Prostate Cancer- Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis & Ayurvedic treatment

It is male reproductive disorder in which prostate gland is affected. Majority of the people in society are not aware about this disease. It commonly occurs with advancing age. Approximately about 50-60% of all men between the age of 40 and 60 years are affected by this. It is the second prominent reason for deaths in United States among men. It can be managed with the help of herbal medicines which are purely obtained from herbs like Punarnava (Boerhavia diffusa), Varun (Crataeva nurvala), Gokshura (Tribulus terrestris), Amalaki (Emblica officinalis), Haritaki (Terminalia chebula) etc.

What is Prostate?

It is sex gland in male that exists directly under the bladder and in front of rectum. It plays a role in both sex and urination. It produces fluid which carries sperm during ejaculation. The size of prostate is as that of a walnut. Growth of prostate start during puberty period and attain maximum growth by middle age.

What is prostate cancer?

It is the slow progressive disease in men. In this, the growth of prostate is abnormal. It starts with alterations in size and shape of prostate gland cells called Prostatic Intraepithelial Neoplasia (PIN). It is highly dangerous and life threatening disease. It may spread into other parts of reproductive system, bones and lymph nodes. It is common in age over 40 years.

CAUSES OF PROSTATE CANCER

The exact cause of disease is not known but there are some possible factors which may be responsible for disease which are given below:

• Age: It is primary risk factor for prostate cancer. As man is older the risk of disease is higher. The common age is above 40 years.
• Genetics: It is also common factor. It may be transmitted from parent to their children. There are some genes which may be responsible for prostate cancer called BRCA 2.
• Diet: Diet which are low in fiber and vitamin D and high meat diet may also lead to prostate cancer.
• Obesity: It may also responsible for prostate cancer.
• Sexually transmitted disease: Some disease like gonorrhea is also responsible for prostate cancer.
• Enzyme: An enzyme, PRSS3 that changes the environment of prostate and may cause cancer in prostate cells.

SYMPTOMS OF PROSTATE CANCER

In early stages, there are no signs and symptoms observed. In advanced stages, the common symptoms are:

• Difficulty in urination
• Bone pain
• Pain in back, pelvic region
• Leg weakness
• Blood in urine and semen
• Painful ejaculation
• Fever (in case of infections)
• Involuntary passage of urine
• Burning and frequent urination

DIAGNOSIS OF PROSTATE CANCER

As per modern science it can be diagnosed with the following tests:

• Digital rectal examination
• Prostate antigen tests
• Biopsy
• MRI
• CT scan

AYURVEDIC OUTLOOK

In Ayurveda, prostate cancer is correlated with Puaraush Granthi Shoth. There are three doshas (vata, pitta and kapha) present in body which are responsible for healthy body. In today's busy life style people prefer junk food, packed food etc. which are responsible for vitiation of body doshas which may results in symptoms associated with disease.

HOW AYURVEDA HELPS IN PROSTATE CANCER?

Ayurveda is ancient science of life which helps in management of symptoms associated with the disease. It is natural and safe way to manage the diseased condition. As per Ayurveda, it is slow progressive disorder which gets adverse with age and it involves the aggravation of all three doshas. There are many herbal formulations present in Ayurveda which help to balance the doshas such as Punarnava (Boerhavia diffusa), Varun (Crataeva nurvala), Gokshura (Tribulus terrestris), Amalaki (Emblica officinalis), Haritaki (Terminalia chebula) etc.

PLANET AYURVEDA'S FORMULATION FOR PROSTATE CANCER

Planet Ayurveda is herbal manufacturing company which offers different products for different diseases. These products are purely natural and safe. These have no side effects because these are free from chemicals. There are many effective medicines offered by Planet Ayurveda which are useful to manage the symptoms of disease. These medicines are present in the form of pack called Crab Care Pack.

CRAB CARE PACK

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION

1. Ashwgandha Capsules

It is 100% natural product obtained from Ashwgandha (Withania somnifera).

Uses - It possesses natural rejunvating properties to the body. It is also used in fatigue, stress and weakness.

Dose - 1-2 Capsules twice daily, with plain water, after meals.

2. Curcumin Capsules

It is obtained from Curcuma longa which is rich in medicinal properties. It is anti-oxidant in nature that reduces the free radicals from body thereby improving health and immunity. This herb has power against infection and toxins. It is also helpful in many malignant cancers.

Dose- 1-2 Capsules twice daily with plain water after meals.

3. Kachnaar Guggul

This is a natural product obtained from mixture of kachnar bark (Bauhinia variegata), Amalaki (Emblica officinalis), haritaki (Terminalia chebula), Bibhitaki (Terminalia bellerica), ginger (Zingiber officinale), Black pepper (Piper nigrum), Pippali (Piper longum) and Varuna (Crataeva religiosa).

Uses- It helps to maintain cells and tissues healthy.

Dose: 1-2 tablets twice daily with lukewarm water.

4. Tulsi Capsules

This is natural extract obtained from pure tulsi (Ocimum sanctum).

Uses:

• It has strong anti-oxidant properties that eliminate antioxidants from body.
• It has overall effective results in respiratory system.
• It has anti- inflammatory property.
• It is also useful in treatment of cough, cold, flu and headaches.

Dose- 1-2 capsules, twice daily with plain water after meals

5. Chanderprabha Vati

This tablet contains mixture of different herbs for eg. Shilajit (Asphaltum), Sugar (Shakara), Vacha (Acorus calamus), Haridra (Curcuma longa), Karpoor (Cinnamomum camphora), Amla (Emblica officinalis) etc.

Uses- It has calming effect on entire body. It is one of the most potent adaptogen and stress busters that cause relaxation of tenseness. This is effective against infection and helps to lose weight.

Dose- 2 tablets twice a day after meal with plane water.

6. Guggul Capsules

This is obtained from Guggul (Commiphora mukul).

Uses-

• It has antioxidant property.
• It has blood purifying property.
• It is useful in many health conditions.
• It revitalizing cells and therefore rejuvenates them.
• It has anti-inflammatory and pain relieving property.

Dose- 1-2 Capsules twice daily with plain water after meals.

Tips for prostate cancer

Some common fruitful remedies for prostate cancer which are given below:

Healthy diet

According to Ayurveda, healthy eating habits help you to prevent many diseases and prostate cancer is one of them. Diet contains cruciferous vegetables like cabbage, broccoli, and cauliflower as they have anti cancerous properties and act as anti-androgen and it helps to fight against production of cancerous cells in prostate. As it is rightly said that

"Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food".

• Regular exercise helps to maintain overall health of body.
• Maintain body weight.

"Prostate cancer is like golf. You need to play it as it lies. Because the disease is variable, each treatment solution requires a unique strategy."

Ayurvedic treatment for Enlarged Prostate Or Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)

The prostate is a small walnut - shaped muscular gland which is a part of male reproductive system. The main function of the prostate is that it produces fluid that combines with sperm to make semen and this Prostate fluid is essential for maintaining the fertility in a male.

Enlarged Prostate is a condition that occurs in males in which there is an enlargement in the size of the prostate when the cells of the prostate gland begin to multiply but it is not cancerous. Enlarged prostate, it can put pressure on the bladder and urethra It is predominantly common in men above 50 years of age and isn't usually a serious threat to health.

Other name for this condition Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) or Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy or Benign Prostatic Obstruction.

We have very good Ayurvedic treatment for Enlarged Prostate in Planet Ayurveda which brings satisfactory results without any side effects.

WHAT CAN BE THE CAUSES OF ENLARGED PROSTATE?

The actual cause of prostate enlargement is not clear. But it may be due to:

• Fluctuations in sex hormones, especially testosterone with increasing age.
• Accumulation of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) which boost prostate cells to continue to grow.

RISK FACTORS

• Age above 40
• A family history of BPH
• Obesity
• Absence of physical activity or exercise
• Erectile dysfunction (ED)
• Heart and cardiovascular diseases
• Type 2 diabetes

WHAT ARE THE SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF ENLARGED PROSTATE?

The symptoms of BPH are often very mild initially, but they become more serious if case is not treated. Common symptoms include:

With the enlargement of prostate there may occur narrowing of the urethra and which can result in partial obstruction in the flow of urine.

The combination of symptoms is usually called by the name lower urinary tract symptoms:

1. Feel of incomplete bladder emptying
2. Frequent urination especially at night
3. Dribbling of urine at the end of the urinary stream
4. Incontinenceof urine
5. Feel difficulty to begin urination
6. A weak urinary stream
7. The inability to delay urination
8. Animmediate urge to urinate
9. A slowed or delayed urinary stream
10. Pain during urination or ejaculation
11. Blood or Pus in the urine

WHAT CAN BE THE COMPLICATIONS OF ENLARGED PROSTATE?

A person suffering from Enlarged Prostate may go through following Complications:

• Patient may suffer from Acute or Chronic, urinary retention
• Blood in the urine may appear
• Urinary tract infections (UTIs) can occur
• Bladder damage
• Kidney damage
• Bladder stones formation may be there

AYURVEDIC VIEW FOR ENLARGED PROSTATE

It occurs due to vitiated vata humor in the urinary system. Vata aggravation occurs by controlling the urge of urination and over indulgence in the sex.

AYURVEDA TREATMENT FOR ENLARGED PROSTATE

PROSTATE CARE PACK

1. SHLIAJIT CAPSULES:

Shilajit capsules is a pure vegetarian preparation without any chemicals or preservatives which consists of standardized extract of Shilajit. Shilajit powerful aphrodisiac Capsules are excellent ayurvedic treatment for enlarged prostate.

Ingredient:

Shilajit (Asphaltum)

Shilajit is a herbo - mineral compound filled with anti - oxidants, anti-stress and anti-ageing properties. Its efficacy is credited to its abundance in fulvic acid and humic acid that brings numerous health benefits. It is good natural remedy for sexual weakness in men and also for tiredness. It is efficient to maintain good urine flow and provides relief from burning and frequent urination. Since ancient times it is used for genito-urinary problems. It is beneficial in reducing burning sensation during micturition and incontinence of urine as in case of Benign Enlarged Prostate.

DOSE: 1 capsule twice daily with warm water.

2. VARUNADI VATI

These tablets of Planet Ayurveda are totally herbal and are advantageous for men sexual health and are harmless to use. These are non-hormonal Ayurvedic treatment for BPH by reducing prostate weight. It also improves the urinary flow rate by reducing post - void residual.

Varunadi vati tablets are prepared by the combination of the following ingredients:-

I. Punarnava (Boerhavia diffusa)

This natural herb along with Varun bring significant results in Prostate enlargement.

II. Varun (Crataeva nurvala)

It is a medicinal herbal tree whose bark as mentioned in Ayurveda is used in for prostate enlargement or BPH.

III. Gokshur (Tribulus terrestris)

This is aherb from Ayurveda that is helpful in urogenital health and improves the condition of burning sensation during urination.

IV. Rakt Chandan

DOSE: 2 tablets twice daily with warm water.

3. KACHNAAR GUGGUL

Kachnaar Guggul is a vegetarian herbal preparation which is good supplement for all types of excessive growth of various tissues like in prostate gland which make it a suitable Ayurvedic Treatment for Benign Enlarged Prostate. These Tablets are amazing combination of various natural herbs like effective herbal remedy for Enlarged prostate gland.

Ingredients are:

• Kachnar bark (Bauhinia variegate)
• Amalaki (Emblica officinalis)
• Haritaki (Terminalia chebula)
• Bibhitaki (Terminalia bellerica)
• Ginger (Zingiber officinale)
• Black pepper (Piper nigrum)
• Pippali (Piper longum)
• Varuna (Crataeva religiosa)

All these herbs are amalgamated together that helps to get relief from the this condition of enlarged Prostate.

DOSE: 2 tablets twice daily with warm water.

4. TRIBULUS POWER

Tribulus Power are herbal supplements which are available in the form of Capsules. These Capsules have effective use in various male sex problems like prostate enlargement, urinary tract obstructions or weakness due to any other reason. All properties of the herb used in it make it an effective Ayurvedic Treatment for Benign Enlarged Prostate. Tribulus power capsules are used along with other herbal supplements as effective herbal remedy for enlarged prostate gland.It is also beneficial in male sex power enhancement, enhancing sexual pleasure, Increases libido and as well improves the health and functioning of the sexual organs. It is prepared using a unique herb Gokshura.

Gokshura (Tribulus Terrestris)

This medicinal herb benefits to raise the testosterone levels and increase the blood flow to penis which further helps to improve the functioning of sex organs. The herb Tribulus aids to balances the regular urine flow, stops dribbling after urination, supports to control urgency of urine and also provides strength to genito - urinary system.

DOSE: 2 capsules twice daily with warm water.

3. PROSTATE SUPPORT

DOSE: 2 tablets twice daily with warm water.

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia Treatment in Ayurveda

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) also known as benign prostatic hypertrophy is an enlarged prostate that can block the urethra (a tube that excretes urine out of the body.) It is very common problem after 40 years of age in men. The prostate is a small gland found only in men, located below the bladder.

Causes

• Changes in hormone balance and in cell growth.
• Sedentary or insufficient physical work
• Suppression of urge for urinating
• Incompatible food intake
• Lifestyle disturbance

Certain medications also trigger the symptoms

• Cold or sinus medications that contain decongestants or anti-histamines
• Asthma drugs (esp. inhalers)
• Allergy and hay fever drugs

Symptoms

Nerves within the prostate and bladder may also play a role in causing the following common symptoms:

• Urinary frequency: The need to urinate frequently during the day or night (nocturia), usually voiding only small amounts of urine with each episode
• Urinary urgency: The sudden, urgent need to urinate, owing to the sensation of imminent loss of urine without control
• Hesitancy: Difficulty initiating the urinary stream; interrupted, weak stream
• Incomplete bladder emptying: The feeling of persistent residual urine, regardless of the frequency of urination
• Straining: The need strain or push to initiate and maintain urination in order to
• fully evacuate the bladder
• Disturbed sleep at night
• Decreased force of stream: The subjective loss of force of the urinary stream over time
• Dribbling: Due to a poor urinary stream

Complications

• In a small number of cases, BPH may cause the bladder to be blocked, making it extremely hard to urinate.
• Backed-up urine in the bladder (urinary retention), leading to bladder infections or stones, or kidney damage.

Diagnosis

• Physical examination.
• Urine test (urinalysis)
• Digital rectal examination (DRE) to feel the size of prostate.
• Prostate specific antigen (PSA) test to rule out prostate cancer.
• Cystoscopy

Ayurvedic Approach

Ashthila along with two other conditions known as mootrakrucha and mootraaghaata caused due to aggravation of Vata especially the Apana Vayu described in ayurvedic texts coincides with the symptoms of Prostate enlargement. Mootrakruchra or difficulty in urinating is characterized by severe pain in passing urine whereas in mootraaghaata, there is total suppression or intermittent flow of urine during urination.

Ayurvedic Medicines for BPH

Planet Ayurveda has PROSTATE CARE PACK, completely herbal that is beneficial and improves urinary flow rate while reducing post-void residual urine also inhibits prostatic stromal proliferation. Regular use for few months is advised to maintain healthy prostate. Time duration varies from patient to patient as per condition and body response.

PROSTATE CARE PACK

Composition of the Pack is

Sr. No.	Product Name	Herbs Used	Dosage
1	SHILAJIT CAPSULES	Shilajit	1 capsule twice daily with warm water.
2.	VARUNADI VATI works wonderfully on urinary tract infections	Punarnava (Boerhavia Diffusa), Varun (Crataeva nurvala), Gokshura (Tribulus terrestris), Guggul (Comifora mukul)	2 tablets twice daily with warm water.
3.	KACHNAAR GUGGUL wonderful, effective natural supplement for prostate health	Kanchnaar (Bauhinia variegate), Terminalia chebula (Haritaki), Amalaki (Emblica officinalis) Guggul (Comifora mukul) etc.	2 tablets twice daily with warm water.
4.	TRIBULUS POWER work as a natural diuretic and eliminate toxins	Gokshur (Tribulus terrestris)	2 capsules twice daily with warm water.
5.	PROSTATE SUPPORT		2 tablets twice daily with warm water.

Herbs used for the treatment of BPH

1. Shilajit

• Shilajit, a natural -mineral compound with humic and fulvic acids and many trace minerals ejected out of rocks during hot weather in the lower Himalayas is specially used in genito-urinary disease.
• It is a general tonic or Rasyana.
• Keeps the calcium in the bones and consequently makes them stronger.
• Serves as a natural anti-oxidant, containing more than 85 minerals in their ionic form, keeping the diseases away and the immune system strong.
• Anti-inflammatory properties accelerates healing and tissue damage.
• Antioxidant and anti-aging properties, promotes cellular respiration.

2. Punarnava, Hog Weed (Boerhavia diffusa)

• An anti-inflammatory herb, an effective diuretic, anti-spasmodic, with pain relieving qualities for urinary tract issues, including infections, hence it can be used in relieving urinary retention and relieving water retention
• Useful in relieving pain, abdominal colic.
• Slightly alkaline in nature, having scraping, cutting qualities improves digestion, and speeds up wound healing
• Detox and removes all the toxins from the body very effectively
• Punarnava is a tissue builder, a rasayana. This herb is perfectly designed for prostate problems to combat inflammation.

3. Varun (Crataeva nurvala)

• Having main constituent lupeol, has diuretic, anti-inflammatory, Antioxidant, antimicrobial, and urinary-renal supportive qualities, used to treat infections of the urinary tract.
• Relieves difficulty in urination caused by enlarged prostate.

4. Gokshur, Gokshura (gokhru), Tribulus terrestris

• Has been traditionally used in treating urogenital condition
• It reduces symptoms like burning sensation and pain while urinating and has anti-inflammatory effects
• Treats erectile dysfunction, low libido and other associated symptoms of BPH.
• Helps to maintain regular urine flow, stops dribbling after urination
• Helps to control urgency of urine as well as gives strength to genito-urinary system.

5. Kachnar (Bauhinia variegate)

• It helps in clearing ama from the blood, muscle, and fat tissue, and helps to maintain the normal size of the prostate gland and supports balanced cell production.
• Contains tannic acid useful in Glandular enlargement, prostatic hypertrophy, helps in the excretion of toxins that are obstructing the deeper fat tissues and the Lipid layer.
• A safe and effective herb known for its anti-inflammatory, healing and laxative properties which makes it a natural choice against BPH.
• It effectively flushes the lymphatic system of toxins, sluggishness and accumulated waste.

6. Haritaki (Terminalia chebula)

• It nourishes the digestive system, enhances appetite and improves digestion, effective against inflammation and parasites.
• It promotes healing and reduces swelling, balances tridoshas, i.e Vata, Pitta and Kapha.

Having a wide anti- bacterial and antifungal spectrum, and helps in the inhibition of growth of E. coli, the most common organism responsible for urinary tract infection. Thus helping in curing urinary tract infections or UTI.

• Found to be effective in preventing ageing and imparting longevity, immunity and resistance to the body against diseases
• Useful in impotency, lassitude of organs, various obstructions in channels (veins, arteries etc.)
• Acts as an excellent nervine tonic.
• Removes away the unnecessary deposits and toxins from the body

7. Indian gooseberry -Emblica officinalis

• Amlaki has bioflavonoids, flavones, polyphenols and carotenoids and Ascorbic acid
• It acts as an antioxidant with free radical scavenging properties which may be due to the presence of high levels of super oxide dismutase.
• Plays significant role in the synthesis of neurotransmitters, collagen synthesis
• Facilitates absorption of iron in the body and improves hemoglobin level.
• Due to its anti-inflammatory action used in various gastrointestinal tract inflammation and indigestion.

Diet recommendations in BPH

Diet rich in whole, natural foods is excellent for the overall prostate health. Foods rich in nutrients have the potential to both help prevent and treat health issues like prostatitis, benign prostatic hypertrophy, and prostate cancer.

• Pumpkin seeds, cayenne, jackfruit seeds, broccoli, mushroom, pomegranate, Yogurt are good.
• foods, such as asparagus, bananas, and dates will delay prostate swelling
• Herbs like senna leaf to move apana vata, ajwain seed and asafetida to enhance digestion, and turmeric for inflammation.

Avoid

Pickles, squashes, some beverages like Beer, Lemonade, Cocoa, Sauces, chocolate and canned fruit juices, Citrus fruits (particularly orange juice), Watermelon, Pineapple etc.

• Avoid intake of more fluid after 7 pm to reduce the need of frequent urination.
• Take less salt as it causes fluid retention
• Dry, Cold, astringent & pungent foods should be avoided.
• Food which is heavy to digest.

The following food stuffs should be avoided to reduce the occurrence of enlarged prostate symptoms:

• Broad Beans
• Tomatoes
• White Corn , Yellow corn
• Peas, fish and meat
• Red wine
• Aged wines
• Coffee
• Soft Drinks
• Tea

Home remedies for BPH

• Amalaki herb/fruit acts as a blood cleanser, supports the immune system, and acts as a soothing treatment for dry or inflamed membranes. Boil the amla fruit (coarsely powdered) and this decoction should be taken in the quantity of 10gms daily.
• Vacha and Mustard should be grinded in water and heated and applied externally.
• Roots of Erand 4 gms should be boiled in 120gms milk filtered and added in 10gms of castor oil should be taken for 15-20 days.
• Powdered pumpkin seeds must be taken in the quantity of 1 tsp in a glass of milk every day.

Yogasana

• Forward bending Yogasanas (vajrasana, pachimottasana, padahastasana, trikonasana, etc),
• Bhastrika pranayama, Vajroli mudra and Meditation certainly helps in improvement of quality of life.