As a Man Do you Give Prostate Health the Attention it Deserves?

 If you are a man who is mindful of issues affecting men's health, prostate health is likely high on your priority list. Prostate enlargement, also known as Benign Prostate Hyperplasia (BPH), is a concept that you may be familiar with. Women married to men who are a bit older, say 50 and above, may also be familiar with it, as they may have noticed their partners spending a significant amount of time going to the bathroom at night. Worldwide, it is estimated that 30 million men are experiencing symptoms of prostate enlargement. Studies show that BPH is histologically evident in up to 90% of men by the age of 85.

But what exactly is BPH?

BPH is a condition in which the prostate gland grows in size. The normal size of the prostate is considered to be between 20 and 30 cubic centimeters. When it grows beyond this range, it constricts the urethra, which passes through it. The urethra is the tube that transports urine from the bladder to the outside of the body during urination.

Prostate enlargement, which affects only men, can cause difficulties in urination. Instead of a single, strong urine stream, a person with prostate enlargement may experience a weaker stream or have difficulty initiating urination. Additionally, the bladder may not empty completely, leading to a sense of urgency and more frequent urination. It is an understatement to say that these symptoms can be highly annoying and irritating.

Experts believe that several factors may contribute to prostate enlargement. However, many believe that one of the major factors is the formation of a hormone known as dihydrotestosterone. An enzyme called 5-alpha reductase is primarily associated with the development of prostate enlargement. This enzyme converts testosterone, the main male hormone, into a more potent form called dihydrotestosterone (DHT).

Prostate Health Management:

Modern drugs such as Finasteride (Proscar) and Dutasteride (Avodart) are commonly prescribed to prevent 5-alpha reductase from converting testosterone to dihydrotestosterone. Certain foods are also said to offer protection against BPH. A diet high in vegetables and fruits is generally considered beneficial. These foods contain antioxidants, vitamins, and alkaline minerals, which help prevent cellular inflammation, boost immune function, and protect against acid build-up in the body.

According to some studies, specific foods directly associated with prostate health include avocado, cooked tomatoes, foods rich in omega-3 oils, and green tea. Avocado contains substantial amounts of beta-sitosterol, which is believed to inhibit the action of 5-alpha reductase in converting testosterone to dihydrotestosterone. Cooked tomatoes release a highly potent antioxidant called lycopene. Some studies suggest that lycopene offers protection against both BPH and prostate cancer. Other foods rich in lycopene include watermelon, pink grapefruit, and guava. Omega-3 oils are mainly found in fatty fish such as salmon, mackerel, sardines, and trout, as well as in certain plant-based sources like flaxseeds, chia seeds, and walnuts. Omega-3 oils reduce cellular inflammation and play a role in maintaining cell membrane integrity and regulating cell signaling pathways, which could potentially impact prostate health. Green tea contains highly potent antioxidants known as catechins. Studies show that catechins may help inhibit the growth and proliferation of prostate cancer cells and induce apoptosis (programmed cell death) in cancer cells. Additionally, catechins may also exhibit anti-inflammatory properties, contributing to the overall health of the prostate gland.

Prostate Cancer:

In addition to BPH, another significant threat facing men is prostate cancer. Available data indicates that prostate cancer is the second most diagnosed cancer among men and the fifth leading cause of cancer-related deaths. In 2020, an estimated 1,414,259 people worldwide were diagnosed with prostate cancer, and approximately 359,000 deaths were attributed to it during the same period.

Papaya and Prostate Health:

You may have heard that papaya leaf extract is effective against dengue fever. Dengue fever is a tropical disease caused by the dengue virus. It is primarily transmitted to humans through the bite of infected Aedes mosquitoes, particularly the Aedes aegypti species. Symptoms of dengue fever include high fever (often accompanied by severe headaches), joint and muscle pain, rash, pain behind the eyes, and mild bleeding manifestations (such as nosebleeds and easy bruising). Some individuals may experience more severe forms of dengue, known as dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) or dengue shock syndrome (DSS), which can result in organ damage, bleeding, and even death if not properly managed.

Apart from its effectiveness against dengue fever, a summary published by the National Institute of Health (NIH) in December 2020, based on a study published in the DARU Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, revealed that papaya leaf extract has diverse medicinal properties such as antibacterial, antiviral, antitumor, hypoglycemic, and anti-inflammatory activity. Some individuals with prostate cancer have claimed that their cancers disappeared after using papaya leaf water extract for a few months. Papaya is particularly interesting for prostate health because it is easy to cultivate, requiring a tropical climate (temperature above 24 degrees Celsius), well-draining soil, and sun exposure.

Conclusion:

Whether it is prostate enlargement or prostate cancer, the effects can be devastating. Prevention is always better than cure. In the case of BPH, prevention can be as simple as inhibiting the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone by using pharmaceutical medications or natural products. In my opinion, using natural products found in the foods mentioned above is a better choice. These foods offer additional benefits along with the prostate health benefits they provide.