A Common Problem, A Natural Solution
What men AND women need to know about one of the most common health problems affecting men over 50.
BPH, or benign prostatic hyperplasia, is the medical term for an enlarged prostate. A non-cancerous disorder, an enlarged prostate is the most common prostate health problem among men. In fact, half of men between the ages of 50 and 60 will develop it, and by the age of 80, about 90 percent will have experienced BPH symptoms. It is associated with aging, probably due to hormonal changes
BPH may result in a range of uncomfortable symptoms such as frequent urination, increased nighttime urination, incomplete emptying of the bladder, a weak urine stream or difficulty starting urination. As the prostate slowly continues to enlarge, symptoms may gradually worsen, interfering with sleep, physical comfort, and lifestyle, and causing a man to slow down or curtail his normal activities. When this happens, it affects not only the man suffering from BPH, but also his spouse and family. Fortunately, there are natural ways to manage the condition.
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But because of embarrassment or fear, many men who suffer from the symptoms of an enlarged prostate take no action and suffer in silence. It is important to see a doctor to get an accurate diagnosis and rule out any other conditions or abnormalities. And if it is the more common problem of BPH, doing nothing could eventually lead to more serious medical complications requiring surgery.
God has provided natural ingredients from His plant kingdom to help you find relief. Dr. Cherry talks about a few of them in his Prostate Health video. Here is more information on some key ingredients that have been proven scientifically to aid in managing prostate enlargement:
Saw Palmetto is the most popular and one of the most effective natural treatments for an enlarged prostate. A three-year preliminary study in Germany found that 160 mg of saw palmetto extract taken twice daily reduced nighttime urination in 73% of patients and improved urinary flow rates significantly. Over 18 published studies, reported in the prestigious medical journal JAMA (Journal of the American Medical Association) have shown significant improvement in symptoms as well as peak urinary flow in men taking saw palmetto.
Pygeum extract has been used in Europe for several decades and found to be quite effective at improving urinary flow, stopping the urgency of urination and decreasing inflammation in the prostate. This herb contains three compounds that may help the prostate: pentacyclic triterpenoids, which have a diuretic action; phytosterols, which have anti-inflammatory activity; and ferulic esters, which help rid the prostate of any cholesterol deposits that accompany BPH. Often combined with saw palmetto, pygeum has shown some remarkable effects in reducing the symptoms of prostate enlargement.
Nettle Root has been used to effectively treat prostatic enlargement in Germany. The root of the plant contains many of the active ingredients in saw palmetto. It appears to have even more prominent anti-inflammatory properties and is rich in phytonutrients, like sterols and lignans, which support healthy prostate function. Typically, nettle root extract is added to either saw palmetto or pygeum rather than used alone.
Flower Pollen contains water-soluble and fat-soluble compounds that increase the force of contraction of the bladder muscle and also inhibit the 5-alpha-reductase enzyme, which in turn helps shrink the prostate. It is also very effective at reducing the symptoms associated with BPH.
Beta-sitosterol, a compound found in many edible plants, has been found to be helpful for men with BPH. In one double-blind trial, men receiving beta-sitosterol had a significant improvement in urinary flow and an improvement in symptoms, whereas no change was reported in men receiving the placebo.
Pumpkin seed oil has been used in combination with saw palmetto in two double-blind human studies to effectively reduce symptoms of BPH.
Red Clover plant extracts have had excellent results in treating the symptoms associated with prostate enlargement. In one study, a single 40-milligram tablet daily resulted in a 21 percent reduction in symptoms after only 30 days, and an average 30 percent reduction after three months. The most significant benefit of the red clover extract is decreasing the incidence of nighttime urination.
Soy isoflavones, well-known for their benefits for women, also appear to play an important role for men. A study published by the British Journal of Nutrition found that those with an intake of at least 5 mg of isoflavones had fewer urinary tract symptoms than those who did not.
Regular exercise is also helpful for prevention and management of BPH. Men who walked two to three hours a week had a much lower risk of developing prostate enlargement and a lower risk of ever needing prostate surgery. Physical activity also reduced symptoms in men with BPH.
An enlarged prostate, and all of its accompanying discomfort and anxiety, doesn't have to be a fact of life for men as they age. A supplement program that includes targeted nutrients, along with a complete daily supplement and exercise, can address both the causes and symptoms of BPH.
Prostate Support contains all of the above compounds as well as other vitamins, minerals and herbs that have been shown to support general prostate function and health. Formulated to work best with Basic Nutrient Support, it can help manage one of men's most common health concerns.
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