If you are a man over 50, chances are you may be coping with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). BPH occurs when a noncancerous growth in the prostate gland puts pressure on the urethra, the channel that carries urine from the body. This obstructs the flow of urine and prevents the bladder from emptying completely. As a result, BPH may make you feel a need to urinate more often but, at the same time, make urination difficult and uncomfortable.

If you think you have BPH talk to your doctor for a full diagnosis. He or she will run tests to rule out other more serious conditions, such as prostate cancer. Your doctor can also advise you on conventional treatments for BPH, which range from medications to surgical procedures. One third of mild BPH cases, however, clear up on their own. You may want to consider complementary and alternative therapies if your BPH symptoms are mild and you are looking to reduce symptoms while you "watch and wait" to see if more aggressive treatment is required. Be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist about any herbal or nutritional supplements you are considering. Some supplements should not be taken if you have certain medical conditions or are taking particular prescription medications.

Nutrition

• Zinc (60 milligrams per day): may help reduce the size of the prostate.
• Selenium (200 micrograms per day): may work as an antioxidant in the prostate.
• B₆ (100 to 250 milligrams per day): reduces elevated levels of prolactin. High levels of prolactin, often found in people with BPH, may lead to impotence.
• Amino acids glycine, glutamic acid, and alanine (200 mg per day of each): may help to relieve symptoms of BPH.
• Pumpkin seeds may help maintain prostate health.
• Increase intake of essential fatty acids intake (1,000 to 1,500 IU one to two times per day) and avoid saturated fats.
• Avoid alcohol, especially beer.

Herbs

• Saw palmetto (Serenoa ripens)(160 milligrams, twice a day): look for a standardized extract that is 85 to 95 percent fatty acids and sterols. Saw palmetto is widely used in Europe for treating BPH. Studies have shown it may be as effective as Proscar, a prescription medication used to stop prostate enlargement.
• Stinging nettle root (Urticae radix): 4 to 6 grams daily. Helps to increase urinary flow and volume.

Homeopathy

Some of the most common homeopathic remedies for BPH are listed here. Usually the dose is 12X to 30C every one to four hours until symptoms improve. Be sure to consult an experienced homeopath for the correct remedy and potency for your individual needs.

• Chimaphila umbellata for retention of urine with an enlarged prostate
• Conium for BPH with a feeling of heaviness in the pelvic area
• Pareira for retention of urine, especially with pain in the bladder
• Selenium for BPH with impotence and constipation
• Thuja occidentalis for BPH with a forked stream of urine

Physical Medicine

• Kegel exercises (contracting and releasing the pelvic muscles)
• Contrast sitz baths. You will need two basins in which you can comfortably sit. Sit in hot water for three minutes, then in cold water for one minute. Repeat this three times to complete one set. Do one to two sets per day, three to four days per week.

Integrative Medicine Access: Professional Reference to Conditions, Herbs & Supplements. Newton, Mass: Integrative Medicine Communications; 2000.