Prostatitis & BPH: Nutritional causes, therapies, remedies, prevention

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PROSTATITIS & BPH: Nutritional Causes, Prevention and Therapies

Most patients and many practitioners alike seem to think that Zinc is a cure-all for all prostate-related

problems, or that they all result from insufficient zinc intake, however only an enlarged prostate (benign

prostatic hypertrophy / hyperplasia, or BPH), is at times linked to below-normal cellular levels of zinc.

Subsequently, with some exceptions, vitamins or minerals used in the treatment of BPH will generally
not work for Prostatitis, or should be avoided.

Prostatitis presents with above-normal, to typically very high cellular levels of zinc, and symptoms

are invariably worsened by either supplementing extra zinc, consuming foods that are high in zinc, or

by any other aspects or dietary life style that synergistically promotes greater zinc retention.

Some individuals claim that their condition improved after supplementing zinc, but it always turns out

that they either did not have Prostatitis in the first place - i.e. they self-diagnosed their condition, or a

misdiagnosis was made by an unqualified practitioner.

However, even qualified urologists frequently disagree on the proper classification of the disorder

and/or the best course of treatment, unless a patient presents with a conclusive, lab-supported case

of acute bacterial prostatitis.

The reason is simply that the term "Prostatitis" over the years has become synonymous with a variety

of symptoms that include bacterial and non-bacterial Prostatitis, CPPS (chronic pelvic pain syndrome),

prostatodynia, proctalgia (anal / rectal pain), interstitial cystitis, and also Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy,

for which zinc supplementation may actually be indicated and beneficial.

Commonly agreed upon causes of Bacterial Prostatitis include pathogens such as escherichia coli

(E. coli), found in about 90% of patients, or proteus, enterobacter, pseudomonas, streptococcus and

staphylococcus, serratia, untreated yeast infections and STDs (sexually transmitted diseases), and

there are additional considerations of tuberculosis (tuberculous prostatitis), and other viral or bacterial

infections.

However it is commonly agreed that better than 90% of chronic prostate complaints are related to

Non-Bacterial Prostatitis (with negative laboratory findings, or no documented culture), for which

antibiotics are not effective or indicated, and where generally no particular cause is found.

When non-specific rheumatoid-types of symptoms are experienced in addition to prostate pain, a low-

level chronic systemic infection is suspect that may result secondary to oral focation (sinuses, tonsils,

teeth, gums...), or other areas in the body. In those cases, all symptoms readily disappear when the

problem area is identified and resolved. With odontogenic disturbances, the distal irritation is always

ipsilateral, so for the purpose of identifying any Prostatitis involvement, only left-sided foci would be a

consideration.

While it is recognized that Prostatitis can generate Referred Pain in other locations (usually the lower

back, but also dental pain, which coincides with flare-ups of Prostatitis), both upper and lower incisors

likewise are capable of triggering chronic Genitourinary Pain.

The left side involving the 1st + 2nd upper or lower odonton is prostate / uterine-specific, and the right

side involving the 1st + 2nd upper or lower odonton is bladder-specific, having the potential of causing

chronic Prostatitis (left side), or interstitial or chronic cystitis (right side). In a couple of patients I have

been able to trace the cause to failed root canal work, where their symptoms promptly and permanently

disappeared following additional endodontal intervention, with no other treatments required.

It is not unusual for some men to experience left-sided Sciatic Pain in addition to prostate pain and

burning, since most cases of non-surgical sciatica involve a zinc / potassium ratio conflict. Correcting

the patient's Zn/K ratio will not only resolve sciatic pain, but any related prostate pain as well, provided

zinc levels are normal. This can be accomplished through nutritional intervention (food, supplements),

or through needle, or needle-less electro-Acupuncture.

Although the use of acupuncture would appear to be symptomatic therapy, one of the long-term effects

of embedding needles in patients' ears for ongoing pain relief includes changes in a patient's chemical

profile --- i.e. when the corresponding sciatic area in the ear was treated, there would eventually be a

change with cellular zinc and potassium levels. This would explain the permanent pain relief some

patients experience following certain types of acupuncture treatments, unlike - or in addition to - the

supposed endorphin effect.

In some cases, stomach acid-lowering medications appear to help improve Prostatitis symptoms,

which is likely due to the calcium-raising effect that many of these types of stomach remedies exhibit.

Calcium is not only a very potent zinc antagonist, but it has significant anti-inflammatory properties as
well. When supplementing larger amounts of calcium, it may be prudent to include higher doses of

Vitamin D for its (prostate) cancer-protective properties also.

Since mainstream medicine does not have a very good track record in the successful treatment of

Chronic Prostatitis (CP) - particularly abacterial varieties, many men look into alternative methods

trying to resolve their problem, and they frequently end up using a shotgun approach by combining all

the advice gathered from various sources.

Herbs commonly recommended for prostatitis include Pygeum, which is the bark of the African prune

tree (pygeum africanum), Stinging Nettle, and Goldenseal. There are also a few anecdotal success

stories involving the use of Cranberry Juice, and the flavonoid Quercetin. However, while adequate

amounts of bioflavonoids (0-25 micromol/L) provide many health benefits, large amounts of quercetin
(50-250 micromol/L), recommended by some advocates for Prostatitis, have been found to induce
cytotoxicity and DNA damage in a number of rat studies.

Antibacterial remedies that have proven successful in the treatment of other inflammatory conditions

may be a consideration for Prostatitis sufferers who have not had much luck with any other alternative

remedies. They include the regular intake of a higher dose of fresh or freeze-dried Garlic, Turmeric,

Mastic gum (Pistacia lentiscus), Sulforaphane capsules, and any of a number of Probiotic-type
(friendly bacteria) supplements consisting of Lactobacillus Acidophilus and Bifidus.

Sulforaphane, found in broccoli and other cruciferous vegetables, was originally studied for its cancer-

inhibiting properties, but was subsequently also found effective in the treatment of H. Pylori, a bacteria

responsible for causing stomach ulcers, cancer, asthma, migraine headaches, heart, gum and skin

diseases. Broccoli sprouts contain anywhere from 30x to 50x the amount of sulforaphane compared

to the mature plants, with supplements being available from a low of 150 mcg to over 2,000 mcg / cap.

The herb Saw Palmetto, or Phytosterols are routinely recommended for the symptomatic treatment

of an Enlarged Prostate (BPH). While some practitioners recommend these for Prostatitis also, none

of the patients I have treated for Prostatitis and who had tried either saw palmetto, beta-sitosterol, or

other sterols and sterolins, had found them to be helpful for that condition.

Since saw palmetto possesses alpha-5-reductase inhibitory activity (either inhibiting the conversion of

testosterone to dihydrotestosterone, or blocking some effects of testosterone), its use has also been

recommended in the treatment of male-pattern hair loss.

Dietary considerations include the avoidance of foods high in zinc (shellfish, herring, organ meats,

wheat germ, soybeans, dairy, and many seeds and nuts), which for some men may be difficult to follow,

so supplementing zinc antagonists (see below), may be a more convenient approach. There are some

claims that alcohol, coffee, cola drinks, and chocolate have an adverse effect on Prostatitis as well.

While zinc is pro-inflammatory, Copper is anti-inflammatory and also a zinc antagonist, so for some of

those suffering from Prostatitis, a higher intake of copper-rich foods, or short-term Cu supplementation

can be helpful. Unfortunately, a considerable percentage of the population suffers from Cu overload,

which would therefore prohibit additional copper intake for most Prostatitis patients.

Due to the paired association of Potassium and Zinc, high potassium-containing foods or beverages

should also be avoided because of the pro-inflammatory effect of high potassium intake on the urinary

bladder, which generally has a negative effect on the prostate as well. For instance, chronic and acute

cystitis necessitate a potassium-lowering approach, which - with some exceptions (structural bladder

problems after surgery, or prolapse) - will resolve most chronic inflammatory bladder problem.

B-Complex has a zinc and potassium - raising effect so higher amounts should not be supplemented

as well. However, as mentioned above, this only applies to Prostatitis but not BPH, which may actually

benefit from an increase of these same nutrients, including potassium. (see also "Acu-Cell Nutrition" for

details on zinc / potassium, copper, and B-Complex Vitamins).

In contrast to testicular cancer, which presents with either excessively high cellular zinc levels (left side)

or excessively high cellular potassium levels (right side), Prostate Cancer is seen with both, excessive

and deficient zinc levels in addition to elevated phosphate levels, so maintaining a normal phosphorus

and zinc status is important from a preventive aspect.

It is interesting to note that prostate cancer is also more prevalent with below-normal free testosterone

levels (more common), and above-normal free testosterone levels (less common), which necessitates

a similar preventive approach of trying to maintain normal testosterone levels throughout one's lifetime,

in addition to following general guidelines of inhibiting the aromatase enzyme to reduce estradiol.

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Some practical, clinical considerations in the treatment of Prostatitis and BPH:

• Since there may be more than one possible cause, a detailed diary should be kept on one's daily

food and beverage intake, along with other activities (prolonged sitting...), to isolate, and subsequently

help eliminate all potential causes of either Chronic Prostatitis, occasional flare-ups of Prostatitis, and /

or other prostate-related problems, including symptoms accompanying an enlarged prostate (BPH).

• Lowering cellular zinc levels through diet and supplementation provides the most effective, safest,

and cheapest treatment approach for the great majority of Chronic Prostatitis sufferers, with the most
common zinc antagonists consisting of Vitamin C, Calcium with Vit D, Selenium, Folic Acid, Vitamin A,
Vitamin B1, and at times Iron - but rarely Copper - as individually indicated.

• If digestive problems (i.e. bowel disturbances) accompany flare-ups of Prostatitis, one should look

into a potential intolerance to specific foods or beverages, including diets containing a lot of hot spices

(chili / black pepper, cajun, curry), or a high Oxalic Acid content such as found in rhubarb, Swiss chard,

spinach, parsley, beets / beet greens, carrots, peanuts, or cocoa products. Some berries (particularly

blueberries), can also cause flare-ups of Prostatitis in prone individuals.

• Foods contaminated with pathogens such as E.coli, that may be present on greens or lettuce (even

after careful washing), or in under-cooked meats, are a well-known trigger for Bacterial Prostatitis.

If antibiotics have failed to improve the symptoms of Bacterial Prostatitis, a combination of cranberry

juice or extract, and sulforaphane caps in the 500 mcg / day range - or 2,000 mcg twice a week - may

be an option following an initially higher dose of 2,000 - 6,000 mcg / day, until symptoms are brought

under control.

The use of prostate and bacteria-specific Nosodes may be required in more resistant cases, which

however are usually only available through a medical practitioner. [Nosodes are remedies that are

made up of pathogens or diseased tissue of the same type as being treated, but are highly potentized

to trigger an immune response].

• If left-sided sciatica accompanies prostate pain, providing relief for sciatica usually reduces prostate

pain as well. While supplementing zinc alone would theoretically help left-sided sciatica, this does not

always normalize a low zinc / high potassium ratio since increased zinc levels may boost potassium

levels as well, so instead, one needs to supplement Chelated Chromium in the 1000 mcg - 3000 mcg

range, since chromium supports zinc retention, while lowering potassium at the same time. This will

correct a patient's zinc / potassium ratio, and with it any related spinal alignment problems.

However, zinc may be added if its levels are well below normal and if the pain is not due to Prostatitis.

Needle acupuncture, or especially needle-less electro-acupuncture may also be a consideration, which

will simultaneously provide relief from sciatic and prostatic pain.

• If nutritional supplements are used to treat Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy, then Chelated Zinc in the

10 -100 mg range, depending on its deficiency, may be part of a formulation to help shrink the prostate,

which may include Pygeum, Nettle Root extract, Saw Palmetto, Vitamin A, Pumpkin Seed Oil,

Melatonin, and Ginseng. With the exception of Prostatitis, eating Pumpkin Seeds regularly provides

all-round benefits for many urinary / prostate-related problems, while many cold and allergy types-of

medications have a reputation of worsening symptoms of an enlarged prostate.

Since a declining testosterone / estrogen ratio is a major factor in the development of Benign Prostatic

Hypertrophy, a more simplified approach - to reduce estradiol levels - consists of using 250 - 500 mg

of Milk Thistle (carduus marianus) per day, along with potassium and zinc (if still required), which will

not only resolve the symptoms of BPH, but reduce the risk of prostate cancer as well.

• Chronic Prostatitis can develop secondary to suffering from ongoing bouts of Interstitial Cystitis,

in which case - and unless IC is "referred pain" related - a higher intake of supplemental potassium will

resolve the interstitial cystitis, and any symptoms related to Prostatitis.

Since the average adult male requires close to 5,000 mg or more of potassium per day, the actual

amount required through supplementation (to keep bladder / prostate-related symptoms under control),

depend on a patient's androgen status (DHEA), whose decline with age reduces potassium retention

(requiring higher intake), and they depend on how much potassium one gets from the diet.

A meal containing beans and potatoes may provide twice as much potassium as a meal consisting of
chicken and rice, so supplemental requirements could range from a few hundred mg, to over a couple
of thousand mg of potassium per day, depending also on other high-potassium sources consumed
such as bananas, or other potassium-rich fruit. Excessive potassium intake may trigger symptoms
ranging from frequent urination, to those of a bladder infection (cystitis), which unfortunately are also
similar to those symptoms experienced with a low potassium status except for the reduced volume

of urine voided.

Just like acute, chronic, or interstitial cystitis go hand in hand with abnormally high, or abnormally low

cellular levels of potassium (save for structural causes), Prostatitis and Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy

go hand in hand with abnormally high cellular levels of zinc (prostatitis), and often below-normal cellular

levels of zinc (BPH).

When there is a history of Prostatitis, zinc should be used with caution when treating an enlarged

prostate, otherwise one may simply trade one set of symptoms (BPH) for another (Prostatitis).

Instead, one can either follow a testosterone-boosting strategy to maintain normal zinc levels by using

supplements such as Puncture Vine (tribulus terrestris), Nettle Root extract, the flavonoid Chrysin

(plus piperine, a pepper extract to help absorb chrysin), any form of Ginseng, wild green Oats (avena

sativa), or Muira Puama (ptychopetalum olacoides), which either boost testosterone levels, or reduce

SHBG (sex hormone-binding globulin).

Or, as mentioned earlier, one can take Milk Thistle to reduce estrogen (estradiol), which is frequently

just as effective to successfully treat BPH, however with a history of prostatitis, only potassium - but not

zinc is added to that regimen. It is also recommended to prevent exposure to other dietary sources of

estrogen (hormone-raised meat products), and chemicals that mimic estrogen such as Bisphenol A,

which is releases when heating foods or beverages in some plastic containers.

• Low zinc levels - particularly post middle age or andropause - frequently go hand in hand with lower

potassium levels, which can be a cause or contributing factor with Erectile Dysfunctions (impotence),

and a host of cardiac, urinary, or hormonal / metabolic health problems, including weight gain. Regular

intake of substances that negatively affect liver functions (Tylenol, marijuana, alcohol...), can lead to the

same consequences.

• Extra Zinc and/or Pantothenic Acid (Vitamin B5) in the 100 -1000 mg range may help resolve the

occasional presence of blood in semen (hematospermia), if due to a low zinc / high phosphorus ratio.

Chronic bleeding from the prostate is made worse by insufficient calcium intake (or a low Ca / Mg

ratio), inadequate flavonoid and Vitamin C intake, a high intake of supplements or spices with blood-

thinning properties such as ginkgo biloba, fish oils, Vitamin E, garlic, turmeric, high oxalic acid sources

(see above), alcohol, regular / high consumption of cranberry juice, and even heart-healthy foods such

as walnuts and fish. Saw Palmetto, and to a lesser extent pygeum, prolong bleeding time, so they will

aggravate bleeding from the prostate.

Infrequent mild bleeding from the prostate may respond to supplementing 200 - 300 mcg of Vitamin K

(K1 or K2) per day if due to varicosis or similar vascular degeneration, while 250 - 500 mg of Vit B5,

and/or one or two 6 mg doses of chelated Copper (if low) help stop bleeding if due to an occasional

dietary trigger (e.g. high oxalic acid). To prevent nausea, copper needs to be taken with non-acidic
beverages or food. If blood thinners are prescribed, an adjustment to the dose may have to be made

by the attending physician.

If side effects are not an issue, the drug Finasteride (Proscar) has been shown to be effective against

bleeding from the prostate by inhibiting the growth of small blood vessels within the prostate when due

to Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy.

Drug-less intervention consisting of Milk Thistle + Potassium will resolve chronic BPH-related blood

in semen, and chronic BPH-related bleeding from the prostate, provided dietary or supplemental blood

thinners are initially avoided. In severe cases, a short course of Vitamin K Complex (1-10 mg of

Vit K2 and Vit K1 per day), plus extra zinc or copper if required, may be added until improved.

• When starting out with normal zinc levels and a healthy prostate, and then - for whatever reason -

one begins to supplement high amounts of nutrients such as calcium, copper, selenium, Vitamin C, or

folic acid, this will over time create below-normal levels of zinc (unless zinc is on the high side to begin

with), which will eventually have negative implications on one's prostate.

The same situation applies in reverse. Even by supplementing an individually correct amount of zinc

for an enlarged prostate (BPH), one still has to deal with the potential antagonism of zinc on any of the

above-mentioned nutrients (Zn antagonists), which over time may get depleted, and as a result may

require supplementation as well.

• Long-distance driving - or otherwise prolonged sitting - can trigger prostate pain or burning in men

whose prostate has a tendency to swell, or has started to enlarge (usually post middle age), and where

any undue pressure, including from constipation, irritates the prostate. Getting one's favorite home

or work chair custom upholstered to create additional O or U-shaped padding on the seat will provide

significant relief for many of these patients by reducing the pressure from the central part of the seat to

the perineum.

• Habitually holding one's urine is considered to be a possible contributing factor with Prostatitis by

eventually damaging the prostate, with the theory being that in addition to humans, only housebroken

dogs seem to develop that condition.

• Empirical data suggests that frequent ejaculations are helpful to reduce flare-ups of Prostatitis,

and a number of research studies found that they also help reduce the risk of prostate cancer.

From personal, clinical experience, lowering zinc levels through dietary or supplemental intervention

has proven to be the most effective method to bring Prostatitis quickly under control, while an enlarged

prostate (Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy) may benefit from extra zinc intake, however the control of its

symptoms frequently requires the additional support of other prostate-specific nutrients. ¤

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Acu-Cell Disorders: Prostatitis

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