The Medical Advisor

What Is an Enlarged Prostate? An enlarged prostate, medically known as Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), is a non-cancerous increase in the size of the prostate gland that commonly affects men as they age. The prostate surrounds the urethra. As it enlarges, it can compress this tube and cause urinary problems such as: Weak urine flow Frequent urination Difficulty emptying the bladder Key Fact: BPH is not prostate cancer, but both conditions can occur at the same time. Why This Matters Around 50% of men over age 50 are affected Up to 90% of men over age 80 develop some degree of BPH It is one of the most common causes of urinary symptoms in older men What Causes an Enlarged Prostate? 1. Hormonal Changes (Primary Cause) As men age: Testosterone levels decline Estrogen levels relatively increase Testosterone converts into DHT (dihydrotestosterone), which stimulates prostate growth DHT accumulation is one of the strongest drivers of prostate enlargement. 2. Lifelong Prostate Growth The ...

Every decade has a new food enemy. First, it was fat. Then, it was sugar. Now, seed oils are under fire—blamed for causing obesity and chronic disease. They’re almost impossible to avoid. Seed oils are in everything—from salad dressings and fast food to protein bars and even baby formula. Critics claim they’re harmful, while supporters argue they’re safe, affordable, and even good for you. However, the truth is more nuanced. The debate is often oversimplified. Even the term “seed oil” is misleading, lumping together oils that have been part of traditional diets for centuries with those created for large-scale food production. At its core, the controversy isn’t just about whether seed oils are inherently good or bad—it’s about how they’re processed and consumed. What Are Seed Oils, Really? If you’ve been following health trends, you’ve probably heard claims that seed oils are toxic and should be avoided. What exactly are seed oils, and why do some people consider them harmful? At their...

Probiotics are living microorganisms that offer lots of health benefits if consumed in sufficient amounts, such as balancing the “good” bacteria in your digestive system, strengthening immune system, and lowering the risk and severity of diarrhoea. Many studies also linked probiotics with improvement in mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, and stress. The global gut health is predicted to grow by around 8% annually at least to the end of the decade. There are a number of factors combining to drive growth in the gut and digestive health market. One is that consumers are increasingly aware of the importance of gut health and comfort, and that they can, to some extent, manage that themselves through food choices and supplements. This is linked to the fact that global populations are ageing, and more and more people are living with chronic gastric disorders. At the same time, scientists are gaining better understanding of both the importance of the gut (microbiome) on huma...