Fifty percent of men over the age of 60 suffer from an enlarged prostate or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), according to Mayo Clinic. By the age of 85, over 95 percent of men will live with BPH.
The good news is that a diet rich in certain vitamins and minerals can keep your prostate healthy and lower your risk of BPH. And because being overweight is another risk factor for BPH, making nutritious food choices is a great way to lower both your weight and your risk.
Sesame Seeds
Bell Peppers
Vitamin C is an antioxidant that might play a role in fighting BPH. Not all vitamin C is the same, however. According to Mayo Clinic, only vitamin C obtained from vegetables lowers your risk of an enlarged prostate. Fruits don’t offer the same benefit.
Bell peppers contain more vitamin C than any other vegetable. One cup of raw bell peppers contains 195 percent of your daily requirement intake of vitamin C. Other vegetables to try include broccoli, cauliflower, kale, and Brussels sprouts.
Tomatoes
Tomatoes are rich in lycopene, the bright carotenoid that gives tomatoes its red color. Lycopene may lower the risk of developing prostate cancer. It can also help men with BPH, according to the National Cancer Institute. Lycopene also helps lower the blood level of antigen, a protein connected to prostate inflammation and BPH.
Tomatoes and tomato products (such as tomato sauce and tomato juice) are the best source of lycopene. You can also get this carotenoid from watermelon, apricots, pink grapefruit, and papaya.
Avocadoes
Avocadoes are rich in beta-sitosterol, a plant sterol. According to the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, beta-sitosterol can help reduce symptoms associated with BPH. Men taking beta-sitosterol supplements have better urinary flow and less residual urine volume.
Beta-sitosterol can help strengthen the immune system. It can reduce inflammation and pain, as well.
Besides avocadoes, other foods rich in beta-sitosterol include pumpkin seeds, wheat germ, soybeans, and pecans
Vegetables
Eating more vegetables can help lower your risk of BPH. Green leafy vegetables are especially important because they are rich in antioxidants. Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli also reduce the risk of prostate problems, including BPH and prostate cancer.
People who eat onion and garlic regularly might also have a lower risk of BPH, according to research published in Urology. Onions and garlic are often used in natural medicine to fight infection and help strengthen the immune system.
Get an overview of typical treatment methods for an enlarged prostate.
Part 1 of 12: Overview
Recognizing BPH
Part 2 of 12: Treatment Options
BPH Treatment Options
Part 3 of 12: Alpha Blockers
Alpha Blockers for BPH
Part 4 of 12: 5-Alpha Reductase Inhibitors
5-Alpha Reductase Inhibitors for BPH
Part 5 of 12: Combination Therapy
Medication Combo
Part 6 of 12: TUMT
Stand the Heat
Part 7 of 12: TUNA
TUNA Treatment
Part 8 of 12: Water-Induced Thermotherapy
Getting in Hot Water
Part 9 of 12: Surgery
Surgical Choices
Part 10 of 12: Laser Surgery
Laser Surgery
Part 11 of 12: Open Simple Prostatectomy
Open Simple Prostatectomy
Part 12 of 12: Lifestyle Changes
Self-Care May Help
11 Symptoms of BPH
Benign Prostate Hypertrophy
In all likelihood, you don’t want to spend much time thinking about your prostate. But if you are having problems urinating, your prostate might be what’s keeping you up at night. Benign prostate enlargement or hypertrophy/hyperplasia (also known as BPH) is a common condition in men as they age. Prostate tissue can enlarge in response to certain hormones. It can swell and block the flow of urine from the bladder, causing uncomfortable symptoms and potentially infection.Do you have the symptoms of BPH? On the following slides, learn about 11 of the most common problems associated with BPH.
Difficulty Starting Urination
Urinary hesitancy can slowly become a problem over time with BPH. An enlarged prostate can press against the urethra, the tube that carries urine from the bladder. Subsequently, it becomes increasingly more difficult to begin urination. It can take longer to build sufficient pressure for urine to pass this restriction.Eventually, this can lead to urinary retention, in which you become unable to urinate. The bladder swells and becomes painful. This can be a medical emergency due to the potential damage to your kidneys.
Red Light Green Light?
Starting and stopping urination can be a frustrating symptom of BPH. The enlarged prostate can press on the urethra, preventing urine from easily flowing out of the bladder. Even if the urine stream starts, the flow can be interrupted frequently. You may try to force out more urine by straining surrounding muscles
Weak Urine Stream
It might take a very long time to empty your bladder when you have BPH because of a weak urinary stream. You may find yourself spending a very long time standing in front of the urinal. If the urethra is partially blocked due to pressure from the prostate, only a small flow of urine can escape the bladder, resulting in weak urine flow and a long, long wait for empty.Dribbling at the End of All Things
You may have the uncomfortable problem of thinking you’ve finished urinating, shaking a bit just to be sure, and then tucking yourself away… only to be surprised as a little bit of urine dribbles out into your underwear.The urethra is not simply a straight tube. With weak urine flow and the pressure build up behind the restriction created by your enlarged prostate, urine can collect in the upper part of the tube. Even when you think you are finished and you no longer feel any more urine in your bladder, that extra bit can come out as you relax.
Gotta Go, Gotta Go
Urgency is a common problem with the incontinence problems that BPH causes. The nerves inside your bladder may no longer be able to signal your brain properly, leaving you with a sudden, dramatic need to urinate and an uncomfortable feeling in your bladder. This can also be referred to as spastic bladder. Spastic bladder can potentially be a symptom of urinary tract infection or diabetes, so talk to your doctor if you are experiencing urinary urgency.Sleep Disturbance
As you get older, it may get harder to fall asleep and stay asleep. It doesn’t make it any easier if one of the things waking you up is the need to urinate several times a night. Nocturia is a condition that can cause you to wake up two or more times a night to urinate. Pressure from the enlarged prostate and obstruction of the urethra can lead to irritation of the bladder and problems with proper nerve signaling. This can result in frequently waking up and feeling like you have to urinate, when there’s actually very little liquid that you need to void.Wishing For Empty
The obstruction of your urethra caused by BPH and the signaling changes in your bladder may result in an inability to completely empty your bladder. This can give you an uncomfortable feeling and other complications. Special exercises and certain medications may help with these symptoms, and other urinary changes that are the result of BPH.Straining for the Goal
In order to start urination, you may have to push or strain the pelvic or abdominal muscles to start urine flow. Repeated strain of these muscles may result in muscle injury to the pelvic floor, hemorrhoids, or micturition syncope (fainting during or after urination). You may strain in order to force urine past a blockage. If the pressure or blockage increases, you may be at risk for urinary tract infection or urinary retention.UTI Woes
Retaining urine or inefficient emptying of the bladder can result in an increased risk of urinary tract infection (UTI). Strain on the bladder and urine remaining inside the bladder for too long can create an environment in which bacteria thrives. A UTI can aggravate certain BPH symptoms such as urgency, making it increasingly likely you will be visiting the bathroom more frequently. You may also have pain during urination or potentially cloudy or bloody urine. A fever may also be possible. Most doctors will check for a UTI if you complain of urinary symptoms. UTIs are often treated with antibiotics before medications are taken for BPH-related urinary symptoms.Bladder Stones
Retaining urine in the bladder due to BPH can also result in bladder stones. Bladder stones form when the urine retained in your bladder becomes concentrated and minerals crystallize out of the liquid. Bladder stones can be very painful and cause additional urinary symptoms, as they can block the flow of urine through the bladder and urethra. The stone may pass out of the bladder and through the urethra if the stone is small and you drink enough water. More complex treatment may be required if the stone is big or does not easily pass.Kidney KOs
Stagnant urine in the bladder, a blocked urine flow, and UTIs can potentially result in kidney damage. A recent study by the Mayo Clinic showed that kidney damage and disease was three times more likely in men who experience BPH. The buildup of pressure caused by the urinary obstruction harms the bladder and kidneys. Treating BPH and relieving obstructions before this damage occurs is important for long-term kidney health.Maharishi Ayurveda Prostate Protection
Most men hardly know they have a prostate until they reach middle age, when prostate health becomes a serious issue. Prostate enlargement is found in 50 percent of American men in their sixties, and up to 90 percent of men in their seventies and eighties. Worse, prostate cancer is the second leading cause of death by cancer in men, with about 80 percent of all cases of prostate cancer occurring in men over sixty-five.
Even though the prostate seems to be an older man's health problem, these imbalances begin much earlier in life. The good news is that most prostate problems can be prevented by making simple lifestyle and dietary changes to restore balance. In this interview, our ayurvedic expert provides an in-depth analysis of prostate health from the perspective of Maharishi Ayurveda, and gives practical and effective advice for keeping the prostate healthy throughout life.
Q: Let's start at the beginning. What exactly is the prostate gland, and what does it do?
A: The prostate is part of the male reproductive system. The interesting thing is that even though it is called a gland, it is actually an organ made up of 70 percent glandular and thirty percent fibro-muscular tissue. About the size and shape of a walnut, it is located directly beneath the bladder and surrounds part of the urethra, the tube that drains the bladder. The prostate secretes a thin, milky substance contained in semen that protects and nourishes the sperm and lubricates the urethra. In ayurvedic terms, the prostate's secretion supports the flow of Shukra Dhatu, the reproductive tissue.
Q: How would you know if you had a prostate problem?
A: One major symptom is prostate enlargement, which is caused by imbalances that accumulate over time but become manifest with age. The initial symptoms include excessive urination at night, a weak urine stream, stopping and starting while urinating, a feeling that the bladder is never empty, difficulty in starting to urinate, and dribbling at the end of urination.
If a man has these symptoms, he should consult his doctor immediately. Often, when the symptoms are mild, the physician will say, "Wait and watch." This is the ideal time to get help from Maharishi Ayurveda, when the problem is mild to moderate.
At this point, there is still an opportunity to correct the imbalance that has caused the problem. Of course aging is the main etiological factor, or cause of the problem, but Maharishi Ayurveda also identifies the lifestyle or dietary factors that act as a trigger, and if unchecked, can turn a mild problem into a serious one.
Q: Every man would naturally want to keep the problem from becoming serious. What are some of the causes, or triggers, of prostate problems?
A: There are several. One is overuse of Shukra Dhatu, or overuse of the sexual organs. Another is lack of adequate fluids in the body, due to not drinking enough water during the day. Habitually suppressing the natural urge to urinate also can, over time, cause the urine to become more concentrated and, in turn, irritates the prostate.
Drinking too much alcohol or caffeinated beverages can also cause an imbalance. Alcohol, for instance, creates an abnormal increase in urine production, which aggravates Pitta and Vata doshas. Another cause is taking too many over-the-counter antihistamines and decongestants. These can cause the muscle that controls urine flow to tighten, making urination difficult.
Even your job can be a source of imbalance. If you have to sit for long periods of time without taking a break or stretching, this can create an imbalance in the reproductive area of the body. Not getting daily exercise, or eating a diet that creates impurities (ama) in the body, are other causes of prostate problem. If your diet does not contain spices that purify the urine daily (such as turmeric, cumin and fennel) that can also cause toxins to build up that lead to imbalances or infection.
Finally, if you don't have a healthy daily routine, for instance if you watch TV late at night or for other reasons don't sleep enough, or if you don't eat meals on time or your routine is very irregular, that can also cause ama to build up and disturb the immune system.
Q: It sounds like a wide number of factors can cause prostate problems.
A: Yes, they do sound like they are widely disparate on the surface, but actually there is an underlying principle that ties them all together.
One main factor is ama. Ama refers to the sticky impurities that are created when digestion is weak and food is not digested completely. Now, aging itself can create some weakening of the digestion, but most ama is created by poor dietary and lifestyle habits already mentioned -- eating foods that are old and heavy or eating meals at irregular times of the day.
If this kind of diet becomes a habit, then ama eventually mixes with the nutrient fluid (Rasa Dhatu) and even the blood (Rakta Dhatu).
Q: Every man would naturally want to keep the problem from becoming serious. What are some of the causes, or triggers, of prostate problems?
A: There are several. One is overuse of Shukra Dhatu, or overuse of the sexual organs. Another is lack of adequate fluids in the body, due to not drinking enough water during the day. Habitually suppressing the natural urge to urinate also can, over time, cause the urine to become more concentrated and, in turn, irritates the prostate.
Drinking too much alcohol or caffeinated beverages can also cause an imbalance. Alcohol, for instance, creates an abnormal increase in urine production, which aggravates Pitta and Vata doshas. Another cause is taking too many over-the-counter antihistamines and decongestants. These can cause the muscle that controls urine flow to tighten, making urination difficult.
Even your job can be a source of imbalance. If you have to sit for long periods of time without taking a break or stretching, this can create an imbalance in the reproductive area of the body. Not getting daily exercise, or eating a diet that creates impurities (ama) in the body, are other causes of prostate problem. If your diet does not contain spices that purify the urine daily (such as turmeric, cumin and fennel) that can also cause toxins to build up that lead to imbalances or infection.
Finally, if you don't have a healthy daily routine, for instance if you watch TV late at night or for other reasons don't sleep enough, or if you don't eat meals on time or your routine is very irregular, that can also cause ama to build up and disturb the immune system.
Q: It sounds like a wide number of factors can cause prostate problems.
A: Yes, they do sound like they are widely disparate on the surface, but actually there is an underlying principle that ties them all together.
One main factor is ama. Ama refers to the sticky impurities that are created when digestion is weak and food is not digested completely. Now, aging itself can create some weakening of the digestion, but most ama is created by poor dietary and lifestyle habits already mentioned -- eating foods that are old and heavy or eating meals at irregular times of the day.
If this kind of diet becomes a habit, then ama eventually mixes with the nutrient fluid (Rasa Dhatu) and even the blood (Rakta Dhatu).
The urine, which is part of the body's purification system, also becomes overloaded with ama and thus more prone to infection. It becomes a fertile ground for bacteria, and can create additional problems of urinary tract infections, and that impacts the prostate. Weakened immunity also creates a problem for the prostate.
If the ama problem is not corrected, and ama reaches the muscle and fat tissue, then it creates an additional factor -- imbalance in cell production. This, compounded with testosterone levels declining due to age (or due to overuse of the sexual organs), is a major factor in prostate enlargement.
If the person also has an imbalance in Shleshaka Kapha (the subdosha of Kapha that governs lubrication of the joints, body fluids, and moisture balance in the skin), and ama is accumulating in the body fluids due to dietary mistakes, then Shleshaka Kapha and ama gets mixed with urine, creating a more irritated situation and further weakening the immune system.
Also, when Shleshaka Kapha is mixed with ama, it creates shleshma (a sticky, toxic mixture of Shleshaka Kapha and ama). This condition is a common factor in imbalanced cell production. When combined with the problems of ama spreading to the tissues mentioned earlier, then the cell production becomes abnormal, and the prostate grows abnormally large.
Maharishi Ayurveda tries to support health on all fronts: by balancing Apana Vata, the subdosha of Vata related to the downward flow of energy such as occurs with urination, stopping ama from being produced, strengthening the immune system, and cleansing the urine and nutrient fluid, and cleansing the blood, muscle and fat tissues of ama, and cleansing Shleshaka Kapha of amavisha.
Q: It certainly sounds like Maharishi Ayurveda takes a holistic approach to prostate health and functioning. Can you tell us why age is such a critical factor in prostate health?
A: Again, this comes back to the doshas. Vata dosha increases as we age. The later part of life is actually known as the Vata Kala (or Vata time of life) in Maharishi Ayurveda. Because Vata dosha is irregular, dry, and moving by nature, it can cause the digestion to become more irregular. This contributes to more ama being produced and spreading to the tissues.
Also, you have to consider that the prostate is located in the area of the body that is governed by Apana Vata, which includes the colon, lower abdomen, elimination and reproductive areas. Because the prostate is governed by Apana Vata, anything that aggravates Apana Vata creates pressure on the prostate.
Not everyone has to have problems with Apana Vata, of course, and some people will maintain balanced Vata even in old age.
If the ama problem is not corrected, and ama reaches the muscle and fat tissue, then it creates an additional factor -- imbalance in cell production. This, compounded with testosterone levels declining due to age (or due to overuse of the sexual organs), is a major factor in prostate enlargement.
If the person also has an imbalance in Shleshaka Kapha (the subdosha of Kapha that governs lubrication of the joints, body fluids, and moisture balance in the skin), and ama is accumulating in the body fluids due to dietary mistakes, then Shleshaka Kapha and ama gets mixed with urine, creating a more irritated situation and further weakening the immune system.
Also, when Shleshaka Kapha is mixed with ama, it creates shleshma (a sticky, toxic mixture of Shleshaka Kapha and ama). This condition is a common factor in imbalanced cell production. When combined with the problems of ama spreading to the tissues mentioned earlier, then the cell production becomes abnormal, and the prostate grows abnormally large.
Maharishi Ayurveda tries to support health on all fronts: by balancing Apana Vata, the subdosha of Vata related to the downward flow of energy such as occurs with urination, stopping ama from being produced, strengthening the immune system, and cleansing the urine and nutrient fluid, and cleansing the blood, muscle and fat tissues of ama, and cleansing Shleshaka Kapha of amavisha.
Q: It certainly sounds like Maharishi Ayurveda takes a holistic approach to prostate health and functioning. Can you tell us why age is such a critical factor in prostate health?
A: Again, this comes back to the doshas. Vata dosha increases as we age. The later part of life is actually known as the Vata Kala (or Vata time of life) in Maharishi Ayurveda. Because Vata dosha is irregular, dry, and moving by nature, it can cause the digestion to become more irregular. This contributes to more ama being produced and spreading to the tissues.
Also, you have to consider that the prostate is located in the area of the body that is governed by Apana Vata, which includes the colon, lower abdomen, elimination and reproductive areas. Because the prostate is governed by Apana Vata, anything that aggravates Apana Vata creates pressure on the prostate.
Not everyone has to have problems with Apana Vata, of course, and some people will maintain balanced Vata even in old age.
But if the person has been keeping an irregular routine, eating foods that are difficult to digest, and sitting for long periods of time at their job, the stage is already set.
With the added factor of aging then the downward flow of energy in the body will become obstructed, affecting the organs in the reproductive system, including the prostate.
As the flow of energy and nutrients to the area gets blocked by ama, and the flow of impurities out of the area gets obstructed (as found in more concentrated urine), the prostate gets weaker and more and more imbalanced.
Q: So far we've only been talking about enlarged prostate. But is there a connection here to even more serious problems?
A: Yes. You see, initially, the imbalance in Shleshaka Kapha, called amavisha, causes enlargement of the prostate.
Q: So far we've only been talking about enlarged prostate. But is there a connection here to even more serious problems?
A: Yes. You see, initially, the imbalance in Shleshaka Kapha, called amavisha, causes enlargement of the prostate.
But if the imbalance becomes more serious, and the person never adopts an ama -reducing diet or makes lifestyle changes to create more balance, then the common kind of amavisha becomes an even more toxic type of ama called amavisha.
Then the imbalance has become very serious. In other words, what if ama continues to be created, and mixes with Shleshaka Kapha, blood, muscle and fat tissue, and that occurs conjointly for a long period of time?
If the person is not taking corrective measures to dissolve the ama, pacify Apana Vata, and restore balance to the entire area, then amavisha, the most toxic stage ama, spreads and really takes hold.
Amavisha breeds free radicals and obstructs the natural flow of intelligence between cells, breaking down the connection between nature's intelligence and that area.
This is how cancer tends to begin -- when the cell forgets its own nature and starts to grow uncontrollably.
Q: That is certainly a scenario we all want to avoid. So then an enlarged prostate or prostate imbalance could lead to cancer if the situation is not checked?
A: Yes, and that is why the doctor recommends that you keep checking, and keep testing on a yearly basis once you have an enlarged prostate. It's also why you should see a doctor immediately if you notice any of the symptoms that we mentioned earlier.
Q: That is certainly a scenario we all want to avoid. So then an enlarged prostate or prostate imbalance could lead to cancer if the situation is not checked?
A: Yes, and that is why the doctor recommends that you keep checking, and keep testing on a yearly basis once you have an enlarged prostate. It's also why you should see a doctor immediately if you notice any of the symptoms that we mentioned earlier.
But as you wait and watch, you can be using the Maharishi Ayurveda approach, which is preventive and holistic in nature.
The role of Maharishi Ayurveda is really prevention -- ideally to prevent a problem from starting in the first place, or to prevent a mild problem from becoming worse.
Q: What about stress, does stress play a role?
A: Stress can also create some problems. Because Vata dosha governs the nervous system, stress has a greater impact on Vata dosha, and therefore on anyone who is entering the Vata time of life.
The role of Maharishi Ayurveda is really prevention -- ideally to prevent a problem from starting in the first place, or to prevent a mild problem from becoming worse.
Q: What about stress, does stress play a role?
A: Stress can also create some problems. Because Vata dosha governs the nervous system, stress has a greater impact on Vata dosha, and therefore on anyone who is entering the Vata time of life.
For instance, if you have a job that requires overuse of the mind, or jars the senses, this can aggravate Prana Vata, the subdosha of Vata that governs the brain, head, chest, respiration, sensory perception and the mind.
When Prana Vata is out of balance, it easily brings the other aspects of Vata out of balance, including Apana Vata, creating disturbances in the prostate as well as other parts of the body.
Q: What are some dietary and behavioral recommendations to correct these problems?
A: First of all, it's important to understand that the right diet is very necessary to improve the health of the prostate.
In choosing the right diet, there are several factors to consider.
Q: What are some dietary and behavioral recommendations to correct these problems?
A: First of all, it's important to understand that the right diet is very necessary to improve the health of the prostate.
In choosing the right diet, there are several factors to consider.
First of all, it's a good idea to eat Pitta pacifying foods, because the problem involves an imbalance in the blood tissue, which is governed by Pitta dosha. But at the same time, Kapha dosha must also be pacified, because Shleshaka Kapha is involved. And Vata dosha must also be brought into balance because this disease occurs during the Vata stage of life, and the prostate is located in the area governed by Apana Vata.
So prostate problems involve the combination of Pitta, Kapha, and Vata -- as without the Kapha imbalance there would be no abnormal growth, without the Pitta imbalance there would be no inflammation, and without the Vata imbalance there would be no discomfort. So all three doshas are involved, and therefore all the dietary and behavioral recommendations have to take all three doshas into account.
Q: What sort of diet would pacify all three doshas?
A: In balancing the three doshas simultaneously it's important to avoid any extremes. You don't want to eat anything that is too cold, too spicy, too dry, too bitter, too sweet, or too salty, as any taste taken in excess can create an imbalance in one of the doshas. You'll want to eat a diet that is moderate in every way.
To keep from aggravating Vata dosha, don't eat foods that are too dry and lack nourishment, such as too many crackers or dry cereals.
So prostate problems involve the combination of Pitta, Kapha, and Vata -- as without the Kapha imbalance there would be no abnormal growth, without the Pitta imbalance there would be no inflammation, and without the Vata imbalance there would be no discomfort. So all three doshas are involved, and therefore all the dietary and behavioral recommendations have to take all three doshas into account.
Q: What sort of diet would pacify all three doshas?
A: In balancing the three doshas simultaneously it's important to avoid any extremes. You don't want to eat anything that is too cold, too spicy, too dry, too bitter, too sweet, or too salty, as any taste taken in excess can create an imbalance in one of the doshas. You'll want to eat a diet that is moderate in every way.
To keep from aggravating Vata dosha, don't eat foods that are too dry and lack nourishment, such as too many crackers or dry cereals.
Avoid long, leafy greens such as chard or spinach when they are cooked whole, as they are hard to digest and obstruct the natural movement of the intestine. If you chop the chard and spinach into small pieces and cook them well with spices, then they are easy to digest, help elimination and immunity, and do not aggravate Vata dosha.
Avoid eating ice-cold drinks or cold foods such as cold salads, as these aggravate Vata dosha.
for Pitta, avoid extremely spicy foods that heat the blood tissue (such as hot chili peppers and cayenne found in some Mexican and Indian foods). Too much horseradish, garlic, onions and mustard seeds are other examples. Vinegar is another food that pollutes the blood tissue, and it is found in mustard, ketchup, salad dressings, and pickles.
To keep from aggravating Kapha dosha, avoid cold and heavy foods such as fried foods, ice cream, and other rich desserts. Aged cheeses and yogurt should also be avoided, as they are heavy and difficult to digest.
Q: That covers the extremes to be avoided. What are some foods to improve prostate health?
A: For prostate health, a diet of warm, cooked, easily digestible, light yet nourishing foods are best. Organic vegetables cooked in mild spices, whole grains, light proteins such as mung dhal soups, and sweet, juicy fruits will nourish the body and pacify all three doshas.
It's important to cook with mild spices that improve digestion, burn away ama, and pacify Vata dosha, but don't create heat in the blood tissue.
for Pitta, avoid extremely spicy foods that heat the blood tissue (such as hot chili peppers and cayenne found in some Mexican and Indian foods). Too much horseradish, garlic, onions and mustard seeds are other examples. Vinegar is another food that pollutes the blood tissue, and it is found in mustard, ketchup, salad dressings, and pickles.
To keep from aggravating Kapha dosha, avoid cold and heavy foods such as fried foods, ice cream, and other rich desserts. Aged cheeses and yogurt should also be avoided, as they are heavy and difficult to digest.
Q: That covers the extremes to be avoided. What are some foods to improve prostate health?
A: For prostate health, a diet of warm, cooked, easily digestible, light yet nourishing foods are best. Organic vegetables cooked in mild spices, whole grains, light proteins such as mung dhal soups, and sweet, juicy fruits will nourish the body and pacify all three doshas.
It's important to cook with mild spices that improve digestion, burn away ama, and pacify Vata dosha, but don't create heat in the blood tissue.
Include a mixture of fennel, coriander, cumin, fenugreek, and small amounts of turmeric (see recipe in box). Small amounts of black pepper and small amounts of fresh ginger also are healthy for maintaining prostate health and balance.
You may think that just adding these spices to your diet may not be that significant, but they are very powerful. Let me just explain a small amount of research on these common spices.
Turmeric is strongly anti-inflammatory, and intensifies the anti-cancer activity of other phyto-nutrients. Ginger and turmeric both have been found to have cancer-preventing qualities. Turmeric is one of nature's most powerful antioxidants, has more DNA protective qualities than Vitamin E and betacarotene. It helps clear away amavisha, the breeding ground of free radicals, thus supporting the liver in its effort to clear itself of free radicals. By stopping the production of ama and amavisha, it balances Ranjaka Pitta, thus purifying the blood and urine.
Black pepper is another common spice whose effects in the diet have been well documented. Research published in Cancer Letter in the August 16, 1993 issue reported that 20 days after adding black pepper to the diet, the subjects' liver detoxification systems were strengthened, aiding in purification of the blood tissue and enhancing the overall immune system.
The mixture of black pepper, long pepper and ginger (trikatu) is famous in ayurveda, because it is the most effective combination of spices to prevent ama and amavisha, and to clear them away. You can add small amounts of black pepper and ginger to your foods to help clear the channels and micro-channels of the body, which carry away waste and supply oxygen and nutrients to the cells.
Q: That's fascinating, how helpful the right spices are for prostate health. What kinds of vegetables do you recommend?
A: Squashes cooked with these mild spices are excellent for prostate health. The best squashes for prostate health are the types that are white inside, such as zucchini or loki (for more information on buying and cooking loki, visit the recipe section of our web site). Avoid the dark yellow ones such as pumpkin; however, squashes with a mildly yellow color are fine.
Asparagus is another vegetable that is recommended, because it helps support balanced hormones. Daikon is a mild type of white radish root that purifies the urine. Because it is spicy, it should be cooked with other vegetables more as a seasoning than as the main vegetable. You could combine it with squashes such as zucchini or shred it and add it to mung dhal soup.
Light dairy products such as milk, lassi (a drink made with one part freshly-made yogurt and three parts water), and occasional fresh cheeses such as panir or cottage cheese should be included in the diet, but avoid the hard-to-digest aged cheeses, such as Monterey Jack, mozzarella, cheddar, brie, blue cheese, and Gruyere.
As for grains, quinoa is best because it is rich in zinc. Zinc supports seminal health, and because seminal health and prostate health are connected, zinc also supports prostate health.
Recipes for mung dhal soup, lassi and many vegetables are available in the recipe section of our web site.
Q: That doesn't seem so complicated after all. It seems like the whole idea is to avoid extremes that can aggravate the doshas.
A: Yes, and to eat wholesome, fresh foods that won't create ama. It's important to avoid the foods that create ama or impurities in the body because they are lifeless and hard to digest.
You may think that just adding these spices to your diet may not be that significant, but they are very powerful. Let me just explain a small amount of research on these common spices.
Turmeric is strongly anti-inflammatory, and intensifies the anti-cancer activity of other phyto-nutrients. Ginger and turmeric both have been found to have cancer-preventing qualities. Turmeric is one of nature's most powerful antioxidants, has more DNA protective qualities than Vitamin E and betacarotene. It helps clear away amavisha, the breeding ground of free radicals, thus supporting the liver in its effort to clear itself of free radicals. By stopping the production of ama and amavisha, it balances Ranjaka Pitta, thus purifying the blood and urine.
Black pepper is another common spice whose effects in the diet have been well documented. Research published in Cancer Letter in the August 16, 1993 issue reported that 20 days after adding black pepper to the diet, the subjects' liver detoxification systems were strengthened, aiding in purification of the blood tissue and enhancing the overall immune system.
The mixture of black pepper, long pepper and ginger (trikatu) is famous in ayurveda, because it is the most effective combination of spices to prevent ama and amavisha, and to clear them away. You can add small amounts of black pepper and ginger to your foods to help clear the channels and micro-channels of the body, which carry away waste and supply oxygen and nutrients to the cells.
Q: That's fascinating, how helpful the right spices are for prostate health. What kinds of vegetables do you recommend?
A: Squashes cooked with these mild spices are excellent for prostate health. The best squashes for prostate health are the types that are white inside, such as zucchini or loki (for more information on buying and cooking loki, visit the recipe section of our web site). Avoid the dark yellow ones such as pumpkin; however, squashes with a mildly yellow color are fine.
Asparagus is another vegetable that is recommended, because it helps support balanced hormones. Daikon is a mild type of white radish root that purifies the urine. Because it is spicy, it should be cooked with other vegetables more as a seasoning than as the main vegetable. You could combine it with squashes such as zucchini or shred it and add it to mung dhal soup.
Light dairy products such as milk, lassi (a drink made with one part freshly-made yogurt and three parts water), and occasional fresh cheeses such as panir or cottage cheese should be included in the diet, but avoid the hard-to-digest aged cheeses, such as Monterey Jack, mozzarella, cheddar, brie, blue cheese, and Gruyere.
As for grains, quinoa is best because it is rich in zinc. Zinc supports seminal health, and because seminal health and prostate health are connected, zinc also supports prostate health.
Recipes for mung dhal soup, lassi and many vegetables are available in the recipe section of our web site.
Q: That doesn't seem so complicated after all. It seems like the whole idea is to avoid extremes that can aggravate the doshas.
A: Yes, and to eat wholesome, fresh foods that won't create ama. It's important to avoid the foods that create ama or impurities in the body because they are lifeless and hard to digest.
These include canned, frozen, packaged and processed foods, as well as leftovers. Buy your fruits and vegetables fresh, and if possible, buy organic foods.
Non-organic foods contain pesticide and chemical residues that can irritate the blood tissue and pollute the body with toxins. This, in turn, overloads the elimination systems such as the urine and irritates the prostate.
Warm, cooked, light, and mildly spiced foods, on the other hand, are easy to digest and thus help cleanse the body of ama.
Q: What about lifestyle, doesn't that affect the doshas as well?
A: Absolutely. Here, it's the same principle: avoid extremes in lifestyle and routine. Moderate habits and daily routine help remove ama and pacify all three doshas.
Lifestyle habits that aggravate Vata dosha include eating at different times of the day from one day to the next. You'll want to eat your meals at the same time every day, and eat your largest meal at noon, when the sun is at its zenith, as that is when your digestive powers are also the strongest.
Q: What about lifestyle, doesn't that affect the doshas as well?
A: Absolutely. Here, it's the same principle: avoid extremes in lifestyle and routine. Moderate habits and daily routine help remove ama and pacify all three doshas.
Lifestyle habits that aggravate Vata dosha include eating at different times of the day from one day to the next. You'll want to eat your meals at the same time every day, and eat your largest meal at noon, when the sun is at its zenith, as that is when your digestive powers are also the strongest.
Take time to eat nourishing, appetizing meals. Avoid staying up late (past ten o'clock), as night wakefulness aggravates all the doshas, but especially Vata.
Go to bed at the same time every night, before ten o'clock, and rise before six o'clock in the morning.
Sleep is necessary to pacify Apana Vata and all aspects of Vata. It is also important in enhancing the immune hormones, eliminates ama and creates more ojas, the product of good digestion that promotes lightness, bliss, immunity, health, and longevity.
Be sure to exercise regularly, and be sure that the exercise you choose is suitable for your age and body type. Daily ayurvedic massage, called abhyanga, is another important part of the daily routine. You can do it in the morning to help improve circulation and digestion, remove ama from the body, tone the muscles, and increase energy.
Avoid too much mental pressure, such as a job that requires you to work long hours.
Be sure to exercise regularly, and be sure that the exercise you choose is suitable for your age and body type. Daily ayurvedic massage, called abhyanga, is another important part of the daily routine. You can do it in the morning to help improve circulation and digestion, remove ama from the body, tone the muscles, and increase energy.
Avoid too much mental pressure, such as a job that requires you to work long hours.
Take time to enjoy life, and to maintain healthy relationships with your family and friends.
Practice a technique to reduce stress, such as the Transcendental Meditation® technique. Dozens of research studies show that it reduces stress, increases inner happiness and creates more balance in the mind, body, and emotions. It is an important part of the daily routine to eliminate mental and physical ama and to balance all three doshas.
Q: This is certainly a holistic plan for improving the health of the prostate. The beautiful thing about such a prevention program is that your overall health and vitality will improve, and you'll start feeling younger.
Q: This is certainly a holistic plan for improving the health of the prostate. The beautiful thing about such a prevention program is that your overall health and vitality will improve, and you'll start feeling younger.
Are there any specific recommendations for men who are already feeling some mild symptoms of prostate problems.
A: Yes, here are some tips, which also summarizes what we just talked about:
A: Yes, here are some tips, which also summarizes what we just talked about:
Drink lots of water throughout the day, in between meals. This will keep the urine from becoming too concentrated. If you add some herbs to the water, it will flush out toxins, dissolve ama in the blood tissue and help purify the urine.
Here's a recipe:
Boil two quarts of water and put the water in a thermos flask.
Add three leaves of holy basil, 1/3 t. fennel seed, 1/4 t. coriander seed, and six white pumpkin seeds or six fresh cucumber seeds.
Keep drinking this water throughout the day, but stop drinking it after 7:00 p.m.
Stay away from fluids at night if you have a prostate problem, as a full bladder at night can cause pressure on the prostate and disturb your sleep with the need to get up frequently to urinate.
Each time you urinate, take the necessary time to empty your bladder completely. Because the urethra (the passageway through which the urine drains from the body) is already narrow, when there is some enlargement of the prostate, the urinary channel becomes even narrower.
If you are in too much of a hurry, all of the urine might not be drained from the bladder. This is not a good thing, because the urine becomes more concentrated if it is not drained from the bladder each time you urinate. So take the time to empty the bladder completely.
Avoid drinking alcohol, because it creates imbalances in the blood tissue, as does caffeine. Both of these create abnormal urine production and irritate the bladder as well.
If you have to sit all day at your job, take short breaks frequently and try to stretch or take a short walk. This will restore the normal flow of energy, blood, and nutrient fluid to the prostate area.
When the weather is cold, take care to keep your head, neck, and body warm. If your body temperature drops, it leads to urine retention, which aggravates the prostate. So keep your body temperature in a moderate range.
Make sure that your bowel movements are regular. Constipation creates an obstruction in Apana Vata, in turn creating pressure on the prostate, increasing ama in the blood tissues, and creating excessive dryness in the whole area.
To help with regular elimination, try having a stewed apple in the morning for breakfast with stewed figs, raisins, or prunes. You can also add more fiber and cooked vegetables to your diet, and have 2–4 teaspoons of psyllium seed husk with warm milk or water at night before going to bed.
If these measures don't work, take 2–4 Herbal Cleanse tablets before bed with water.
Daily abhyanga or oil massage pacifies Apana Vata, and that is always good. Massage the hands and feet, in particular, as an effective preventative.
Use Youthful Skin Oil for Men, which contains herbs and oils to rejuvenate the male physiology.
If you are having trouble sleeping at night, be sure to correct the underlying imbalance. If you are not able to fall asleep, take Blissful Sleep for Vata imbalance that causes this problem.
If you wake up between 2:00 and 4:00 a.m. with lots of energy, this is a Pitta imbalance, and Deep Rest can help.
Eat foods that are tri-doshic, which means that they pacify all three doshas. These include soaked walnuts and soaked almonds.
Avoid foods that aggravate any one of the doshas: food that is too dry, too oily, too greasy, too cold or too hot, too spicy or not spicy enough. Avoid extremes.
Include lots of sweet, juicy fruits in your diet, as these help nourish the Rasa Dhatu (the nutrient fluid), purify the urine and help maintain a healthy flow of urine. They also create ojas, improving immunity and enhancing cellular intelligence.
If stewed or cooked until they are soft, they are not only pacifying to Apana Vata, but also to Pitta dosha. They make an ideal breakfast when combined with prunes, figs, and raisins.
If you have a Kapha imbalance, you can eat sweet, juicy fruits raw, but even then you should avoid eating raw fruit after sunset, as the digestion is not as strong after the sun goes down.
Q: That's quite a list. The man who adoptss these recommendations will be taking a giant step for his overall health, not just for his prostate.
Q: That's quite a list. The man who adoptss these recommendations will be taking a giant step for his overall health, not just for his prostate.
You had mentioned earlier that Maharishi Ayurveda is really for prevention of disease. What would a man do if he didn't have any symptoms of prostate irregularity, but just wanted to avoid having any problems?
A: He should follow the same recommendations. In fact, this list of tips is really is more for prevention of prostate problems, but it can also help if the man is noticing some mild symptoms of prostate imbalance.
A: He should follow the same recommendations. In fact, this list of tips is really is more for prevention of prostate problems, but it can also help if the man is noticing some mild symptoms of prostate imbalance.
But even if there are no symptoms there, I think that any man from 40 on up, especially if he has a body type that is Vata predominant, could benefit from this plan, as it is holistic and will create more good health, vitality, and balance when entering the Vata stage of life.
If a man has noticed some imbalance and tries this regimen, he should not expect a change overnight. He should give himself some time to make these dietary and lifestyle changes, and then give his body a chance to respond. It will take some time.
If a man has noticed some imbalance and tries this regimen, he should not expect a change overnight. He should give himself some time to make these dietary and lifestyle changes, and then give his body a chance to respond. It will take some time.
That's why it's better to start out with a healthy diet and habits and in that way avoid the problem from starting in the first place.
Q: Maharishi Ayurveda has formulated an herbal compound called Prostate Protection, based on the ayurvedic texts, to enhance prostate health. Can you tell us about its ingredients and benefits?
A: There are two main herbal ingredients in the Prostate Protection formula. These are Kachnar (Bauhinia variegata) and Guggul (Indian Bedellium). Kachnar is a famous herb for maintaining prostate health and function in Maharishi Ayurveda.
Q: Maharishi Ayurveda has formulated an herbal compound called Prostate Protection, based on the ayurvedic texts, to enhance prostate health. Can you tell us about its ingredients and benefits?
A: There are two main herbal ingredients in the Prostate Protection formula. These are Kachnar (Bauhinia variegata) and Guggul (Indian Bedellium). Kachnar is a famous herb for maintaining prostate health and function in Maharishi Ayurveda.
Both have a specific effect in clearing ama from the blood, muscle, and fat tissue, and help maintain the normal size of the prostate gland by supporting balanced cell production.
Other herbs enhance the flow of urine, and ease irritation and burning. White Sandalwood, Small Caltrops, Heart-leaved Moonseed (Guduchi), and Spreading Hogweed (Punarnava) are the herbs that support and balance the healthy flow of urine and reduce irritation.
To enhance immunity in the prostate area is the role of Heart-leaved Moonseed, Turmeric, and Zinc Bhasma. The combination of Guggul and Zinc Bhasma is a traditional ayurvedic remedy for balancing the size and health of the prostate. Turmeric and Guggul are both effective anti-inflammatory herbs.
Mineral Pitch (Shilajit) and Barley Ash also help in maintaining the purity of the urine. Guduchi, Zinc Bhasma and Turmeric enhance immunity in the genito-urinary tract.
Another group of herbs supports the Shukra Dhatu and maintains testosterone production, including Small Caltrops, Country Mallow (Bala), and Shilajit. Bala, and Zinc Bhasma help balance the amount of testosterone and improve sexual desire.
Other herbs enhance the flow of urine, and ease irritation and burning. White Sandalwood, Small Caltrops, Heart-leaved Moonseed (Guduchi), and Spreading Hogweed (Punarnava) are the herbs that support and balance the healthy flow of urine and reduce irritation.
To enhance immunity in the prostate area is the role of Heart-leaved Moonseed, Turmeric, and Zinc Bhasma. The combination of Guggul and Zinc Bhasma is a traditional ayurvedic remedy for balancing the size and health of the prostate. Turmeric and Guggul are both effective anti-inflammatory herbs.
Mineral Pitch (Shilajit) and Barley Ash also help in maintaining the purity of the urine. Guduchi, Zinc Bhasma and Turmeric enhance immunity in the genito-urinary tract.
Another group of herbs supports the Shukra Dhatu and maintains testosterone production, including Small Caltrops, Country Mallow (Bala), and Shilajit. Bala, and Zinc Bhasma help balance the amount of testosterone and improve sexual desire.
Research has shown that Small Caltrops has the overall effect of supporting the man's testosterone level.
The overall impact of this nutritional supplement is to prevent imbalances in the prostate, and to support the body's natural intelligence in maintaining prostate health and enhance overall functioning in that area. It helps break the cycle of pathogenesis for prostate imbalance.
Q: That is an amazingly well-rounded formula, with all aspects of prostate health being supported. It seems like this holistic, balanced herbal compound provides a lot more healing power than if you took one single herb. Could you tell us how Prostate Protection compares with a single herb such as Saw-toothed Palmetto in restoring prostate health?
A: That is a good question, and it is important to understand the distinction. Prescribing just one isolated herb to treat the prostate is a fragmented rather than holistic approach, and reflects a limited vision of the body and nature's intelligence.
The overall impact of this nutritional supplement is to prevent imbalances in the prostate, and to support the body's natural intelligence in maintaining prostate health and enhance overall functioning in that area. It helps break the cycle of pathogenesis for prostate imbalance.
Q: That is an amazingly well-rounded formula, with all aspects of prostate health being supported. It seems like this holistic, balanced herbal compound provides a lot more healing power than if you took one single herb. Could you tell us how Prostate Protection compares with a single herb such as Saw-toothed Palmetto in restoring prostate health?
A: That is a good question, and it is important to understand the distinction. Prescribing just one isolated herb to treat the prostate is a fragmented rather than holistic approach, and reflects a limited vision of the body and nature's intelligence.
Saw-toothed palmetto is prescribed to enhance or modulate testosterone production, but as we've seen, that is only one small element in a rather complex physiological structure and function.
It does not take into account the underlying imbalances of the doshas, tissues, and ama, and does not remove the underlying cause of the problem by recommending changes in diet, lifestyle, and stress management. You could say that such an approach does not take the whole picture into account.
Prostate Protection includes a sophisticated combination of herbs to not only balance testosterone production, but also to maintain the size and health of the prostate, purify the urine, reduce inflammation and irritation, enhance immunity, and normalize cell production.
Prostate Protection also contains zinc, which is an important mineral for prostate health. The prostate needs ten times more zinc than any other organ. In fact, one of the reasons that American men suffer from prostate enlargement in such great numbers is because the food they eat is over-processed and lacking in essential minerals such as zinc.
Prostate Protection includes a sophisticated combination of herbs to not only balance testosterone production, but also to maintain the size and health of the prostate, purify the urine, reduce inflammation and irritation, enhance immunity, and normalize cell production.
Prostate Protection also contains zinc, which is an important mineral for prostate health. The prostate needs ten times more zinc than any other organ. In fact, one of the reasons that American men suffer from prostate enlargement in such great numbers is because the food they eat is over-processed and lacking in essential minerals such as zinc.
That is why Maharishi Ayurveda recommends organic vegetables, and also why I mentioned quinoa in the dietary recommendations. A half-cup of cooked quinoa, for instance, contains three milligrams of zinc.
Yet important as zinc is, the recommendation is not that you take high doses of zinc, as that would be a simplistic, isolated approach that would only create further imbalance.
Yet important as zinc is, the recommendation is not that you take high doses of zinc, as that would be a simplistic, isolated approach that would only create further imbalance.
Zinc is included in Prostate Protection, but it is combined with other herbs to help support the body's normal healing response.
As in every Maharishi Ayurveda formula, Prostate Protection also includes secondary herbs to balance the primary herbs that are targeted for the prostate.
As in every Maharishi Ayurveda formula, Prostate Protection also includes secondary herbs to balance the primary herbs that are targeted for the prostate.
Thus, there is no possibility that the formula targets one problem but creates an imbalance elsewhere. Everything is carefully balanced to create only a positive effect.
Also, the entire herb is contained in every formula, not just the active ingredient. This is because nature packaged all the necessary elements to create balance, whereas if you extract the active ingredient, you can create an imbalance elsewhere in the body.
Q: The Maharishi Ayurveda approach appears to be quite unique, in a time when most herbal formulas contain the active ingredient of one plant, which can create harmful side effects. Are there any other safe but effective herbal formulas that might be useful to men who wish to improve their prostate health?
A: If a man feels that he needs extra help in maintaining Shukra Dhatu and enhancing semen production, he could take Rejuvenation for Men, one tablet twice a day after eating.
Q: The Maharishi Ayurveda approach appears to be quite unique, in a time when most herbal formulas contain the active ingredient of one plant, which can create harmful side effects. Are there any other safe but effective herbal formulas that might be useful to men who wish to improve their prostate health?
A: If a man feels that he needs extra help in maintaining Shukra Dhatu and enhancing semen production, he could take Rejuvenation for Men, one tablet twice a day after eating.
If you need extra help for the flow and purity of the urine, you could take Genitrac in addition to Prostate Protection. Take one tablet morning and evening.
If you need an additional antioxidant to fight free radicals, take one tablet of Organic Premium Amla Berry with each tablet of Genitrac.
As mentioned earlier, ongoing stress can be an important factor in prostate health, and especially mental stress -- in the form of overuse or misuse of the mind -- can disturb the immune system and aggravate Apana Vata.
As mentioned earlier, ongoing stress can be an important factor in prostate health, and especially mental stress -- in the form of overuse or misuse of the mind -- can disturb the immune system and aggravate Apana Vata.
For this, you could take Worry Free tablets and Worry Free Tea along with Prostate Protection.
But if you feel that you need more than three of these products, you should consult a physician trained in Maharishi Ayurveda, to make sure that you need that many products. The ayurvedic physician will also guide you in a personal dietary and lifestyle program to restore balance to the prostate and your mind, body and emotions.
These articles provide a great resource from The Council of Maharishi Ayurveda Physicians on the knowledge, practices, products, and applications of Maharishi Ayurveda.- See more at: http://www.mapi.com/ayurvedic-knowledge/prostate-health/ayurvedic-prostate-health.html#sthash.tEfA0Nsh.dpuf
But if you feel that you need more than three of these products, you should consult a physician trained in Maharishi Ayurveda, to make sure that you need that many products. The ayurvedic physician will also guide you in a personal dietary and lifestyle program to restore balance to the prostate and your mind, body and emotions.
These articles provide a great resource from The Council of Maharishi Ayurveda Physicians on the knowledge, practices, products, and applications of Maharishi Ayurveda.- See more at: http://www.mapi.com/ayurvedic-knowledge/prostate-health/ayurvedic-prostate-health.html#sthash.tEfA0Nsh.dpuf
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