Celery may help symptoms of BPH

June 7, 2011 By

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.
[Read more...]

Filed Under: Daily Column, Leading Letter Tagged With: , ,

Reader has questions about prostate procedure

April 28, 2011 By

DEAR DR. GOTT: My father is 93 years old. Owing to an enlarged prostate, he is not able to completely empty his bladder. He is feeling no pain and minimal discomfort from this condition. In fact, he feels it is more of a nuisance having to urinate frequently.

His urologist recommends GreenLight laser surgery to relieve the problem. He has been told that this condition, if left untreated, could lead to kidney problems and/or a blood infection. He is fearful that the surgery could lead to incontinence. This thought distresses him greatly. What is your opinion of this option for treating his problem? Are there other options he could consider?
[Read more...]

Filed Under: Daily Column, Leading Letter Tagged With: , , ,