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Does Losing Weight Help Enlarged Prostate

Can Prostate Massage Really Help An Enlarged Prostate

3 Easy Ways To Shrink An Enlarged Prostate Naturally

Prostate milking, or prostate massage, has the ability to give men intense relief from prostate problems. The prostate, or the prostate gland is a major organ in the male reproductive system.

The primary function of this gland is to produce prostatic fluid. This is the fluid that helps the sperm survive after ejaculation.

Unfortunately, factors like aging and a poor lifestyle can make the prostate weak. This results in an impairment in urinary function, sexual function and prostate inflammation.

> > > Prostate Massage for Optimal Prostate Health

However, by massaging the prostate on a regular basis, blood flow increases in the area. The pain that is related to an inflamed prostate as well as discomfort in the area diminishes.

It is important to know that prostate massage is not a new practice. It is a treatment that has been utilized for thousands of years in Asian culture, and it is still a treatment that is used today.

In fact, many men have reported feeling much better after one prostate massage session.

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Studies Show Prostate Size And Enlarged Prostate Symptoms Arent Associated With Testosterone Replacement Therapy

There have been many studies to research whether testosterone replacement therapy affects the risk for BPH. Many have also shown theres no change in enlarged prostate after beginning testosterone.

One 2015 study out of the University of Illinois looked at data from 1995 to 2015 to see if TRT might cause or worsen BPH or LUTS. The study looked at men with low testosterone and mild LUTS. Those taking TRT noticed either no change in their symptoms or even a slight improvement. This includes LUTS as well as their International Prostate Symptom Scores . The researchers also found no significant increase in prostate size after beginning testosterone therapy.

Some Men May Notice Symptom Improvement with Testosterone Replacement Therapy

In other studies, some men have even noticed their enlarged prostate symptoms get better after beginning testosterone. One study looked at patients with metabolic syndrome, LUTS, and low testosterone levels. The researchers found that the mens LUTS symptoms improved after starting testosterone. They theorized that testosterone replacement therapy may have helped reduce some of the risks for inflammation that are common in those with metabolic syndrome, which, in turn, helped reduce prostate inflammation and symptoms of an enlarged prostate. Therefore, some men may even benefit from testosterone if they have both low T levels and symptoms of enlarged prostate, though research is still ongoing.

Investigating The Role Of Glucose On Cancer Progression

With the help of study participants like Asay, Hutch oncologist Wright and colleagues are interested in investigating the role of impaired glucose regulation â commonly associated with obesity â in the progression of prostate cancer. They hypothesize that keeping glucose levels in check through weight loss will slow the growth of the cancer and improve long-term survival.

The National Cancer Instituteâfunded study is in the process of enlisting 200 Seattle-area men â about half of whom so far, like Asay, have been veterans enrolled in the local VA. These men are a particularly relevant group to study, said Wright, a joint associate member of the Prostate Studies Group in the Public Health Sciences Division at Fred Hutch and an associate professor of urology at UW School of Medicine. Wright also cares for patients at Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, Fred Hutchâs clinical care partner, and the VA Puget Sound Health Care System in Seattle.

âObesity and prostate cancer are both common diagnoses in older men,â he said, âbut in our veterans, the rates of these two diseases are even higher,â especially among those who served in the Vietnam War and were exposed to Agent Orange, an herbicide that has been linked to an increased risk of aggressive prostate cancer, among other malignancies.

Wrightâs father served a year in combat in the Vietnam War as an infantry soldier, he said, âmaking the importance of providing care to our veterans even more personal for me.â

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Surprising Remedies For Enlarged Prostate Symptoms

We know Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia to be a very common condition, affecting day-to-day quality of life. If you have been to your doctor and had a diagnosis, you may be reaching for advice on what to do next. Well, if this is the case, you may want to look at this list of surprising remedies for enlarged prostate symptoms.

Dr. Jen Tan

Can Losing Weight Shrink An Enlarged Prostate

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A study published in the Journal of Urology found that overweight men, especially men with a high amount of abdominal fat, have an increased risk of BPH. If you are looking to shrink the prostate, losing weight can help you reduce your prostate size and help relieve annoying and frustrating urinary symptoms.

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Exercise And Lose Weight

Exercising and losing weight are some of the best things you can do to promote prostate health. Many studies show that moderate or vigorous exercise reduces risk of BPH and urinary tract symptoms and helps with prostatitis as well. Exercise also benefits your cardiovascular health and can help prevent other health and sexual problems such as erectile dysfunction.

If you are overweight, losing weight is one of the most important natural changes you can make in improving your prostate health, whether your concerns are cancer, BPH or prostatitis. A study published in the Journal of Urology found that overweight men, especially men with a high amount of abdominal fat, have an increased risk of BPH. If you are looking to shrink the prostate, losing weight can help you reduce your prostate size and help relieve annoying and frustrating urinary symptoms. On top of that, weight loss can reduce your risk for prostate cancer and help relieve prostatitis, too.

Complications Of Prostate Enlargement

Benign prostate enlargement can lead to:

  • A urinary tract infection
  • Acute urinary retention a sudden inability to pass urine, which needs the insertion of a catheter to drain your bladder symptoms include severe lower tummy pain and swelling of the bladder to the point that you can feel it with your hands
  • Chronic urinary retention only some of the urine in your bladder is passed when you urinate

Benign prostate enlargement does not increase your risk of prostate cancer.

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What Are The Symptoms

Sometimes there are no symptoms of either locally advanced or metastatic prostate cancer.

When they do appear, symptoms of locally advanced prostate cancer include:

  • Waking up many times during the night to urinate.
  • Having trouble starting your urine stream, having a weaker-than-normal stream, or not being able to urinate at all.
  • Having pain or a burning feeling when you urinate.
  • Having blood in your urine.
  • Having a deep pain or stiffness in your lower back, upper thighs, or hips.

Symptoms of metastatic prostate cancer may include:

  • Bone pain.
  • Swelling in your legs and feet.

Whos More Likely To Get Bph

Medications to Avoid with Enlarged Prostate | Reduce Symptoms and Risk of Prostate Enlargement

You may have a greater chance of an enlarged prostate based on your:

  • Age. BPH is more common the older you get and doesnât usually affect men younger than 40.
  • Family history. If your dad or your brothers have the condition, you have a higher chance of getting it, too.
  • Ethnicity. This affects black and white men more often than Asian men. Black men may get symptoms at a younger age.

Some health conditions can also raise the odds youâll get BPH, such as:

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Pomegranate Juice Vs Cranberry Juice

Both pomegranate and cranberry are among the healthiest fruits in the world. Pomegranate is known for having rich antioxidants, whereas cranberry is famous for its high vitamin C and benefits in treating urinary tract infection. So, which juice is actually better? See the comparisons between pomegranate juice vs cranberry juice below!

Continue reading below to learn more about: The nutritional values of pomegranate juice and cranberry juice, The health benefits of pomegranate juice vs cranberry juice, and Which juice that is generally more recommended for you.

NutritionBoth pomegranate and cranberry are among the healthiest fruits with very rich nutrients and antioxidants. They both have relatively sugar levels and calories, so they are unlikely to cause weight gain or obesity. But keep in mind that you should consume fruit juice in moderation fruits naturally contain sugars, so excessive consumption also increases your sugar intake. See also: Orange Juice vs Apple Juice.

Pomegranate juice is generally better than cranberry juice in terms of nutrition. This is because pomegranate juice contains the highest levels of antioxidants, while having similar vitamins and minerals such as vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin K, vitamin B6, riboflavin, thiamin, pantothenic acid, and folate.

Pomegranate Juice vs Cranberry Juice

Pomegranate Juice

How Does Zinc Affect Testosterone Production And Prostate Health

Zinc plays a crucial role in both testosterone production and prostate health. Prostate tissues rely on zinc for overall health. Zinc also plays a key role in sperm production and motility. Since it increases a mans sperm count, a deficiency can also lead to infertility. The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey discovered that 45% of adults over 60 have low levels of zinc.

One significant problem between zinc deficiency and testosterone is that it prevents the prostate gland from converting testosterone into DHT with the enzyme 5-alpha reductase. DHT has been blamed for breaking down testosterone and contributing to prostate enlargement and even damaging hair follicles and leading to baldness. Aging men have higher levels of DHT in their bloodstreams.

Part of the low testosterone-zinc deficiency connection focuses on the enzyme aromatase, which is used to convert testosterone into estrogen. Zinc inhibits aromatase from making this conversion. As men age, their estrogen levels rise while their testosterone levels decline. This becomes a problem because estrogen stimulates another chemical sex hormone-binding globulin that binds to testosterone so that it is no longer free in the bloodstream and able to perform its tasks.

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Cranberries And Prostate Health

Limited research has suggested cranberry may be beneficial for managing an enlarged prostate and prostatitis. One study included men who had lower urinary tract symptoms associated with an enlarged prostate. Study participants who took 1,500 mg of dried powdered cranberries every day for six months experienced a significant improvement in their symptoms when compared with men who took a placebo.

In another study, rats with chronic bacterial prostatitis were given either cranberry, ciprofloxacin, E. coli extract, or no treatment . Rats given cranberry showed a significant reduction in inflammation of the prostate and in bacterial growth when compared with the control group.

Its also possible that cranberries may help with side effects following a prostate biopsy, which may include trouble urinating and urinary urgency. Proanthocyanidins are potent antioxidants, and their immune-boosting abilities can help avoid possible infection after a prostate biopsy.

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Diet & Exercise Tips For Prostate Health

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“What can I eat to reduce my risk of developing prostate cancer?” This is one of the most common questions physicians hear from men concerned about prostate health. Undoubtedly, many hope that their doctor will rattle off a list of foods guaranteed to shield them from disease. Although some foods have been linked with reduced risk of prostate cancer, proof that they really work is lacking, at least for now.

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What Is The Gleason Score

So, how do you know where your biopsy stands? Your biopsy samples will be assigned whats called a Gleason score, the most commonly used way to grade prostate cancer, which will help your doctor make treatment decisions.

It works like this:

  • Your doctor compares each of the tissue samples taken during your biopsy to normal, healthy prostate tissue.

  • He or she gives each sample a score, or grade, ranging from 3 to 5.

  • The more abnormal your cells, the higher your grade. A 5 represents the most aggressive cancer.

  • Once each sample has been graded, your doctor then takes the two most common scores from all the samples and add them together. These two numbers are then weighted for prevalence. This is your Gleason Score, which can range from 6 to 10, with 10 being the most aggressive cancer.

  • To make it super clear, lets walk you through an example.

  • Lets say a man has a biopsy in which 12 tissue samples are removed from his prostate.

  • After careful study in a lab, each tissue receives a score. Eight of the tissue samples score a 3, while the other four samples each receive a 4.

  • His doctor then writes the two most common scores, 3 and 4, as the final score: 3+4=7. He writes 3 first because more of the slides were graded as a 3, thus giving these readings more significance.

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    What Helps Enlarged Prostate Symptoms

    An enlarged prostate, which causes symptoms like frequent and urgent urination, has many possible treatment options. Doctors can prescribe various medications, plus there are natural options such as Saw Palmetto. Changes to your diet and lifestyle can also help, as I discussed in my previous blog 6 natural remedies for an enlarged prostate.

    In this blog, however, I will focus on a few remedies that you are less likely to be aware of. These are:

  • Nettle tea
  • Cranberry juice
  • Pumpkin seeds
  • Read on to find out more about how these can help your symptoms and how you can add a little more to your diet!

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    Treating Zinc Deficiency And Low Testosterone For Prostate Health

    Supplemental zinc usage for six weeks has been shown to improve the level of testosterone in men dealing with Low T. Adults should restrict their dosage of supplemental zinc to under 40 milligrams each day. The recommended daily allowance for men is between 10 and 12 mg per day.

    One small, 19-person study on zinc deficiency and prostate enlargement by Dr. Irving Bush, at the Center for Study of Genitourinary Disease in West Dundee IL, found that 14 of the men experienced prostate shrinkage after taking 150 milligrams of zinc sulfate every day for two months. Their dosage was subsequently lowered to between 50 and 100 milligrams every day for maintenance. This level of treatment should be used under the supervision of a doctor.

    Ultimately, the best way to raise zinc levels is through dietary changes. The following food sources are high in zinc:

    • Pumpkin seeds, raw the number one option consume one to four ounces each day
    • Brown rice
    • Beans
    • Green tea

    It is crucial to monitor zinc levels because too much can depress immune system functions. Any form of enlarged prostate zinc treatment should be supervised by a specialist. Many men turn to hormone replacement therapy doctors at this time to explore the need for testosterone replacement treatment in addition to working to increase their zinc levels either through diet or supplementation.

    Ethics Approval And Consent To Participate

    Signs, Symptoms and Treatment of an Enlarged Prostate

    The study was approved by the Wits Human Research Ethics Committee, Referencenumber: M180641. All procedures performed in this study were in accordance withthe ethical standards of the Wits Human Research Ethics Committee and with theTitle page Click here to access/download Title page title page.docx1964 Helsinki Declaration and its later amendments or comparable ethicalstandards. This was a prospective study using patients who presented at Urologyoutpatient Department and written consent to participate was obtained. A copy of thewritten consent is available for review by the Editor-in-Chief of this journal.

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    Zinc Deficiency Low Testosterone And Prostate Enlargement

    An enlarged prostate is one of the issues that aging men face in their lives. The cause of this condition is being studied around the globe, and some interesting answers are shedding light on a problem that can affect a male on many different levels. The role of zinc deficiency and low testosterone on prostate enlargement is being examined, and some studies have shown that addressing these issues can help to shrink prostate size in older men.

    Does zinc deficiency cause low testosterone, and does that, in turn, subject a man to prostate enlargement?

    It is well documented that testosterone levels begin a slow and gradual decline at some point after the age of thirty in most men. Activity levels, lifestyle habits, diet, stress, and sleep all play a factor in this rate of decline typically falling somewhere between 1 and 2 percent a year. It may be many years or even decades before a man starts to notice any symptoms of Low T, if ever at all. Some men never have any issues with this change of life also referred to as andropause.

    In fact, the symptoms of enlarged prostate include:

    • Extreme urgency for urination
    • Blockage due to enlarged prostate
    • Frequent waking to urinate

    Issues such as these are a warning sign that it is time to visit a doctor for a physical examination and prostate check. Early intervention can help reduce prostate size and improve urinary tract functions.

    When Should I See A Doctor

    Growth of this gland, which is just below the bladder, is typical. But problems when you pee arenât. Even if you donât think itâs a big deal, itâs worth getting checked out if you have common BPH symptoms, such as:

    • Dribbling when you finish peeing
    • A hard time starting a stream
    • Having to pee a lot — 8 or more times a day
    • Waking up several times a night to pee
    • A weak urine stream or you pee in stops and starts

    Some problems with urine flow can be more serious. See your doctor or go to the emergency room right away if you:

    • Canât pee at all
    • Feel intense pain or discomfort in your lower belly
    • Have blood in your pee
    • Keep needing to pee right away, it hurts to pee, and you have fever and chills

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