Managing Enlarged Prostate Naturally

Prostate Gand - Location

Prostate enlargement happens when an accumulation of androgens prevents prostatic cell death and promotes cell proliferation, increasing the size of the prostate gland.

An enlarged prostate, or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), can cause frustrating and uncomfortable symptoms — most commonly, urinary and sexual difficulties. However, several natural remedies and lifestyle changes can help ease the symptoms.

BPH is not usually a severe health threat, although it can affect a person’s quality of life.

In this article, we detail 10 natural remedies for an enlarged prostate and discuss its causes and risk factors.

 The severity of a person’s BPH symptoms will determine their treatment options. If the condition is negatively affecting the person’s quality of life, doctors may prescribe medications, such as alpha-blockers and 5-alpha reductase inhibitors, or even surgical intervention.

Alpha-blockers help reduce BPH symptoms by relaxing muscles in the urethra and the neck of the bladder, which can improve urine flow.

The drug 5-alpha reductase converts testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT is an androgen that prevents the death of prostate cells and promotes their proliferation. Through these effects, it increases the size of the prostate gland. Inhibiting the production of this androgen can help slow or stop prostate growth.

However, some people may wish to try natural remedies for BPH. Those wishing to try these remedies should consult a doctor or an integrative medicine physician first, if possible.

1. Saw palmetto (Serenoa repens)

Saw palmetto is a palm native to the southeastern United States. The extract of this plant is a popular herbal supplement for the treatment of BPH.

Saw palmetto is an inhibitor of 5-alpha-reductase. It also has anti-inflammatory properties and can reduce the number of estrogen and androgen (DHT) receptors.

Research

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 has linked the daily consumption of saw palmetto extract with a reduction in BPH symptoms. The plant extract likely has this effect because it inhibits the production of DHT, a hormone that may play a role in causing prostate growth

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.

However, a 2012 review

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 involving more than 5,600 participants concluded that no significant difference existed between saw palmetto and a placebo in treating the symptoms of BPH. The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health

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 has since reiterated similar findings.

2. Rye grass pollen (Secale cereale)

Some people use herbal supplements made from rye grass pollen to treat BPH symptoms and reduce prostate inflammation.

Cernilton is a common branded rye grass pollen pharmaceutical. This medication may be effective

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 in slowing or stopping prostate growth.

Rye grass extract contains substances that can inhibit prostatic cell growth and reduce inflammation, according to older studies

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. In turn, this may help improve BPH symptoms, such as frequent urination and nocturia.

However, despite its popularity, contemporary research has not shown Cernilton to influence BPH symptoms in any large-scale scientific studies. Therefore, further research is necessary to establish the efficacy of this natural remedy.

3. Stinging nettle

Stinging nettle contains similar antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds as pygeum and saw palmetto. In fact, natural treatments for various urinary disorders often use nettle root in combination with saw palmetto.

A 2019 review found that nettle root extracts can effectively reduce BPH symptoms and improve the overall quality of life of people with the condition.

4. Pygeum africanum (Prunus africana)

Pygeum africanum extract comes from the bark of the African plum tree. This extract offers many potential health benefits and contains a wide range of fatty acids, alcohols, and sterols, such as beta-sitosterol. These substances have an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effect on the urogenital system. The urogenital system comprises the urinary and genital organs.

Current research on the efficacy of Pygeum africanum extract is lacking. However, an older 2007 study of BPH treatment outcomes across six European countries reported positive improvements in those taking the extract.

Researchers found that after 1 year of therapy, 43% of participants who received either Pygeum africanum or Serenoa repens (saw palmetto) showed an improvement in their International Prostate Symptom Scores (IPSS) and in their quality of life.

However, other alternatives are more environmentally friendly, as the current overharvesting of pygeum bark is threatening the survival of the species.

5. Lycopene

Lycopene is a naturally occurring pigment present in many fruits and vegetables. A pilot study found that the daily consumption of lycopene-enriched extra virgin olive oil improved prostate health and reduced prostate-specific antigen levels.

Tomatoes are the richest source of lycopene available to most people, but a few other fruits and vegetables contain lower levels of this antioxidant.

Usually, the deeper the color of a pink or red fruit or vegetable, the higher its lycopene content.

Other sources of lycopene include:

• papaya
• pink grapefruit
• watermelon
• guava
• carrots
• red bell peppers
• apricots
• red cabbage

6. Green tea

Green tea contains high levels of antioxidants, some of which research has shown to enhance the immune system and potentially slow the growth of benign prostate cells.

However, it is important to keep in mind that green tea contains caffeine. Caffeine can stimulate the bladder and cause a sudden urge to urinate, potentially worsening BPH symptoms.

7. Zinc

Estrogen inhibits the uptake of zinc in the intestines. As a person’s estrogen levels increase with age, their intake of zinc decreases.

Research suggests that a chronic zinc deficiency may increase the likelihood

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 of BPH and prostate cancer in those aged over 50 years.

Taking zinc supplements or increasing the dietary intake of zinc can lower a person’s risk of having a zinc deficiency. Zinc can also decrease the production of DHT and inhibit this androgen from binding to receptors, potentially reducing BPH symptoms.

Poultry, seafood, and several seeds and nuts, such as sesame and pumpkin seeds, contain zinc.

8. Soy

Soy is an inhibitor of 5-alpha-reductase and a low potency estrogen. Soy may block the receptor sites that the stronger estrogens use to increase the accumulation of DHT.

Beta-sitosterol is a major compound that occurs naturally in soy. An older clinical trial found that people with BPH who took a 20-milligram (mg)

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 dose of beta-sitosterol three times a day experienced an increase in urinary flow and a decrease in residual urine volume in the bladder.

9. Omega-3

A diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids can help reduce the action of compounds that play a role in prostate inflammation.

Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids include

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 cold-water fish, such as salmon, mackerel, and sardines, as well as eggs, walnuts, and some vegetable oils.

10. Cranberry

Cranberries contain phytonutrients with anti-inflammatory properties.

In a small 2010 study, 21 men took 500 mg of dried cranberry powder three times daily for 6 months. Compared with those in the control group, the participants in the cranberry group had a greater improvement in their IPSS, quality of life, and urinary flow measurements.

This Article was originally published HERE

Moi Moi And It's Amazing Health Benefits

 

Moi Moi  And It's Amazing Health Benefits

 

Moi Moi as it is popularly called is a nourishing food in Nigeria.

Moi moi  is a delicious, savory Nigerian bean pudding made commonly in Nigeria from a mixture of blended and steamed black eyed peas or beans, peppers, onions, and spices.

If you are looking for healthy diet and healthy eating advice, look no further,.

Moi moi has all the proteins and energy sustaining power more than many other diets.

It is light, refreshing and can be a healthy eating diet for the infants, children in motherless homes and even adults especially those passing through health challenges due to lifestyle changes

It  attracts numerous healthy eating companions such as poached eggs, lobster, fishes, roasted lamb or goat meat.

Moi moi can be eaten with any sea foods; natural honey, low calorie yogurts and assorted types of vegetables from broccoli, runner beans, mushrooms; carrots, pumpkins, lettuce; asparagus, water-cress, water melons etc; Moi moi in particular can be adopted and cooked in hotels, restaurants, Fast food restaurants as “Take away meals!” 

The most impressive of all is that Moi moi can be stored in the fridge for up to three days and in the freezer for up to one month without going off or losing its food values.

Moi moi is not only star-studded but gilt-edged diet in good healthy eating. I know what I’m talking about and I promise you will share my excitement when you extract and cook this meal.

The discovery of moi moi as a potential healthy eating diet is incredible!

Moi moi has always been eaten in Nigeria from time immemorial without anybody or the eaters caring about their healthy eating values.

Most Nigerians and Africans eat moi moi with rice and stew as well as salad.

Some people cook moi moi with various fillings like eggs, prawns, fishes, and corn beef to mention a few.

It is very common to see Moi Moi served at parties, wedding ceremonies and other festive occasions.

Moi Moi  is usually eaten alone as a meal , but most times it is served with other Nigerian foods such as  Pap(Ogi or Akamu), Fried rice, Boiled white rice and stew, Jollof rice an a lot more.

What Are The Health Benefits Of Moi Moi?

Moi moi has quite a number of health benefits which may not be known by many persons and they include

1.     Antioxidant  property

The beans from which moi moi is made has a lot of antioxidants, essential B vitamins and dietary fibre; these help to clear up the free radicals which are the commonest cause of cancers and other chronic diseases

2.     Promotes Digestive Health

Because of the high fibre content of beans, moi moi encourages evacuation of the stomach and the intestines.  This helps to prevent constipation and stasis of faeces in the colon thus contributing to a healthy digestive system.

Also the high fibre content of beans helps it to promote satiety which makes people  not to over-eat.

3.     Weight Loss

Being made from beans, moi moi is very rich in  protein and thus can easily fill one's stomach. So it is an essential diet for anyone who is looking to reduce their weight

4.     Helpful To Diabetics

Most persons who suffer from Type 2 Diabetes have issues with insulin and glucose management in the body. Moi moi presents a credible alternative to carbohydrates which the diabetic is unable to handle well due to the insulin challenge

5.    

The Moi moi leaf has also been found to have some wonderful and interesting health benefits

Nigerian researchers have demonstrated how Moi moi leaf plant (Thaumatococcus danielli) protects against the complications of diabetes such as kidney damage as well as liver failure. The research published in the Journal of Biological Sciences and Science Alert has shown that Thaumatococcus daniellii seed is a natural source of antioxidant principles. It also showed that the in vivo antioxidant properties were favourable when compared to vitamin C, and this seed can be exploited for antioxidant bioactive components for the amelioration of liver and kidney diseases

Moi moi is traditionally cooked in many homes in the rural areas as well as in the cities.

It does not contain any type of sugar but contain small amount of salt, pepper, tomatoes and palm oil. 

To obtain complete healthy eating potential, it is better and safer to avoid palm oil.

For colouring, people generally use fresh tomatoes or tomato puree.

However, the ingredients depend on one’s choices. I personally, don’t add palm oil for many good reasons.

Should you want to prepare your own tasty and yummy moi moi, here are things you need to know and do

This delicious meal can be cooked in various ways . The most common method is cooking Moi Moi in bowls, Aluminium Foil Bags, Banana Leaves, Uma Leaves(Thaumatococcus Daniellii) or  in heat proof nylons.

The recipe for moi moi include

Beans (usually brown)

Onion

Red pepper

Tomatoes
Vegetable oil

Salt

How to Make Moi Moi

The 4 Step Process includes

Step 1:    Skin the Beans

Soak the beans in water for about 4 hours and then remove the outer layer - that is what is called skinning.

Skinning leaves you with the beans seed in naked form

Soaking the beans for 4 hours not only makes it easy to remove the skin but also makes the seed so soft to be ground.

Some Chefs advocate soaking the beans for about 5 - 10 minutes, then removing the skin and soaking for another 4 hours to make the seed soft for grinding.

Step 2:    Blend the Beans

After a second thorough washing of the beans, pour them into a Blender and then add the other ingredients - red pepper, onion, crayfish (if you want), tomatoes and then add some water to allow for easy and seamless blending.

Step 3:    Prepare The Moi Moi Batter

Place the blended beans in a bowl, mix in the oil and salt thoroughly then thin out the mixture with the hot water until it resembles the texture of a light cake batter (you may need less than 1/2 a cup of hot water, just make sure the texture is like a light cake batter).

You can taste the mixture to adjust for salt ( you are just tasting for seasoning , so don’t expect it to taste good at this point since the beans are still raw).

Step 4:    Finishing

        i.      prepare the mini aluminum cups that will hold the moi moi batter by first rubbing oil on the inside of each of them

        ii.     fill the cups with the already prepared moi moi batter

        iii.    prepare the deep pot for steaming the moi moi with banana leaf on the bottom and then pour in the already boiled water to about 1 inch deep

        iv.    now put the aluminum cups filled with the moi moi batter into the deep pot, cover them again with a banana leaf and then cover the pot with its own cover and place over the stove.

        v.     allow the pot to steam for about 50 minutes on low heat and then check whether the moi moi is done and you do this by inserting a skewer into the middle of it and if it comes out clean, that is an indication that the moi moi is done but if not, allow to steam again for another 10 minutes and then bring down the pot from the stove

        vi.    There you have it, your delicious yummy yummy moi moi is done and ready to be served.

        vii.   it's always good to serve it warm - alone or with other dishes as mentioned earlier

Try it out today

Moi moi is one of my favourite delicacies.

Which is your favourite delicacy?

Share with us in the comment section

#toptipsabthealth

CV - So Much Confusion

This coronavirus has really thrown the World into a state of confusion and yet the last is not known about it

When it all started, the WHO was like

-     it lives in the air for 8 hours

-     it survives on door handles and other surfaces for 4 - 5 hours

-     it gets attached to hair, clothes, shoes, tarred and untarred roads e.t.c.

-     maintain a social distance of at least 1 meter

-     don't hug, don't shake hands, don't kiss, don't bend down anyhow

-     use alcohol-based hand sanitizer

-     wash your hands with soap under running water, every 20 minutes scrubbing for at least 20 seconds

-     wear face masks

then social distance was changed to physical distancing and upgraded to 2 meters

then The World Health Organization: "Don't wear masks."

The WHO: "You must wear masks!"

The WHO: "Masks don't really help."

Social media: “We will ban anything disagreeing with the WHO.”

And then Nigeria imposed the lockdown, 2 weeks first and then another 2 weeks and the Government got tired of peoples' complaints and opened the flood gates

And since then, the NCDC has been asking people to take responsibility - 

And the WHO is like

Today: Use HCQ

Tomorrow:      Don't use HCQ

The day after tomorrow:  Try HCQ

So much hypocrisy

So much dishonesty

Now

I see people all over the place

-     face mask being abused - some can't even breathe

-     social distancing - zero

-     hugging - full time

-     shaking hands and grabbing shoulders - all the time

-     bending down - on the go

-     eating mama put without - back to basics

-     eating popcorn with peanuts - sweet as ever

-     coughing, sneezing, pouring out sputum and saliva with reckless abandon - na so we dey do am before na

No social class is spared here

And I am like

What has happened to CV?

Where is the NCDC getting these figures they publish every day as new cases in Naija?

Or

Or

Or

Someone help me, please

Jerry - the First