit the growth of cancerous cells. It also inhibits DHT formation, which helps to prevent the enlarging of the prostate.
Zinc – perhaps the most important of the trace minerals. Zinc deficiency predisposes the prostate to infection, which may eventually lead to enlargement and other problems.
Vitamin B6 – working in conjunction with zinc, Vitamin B6 regulates the hormone that converts testosterone into DHT. Thus, Vitamin B6 helps to prevent swelling of the prostate.
Lycopene – an extract found in tomatoes, watermelons and other fruits, lycopene is a powerful antioxidant that may inhibit the growth of cancerous cells and reduce prostate inflammation.

BPH – Diagnosis and Treatment

admin — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 15:20:03 +0000

BPH, also known as benign prostatic hypertrophy, is a condition in which the prostate gland becomes very enlarged and may cause problems associated with urination.

BPH does not usually cause problems until later in life, usually not till the 60s.

One you are diagnosed with BPH, your treatment will be determined by your physician based on your age, overall health, medical history and extent of the disease.

When the prostate gland is just mildly enlarged, treatment may not be needed. Regular checkups are important to watch for developing problems. Your physician will continue monitoring your condition.

There are surgical and non-surgical treatments for BPH. A surgery would involve the removal of the enlarged tissue that is pressing against the urethra. There are three types of surgery: transurethral, laser and open.

The transurethral surgery is done without any external incisions. The surgeon will reach the prostate with an instrument inserted into the urethra. One example of this surgery is a transurethral resection (TRUP). A resectoscope is inserted through the penis and the wire loop on the scope is used to remove the obstructing tissue. The tissue is carried by the fluid into the bladder and flushed out when the surgery is complete. Another form of this surgery is a transurethral incision of the prostate (TUIP), which is a procedure that widens the urethra by making some small cuts in the bladder neck and in the prostate gland itself.

A possibly less evasive form of the prostate gland removal is a laser surgery. In this procedure, a laser is used to vaporize obstructing prostate tissue.

Finally, there is an option for an open surgery, which would require an external incision. This is usually done when the gland is very enlarged, when there are complicating factors, or when the bladder has been damaged and needs to be repaired.

There are also numerous non-surgical treatments. These include the following:

A balloon urethroplasty – this procedure involves a thin tube with a balloon that is inserted into the opening of the penis and guided to the narrowed portion of the urethra. At that point, the balloon is inflated to widen the urethra and ease the flow of urine.

A transurethral microwave thermotherapy (TUMT) – this involves a device that heats and destroys excess prostate tissue to reduce urinary frequency and urgency.

Medications – can be used to shrink or stop the growth of the prostate without using surgery.

What is Proctitis and How is it Related to Prostate Pain?

admin — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 15:58:56 +0000

Proctitis is a side effect of some medical treatments. People who engage in anal sex more commonly contract proctitis, particularly if they have multiple sexual partners.

Proctitis typically affects male adults

Proctitis can be a one-time ailment or a chronic condition. It can be cleared up with a simple treatment plan. The treatment plan for Proctitis is dependent on what has caused it in the first place.

Symptoms of Proctitis include:

- Frequent or continuous urge to have a bowel movement

- Rectal bleeding

- Passing mucous through the rectum

- Anal and rectal pain

- Pain in the lower left abdomen

- A constant feeling of rectal fullness

- Diarrhea, typically frequent, but in small amounts

- Pain with bowel movements

Proctitis is most commonly contracted with sexually transmitted diseases. Anal or oral-anal intercourse is the most common cause. Gonorrhea, syphilis, genital herpes, anal warts and Chlamydia are common causes of Proctitis.

Sometimes, a patient will contract Proctitis from a non-sexually transmitted bacterial infection. It is a rare occurrence in children, but it can occur from the same organism that causes strep throat. Food born illnesses and other bacteria may cause Proctitis.

Inflammatory bowel disease, also referred to as IBD, as associated with ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease, may also contribute to Proctitis. Chemicals, such as hydrogen peroxide enemas, medications or placing objects inside of the rectum may also cause Proctitis.

Other causes include:

- Trauma to the anal-rectal area

- Radiation therapy directed at or near the rectum, as with rectal cancer, prostate cancer, cervical cancer or uterine cancer

- Antibiotic use, such as can destroy protective bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract.

People with the following are at a higher risk factor for Proctitis:

- Being the recipient of anal or oral-anal sex

- Having multiple sexual partners

- Having anal sex with a partner who has an STD

- Having anal sex without a condom

- Having inflammatory bowel disease

- Antibiotic use, as for another health condition or ailment

- Radiation therapy directed near the rectum or anus

If you engage in high-risk sexual behavior or are experiencing symptoms of Proctitis, contact your doctor immediately for a medical evaluation. Severe bleeding, anemia from blood loss and dehydration from diarrhea require immediate medical attention.

Natural Treatments for Enlarged Prostate

admin — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 15:47:30 +0000

The prostate is a small gland that sits at the base of the bladder in men. It plays an important role in the male reproductive system. The prostate is made of two lobes and is enclosed by a layer of tissue. During early puberty, the prostate doubles in size. Around the age of 25, the prostate begins to grow again. This second phase of growth often results in the condition identified as enlarged prostate.

Many natural treatments may help to ease the uncomfortable symptoms of an enlarged prostate.

It is generally believed that all men over the age of 45 experience some level of prostate enlargement. By age 60, over 80 percent of men experience problems with urination due to enlarged prostate.

When the prostate becomes enlarged, it puts pressure on the urethra. This causes many urinary complaints, including frequent or urgent urination, the need to get up at night to urinate, a reduction in the force of the urine stream, incomplete emptying of the bladder, terminal dribbling and even the inability to urinate at all. An enlarged prostate may also cause impotency.

Sources of Antioxidants

While these challenges are not life threatening, they are nuisances and can become quite bothersome. Fortunately, many natural treatments and remedies have been shown to help relieve the symptoms of enlarged prostate. These include:

Eating a healthy diet, including plenty of fruits and vegetables each day and avoiding unsaturated fats, sugars and processed foods.
Kegel exercises are performed by tightening the muscles around the scrotum and anus. Repeating this tension 10 times, 5 to 6 times daily will strengthen the kegel muscles and will help to improve symptoms of enlarged prostate.
Saw palmetto is a plant that has been shown to diminish the inflammation and enlargement of the prostate. It also inhibits the hormones that cause prostate enlargement. Another herb, called Pygeum africanum has been shown to have the same affect on the prostate.
Zinc is an essential trace element and has been shown to play an important role in regulating cell growth and building the immune response. Studies have found that zinc deficiency can result in prostate enlargement. Stress and infection also results in a lowering of the body’s zinc levels.
Antioxidants will protect the prostate’s sensitive tissues from oxidative damage.
Herbs, including nettle, pygeum, damiana and hydrangea have been shown to support the urinary system and relieve the symptoms of enlarged prostate.

What is Non-Bacterial Prostatitis?

admin — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 15:24:25 +0000

Prostatitis symptoms are most common in men between the ages of 35 and 50 years old. Approximately 10 % of the male population (between the ages of 20 and 74) show symptoms of Prostatitis.

Approximately half of all men will develop symptoms of Prostatitis at some point in their lives

Studies show that patients who have been diagnosed with Prostatitis will have the same mental health affect as patients with diabetes mellitus and congestive heart failure.

Non-bacterial Prostatitis may be caused by fastidious organisms, which cannot be cultured routinely from a urinary specimen.

Typically, patients who present with non-bacterial Prostatitis are given a two-week trial of antibiotics. If the patient improves, they are typically advised to continue therapy for four to six more weeks.

Ibuprofen may be used to treat painful symptoms.

Surgery may be an option for some patients.

The patient may also be advised to stay away from certain foods, which are thought to be an irritant to the bladder. This includes alcohol, cranberry juice and cranberries, lemon juice, carbonated beverages like sodas, spicy foods, coffee, acidic foods and chocolate.

Patients are typically advised to steer clear of these potential irritants and to limit to consumption of them one at a time in order to determine if their symptoms will improve. This does not work for all patients.

Experts say that avoiding specific activities will not necessarily improve symptoms. On the other hand, relatively frequent ejaculation may help to improve symptoms. The idea behind this is that it follows natural drainage of secretions from the prostate. Some experts also suggest frequent prostate massage in order to promote relief of tension in the pelvic floor.

If symptoms subside, patients do not need additional follow-up. If symptoms do not go away, a periodic evaluation will be necessary. If the patient is 50 years old or older, he should have routine examinations annually, including a rectal examination and a PSA test.

Patients are typically advised to limit stress in their life as this can exasperate symptoms.

The prostate is an important part of a man’s anatomy. In order for it to work properly, it needs male hormones, known as androgens, which are responsible for the male sex characteristics. The main male hormone is testosterone. Testosterone is produced by the testicles. Some male hormones are produced by the adrenal glands. Dihydrotestosterone regulates the prostate.

Are Natural Prostate Health Treatments Safe?

admin — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 15:20:07 +0000

Holistic natural remedies, such as herbal supplements, are not regulated by the FDA. This makes many people very uneasy, and for good reason. A recent study found that some natural supplement brands contain up to 15 percent less than the listed active ingredient strength, so taking a specific dosage of a particular substance can be difficult.

When used appropriately and with permission from your doctor, natural treatments are generally safe.

Natural, Organic Ingredients

Most doctors would not say that natural treatments work better than traditional cures. However, many would agree that they can be very helpful, especially when used in conjunction with standard medical treatments.

However, natural remedies such as herbal supplements and special diets have earned an un-deserved bad reputation. Although natural remedies have been less studied than traditional medicines, they certainly have their place. As advances in holistic healing continue and more research is conducted, the benefits of natural treatments are undeniable.

Keep in mind that “natural” does not necessarily mean “safe.” Different natural treatments produce different results in different people based on the unique situation and combination of factors. Although natural treatments can certainly be beneficial, it is important to remember several key points when considering natural remedies:

- Talk to your doctor before you begin any natural remedy or treatment. Gather as much information as you can about the remedy before you see your doctor, then ask for their professional opinion. Many doctors are just beginning to learn about the benefits and risks of natural treatments, so it may be a learning process for them, too. They will be able to tell you if the remedy you are interested in is safe for you to use.

- Learn about the natural treatment you are interested in, along with the common misconceptions about using natural remedies in general. These include:

The “More Is Better” Myth – when it comes to herbal supplements, more is not necessarily better. Remember, large doses of certain vitamins and minerals can be toxic.
The “Natural is Better” Myth – many supplements, such as ginger and garlic, are manufactured as natural. However, plants contain many different chemicals, some of which are helpful and some of which are hurtful. These chemicals may also interfere with certain medications or produce harmful side effects.
The “It Can’t Hurt to Take an Herbal Supplement with Regular Medicines” Myth – some of the chemicals found in plants can block or speed up the body’s absorption of certain prescription drugs. This means that the patient will have too much or too little of the prescribed drug in their bloodstream at any given time.

- Know where and how to report any side effects you may experience while using a natural remedy. Calling 1-800-FDA-1088 to report problems will help the FDA track natural remedies for better regulation in the future.

Prostate Health » prostate

Natural Treatments for Prostate Infection

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Diverticulitis: What is it and what can you do about it?

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Natural Treatments for Prostatitis

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How Can Interstitial Cystitis Affect Your Prostate?

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BPH – Diagnosis and Treatment

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What is Proctitis and How is it Related to Prostate Pain?

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