BPH, or benign prostate hyperplasia, is a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland, which becomes more common in men as they age. According to the American Urological Association, BPH can be detected in more than half of American men over 40 years of age, although that number increases to as much as 90 percent among men older than 80. The cause of BPH is not completely understood, but it causes many genitourinary symptoms. Some natural remedies, such as pumpkin seeds, promote prostate health and can reduce BPH, although consulting a medical professional is essential for understanding dosages, limitations and potential complications.
Causes of BPH
The cause of BPH is unknown, but the leading theories include low grade infection, toxicity, lack of certain nutrients and hormonal imbalance. Although BPH is clinically different from prostatitis, or prostate infection, it is possible that BPH is caused by some slow growing microbe. According to "Human Biochemistry and Disease," the prostate gland is sensitive to a variety of toxins, including food additives, pharmaceutical drugs, nicotine and caffeine, and it can become progressively more irritated over time. Lack of some nutrients, such as fatty acids, amino acids and vitamins might also contribute to BPH. Hormonal theories seem to have the strongest footing as increases in prolactin and testosterone levels stimulate production of dihydrotestosterone in men, which is known to cause prostate cell growth and proliferation.
Symptoms of BPH
As the prostate grows slowly, it begins to put pressure on the urethra and bladder, which causes problems with urination, although Mayo Clinic states that only about 50 percent of men with BPH experience noticeable symptoms. One of the first noticeable symptoms of BPH is an increased urge to urinate, especially during the night. Trouble with initiating and stopping the flow of urine are also common early symptoms. Loss of control of urination, known as incontinence, is a more progressive symptom and perhaps the most socially difficult one to deal with. Pain during urination does occur with BPH, but it more commonly occurs in cases of prostate infection or cancer. Those with advanced BPH are more at risk of developing prostatitis, urinary tract and bladder infections.
Nutrients in Pumpkin Seeds
Pumpkin seeds are rich in minerals, such as manganese, magnesium, phosphorus and zinc, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin K and carotenoids. Some carotenoids are precursors to vitamin A, such as beta-carotene, but all of them are considered powerful antioxidants. Pumpkin seeds can be dried and eaten by themselves, although dietary supplements are often found in the form of pumpkin seed oil extracts, which are more concentrated and quicker acting in reducing BPH symptoms.
Effects of Pumpkin Seeds on BPH
The carotenoids found in pumpkin seeds are powerful antioxidants, which kill pathogens and neutralize free radicals created from metabolism of toxins. An accumulation of free radicals promote inflammation, tissue deterioration and aging. According to "Biochemistry of Human Nutrition," men with high levels of carotenoids in their diet have less risk for developing BPH. Zinc is another nutrient in pumpkin seeds that might positively impact BPH because it reduces prolactin levels in men, although scientific studies have been mixed. Omega-3 fatty acids are able to regulate testosterone levels, which in turn normalizes dihydrotestosterone and reduces the likelihood of BPH. Overall, the components within pumpkin seeds seem to be able to reduce the hormones that are able to trigger prostate cell multiplication, which is one established cause of BPH.
References
- American Urological Association: Prostate and BPH
- "Human Biochemistry and Disease"; Gerald Litwack; 2008
- Mayo Clinic: Prostate Symptoms
- "Biochemistry of Human Nutrition"; George Gropper; 2000
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