It is extremely common for men to develop an enlarged prostate as they get older. In the United States it is reported to affect up to 8% of men in their 40’s, 50% by the 60’s and 80% by the age of 90.
Enlarged prostate or commonly known as BPH (benign prostatic hypertrophy) typically presents with the annoying symptoms of difficulty urinating, difficulty emptying the bladder, urinary frequency, urgency and frequent urination during the night disrupting sleep. Most traditional doctors and urologists offer medication to help improve urine flow, or if the problem becomes serious enough surgery to “ream out” the prostate and open up the urine flow channel. Sometimes the difficulty emptying the bladder is so severe a catheter must be placed in the emergency room.
Where does the problem come from?
There is very little help offered to shrink the prostate and improve urine flow naturally. There are a number of dietary concerns that may exacerbate the problem. Food components such as caffeine, alcohol and spicy foods are known to cause a type of prostatitis that can inflame and enlarge the prostate. So avoiding these food products can help.
There is a concern about the use of testosterone as a possible contributor to the problem. Although it is also present in many men who never take supplemental testosterone as well. Testosterone can be converted into estrogen in men who tend to have big fatty bellies as they get older. Also some men will convert the testosterone into another form called dihydrotestosterone which can also contribute to enlarging the prostate.
There are many prostate supplements on the market. And it can be confusing to know what to take and what may help.
Benefits of Iodine
There was a recent article published in 2021 that evaluated all sorts of benefits of Iodine affecting various organ systems. When most people think of iodine supplements they quickly associate it with the thyroid gland. And rightly so, as iodine is critical for producing thyroid hormones. However, recent information also indicates that iodine can help the prostate as well as many other organ systems.
One study found ”benefits in benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in preclinical and clinical models [36]. In human patients with early BPH (Grade I and II), the supplement of 5 mg/day of Lugol’s solution (mix 1:3; I2:KI) for 8 months decreased the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) circulating levels and improved the urinary flow and symptoms scale.“
Furthermore it was observed that “these studies agree with epidemiological data that associate the low incidence of breast and prostate pathologies with the moderately high dietary intake of iodine in Asian countries. These populations consume marine algae daily in their diet, which contain high amounts of iodine in various chemical forms such as I−, I2 and iodate (IO3)−. The average consumption of iodine in the Japanese population is 1200 to 5280 μg/day compared to 166 and 209 μg/day in the United Kingdom and the United States” I think these findings are significant and worthy of further study and observation.
Based on this information I have formulated a protocol of natural ingredients to help men reduce the enlarged prostate problems.
I have formulated a prostate supplement called Prostate Pro X. It is a combination of Saw Palmetto, Plant Sterols (which block the formation of dihydrotestosterone from testosterone), DIM (which helps block the formation of estrogen from testosterone), and Vitamin D3 – all together in 4 capsules per day.
In a very simple program of diet and supplements I recommend the following:
- The foundation is to eliminate or significantly limit the intake of caffeine and alcohol & avoid spicy foods
- Take 4 capsules per day of Prostate Pro X
- Take 2 drops of Lugol Solution 5% in water every day. (Be sure it is 5%. It also comes in 2%)
NOTE: IF YOU ARE ON THYROID MEDICATION, HAVE A THYROID CONDITION OR ON HEART MEDICATIONS SUCH AS AMIODARONE YOU SHOULD CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR BEFORE STARTING IODINE SUPPLEMENTATION
I think if you follow this protocol carefully, and your prostate enlargement is not too far advanced, you should start to see improvement in urinary symptoms in a few weeks to months. For further evaluation and advice, please call the office to set up a time to talk.
All the best in Radiant Health,
Howard Liebowitz, M.D.
Liebowitz Longevity Medicine can help slow the aging process, prevent age-related diseases and maintain optimal health. We will help to ensure that the aging process has the full support of your body’s natural systems to prime your body for a longer life full of vibrant health and vitality. Contact us online or call 310-393-2333.
