DEAR DR. GOTT: I have had an enlarged prostate gland for a number of years and have found saw palmetto beneficial in relieving the symptoms. I have also modified my diet and try to eat several stalks of raw celery every day. Much to my surprise, I can now sleep through the night without getting up for the usual bathroom break. It is also possible to go for six to eight hours during the daytime without the urge to urinate. I am not sure why eating celery alleviates the symptoms of BPH, but I think this dietary tip might be helpful to readers with a similar medical condition.
DEAR READER: Saw palmetto has been used by millions of men for relief from the symptoms of BPH (benign prostatic hyperplasia), otherwise known as an enlarged prostate. When BPH occurs, and it happens to almost every man as he ages, pressure is placed on the urethra, causing problems with urination. The condition is not cancerous, nor does it increase the risk for prostate cancer.
Symptoms can include urinary retention, incontinence, pain with urination, a slowed start of the urinary stream, dribbling and the annoying need to urinate several times a night.
I am unclear as to how celery is helping ease your symptoms of BPH. Perhaps the saw palmetto is the substance responsible, and the celery is only incidental. Have you made any other dietary changes, such as reducing your caffeine or alcohol intake? They can act as diuretics and can worsen BPH symptoms.
Thank you for sharing this useful tip that is sure to be tried by many men with the condition. Readers who are interested in receiving related information can order my Health Reports “The Prostate Gland” and “Compelling Home Remedies” by sending a self-addressed stamped No. 10 envelope and a $2 check or money order for each report to Peter H. Gott, M.D., P.O. Box 433, Lakeville, CT 06039-0433. Be sure to mention the title(s) when writing or print an order form off my website’s direct link at www.AskDrGottMD.com/order_form.pdf.
