Studies Link Metabolic Syndrome with BPH
Recent studies have found a link between metabolic syndrome and BPH, or benign prostatic hyperplasia.
Metabolic syndrome is an umbrella term used to describe a cluster of health problems. Someone with high blood pressure, obesity, high blood sugar and elevated blood lipid levels has metabolic syndrome. These health issues put the person at greater risk of Type 2 diabetes and heart disease.
photo/ Gerald Oswald
BPH, a condition commonly associated with men over the age of 50, is an enlargement of the prostate gland. As the prostate enlarges, it presses against the urethra. The pressure causes the wall of the bladder to thicken over time. The combination of pressure and a thicker bladder wall causes frequent urination or pain during urination.
Men are at an increased risk of developing BPH as they age. Up to 60% of men in their 60s develop BPH, and 80-90% of men have it by the time they reach their 70s.
A study from 2017 published in the Journal of Urology looked at how metabolic syndrome may lead to BPH. Another study from 2014 published in BJU International reviewed eight different studies involving 5,403 men diagnosed with BPH. Researchers found that up to a quarter of the men had metabolic syndrome. Men with metabolic syndrome had larger prostates than those without it.
Another study from 2014 found that men with BPH and metabolic syndrome had a much higher risk (80%) of developing incontinence, urinary urgency and frequency, and painful urination.
Each study had its own conclusions as to the link between metabolic syndrome and BPH. One possible cause is that metabolic syndrome could be disrupting the muscle contractions needed for normal urination. Metabolic syndrome is known to affect areas of the nervous system associated with involutory functions of internal organs.
Yet another study found that men with enlarged prostates also had lower levels of HDL (high-density lipoprotein) cholesterol, or the “good” cholesterol. HDL cholesterol helps remove LDL (low-density lipoprotein), or bad cholesterol, from the body. High levels of LDL have been shown to promote growth and inflammation of prostate cells in test tubes.
But metabolic syndrome is likely just one of many factors that lead to the development of BPH.
Research from Dr. Simon Allen, founder of Fine Treatment and author of The Origin of Diseases Theory, suggests that the root causal of prostate enlargement is capillary expansion.
According to his research, extra tissue becomes irritated due to infection, cold and stagnation of its own secretion. This effect leads to prostate growth.
Using his research, Dr. Allen has developed an at-home device to help treat prostate enlargement, which improves blood circulation to the prostate. The device, a belt, uses thermobalancing therapy to improve blood flow at the capillary level and metabolic processes.
More research is needed to confirm that metabolic syndrome is a cause of BPH or worsens the symptoms of BPH. It is still unknown whether reversing metabolic syndrome would eliminate or relieve BPH symptoms.
Experts suggest that lifestyle changes can help improve symptoms. Regular exercise and a healthy diet can help reduce the risk of developing metabolic syndrome.
Author: Jacob Maslow
