During my personal case study and research, my wife discovered another connection between my prostate hyperplasia symptoms and a common household chemical called citral. Many household products contain citral, a substance used to produce a lemon scent. She realized that the odor of citral caused the same symptoms, and therefore had the same effect on my prostate, as ingesting foods on our moderate reaction list.
What is Citral?
Citral occurs naturally in the oils of many plants including lemon myrtle (90-98%), lemon grass (65-85%), lemon verbena (30-35%), lime (6-9%) and lemon (2-5%). It belongs to a family of chemicals called terpenes (geranial and neral) and is used by plants to ward off pests and other creatures. Citral is now synthesized commercially and has found widespread use in products as diverse as shaving cream, dishwasher detergent and air freshener.
Finding Correlation between Citral and Prostate Hyperplasia
Research has indicated that citral can be easily absorbed through the skin and has been shown to induce prostate hyperplasia in laboratory animals. Even though there is little research available for its effects in human men, it is prudent to avoid the use of citral and citral-like compounds.
Since 1982, this correlation has been reported in multiple peer-reviewed medical journals, but has yet to be recognized by clinical urologists. Please take a look at the reference articles we have provided below, do some additional research using our further reading page, and conduct your own research online and elsewhere.
Taking the Lead in Your Prostate Hyperplasia Treatment
Your personal observations of what triggers BPH symptoms and research through reliable sources are integral components of managing your prostate health and getting the most effective prostate hyperplasia treatment you can get. Your BPH symptoms may not be triggered by citral, but there may be other environmental factors that trigger your benign prostatic hyperplasia symptoms.
By taking an active role when dealing with your enlarged prostate and recognizing its triggers, you will not only have a better understanding of what is happening in your body, but you will also become your own advocate for better care.
Be sure to take the BPH test and to read my benign prostatic hyperplasia story. The more information you have, the better prepared you will be to tackle your own prostate hyperplasia treatment.
References:
- Geldof A.A., et al. (1992) Estrogenic Action of Commonly Used Fragrant agent Citral Induces Prostatic Hyperplasia. Urological Research 20:139-144.
- Servadio C. et al. (1982) Early Stages of the Pathogenesis of Rat Ventral Prostate Hyperplasia Induced By Citral. European Urology 12:195.
- Abramovici A. and Sandbank U. (1988) The Mortician’s Mystery Solved. New England Journal Of Medicine 319:1157
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