Problems
Before we tackle prostate problems, let’s make sure we know exactly what the prostate is and what it does. Basically, the prostate is a male reproductive system gland, encasing part of the urethra just below the bladder between the rectum and the base of the penis, producing seminal fluid. The prostate is also a muscle that pumps the semen out through the penis with enough force to enter into the vagina to help the sperm succeed in reaching the cervix. Additionally, the prostate plays a very important part in hormone metabolism. Obviously, we could write pages and pages, but this give you a good idea of what the prostate does in your life.
Prostate Cancer
One of the biggest public health problems is prostate cancer and it forms in the prostate tissues. Indications of prostate cancer include week or frequent urination, pain or burning while urinating, blood in the urine or semen, and ongoing pain in the pelvis, back or hips, plus fatigue, dizziness and shortness of breath. Go see your doctor if you are exhibiting these symptoms. (1)
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)
When the prostate gland becomes inflamed or enlarged it presses down on the urethra, making it tough to urinate. The risk is potentially a bladder infection or stones. BPH is caused by a variety of things, including hormonal changes (such as excess estrogen), deteriorating blood vessels and zinc deficiency. (2)
Prostatitis
Inflammation or infection of the prostate gland with swelling and pain are symptoms of prostatitis. This could lead to urination difficulties, sexual dysfunction and other health problems like fatigue. Most prostate difficulties occur due to age; however, prostatitis is usually found in young or middle-aged men. (3)
Solutions
There are many natural remedies to help improve prostate health:
Diet
We’ve put together a list of recommended foods for optimizing prostate health
Tomatoes
Tomatoes contain lycopene, a very powerful antioxidant with many health benefits, including sun protection, improved heart health and a lower risk of certain types of cancer, including prostate health. (4)
Wild-Caught Fish
Very important to prostate health are Omega-3 foods especially wild-caught fish. This is especially beneficial to reducing prostate inflammation. (5)
Green Tea
Drinking green tea has many benefits as it contains high levels of antioxidants. Thus, it helps promote prostate health and detox which helps relieve prostatitis symptoms. (6)
Pumpkin Seeds
Those wonderful jack-o-lanterns have a higher purpose than scaring the neighborhood kids. Who knew that pumpkin seeds could be so beneficial and helpful to prostate health? Both pumpkin seeds and oil have a high content of carotenoids and liposoluble vitamins. The seeds also contain zinc, a diuretic that helps empty the bladder and reduce inflammation. (7)
Exercise
Exercise is the closest thing we have to a panacea. Bodies are meant to be active, couch potatoes need not apply. Many studies have shown that active men have reduced risk of prostate cancer. Exercise modulates hormone levels, prevents obesity, enhances immune function and reduce oxidative stress. All thanks to a little exercise. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15157121
Supplements
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is a strong antioxidant and aids in the decrease of prostate cancer. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9521168/
Vitamin D
It is important to maintain Vitamin D levels as a deficiency in this increases the risk of prostate cancer. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14580762
Selenium
Increased immunity, longevity and potentially reducing risk of cancer are some of the benefits of Selenium. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8971064/
Lycopene
Yep that same stuff that gives tomatoes their color is also available as a supplement and just as useful. Lycopene aids in lowering the risk of prostate cancer. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26287411
Zinc
Zinc plays and important role in prostate health.
An important zinc benefit is the role it plays in prostate health. Infection, stress and diet influence zinc levels, which are greatly reduced in those with prostate problems. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3114577/
Fish Oil
Known to reduce inflammation, fish oil lowers the risk of prostate problems. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23613715
Saw Palmetto
With the ability to improve prostate symptoms, Saw Palmetto has become one of the most often used supplements by men with prostate problems. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2809240/
Stinging Nettle
The anti-inflammatory effects of Stinging Nettle help reduce symptoms of BPH and other prostate difficulties. Stinging Nettle also contains phytosterols, lignans and polysaccharides to further help relieve BPH symptoms. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3589769/
Essential Oils
Rosemary
Known as a powerful antioxidant, Rosemary Oil is believed to help inhibit prostate cancer. https://thetruthaboutcancer.com/rosemary-essential-oil/
Frankincense
Frankincense oil is known for its capability of reducing pain and inhibiting the spread of cancer. It helps reduce inflammation. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3924999/
Myrrh
Myrrh oil is believed to have anticancer and antibacterial values. It helps relax the muscles, which can be beneficial when dealing with an enlarged prostate. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3796379/
In Summary
Foods and supplements that aid in reducing inflammation are very valuable in treating the prostate.
By reducing inflammation, the prostate enlargement is reduced thus, improving issues of frequent and/or painful urination, etc.
Herbs and supplements that have been proven to reduce the risk of prostate cancer and prostate health issues, including fish oil, saw palmetto, stinging nettle, zinc, selenium, lycopene, vitamin E and vitamin D.
Rosemary, frankincense and myrrh essential oils are powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant agents that can relieve symptoms of prostate problems and possibly inhibit the growth of prostate cancer cells.
Before using any form of alternative medicine for the treatment of prostate health problems, consult your health care provider to be sure there are no interactions with any medications you may be taking.
