Wednesday, February 2, 2011

Personal Care: Prostate Health & Its Impact on Excretory System

Prostate disorder is a familiar health issue affecting a large section of the male population worldwide. This exocrine gland lies below the urinary tract and encloses urethra, through which urine flows out from the kidney to the bladder. The prostate starts growing when a male attains puberty. By the mid-twenties, it almost attains the size of a walnut. The gland supports the excretion and reproductive functions. A serious damage caused to the prostate can be life threatening. Prostate enlargement, if not immediately diagnosed and treated, can lead to acute kidney injury, also known as acute renal failure.

Older men are at great risk: With age, the risk of prostate enlargement – or Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) increases considerably. Therefore when a man enters his forties, it is essential that he undergoes the following tests to assess his health on a regular basis:

  • digital rectal exam (DRE)
  • a blood test for a substance called prostate-specific androgen (PSA)

Enlargement of the prostate causes the urethra to compress, thereby blocking the urine flow. The free flow of urine is reduced to a trickle and this causes a frequent urge for urination. As the bladder is not emptied completely, the residual urine gives rise to various infections.

All is not lost: Several dietary supplements are available in the market for prostate and kidney support that can help maintain their healthy functioning. Care taken from early twenties can ensure the health of your vital organs. Medications and health supplements are available for a number of related disorders, including, but not limited to:

Following are some of the traditional herbs, known to have a salutary effect on the kidney and prostate health:

  • Achyranthes bidentata
  • Alpinia oxyphylla
  • Cistanche deserticola
  • Curcuma zedoaria
  • Parentodera sinensis
  • Plantago asiatica
  • Nelumbo nucifera

No comments: