Gary M. wasn’t sleeping well at all. Every night he would have to get up six or seven times to go to the bathroom. Hardly the recipe for facing the following day rested and refreshed.

Gary is not alone. The problem is caused by an enlarged prostate gland, a small gland that is part of the urinary system in men, below the bladder and surrounding the tube that allows urine to flow out of the bladder. The problem usually comes on gradually as men age and their prostate gland expands and constricts the urine outlet tube.

As a result, it becomes more difficult to empty the bladder at one time, resulting in the need for frequent urination and dribbling after urination. Half of men over age 50 develop the problem to some degree, known as benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BPH.

There are a number of drugs available to treat BPH, but many men find they cause side effects that make them feel really ill. A natural answer can be found in a little berry grown in Florida that was used for hundreds of years by the native population to alleviate men’s problems – Saw Palmetto. The oil in the berry contains free fatty acids which have been shown to inhibit adverse hormonal action in the prostate and reduce inflammation.

The Saw Palmetto oil is available in the herbal remedy Sabalasan Prostate 1 from A. Vogel, which is indicated for the relief of lower urinary tract symptoms in men with a confirmed diagnosis of BPH. It has been shown to reduce the symptoms of prostate enlargement by 42% in mild cases, 38% in moderate cases and 30% in severe cases after just eight weeks.

It’s also important to watch your diet by cutting down on saturated fats (found in red meats, dairy products and most processed foods) and limit tea and coffee intake. Extra minerals and fatty acids from pumpkin seeds can also help (try them alone or on your breakfast cereal), along with a general multivitamin and mineral supplement.

How did things work out for Gary M.? He saw quick results with Sabalasan Prostate 1. “Words cannot express my joy and gratitude for your help,” he wrote. “After only three nights and three capsules of Sabalasan, I am now down to getting up only twice per night. This has been a very enriching health experience.”

So, men, next time you get up in the night, there’s something to think about!

Josée Fortin is an accredited naturopath based in Ottawa.

Source: alive Web Exclusive, November 2009