How to Use Ayurveda to Control Prostate Enlargement

What is prostate enlargement?

The prostate gland is a gland present in males, just below their urinary bladder. Its function is to release the fluid present in semen. As the years go by, men over the age of 50 experience enlargement of this gland, which starts exerting pressure on the urinary bladder, interrupting the regular flow of urine. In medical terms, such non-cancerous growth of the prostate is known as benign prostate hypertrophy (BPH). 

Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms

The collection of symptoms related to irregular urine flow is collectively known as lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). They are frequently caused by obstruction of the bladder by the overgrown prostate, although they can also occur due to other reasons. The most common symptoms are:

• Weak stream of urine
• Difficulty in starting urination
• Discontinuous stream that stops and starts
• Inability to fully empty the bladder
• Urge to urinate multiple times at night/nocturia
• In severe cases, inability to pass urine

Urinary Incontinence

It is commonly seen that senior citizens, after a certain age, lose control over their urinary bladder. This leads to leakage of urine without their awareness. This condition is known as urinary incontinence, and can occur alongside LUTS or BPH. The cause for this is that the muscle of the urinary bladder – the detrusor muscle, contracts to hold urine back. With age, the connection between this muscle and the brain can weaken, leading to a weak contraction, and poorly controlled flow.

How does BPH develop?

Testosterone is a sex hormone circulating within the body. An enzyme known as 5-alpha-reductase transforms testosterone into an active form known as dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT causes the prostate gland cells to multiply, thus increasing its size.

From the point of view of Ayurvedic philosophy, there can be multiple factors behind prostate problems. The Ayurvedic view of bodily processes states that all processes (like digestion, respiration, circulation, etc.) are governed by 3 main ‘Doshas’ or vital forces, which are types of energies: Vata, Pitta and Kapha doshas. They are collectively known as the ‘Tridoshas’. The proportionate influence of each dosha on a particular bodily activity ensures proper and timely progression of that process, including urination. 

Any substances or activities that go against the natural rhythm of the body will disrupt the balance between these Tridoshas. Consuming alcohol too regularly, or having caffeine rich beverages after noon can contribute to this imbalance. As far as diet goes, excessive indulgence in junk foods, nutrient deficit diets and irregular timing of meals also disturbs the natural balance between the Tridoshas, interfering with thorough digestion. This results in slow moving, undigested toxins known as ‘Aama’ to accumulate and circulate within the body. These toxins then disrupt other processes such as the smooth flow of urination.

Lifestyle factors like lack of adequate exercise, irregular sleeping time and unstable routine have overall negative consequences on the body. Prolonged sitting in one position for work puts unwanted stress and pressure on the bladder, as it often leads to forcefully stopping the natural flow of urine, which can contribute to urinary disorders in the long term. Inadequate hydration throughout the day leads to the concentration of urine, which in turn causes bladder discomfort and irritation.

How to manage BPH using Ayurveda

Many Indian spices are useful in managing prostate enlargement and the symptoms associated with it. As we have already seen, 5-alpha reductase is a catalyst in the overgrowth of the prostate gland. Turmeric, commonly known as haldi, has the capacity to block this enzyme, stopping its activity and limiting prostate growth. Hing is another spice that has a detoxifying effect on the urinary bladder. Consuming these spices regularly can help to slow the onset of prostate disorders.

Reducing caffeine and alcohol intake will help to re-establish the balance between the tridoshas. Regular meal times and maintaining hydration levels throughout the day allows the smooth and thorough progression of digestion, reducing the formation of undigested toxins (aama). It is worthy to note that one should avoid drinking water before bed, as this increases nocturia (urge to urinate at night) and disturbs sleep.

Changes in lifestyle should be made to accommodate 30-40 minutes of moderate intensity exercise, since this boosts circulation, and has a host of benefits on digestion, sleep and circulation. Cycling, swimming and jogging are great ways to take care of your heart health, along with keeping the tridoshas balanced.  Fixing a daily routine, especially a consistent bedtime, goes a long way in helping the body find its natural rhythm.

There are a variety of options available if one needs an Ayurvedic medicine for prostate, which are also prescribed by doctors to patients of BPH. Chandraprabha Vati is an ancient reputed formulation in Ayurveda, whose composition is being used since thousands of years for urinary disorders. 

To conclude, Ayurveda and its principles can prove to be a unique means through which prostate and urinary disorders can be understood and managed. Ayurveda is a powerful tool used by millions of health practitioners and common folk across the world for such problems that arise due to aging, lifestyle and diet.