For Doctors: Nutritional Notes on Prostate Health
As the prostate grows larger, it may press on the urethra. This narrowing of the urethra can cause some men with prostate enlargement to have trouble with urination. Prostate enlargement may be the most common health problem in men older than 60 years. However, after age 40, most men have some degree of prostate enlargement. Over the last decade, several plants have been studied for their nutrient and constituent value in addressing prostate enlargement, including hydrangea, saw palmetto and guarana. All of these are in MaleSupport by NutriPlex Formulas.
The decision whether to seek medical attention, surgery or medication for any prostate condition is an individual one. However, it is always possible to alter one's diet and begin taking certain supplements with or without allopathic medical treatment. This is because, regardless of a drug program, the male hormonal system still needs nutrients, and men still need to eat real, nutrient-dense foods. Further, certain foods may interfere with hormone health, or even exacerbate male health problems. Such foods include but are not limited to sugar, transfatty acids, altered oils, junk food and all foods with artificial ingredients. Good foods include good oils such as evening primrose oil, wheat germ oil, organic olive oil and coconut oil. Mineral-rich foods with potassium, calcium, selenium, iodine and magnesium, are helpful and are found in green vegetable foods. Also helpful are foods high in antioxidants and vitamins A and C which help support tissues.
Here are two particular plant foods considered supportive of male hormonal health (these are both found in MaleSupport):
Guava
Guava is a source of lycopene, a member of the carotenoid family that acts as a nutritional antioxidant. A study conducted by Harvard researchers examined the relationship between carotenoids and the risk of prostate cancer.1 Of the carotenoids, only lycopene was clearly linked to protection. The men who had the greatest amounts of lycopene (6.5 mg per day) in their diet showed a 21% decreased risk of prostate cancer compared with those eating the least. This report suggests that lycopene may be an important tool in the prevention of prostate cancer. (source: HealthNotes, The Natural Pharmacy, 1999)
1. Giovannucci E, Ascherio A, Rimm EB, et al. Intake of carotenoids and retinol in relation to risk of prostate cancer. J Natl Cancer Inst 1995;87:1767–76.
Pygeum
Pygeum ( P. africanum bark extract) has been observed to moderately improve urinary symptoms associated with enlargement of the prostate gland or prostate inflammation. Numerous human studies report pygeum to significantly reduce the number of nighttime urinary episodes, urinary hesitancy, urinary frequency, and pain with urination in men who experience mild-to-moderate symptoms.
Currently, pygeum extract is the most popular treatment for symptoms of BPH in France and is commonly used for this condition in Italy and the United States. Compared with many other popular botanical treatments, pygeum has been fairly well researched; however, it is not mentioned in the German Commission E monographs or in several other common botanical medicine references.(Medscape)
Urinary Dysfunction with Prostate Problems
One of the most annoying (in the least) symptoms associated with prostate enlargement is an urge for frequent urination. This is due to an enlarged prostate impinging on the urethra, disallowing adequate passage of urine. An enlarging prostate gradually narrows the urethra and obstructs the flow of urine. Even though the muscle in the bladder wall becomes stronger in an attempt to push urine through the smaller urethra, in time, the bladder fails to empty completely at each urination. Further, the urine that collects in the bladder can become infected and lead to stone formation. The kidneys themselves may be impaired by infection or by urine constantly "backing up." For this reason, foods and nutrients need not only be consumed to address prostate health, but also the health and function of the urinary tract. Strengthening the kidneys, addressing inflammation and strengthening the urethra are important.
Food and herb ingredients in MaleSupport:
Other sources:
The decision whether to seek medical attention, surgery or medication for any prostate condition is an individual one. However, it is always possible to alter one's diet and begin taking certain supplements with or without allopathic medical treatment. This is because, regardless of a drug program, the male hormonal system still needs nutrients, and men still need to eat real, nutrient-dense foods. Further, certain foods may interfere with hormone health, or even exacerbate male health problems. Such foods include but are not limited to sugar, transfatty acids, altered oils, junk food and all foods with artificial ingredients. Good foods include good oils such as evening primrose oil, wheat germ oil, organic olive oil and coconut oil. Mineral-rich foods with potassium, calcium, selenium, iodine and magnesium, are helpful and are found in green vegetable foods. Also helpful are foods high in antioxidants and vitamins A and C which help support tissues.
Here are two particular plant foods considered supportive of male hormonal health (these are both found in MaleSupport):
Guava
Guava is a source of lycopene, a member of the carotenoid family that acts as a nutritional antioxidant. A study conducted by Harvard researchers examined the relationship between carotenoids and the risk of prostate cancer.1 Of the carotenoids, only lycopene was clearly linked to protection. The men who had the greatest amounts of lycopene (6.5 mg per day) in their diet showed a 21% decreased risk of prostate cancer compared with those eating the least. This report suggests that lycopene may be an important tool in the prevention of prostate cancer. (source: HealthNotes, The Natural Pharmacy, 1999)
1. Giovannucci E, Ascherio A, Rimm EB, et al. Intake of carotenoids and retinol in relation to risk of prostate cancer. J Natl Cancer Inst 1995;87:1767–76.
Pygeum
Pygeum ( P. africanum bark extract) has been observed to moderately improve urinary symptoms associated with enlargement of the prostate gland or prostate inflammation. Numerous human studies report pygeum to significantly reduce the number of nighttime urinary episodes, urinary hesitancy, urinary frequency, and pain with urination in men who experience mild-to-moderate symptoms.
Currently, pygeum extract is the most popular treatment for symptoms of BPH in France and is commonly used for this condition in Italy and the United States. Compared with many other popular botanical treatments, pygeum has been fairly well researched; however, it is not mentioned in the German Commission E monographs or in several other common botanical medicine references.(Medscape)
Urinary Dysfunction with Prostate Problems
One of the most annoying (in the least) symptoms associated with prostate enlargement is an urge for frequent urination. This is due to an enlarged prostate impinging on the urethra, disallowing adequate passage of urine. An enlarging prostate gradually narrows the urethra and obstructs the flow of urine. Even though the muscle in the bladder wall becomes stronger in an attempt to push urine through the smaller urethra, in time, the bladder fails to empty completely at each urination. Further, the urine that collects in the bladder can become infected and lead to stone formation. The kidneys themselves may be impaired by infection or by urine constantly "backing up." For this reason, foods and nutrients need not only be consumed to address prostate health, but also the health and function of the urinary tract. Strengthening the kidneys, addressing inflammation and strengthening the urethra are important.
Food and herb ingredients in MaleSupport:
- Pumpkin seed
- Guava seed
- Saw palmetto
- Licorice root
- Horsetail
- Pygeum
- Hydrangea
- Ginseng
- Acerola Cherry
- Kelp
- Spinach
- Wheat Grass
- & more
Other sources:
- http://www.emedicinehealth.com/enlarged_prostate/article_em.htm
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine; National Institutes of Health; Herbs at a Glance, Saw Palmetto; nccam.nih.gov
- National Institutes of Health & United States National Library of Medicine, 2007, Pygeum
- Medscape.com, 2007
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