Benign prostatic hyperplasia: Treat bladder problems with this herb combo

On the list of 'Things I LEAST Want to Talk About' most middle-aged men would probably place 'bladder function' up near the top.

But according to a new study from the Mayo Clinic in the US, those men who are willing to talk to their doctors at the first sign of reduced bladder function will have a much better chance of experiencing good bladder, kidney and prostate health as they grow older.

Risk of bladder dysfunction increases with age
What could be simpler than emptying the bladder? For some, however, it's not so simple. And that's a problem because when urination doesn't completely empty - or 'void' - the bladder on a regular basis, bladder infections may develop, raising the risk of chronic kidney problems.

In a recent trial reported in the Journal of Urology, Mayo Clinic researchers enrolled more than 500 men between the ages of 40 and 79 to participate in regular tests to compare their voided volume (amount urinated) and post-void residual (amount of urine left in the bladder after urination).

Each subject submitted to tests every two years. Post-void residual was measured with sonograms. On average, each subject was tested five times over a period of 12 years. At the outset of the testing period, none of the men had been diagnosed with any prostate conditions.

Results revealed an overall progressive bladder dysfunction in this group of men. Voided volume generally decreased as the men aged. In addition, symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) were associated with the development of bladder dysfunction.

BPH is an enlargement of the prostate gland experienced by more than half of all middle-aged and older men. Urine flow is impeded by the enlarged prostate, and over time this may cause an accumulation of metabolic waste and a toxin build up that can eventually develop into chronic kidney disease; a condition that sharply increases the risk of kidney failure and even cardiovascular problems.

In a Mayo Clinic press release, lead researcher Dr Andrew Rule noted that many men ignore the gradual bladder dysfunction demonstrated in the study. And he added this sobering cautionary note: 'What happens is men can end up with a bladder not working, perhaps needing a bladder catheter all the time.'

Natural relief for bladder problems
Men should talk to their doctors if they notice a decrease in urine stream or a feeling that the bladder is not completely empty after urinating. Frequent urination at night is another warning sign of bladder dysfunction prompted by BPH. Medication and surgery can preserve bladder function by treating prostate obstruction, but many HSI members have already discovered a herbal alternative to drugs and surgery: saw palmetto.

A study published last year in the British Journal of Urology International demonstrated the effectiveness of this botanical to relieve BPH symptoms. American researchers from the University of Chicago (UC) reviewed the results of nearly 20 trials that tested a commercial extract of saw palmetto. They found that the regular use of this extract improved urine flow, reduced urinary urgency and pain, improved voiding of the bladder and reduced the size of the prostate gland within two years.

US HSI Panellist Dr Allan Spreen is a vocal advocate of saw palmetto and uses it daily himself. When I asked Dr. Spreen to share some general advice on saw palmetto supplementation, he offered these guidelines:

* It MUST be the 'standardised berry extract.' Nothing else counts, as you have no idea what you're getting.

* The minimum dose for effect is 320 milligrams daily, and it takes from 2-3 months to be really effective for most.

* The extract should be mixed with a second herb (in my opinion) called Pygeum africanum; they tend to augment each other.

* I don't know of any toxicity problem, but the agent is not to be considered the solution for prostate cancer (though I'd take it anyway, and I've read it may help).

* A key point is that prostate enlargement is due to deficiencies of zinc, essential fatty acids, and probably 2 or 3 amino acids. Saw palmetto does not supply those, though it does shrink the gland. So a word to the wise would be to decrease the sugar and refined flour intake (they deplete zinc), and supplement with those nutrients.

Men who experience symptoms of BPH should talk with their doctors or health care professionals before starting a daily saw palmetto regimen. Saw palmetto and Pygeum africamum are available from UK Internet sources.