What Is the Prostate?
The prostate is a small gland in men that is part of the reproductive system. It’s about the shape and size of a walnut. The prostate rests below the bladder and in front of the rectum. It surrounds part of the urethra, the tube that carries urine from the bladder. The prostate helps make semen, which carries sperm from the testicles when a man ejaculates.
Enlarged Prostate
As a man ages, the prostate can grow larger. When a man reaches the age of 40, the prostate gland might have increased from the size of a walnut to that of an apricot. By the time he reaches the age of 60, it might be the size of a lemon.
Because it surrounds part of the urethra, the enlarged prostate can squeeze the urethra. This causes problems in the passing of urine. Typically, these problems passing urine don’t occur in men until they are age 50 or older. They can, though, occur earlier.
An enlarged prostate is also called benign (noncancerous) prostatic hyperplasia or BPH. It is common and cannot be prevented. Age and a family history of BPH are risk factors. Eight out of every 10 men eventually develop an enlarged prostate. About 90% of men over the age of 85 will have BPH. About 30% of men will find their symptoms bothersome. Prostrate cancer is second common cause of death in men.
Symptoms of an enlarged prostate may include:
- Trouble starting to urinate or urinating freely
- Having to urinate frequently, particularly at night
- Feeling that the bladder is not empty after urinating
- Feeling a sudden urge to urinate
- Having to stop and start repeatedly while urinating
- Having to strain to urinate
If symptoms persist for a longer duration, Digital Rectal Examination (DRE) and PSA (Prostrate Specific Antigen ) need to be checked which has a normal value of 4 ng. Higher values increases the risk of Prostrate cancer. And may require a biopsy to rule out prostate cancer.
According to Ayurveda, one main factor for unhealthy prostate 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 , eating foods that are old and heavy or eating meals at irregular times of the day. It may get eventually mixed with Rasa dhatu and rakta dhatu, and may affect the mootra vaha srotas resulting in an enlarged prostate .
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.
Diet for healthy prostate
Food which does not aggravate Ama and easily digesting can be used for healthy prostate.
- Warm, cooked food
- Organic vegetables cooked in mild spices
- Asparaagus
- Turmeric
- Cabbages, Broccoli, Cauliflower
- Black pepper
- Light dairy products like milk and lassi
- Grains like quinoa with zinc supplement
- More fibres in diet
- Low glycemic legumes, fresh juices
Life style for healthy prostate
- Practicing certain Yogasanas help in a healthy prostate like Sarvangasana, Garudasana, Shirshasana, simhasana. Also Kapalabhati, pranayama and the art of yogic breathing might help. (Get prper guidance from a practiced yoga expert)
- Daily oil massage/ Abhyanga pacifies Apana vata
- Avoid smoking and intake of alchohol
- Get proper sleep
- Herbal drugs like Kanchanara, Guggulu, Trikatu, Guggulu, Aswagandha, Punarnava, Gokshura can be used accordingly with instruction of a medical practitoner
Routine check ups and healthy food and lifestyle will definitely help in maintaining a healthy Prostate.
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