THE AYURVEDIC VIEW ON PROSTATE HEALTH

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THE AYURVEDIC VIEW ON PROSTATE HEALTH:

 

Maintaining Prostate Health

At age 55, John felt that he was in peak condition. He didn't think

it was unusual that he often had get up in the night to urinate, and

that urination was more frequent during the day, with reduced speed

and flow. A year later, when his symptoms worsened, John paid a visit

to his doctor and was told that he had benign prostatic hyperplasia

(BPH): an enlarged prostate gland. John suddenly faced a choice

between taking drugs-with dizziness, headaches, fatigue, and reduced

sexual drive and performance as side effects -- and surgery, with a

high risk for complications and a possible negative impact on the

quality of his life. The bad news is that 75-80 percent of American

men develop prostate problems some time during their lifetime and

face similar hard choices. Fortunately, there are measures men can

take to help avoid that scenario.

 

The Ayurvedic View

Every person goes through three stages of life, called kalas in

ayurveda, each associated with one of the three doshas-ayurvedic

operators that govern all the activities of the mind and body. In the

Kapha stage (childhood and young adulthood), qualities of Kapha dosha

predominate; in the Pitta stage (adulthood), Pitta dosha is dominant;

and in mature adulthood and beyond, the Vata stage of life

occurs. "Prostate enlargement is a transitional health problem that

can occur when a man is going from the Pitta stage of life to the

Vata stage of life, which takes place from 50 to 60 years of age,"

says Vaidya R.K. Mishra, Director of Research at Maharishi Ayurveda

Products International, Inc. "The dry, fluctuating qualities of Vata

dosha cause testosterone production to fluctuate, and this in turn

can cause enlargement of the prostate and other prostate problems."

In addition, the drying, fluctuating effect of Vata reduces the

prostate's production of a thin, milky, alkaline bodily fluid that

increases sperm mobility, lubricates the urethra, and prevents

infection. Thus bacterial infections of the prostate often occur at

this age (or at any age when Vata dosha is out of balance).

 

Enhancing Prostate Health

"Because prostate enlargement is caused by an imbalance in Vata

dosha, it's important to avoid Vata-aggravating foods," says Vaidya

Mishra. These include dry, cold, and light foods and bitter,

astringent, and pungent tastes. Instead, favor the Vata-pacifying

diet, which includes sweet, sour, and salty tastes and warm, oily

foods. Proteins are important for prostate health. Quinoa and

amaranth are high-protein grains that also have high zinc content,

and thus both strengthen the prostate. The link between zinc and

prostate health has been recognized by the American Medical

Association. "Certain spices, such as cumin, improve absorption and

assimilation, enhance digestion and eliminate impurities (ama)," says

Vaidya Mishra. Fenugreek boosts fat and sugar metabolism, keeps the

fat and blood tissues ama-free, and strengthens the immune system.

Coriander is known for removing toxins from the body through the

urine. It also keeps the urine free of ama, and thus helps prevent

prostate infection. Turmeric is a well-known anti-inflammatory,

helping to relieve pain and modulate the immune system. As the most

effective antioxidant spice, turmeric has a cholesterol-lowering

effect. And fennel helps balance hormonal levels. Vegetables can also

help. "Asparagus helps balance testosterone levels, and dikon radish

helps purify the urine and improves flow," says Vaidya Mishra.

Anything that aggravates Vata dosha -- too much stress, staying awake

past 10:00 p.m., and rushing around during the day -- should be

avoided. Starting the day with an ayurvedic oil massage (abhyanga) is

one of the easiest and most enjoyable ways to balance Vata dosha.

"Too much continuous sitting can also cause imbalances in the

prostate, so plan to take a short walk every hour or so if your job

is sedentary," advises Vaidya Mishra. It's also wise to keep the

elimination balanced by drinking more water, eating more vegetables

and adding fiber to the diet, such as psyllium seed husks.

 

 

Note : This ayurvedic information is educational and is not intended

to replace standard medical care or advice.

Copyright MAPI, 2002.

 

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