|
Prostate Health
(Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia; BPH)
Helpful Natural Supplements and Treatments
OVERVIEW
Prostate problems affect most men, usually over the age of 50. The most common is prostate enlargement, usually called benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). The prostate is a walnut-sized gland, with the urethra passing through it. As the prostate enlarges, it restricts urinary flow. Symptoms include difficulties in urination, including nighttime urination (nocturia), weak stream, difficulty starting the stream, dribbling, and the inability to completely empty the bladder. There is also an increased risk for urinary tract infections (UTIs).
SUPPLEMENTS FOR BPH
There are many natural supplements that may help with BPH. Consult with your healthcare provider to see which of the following supplements may be appropriate for you.*
*PLEASE NOTE: It is very important to make sure that supplements do not interfere with your medications or an existing health condition. First check with your doctor before trying any supplements.
Vitamins & Minerals
Zinc– this micromineral may alleviate an enlarged prostate by inhibiting the 5-alpha reductase enzyme that is responsible for the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone.
Other Supplements
Beta-Sitosterol – this phytosterol, which is found in the oil of a variety of herbs (e.g., pumpkin, pygeum, saw palmetto, stinging nettle), may improve the urinary symptoms associated with BPH, including increasing maximum urinary flow.
Less Helpful: flaxseed oil.
Herbs
Pygeum – Pygeum africanum, an herb from the African plum tree, may increase maximum urinary flow and decrease nocturia.
Rye Grass Pollen – extracts of rye grass pollen have been shown to reduce many of the symptoms associated with BPH, and even decrease the size of the prostate.
Saw Palmetto – this herb, from the southeastern U.S., has had the most research done on BPH, and has been shown to be the most effective for mild to moderate improvement in its symptoms.
Less Helpful: garlic, prickly pear cactus, pumpkin seed oil, red clover, stinging nettle.
COMMENTS
Conventional treatment includes medications to improve urine flow by relaxing the muscles around the prostate gland. Other medications can help to reduce the size of the prostate. However, some medications may cause erectile dysfunction or a decrease in libido. Surgery is also done to cut away excess prostate tissue. Recommendations include reducing alcohol intake, especially beer. There is an old amino acid formula (alanine, glycine, glutamic acid) that may help. Some yoga positions and regular exercise can help, but avoid bicycling, which may put excessive pressure on the prostate.
References
Jellin, JM, editor. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database, 2008.
Pillepich, JA. The Nutraceutical Reference Guide, 2005.
FOR BPH, CONSIDER THESE SUPPLEMENTS*
● Zinc Complex
● Prostate Formula
● Uni-Pros-Trol
● PollenAid
*First check with your doctor if you have a medical condition or are taking prescription medications.
* * * * * *
Total Health Nutrients is a multi-faceted company, with operations in New York and New Jersey. We provide both services and products, such as:
-
Nutritional Supplements: We carry the highest quality supplements to speed up your healing process. They were developed to contain the right proportions of vitamins, minerals, and essential fatty acids, without danger of toxic build-up and without dangerous side effects. Each ingredient is selected in consideration of its absorbability, competitive relationship with other nutrients, allergenic potential, and long-term safety. Also, our supplements are manufactured in a cGMP (current Good Manufacturing Practices) facility, ensuring you always get a pure product that meets label potency. Go to www.totalhealthnutrients.com to check out our selection of pure supplements.
-
Personalized Vitamin Organizers: As an added service, we offer these compartmentalized containers filled with your supplement regimen, with each section labeled, for easy identification. For people who are rushed in the morning or who travel frequently, this service makes life a bit less complicated.
-
Dietary Analysis: We use the most reliable computerized nutritional analysis program available. More than 29,000 foods, from all food groups, are accessed by our computer program, analyzing a person's usual dietary intake. The resulting reports provide the information in tabular and graphical formats.
-
Metabolic Testing: This service measures how many calories you burn at various activities, and how many calories you need daily to lose/sustain/or increase your weight, depending on your goals. Having these numbers enables us to make your personalized plan as accurate as possible.
-
TSFL Weight Loss Program: We proudly feature TSFL Weight Loss Program for patients that need to lose weight as quickly and safely as possible. Clinically proven by Johns Hopkins University - Take Shape For Life will help you reach your weight goal with Medifast Meals that are low calorie, low fat, and nutritionally balanced. There is no counting calories, carbs, or points. It is all done for you. Along the way, we will provide the care and support you need to succeed in maintaining your weight loss and health program for life. More info is available at www.rainbowdiet.tsfl.com.
1-888-THN-7284
www.totalhealthnutrients.com
Call Total Health Nutrients today, or visit our web site, for our
great selection of high-quality nutritional supplements!
|
