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By J.C. Amodea, images from writer.
Many men – still young at heart – face a bothersome affliction as they age. Symptoms of the lower urinary tract that plague them day and night have caused many to look for remedies to the common condition, known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). The prostate gland that continues on a growth pattern throughout life often causes urinary problems as it compresses the bladder or urethra. This compression typically results in urinary frequency during the day and especially at night, a feeling that you cannot urinate, trouble starting to urinate and a stop and go or weak stream.
Disruptive to normal daily activities, a trip to your family physician is in order. Once other related and more serious issues such as kidney damage or cancer is ruled out, a prescription for medication may be ordered. Alpha-blockers like tamsulosin (Flomax), silodosin (Rapaflo) or terazosin (Hytrin), Finasteride (Proscar) and dutasteride (Avodart) are commonly prescribed. For others, surgical intervention, such as robotic surgery, may be indicated.
However, many are also turning to the use of natural supplements to curb symptoms and manage the condition. A diet that includes soy, seafood and tofu has also been found helpful in managing symptoms.
One 70-year-old, who we will call “Don”, suffered from the full list of urinary symptoms. Miserable, he decided to see his doctor, who ordered a blood test and CAT scan imaging to rule out prostate cancer. After the results came back negative for cancer, he recommended taking Flomax, which relaxes the muscles in the prostate and bladder neck, making it easier to urinate. The physician warned that even though Don tested negative, that he might still develop cancer while using the medication. Other possible side effects could include dizziness, affect the blood pressure, possibly cause impotence and regular checks for prostate cancer would be necessary.
Don wasn’t happy with the outlook, so he began to look for an alternative treatment. While he found that there are many proprietary supplement blends claiming to be effective treatments, but he stumbled upon a remedy that would be the solution to his problems.
Taking a combination of two natural foods would be the miracle fix he hoped for. One was raw, organic, unfiltered apple cider vinegar like Braggs brand, with the “mother,” which are protein strands, enzymes and friendly bacteria that lend to its cloudy appearance. The other was a simple cupboard baking staple, blackstrap molasses, which contains iron, calcium and magnesium, and is known to improve bone, hair health and more.
Apple cider vinegar has long been hailed as having various healthful properties and was used by Hippocrates, the “Father of Medicine,” in 400 B.C. Naturally acidic, it has anti-microbial and antioxidant properties. As a food preservative, apple cider vinegar retards the growth of bacteria like E. coli, from multiplying and spoiling food. Also used for skin conditions, it aids in re-balancing the skin’s natural pH and some studies show it can help improve blood triglyceride levels and aid in weight loss. The good news for Don, however, was that the astringent properties of apple cider vinegar shrink enlarged prostate glands.
His typical daily routine every morning is to take one to two tablespoons of the vinegar diluted in some warm water, which he mixes with a little honey to cut the strong acidic taste. Next, he takes two tablespoons of blackstrap molasses. Within a few weeks of beginning the protocol, he experienced a noticeable easing of symptoms and, within a couple of months, all of his pesky symptoms had disappeared.
“I am so happy that I found what I call this miracle recipe; I will continue taking these two supplements for the rest of my life. I can now sleep through the night and rarely get up to use the bathroom. I can sit through a movie comfortably and visit the restroom infrequently,” he added.
“At first, I used the blackstrap molasses and apple cider vinegar in liquid form, but since the vinegar was bitter and the molasses very sweet, I later switched to using each in capsule form as it was more convenient and easier on the palette. I have shared my ‘recipe’ with my guy-friends; my primary physician and my urologist, all who have seen my great results and have also asked for the recipe. Mother nature came through for me, and for that, I am grateful.”
Natural Prostate Remedy
In the morning, take the following:
- 1-2 tablespoons organic, unfiltered, apple cider vinegar (ACV) with the “mother” in a little warm water (add some honey, if needed for taste). Stir and drink.
- 2 tablespoons blackstrap molasses (BSM) (preferably organic)
*If you prefer taking capsules, take two BSM capsules (17 mg BSM, with 29 mg iron) one time daily, and two ACV capsules (450 mg each) once daily.
Resources:
Amazon:
- Swanson brand blackstrap molasses with iron 29 mg capsules ($11.80 for a two-pack of 120 capsules)
- NOW brand apple cider vinegar 450 mg capsules ($18.41 for a two-pack of 180 capsules).
- Bragg Organic Raw Unfiltered Apple Cider Vinegar with the mother ($13.12 for a two-pack of 16 ounces).
Health benefits of apple cider vinegar:
“Apple Cider Vinegar, Miracle Health System” by Paul Bragg, ND., Ph.D. and Patricia Bragg, N.D., Ph.D.
Available at www.bragg.com
