Prostate gland

DEFINITION

The prostate gland is an organ of the male reproductive
system.

DESCRIPTION

The prostate gland is shaped like a walnut and is found at the
base of the bladder. Running through the prostate gland is a the
thin tube that allows urine and semen to pass out of the penis
(urethra). Alkaline fluid produced by this gland helps to nourish
sperm and leaves the urethra as ejaculate. The gland is made up of
muscular and glandular tissue and is located in an area of the
pelvic cavity forward of the rectum. It is possible to feel the
Prostate Gland, especially if it is enlarged, by inserting a finger
into the rectum.

The outside of the gland is covered by a network of veins and the
back portion or posterior surface is divided into a middle lobe
above and a larger lower portion below. A small channel some 6 mm
long runs upwards and backwards in the gland behind the middle lobe
and is part of the urethra. Urine is also passed through the
urethra. The portion of the gland in front of the urethra is made
up of dense muscular tissue. The ejactulatory ducts pass obliquely
through the back portion of the gland.

The secretion contained in the prostate gland consists of alkaline
phosphatase, citric acid and various proteolytic enzymes. When the
seminal fluid is discharged the gland contracts in size.

Problems may start to appear after a man reaches the age of 45 to
50 years. The prostate gland can become enlarged and the urethra
constricted. Symptoms to look for include trouble when passing
urine, difficulty in getting the flow of urine to start or to stop,
the flow of urine is weak or it stops and starts and getting up
more than once in the night to pass urine. Sometimes passing urine
causes pain as well.

In some cases men may develop prostate cancer while others may
experience benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a progressive
condition which is not malignant (cancerous) or inflammatory but
which may constrict or even block the urethra. Your Doctor is the
person to consult for a correct diagnosis.

TREATMENT OPTIONS

As with all conditions your Doctor should be consulted to
diagnose and treat this condition. Ask your Doctor about the latest
advice on this ailment. Your Doctor may recommend a simple
operation to reduce the size of the prostate gland if the condition
is severe. Your Doctor will discuss with you the various treatment
options for the condition.

DIET HINTS

A diet which includes all natural foods, lean sources of
protein e.g., fish and lean meats and unprocessed, whole grains
such as brown rice, is generally considered best.
This diet has an emphasis on raw foods, particularly seeds and
nuts. Pumpkin seeds are a favoured food as these are a good source
of zinc. Zinc is believed to have a stabilising and protective
effect on the prostate gland. Other foods which contain zinc
include oysters, liver, yeast, egg yolks, herring, wholegrains and
beef.
Include plenty of fresh, raw vegetables in the diet. Eat raw
foods whenever possible, otherwise cook lightly only (steam). Fresh
fruit should always be available.
Try to eat a few servings of vegetables and fruit every day,
especially those which are good sources of beta-carotene e.g.,
leafy and green vegetables, carrots, sweet potatoes, apricots,
peaches, melon and cherries. There is some evidence to suggest that
a diet which is lacking in fresh fruits and vegetables may increase
a person’s risk of developing prostate cancer.
Foods containing soy bean may help to reduce the severity of
cases of Prostate Problems. Soy beans help to promote the hormone,
oestrogen, in the body which is believed to be protective against
cancer in the prostate gland. Soy foods include soy milk, tofu,
tempeh and Soy beans.
Try to avoid eating fatty and sweet foods. A lot of ‘fast food’
is high in calories, fat which promotes the formation of unhealthy
cholesterol in the body, sugar and is of very little nutritional
value. It is best to prepare your own meals and have healthy foods
ready for a snack during the day.
Use your blender to make healthy smoothies. Add 1 cup of
chopped fresh fruit, 1 cup of milk or Soy milk, 1 table spoon of
flaxseed oil, 1 egg, 1 tablespoon of wheat germ, a sprinkle of
cinnamon and a teaspoon of honey. Blend this together to make a
tasty and healthy smoothie which is a good source of protein,
vitamins, minerals and fatty acids.
Coffee, tea and alcohol should be avoided or at least drunk in
moderation only. Try using a coffee replacement and drink herbal
teas, juices and fresh, filtered water instead. After a while, the
urge to drink caffeine-containing beverages may lessen.
Fresh fruit and vegetable juice is an ideal way to make sure
that you are receiving adequate vitamins during the day. Consider
buying your own juicer. It is best to drink either fruit OR
vegetable juice – try not to combine the two and always dilute the
drink with some fresh, filtered water as the juice is a
concentrated source of nutrients.

PHARMACIST’S ADVICE

Ask your Pharmacist for advice.

Follow the Diet Hints.
If you smoke, ask your Pharmacist for suggestions to help you
stop smoking.
Avoid stress as far as possible.
Maintain good fluid intake. It is a temptation to restrict
fluid intake to avoid frequent urination, however this is the wrong
approach. Restricting fluids will not allow the bladder to stretch
and the muscle tone may be lost.
Avoid drinking tea, coffee and cola drinks, especially before
sleeping, as these contain caffeine, which stimulates the body to
release more fluid. This may cause dehydration, constipation and
increase the frequency of urination.
Have regular exercise. Swimming and walking are two good
examples. Some 20 to 30 minutes of exercise per day is recommended.
See your Doctor for a check-up before starting an exercise
programme.
Ask your Pharmacist about ways to avoid and treat constipation.
Constipation can cause you to strain which puts extra pressure on
the bladder and prostate. Drinking plenty of water, getting regular
exercise and eating a high fibre diet may help to prevent
constipation.
If the diet is inadequate consider some supplements. A combined
vitamin and mineral supplement may help to ensure that nutritional
needs are met.

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