Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a common enlargement of the prostate gland as a man ages. Though the prostate continues to grow during most of a man’s life, the enlargement doesn’t usually cause symptoms before age 40, but more than half of men in their sixties, and as many as 90 percent in their seventies and eighties have some symptoms of BPH. These symptoms stem from obstruction of the urethra and gradual loss of bladder function, which results in incomplete emptying of the bladder. Imagine the prostate as a donut shaped gland, and as the prostate swells up and enlarges, the internal diameter of the donut hole gets smaller, squeezing the urethra. The symptoms of BPH vary, but the most common ones involve changes or problems with urination, such as:

• a hesitant, interrupted or weak stream
• urgency and leaking or dribbling
• more frequent urination, especially at night

The size of the prostate does not always determine how severe the obstruction or the symptoms will be. Some men with greatly enlarged glands have little obstruction and few symptoms while others, whose glands are less enlarged, have more blockage and greater problems.

Prostate cancer

Prostate cancer is the third most common cause of death from cancer in men of all ages and is the most common cause of death from cancer in men over age 75. Prostate cancer is rarely found in men younger than 40. Men who are at higher risk include those who are older than 60, have a family history of prostate cancer, abuse alcohol, eat a diet high in fat (especially animal fat), have been exposed to cadmium, and are African-American. The symptoms listed below can occur with prostate cancer, usually at a late stage (although they may also be caused by BPH):

• Delayed or slowed start of urinary stream
• Dribbling or leakage of urine, most often after urinating
• Slow urinary stream
• Straining when urinating, or not being able to empty out the bladder
• Blood in urine or semen

Nutraceuticals for prostate health

There are a several nutraceuticals with research that support their use in promoting healthy prostate function. Five of these include beta-sitosterol, zinc, selenium, vitamin D and boron.

Beta-sitosterol
Beta-sitosterol, a natural plant sterol commonly found in some foods, has shown in research to effectively treat symptoms of BPH. For example, in a 6-month, multi-center, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial published in the British Journal of Urology² 177 patients with BPH were treated using 130 mg beta-sitosterol daily, or placebo. Results showed significant (P < 0.01)a improvements over placebo in those treated with beta-sitosterol, as measured by the International Prostate Symptom Scoreb (IPSS) and the quality-of-life index. There were also significant improvements in peak urinary flow rate and bladder emptying. A similar 3-month study³ in a Japan using 180 mg of beta-sitosterol daily also found significant (p < 0.05) improvements in BPH symptoms.

In a 6-month, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled multi-center study in the Lancet,⁴ 200 patients with BPH were treated with 60 mg beta-sitosterol daily or placebo. Results showed significant improvements in the modified Boyarsky score (a measurement of BPH symptoms) as well as a significant decrease in IPSS. Furthermore, there were improvements in peak urine flow bladder emptying, which remained unchanged in the placebo group (p < 0.01). In an 18-month follow-up study,⁵ 38 patients of the patients who continued beta-sitosterol treatment had stable values for all outcome variables. Of the former placebo group, 27 patients who started beta-sitosterol after the double-blind trial improved to the same extent as the treated group for all outcome variables.

Perhaps most significantly, a review⁶ and a meta-analysis⁷ examined the results of several randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind trials in which beta-sitosterol was used in treating BPH in 519 men. As with the aforementioned studies, these also demonstrated significant improvements in BPH symptoms. It should be noted that one of the studies⁸ reviewed in the meta-analysis found that beta-sitosterol decreased the number of times each night that men with BPH had to get up to urinate.

Zinc
Zinc plays important roles in the immune response, neurological function, and reproduction.⁹ This mineral’s importance to prostate health is easily demonstrated by the fact that the prostate has a higher concentration of zinc than any other organ of the body.¹⁰ Furthermore, there are higher concentrations of zinc in seminal fluid (much of which is secreted by the prostate) than in other body fluids.¹¹ This means that each time a man ejaculates he loses some zinc which—needs to be replaced. In addition, zinc levels have been found to decrease in the prostate tissue and prostatic fluid in men with prostatic carcinoma.^12,13

Selenium
Epidemiologic studies¹⁴ have shown that: 1) higher levels of the mineral selenium may slow prostate cancer tumor progression, 2) selenium seems to accumulate in the prostate, and 3) selenium protects against DNA damage and increases apoptosis (programmed cell death) in cancer cells.

Other research¹⁵ reported that selenium levels were significantly lower in those with prostate cancer. Furthermore, in a case-control study,¹⁶ 181 men with advanced prostate cancer and 181 matched controls were examined. The results were that individuals whose average dietary intake of selenium was 159 mcg/day had a 65 percent lower risk of advanced prostate cancer compared to those with an average intake of 86 mcg/day. Other research¹⁷ has found that the risk of developing prostate cancer was 50 percent less in men with higher serum selenium levels compared to those with the lowest intake. Similarly, a case-control study¹⁸ found that men with the lowest selenium intake were four to five times more likely to develop prostate cancer than those with the highest selenium intake.

Vitamin D
Epidemiological studies¹⁹ show correlations between the risk factors for prostate cancer and conditions that can result in decreased vitamin D levels. Furthermore, the active metabolite of vitamin D inhibits the growth of human prostate cancer cells. Other research²⁰ with prostate cells further support the idea that increasing vitamin D levels may be useful in preventing prostate cancer. In addition, a study²¹ of Finnish men found that low serum vitamin D levels were associated with earlier and more aggressive prostate cancer development.

Boron
Research²² has found that groundwater boron levels correlated with a decrease in prostate cancer incidence and mortality, and that a common form of boron in-vitro improves the anti-proliferative effectiveness of chemo-preventative agents. Furthermore, analyzed data²³ from the third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III) compared boron intake of 95 prostate cancer cases with that of 8,720 male controls. After controlling for age, race, education, smoking, body mass index, dietary caloric intake, and alcohol consumption, increased dietary boron intake was associated with a decreased risk of prostate cancer with a dose-response pattern.

Conclusion
There is no single magic bullet for guaranteeing a healthy prostate. However, the use of one or more of the nutraceuticals discussed in this article may help support healthy prostate function.

Endnotes:

a. A “P” value of 0.05 or less is considered statistically significant. The lower the number, the more significant.

b. The International Prostate Symptom Score is an eight question (seven symptom questions + one quality of life question) written screening tool used to screen for, rapidly diagnose, track the symptoms of, and suggest management of the symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia.

References

1. Huggins C, Scott WM, Heinen JH. Chemical composition of human semen and of the secretions of the prostate and seminal vesicles. Am J Physiol. 1942;136: 467-473.
2. Klippel KF, Hiltl DM, Schipp B. A multicentric, placebo-controlled, double-blind clinical trial of beta-sitosterol (phytosterol) for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia. German BPH-Phyto Study group. Br J Urol 1997;80(3):427-32.
3. Kobayashi Y, Sugaya Y, Tokue A. Clinical effects of beta-sitosterol (phytosterol) on benign prostatic hyperplasia: preliminary study. Article in Japanese Hinyokika Kiyo 1998;44(12):865-8.
4. Berges RR, Windeler J, Trampisch HJ, Senge T. Randomised, placebo-controlled, double-blind clinical trial of beta-sitosterol in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia. Beta-sitosterol Study Group. Lancet 1995;345(8964):1529-32.
5. Berges RR, Kassen A, Senge T. Treatment of symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia with beta-sitosterol: an 18-month followup. BJU Int 2000;85(7):842-6.
6. Wilt TJ, MacDonald R, Ishani A.Beta-sitosterol for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia: a systematic review. BJU Int 1999;83(9):976-83.
7. Wilt T, Ishani A, MacDonald R, Stark G, Mulrow CD, Lau J. Beta-sitosterols for benign prostatic hyperplasia. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 1999;(3) Art. No.: CD001043; DOI: 10.1002/14651858. CD001043.
8. ibid.
9. Cousins RJ. Zinc. In: Bowman BA, Russell RM, eds. Present Knowledge in Nutrition. 9th ed, Vol. 1. Washington, D.C.: ILSI Press; 2006:445-57.
10. Bedwal RS, Bahuguna A. Zinc, copper and selenium in reproduction.Experientia 1994;50(7):626-40.
11. Kavanagh JP. Sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, zinc, citrate and chloride content of human prostatic and seminal fluid. J Reprod Fertil 1985;75(1):35-41.
12. Zaichick VYe, Sviridova TV, Zaichick SV. Zinc in the human prostate gland: normal, hyperplastic and cancerous. Int Urol Nephrol 1997;29:565-74.
13. Zaichick VY, Sviridova TV, Zaichick SV. Zinc concentration in human prostatic fluid: normal, chronic prostatitis, adenoma and cancer. Int Urol Nephrol 1996;28:687-94.
14. Taylor PR, Parnes HL, Lippman SM. Science peels the onion of selenium effects on prostate carcinogenesis. J Natl Cancer Inst 2004;96:645-7.
15. Brinkman M, Reulen RC, Kellen E, Buntinx F, Zeegers MP. Are men with low selenium levels at increased risk of prostate cancer? Eur J Cancer 2006;42(15):2463-471.
16. Yoshizawa K, Willett WC, Morris SJ, et al. Study of prediagnostic selenium level in toenails and the risk of advanced prostate cancer. J Natl Cancer Inst 1998;90(16):1219-24.
17. Nomura AM, Lee J, Stemmermann GN, Combs GF, Jr. Serum selenium and subsequent risk of prostate cancer. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2000;9(9):883-7.
18. Brooks JD, Metter EJ, Chan DW, et al. Plasma selenium level before diagnosis and the risk of prostate cancer development. J Urol 2001;166(6):2034-2038.
19. Blutt SE, Weigel NL. Vitamin D and prostate cancer. Proc Soc Exp Biol Med 1999;221(2):89-98.
20. Young MV, Schwartz GG, Wang L, et al. The prostate 25-hydroxyvitamin D-1{alpha}-hydroxylase is not influenced by parathyroid hormone and calcium: implications for prostate cancer chemoprevention by vitamin D. Carcinogenesis 2004;25(6):967-71.
21. Ahonen MH, Tenkanen L, Teppo L, Hakama M, Tuohimaa P. Prostate cancer risk and prediagnostic serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels. (Finland). Cancer Causes Control. 2000;11(9):847-52.
22. Barranco WT, Hudak PF, Eckhert CD. Evaluation of ecological and in vitro effects of boron on prostate cancer risk (United States). Cancer Causes Control 2007;18(1):71-7.
23. Cui Y, Winton MI, Zhang ZF, et al. Dietary boron intake and prostate cancer risk. Oncol Rep 2004;11(4):887-92.

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In this article, I discuss the aging process in general for men, look at testosterone and hormonal changes, and then focus on maintaining prostate health and sexual function over the later years. And clearly for men, their prostate and sexual function are important to feeling youthful. Those that remain lovingly active, sexually and sensually, often feel better in many other ways as well.

Let me first say a few words about male aging, which I hope to experience, only very slowly with vitality and verve. We each have our genetics and biological clocks. Hopefully, if we play our cards right with healthy habits, understanding our risks and disease potentials, we can outlive our parents and ancestors. And for most issues of genetics and aging, lifestyle can trump our genetics and give us greater health and less disease.

Men need to look at and take action to prevent some of the common diseases that take us out of life too early. The big ones here are the cardiovascular diseases that start with inflammation, rising blood pressure, higher cholesterol, and subsequent atherosclerosis. The other is weight gain with rising blood sugar and insulin resistance of pre and early diabetes that speeds up cardiovascular problems. Lifestyle is so important to all of these common aging issues and helps in preventing, or at least delaying them. The lifestyle keys are focused on diet, exercise, and stress management.

Cancer risk is also a health and longevity threat, and here the colon and prostate are major concerns. These areas can and should be checked with some regularly to pick up any early changes. Colonoscopy, digital rectal exams, and PSA blood tests in men are well accepted for early diagnoses of these common cancers, although PSA tests have more recent controversy (as does mammography in women) because of potential fear and over-treatment that they can cause unnecessarily; also, there is controversy on how many of prostate cancers should be left alone and watched rather than suggesting and using aggressive treatments of surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. Lung cancer is a minimal risk if you don’t or have not smoked. If so, regular chest x-rays are a test to consider.

It is important for men in the aging process to maintain normal weight, blood pressure, blood cholesterol, and blood sugar. Abdominal obesity from excess calories from refined foods, especially flour and sugars products, along with excess alcohol use can cause higher risks for many diseases. In current times, it’s easy to be overweight (or let’s say, harder to stay trim), however, research is showing that health and longevity can be protected with exercise and staying fit even with being somewhat overweight. A sedentary life with overeating and being overweight can create a high risk of disease and a shorter lifespan.

Tips for Healthy Aging

• Avoid Overeating and rich, fatty foods in your diet.
• Minimize Sugar, Flour, And The Many Refined Foods made from them as well as excessive alcohol.
• Maintain Normal Weight.
• Focus Your Diet around fresh vegetables with quality proteins and fresh fruit.
• Get Regular Exercise and avoid a sedentary lifestyle.
• Stretch to stay young and flexible.
• Stay Strong with weight training; muscle mass is important for healthy aging.
• Do Aerobic Exercise to stay fit and maintain endurance.
• Practice Stress Reduction such as meditation, breathing, qigong, tai chi, yoga, or relax out in nature.
• Listen To Your Body, and partner with your healthcare provider to address imbalances or symptoms such as sleep problems, digestive issues, sexual dysfunction, allergies, weight loss or weight gain, and stress issues; find ways that work to resolve these issues.
• Do Your Annual Physical Checkup to catch early signs of pending health problems.
• People Who Live A Long And Healthy Life tend to practice forgiveness, find a good balance between work and relaxation, feel gratitude and joy every day, nurture their creativity, stay connected with their friends and family, make a living doing something they enjoy, and use their talents and gifts to be of service to others. Wow! That’s another whole list.

HORMONAL CHANGES IN MEN

Many things change as we age, and this is true for blood levels of our hormones along with lower functions. For men, the many related hormones could become lower with time. This relates especially to testosterone, but also to thyroid and adrenal hormones, and less so to estrogen and progesterone. DHEA, or dehydoepiandrosterone, is a precursor substance that is produced form cholesterol molecules in the adrenals, and acts as a precursor for testosterone and estradiol. For both men and women, better levels of blood DHEA-S (sulfate) tends to be associated for both men and women with feeling better with a greater sense of well-being as they age.

In my office, I measure several blood levels when assessing men, especially over 40 years old. These include testosterone (often the total and “free” levels), DHEA-S, thyroid, and sometimes estradiol levels; if there’s fatigue I may order a 4-test saliva sample to check cortisol levels throughout the day. You and your doctor need to clarify the difference in test levels between the wide range of normal and more optimal levels.

If testosterone levels are low normal and there are symptoms accordingly, along with the person’s request to experience how they feel with some added body levels of circulating testosterone hormone, I will prescribe a topical hormone cream to apply daily for a couple months. Low male hormone levels can affect energy, mood, strength, sexual function, and vitality. After trying the treatment, we can evaluate the results and see what symptoms may have improved and how that correlates with blood or saliva levels of hormones. Testosterone can also be used as injection in oil, given every two-three weeks on a regular basis.

The use of testosterone replacement or enhancement in aging men is a controversial treatment. Over recent decades, it was thought to be cardio-protective as well as improve stamina and vitality; however, recent reports are suggesting that testosterone adversely affects the cardiovascular system. I don’t believe it as of yet, but it’s wise to review this aspect with your practitioner if you consider testosterone therapy.

PROSTATE PROBLEMS AND PREVENTIONS

It appears that the common disease among men over 50 (and now over 40) involves the prostate sex organ (and the colon, with stagnation and toxicity, diverticulitis and cancer). The Western lifestyle of stress and sitting plus often hours of driving and traffic, working, and TV watching; stuffing food and emotions; eating animal flesh and milk products; consuming sugary foods and caffeine; and using alcohol regularly—sets the stage for chronic, debilitating and degenerative diseases, such as cardiovascular problems, cancer, and arthritis, as well as prostate enlargement (BPH—Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy) and prostate cancer.

The prostate is a fibro-muscular organ, about the size of two walnuts placed together, and it sits at the bottom of the man’s pelvis behind the genitals and in front of the rectum. It can be felt (palpated) with the medical “digital exam” whereby a doctor sticks his gloved and lubricated index finger in through the anus and pushes forward. We should feel the pliable yet firm lobes without any enlargement, swelling, lumps or stony material. And the patient should not feel any pain, however, it could feel uncomfortable with a pressure like you have to urinate. Some symptoms of prostate enlargement or infection may be a pressure or swelling feeling in the perineum, or even more commonly, frequent urination and difficulty in starting or stopping urination. Men often need to get up two or three times at night to pee, which can lead to sleep issues as well. There may also be some change in the urine stream or force behind the urination. The ureter, or tube that passes from the kidneys and through the bladder, also goes through the prostate tissue and then through the penis. Thus, when the prostate is swollen, it may interfere with the urine flow.

A blood test can also be done to measure an antigen that is created by prostate cancer cells. It’s called the PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) and if it’s elevated, that may mean prostate cancer is present. With inflammation or infection, the PSA can also go up; thus, it may need to be double-checked and/or rechecked after a course of antibiotics to treat any potential infection. If the elevation persists, even after any infection is treated, this may require further testing, as I believe it’s always wise to find out what is going on in our body. If it’s bad news, at least we can deal with it from there. Other tests to investigate the prostate further include a prostate ultrasound (sound wave assessment of the prostate tissue), a cat scan or the new body scan (both which utilize x-ray), and a prostate biopsy, which is usually done by an urologist. Luckily, many prostate cancers are slow growing or have not spread; yet they still can cause medical problems and metastasize over time.

The best overall plan, however, is to stay healthy and to maintain a healthy prostate.

As reviewed above, this involves staying young and in shape; maintaining sexual activity; getting regular exercise; managing your stress levels; taking stretch and activity breaks from long periods of sitting and computer work; eating a wholesome diet with lots of fresh veggies and quality proteins plus healthy fats; and avoiding excess substance use, especially of refined sugars, red meats and alcohol, while obtaining adequate essential fatty acids daily, such as two teaspoons of flaxseed oil, as well as adding fish oils and evening primrose oil. These are all ways that may help to prevent prostate problems.

Lycopene found in tomatoes (highest amount), watermelons, pink grapefruits, guava, and papaya is an antioxidant that mops up free radicals and helps protect the body against cancer. Cooked tomato products like tomato sauce allows lycopene to be more readily absorbed by the body. In research studies, two servings of tomato sauce a week are enough to lower the risk of developing prostate cancer.

Cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, bok choy, collards, broccoli sprouts, Chinese broccoli, broccoli raab, kohlrabi, mustard greens, turnip, radish, rocket, watercress, and kale all contain sulforaphane, an anticancer and antimicrobial compound that helps the body repair damages caused by cancer cells while slowing down its growth. Another added benefit of eating these nutrient-rich cruciferous vegetables is the decreased risk for cardiovascular diseases while providing higher levels of vitamins and minerals that are also needed to prevent or fight cancer. The sprouts of these vegetable seeds, especially broccoli sprouts, have been shown to have anti-cancer effects.

Avoid charring meats when cooking (especially in grilling) to reduce the levels of a cancer-causing substance known as PhIP which has been associated to the development of prostate cancer in lab animals. Slow roasting, stewing, and broiling (without charring), are better ways to cook meats.

Zinc, selenium, Coenzyme Q10, vitamins C and E, vitamins K2 and D3, and the B vitamins, particularly B6, are all important for a healthy prostate, as are a number of herbs, which can also be used to treat prostate problems as well. There are two herbs that are specifically useful in preventing and treating prostate diseases, and thus, supporting sexual function. They are Serenoa repens and Pygeum africanum.

Saw palmetto berry (Serenoa repens) has been shown to effectively diminish pain, inflammation and enlargement of the prostate, as well as to reduce urinary urgency. It may work by inhibiting dihydro-testosterone (DHT), thereby reducing its stimulation for cell multiplication. Saw palmetto has been used for centuries and is also thought to have a mild aphrodisiac effect, as well as increasing sperm production and sexual vitality.

Another useful herb comes from an African evergreen tree, Pygeum (Pygeum africanum), and has been shown in research to reduce prostate enlargement and inflammation; it may also help stimulate libido. Pygeum has many natural chemicals that have anti-inflammatory and other positive effects on energy and bodily functions.

Some prostate formulas also may contain other herbs like nettle, or pumpkin seed extract or oil (higher in zinc and supportive of prostate health), and beta-sitosterol, a healthy fat that also supports prostate. Most men over 40-50 can benefit form the regular use of a good prostate health formula to both support this organ and prevent prostate problems.

The herbs and formulas work well and often at less expense and less potential harm or side effects than the popular drugs, such as Proscar or Flomax. These medications are typically prescribed by doctors for men with prostate enlargement or urinary symptoms.

Ultimately, it is conceivable that if we follow the aforementioned lifestyle advice, we can avoid treatment altogether and maintain both a healthy prostate and our sexual health and vigor. Long-term survival rate approaches 100 percent when prostate cancer is detected early. The ACS (American Cancer Society) recommends a PSA blood test and digital rectal examination be offered annually for men starting at age 50, although that is more recently questioned as to whether this test actually helps in saving or prolonging lives. Men in high risk groups, such as African American men, those with family histories of this disease, or with a history of rising PSA levels as well as altered levels of estrogen or testosterone, may begin testing at a younger age (i.e. 40-45 years). Men, who are not at high risk but are between 40 and 50 years old, may want to do both tests every two-three years.

It is far better to pick up any medical problems early, and this certainly applies to the prostate. Stay Healthy!

A good web site to keep abreast of prostate cancer research and treatments is www.ProstateCancerFoundation.org. Check out the latest research and guidelines.

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The prostate rings the urethra, the tube that transports ejaculate and drains urine from the bladder. As the prostate expands in size, the urethra may be squeezed and narrowed, causing urinary symptoms such as frequent urination (particularly during the night), urgency, difficulty starting the stream, a weaker stream, dribbling at the end, and incomplete emptying.

These are the symptoms of benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH), a condition that in mild, moderate or severe form afflicts four out of five men aged 40 and older. (It’s THE most common health problem among older men.) And as I mentioned earlier, many men with CFS/FMS have prostate irritation called prostadynia, with similar symptoms and sometimes pelvic pain. The prostadynia symptoms often improve with long-term antifungals, antibiotics in select cases, and the nutrient quercitin.

There are several medications that doctors often use to treat BPH. Flomax (a so-called alpha-blocker) works by relaxing the muscles where the bladder and urethra intersect, allowing for easier flow. Proscar and Avodart work by decreasing production of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), the compound that pumps up prostate cells. But like most medications, they have downsides. For one thing, they’re expensive. And they’re not without side effects, from decreased semen volume to painful orgasms (from Flomax).

Natural approaches to optimize the health of your prostate are often effective alternatives to prescription medications. In this article, I’ll discuss five herbals that can help keep your plumbing in tip-top shape.

Herbals That Can Help Optimize Your Prostate Health

1. Saw Palmetto Extract
Also known as Serenoa repens, saw palmetto blocks DHT effects and balances hormones. Give it six weeks to work. Over the years, there have been dozens of studies on saw palmetto involving thousands of men with varying results. Many have shown that the herb works to optimize prostate health. Other studies have produced negative results.

My bottom line is that I’ve found the herb effective in helping to promote healthy prostate function in older men. I also think it’s a lot safer than drugs, and research agrees that it’s very safe. In fact, in the most recent analysis (conducted by researchers at the University of California, San Francisco, and published in the Journal of Urology in April, 2013) doses of saw palmetto three times higher than typical, taken for 18 months, produced “no evidence of toxicity” of any kind. (Take 160 mg, 2x day).

Other herbs can also help prostate health by balancing inflammation and hormone function. These include:

2. Boswellia
Boswellia (Boswellia serrata), also known as frankincense, is one of my favorite herbs. It balances several key immune-modulating enzymes, which can leave your prostate feeling a lot less twitchy!

3. Nettle
Given its name, Nettle (Urtica dioica) might be the last plant you would think of using to settle down your prostate. But this is another must for anyone who wants to help their prostate through herbal approaches.

Nettle is rich in beta-sitosterol, a plant sterol that has hormone-balancing effects. So, like saw palmetto, it helps optimize prostate health. It does this by:

• Blocking the binding of sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) to the prostate.
• Inhibiting aromatase, an enzyme that affects the body’s testosterone metabolism.
• Inhibiting adenosine deaminase (ADA) activity of prostate tissue.

Nettle is a very powerful ingredient and one that is key for an optimized prostate health formula. (Use a strong 10:1 extract.)

4. Beta-Sitosterol
Double-blind clinical studies have found that beta-sitosterol improves urinary flow in men, and that is big news for any man who feels like he must constantly go to the restroom, or who feels like his bladder doesn’t fully empty after each trip.

5. Sesamin
This comes from the sesame plant, and has been shown to block the activity of a protein complex called NF-KB, which promotes the growth of tumor cells.

All five of these herbals can be found in combination in a product called “Healthy Prostate” by EuroPharma.

Other Helpful Prostate Tips?

Add zinc and selenium.
Adding daily doses of these two minerals can help maintain prostate health (both should be present at these amounts in a good multivitamin)—and may boost the effectiveness of saw palmetto. In one study, German researchers measured blood selenium levels in 21 men with prostate problems and found their blood levels “significantly lower than the recommended normal range.” They recommend selenium supplementation to help optimize prostate health. (Take 15 mg zinc, 1x day. 50 mcg selenium, 1x day.)

Regular exercise: protection against prostate cancer.
Research shows that regular exercise can contribute to optimal health of the prostate gland, and may help lower the risk of developing prostate cancer. I recommend a 30-60 minute daily walk outdoors. Not only do you get a workout, you also get a nice dose of healthy vitamin D—a vitamin that in one recent study was associated with lower levels of prostate cancer (July 2012 issue of the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism).

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