Prostate (Prostatitis) Treatment   Acute and Chronic Prostatitis Antibiotics are the common choice for conventional treatments of prostatitis. Acute prostatitis responds well to antibiotic treatment, however, antibiotics should not be applied for the treatment of chronic prostatitis.  There is a growing concern that certain antibiotic medications may actually worsen a chronic case.  This classification of drugs is, largely, inefficient at penetrating into the prostate fluid.  Due to this characteristic, it is theorized that antibiotic therapy may actually cause a rebound effect in chronic prostatitis. [12]  Acute prostatitis can lead to cystitis, orchitis (infection of the testes) or infertility.   Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy Finasteride (Proscar) can slowly induce an 80-90% reduction in serum dihydrotestosterone.  Prostatic volume, on average, decreases by about 20% in 3-6 months. [13]  Side effects include impotence, ejaculatory dysfunction, and decreased PSA levels, a situation that may lead to false negatives for cancer screening.   Surgical options for BPH are now common practice, and this form treatment is growing in popularity. Many of the techniques are, however, quite invasive and can cause long term damage to the gland, resulting in sexual dysfunction and urinary incontinence.  Some treatments are less invasive and involve the use of radiofrequencies and microwaves to destroy the hypertrophied tissue.   Prostate Cancer For highly malignant cancers, radical prostatectomy is often performed.  This is the complete removal of the prostate gland.  Radiation therapy may be performed and entails the insertion of tiny radioactive metal seeds being implanted into the prostate. Chemotherapy is of limited use in prostate cancer.  Hormone therapies, like anti-androgen therapy, are used that help to reduce the hormonal influence on the prostate.  However, men can begin to experience hot flashes, impotence, anemia, and weakness with these drug therapies.     Alternative Treatments for Prostate Health   Nutrition for Prostate Health:   A diet low in saturated fats should be encouraged in all patients with prostate health issues.  Foods that are high in saturated fats can cause hormonal fluctuations in the estrogen levels in men.  These types of foods can also increase the incidence of conditions like BPH and prostate cancer.  Men who eat a lot of high fat foods also tend to be obese, which puts them at an increased risk for cancers in general. Saturated fats are also high in arachidonic acid, a precursor to the body's many inflammatory pathways. [14]   Omega-3 fatty acids should also be consumed to help with inflammation and the balancing of hormones. Fish, such as salmon and mackerel, nuts, and seeds are all high in omega-3s and should be included in one's dietary regiment.     Supplements for Prostate Health:   Vitamin E Vitamin E has been shown to reduce the incidence of prostate cancer. Supplementing with just 40 IU/day has reduced the incidence of prostate cancer by approximately 33%, and associated death rates by as much as 40%. [15]  D-a-tocopherol is recommended for dietary supplementation until further studies are conducted on synthetic and blended versions.   Zinc Zinc is highest in the prostate gland and may help protect the gland from infections. Zinc levels are often low in prostate cancer and chronic prostatitis.  When zinc levels are declined, there is a high probability that infections will occur.  Supplementing with 50-100 mg/day is a standard dose in maintaining prostate health.   Selenium Selenium has been shown to be extremely effective in preventing prostate cancer.  A daily intake of 200mcg/day resulted in a 50% decline in death in patients with prostate cancer compared to control groups. [16]  Yeast-based selenium has been extensively studied in regards to prostate health and appears to be the best source of selenium.   Lycopene Lycopene is derived from fruits and vegetables that have a rosy color.  Tomatoes are the most abundant, natural source of this potent antioxidant.  A dose of 15 mg twice a day has been shown to help control cancer growth.  It is best absorbed when taken with a fatty food such as olive oil.   Vitamin D Vitamin D has also been used in prostate cancer.  It has been shown to assist in the inhibition of cancer cell growth. Vitamin D is, largely, synthesized within the body from exposure to UV light.  Interestingly, in northern latitudes that have less sun than other parts of the world, prostate cancer rates are much higher. [17]  2,000 IUs of Vitamin D, in conjunction with 500 mg of calcium daily, has been shown to help with side effects in patients with prostate cancer.   Botanical Medicine for Prostate Health:   Saw palmetto  Saw palmetto (Serenoa repens) is able to inhibit the enzyme that stimulates prostate growth.  It has been shown to help improve urinary symptoms in BPH. Saw Palmetto is considered as effective as finasteride, but does not have the side effects. [18] The standard dose is 160 mg twice a day.   Pygeum Pygeum helps to inhibit prostatic inflammation.  Pygeum is over harvested and should be avoided due to it being a threatened species.  Only products from cultivated sources should be used at a doses of 100 mg/day.   Stinging nettles  Stinging nettles (Urtica dioica) is often used in combination with saw palmetto to help prevent the over stimulation of the prostate by specialized hormones.  The standard dose is 400 mg three times a day.   PC-SPES  PC-SPES was developed in 1990 to treat prostate cancer and was formulated based on an ancient Chinese formula.  It contains a variety of herbs that appear to stop cancer growth and stimulate the immune system. PC-SPES has been effective at lowering PSA levels and has also been shown to have long term benefits in treating both BPH and cancer.     Learn More About Prostate Introduction to Prostate Prostate Treatment Products helpful for Prostate Go Back Learn More

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