Men at higher risk for prostate health issues share a unique gut microbial profile which can be altered with prebiotic and probiotic supplementation to improve urinary symptoms and flow measures.
Research demonstrates that saw palmetto (Serenoa repens) extract can effectively address urinary symptoms associated with BPH, while beta-sitosterol and Prunus africana extracts are also commonly utilized as treatments to keep prostate health intact.
Saw Palmetto
Saw palmetto (Serenoa repens) is an oily black fruit native to North America and parts of Africa that is packed with free fatty acids, fatty acid triglycerides, phytosterols (especially beta sitosterol), flavonoids and polysaccharides that may help alleviate symptoms associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Dietary supplements containing saw palmetto can provide additional support against BPH by offering free fatty acids as natural sources.
Studies on men taking 320 mg of Saw Palmetto daily for six months found significant improvements in urinary symptoms and peak urine flow compared to those taking placebo; however, more research needs to be conducted before definitive conclusions can be drawn regarding its effectiveness for treating BPH.
Researchers believe saw palmetto can reduce BPH symptoms by blocking 5-alpha reductase, an enzyme responsible for turning testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT), the primary cause of BPH in most men. Other research indicates it could also alleviate other urological symptoms by decreasing inflammation, decreasing PSA levels and improving urination.
A randomized clinical trial with 316 men suffering from BPH found that saw palmetto oil supplemented with beta-sitosterol was more successful than placebo at improving urinary symptoms and quality of life, as well as PSA levels, than either supplement alone. Another study indicated that combination therapy of saw palmetto and lycopene reduced PSA levels more effectively than either supplement alone.
Before beginning any herbal remedy, including saw palmetto, it is always a good idea to speak to your physician first. While saw palmetto does not appear to interact with medications or cause serious side effects, it is still wise to check with a healthcare provider so as to ensure you do not take a drug belonging to the same chemical group as what you already take.
Saw palmetto supplements can be found at natural-foods stores and health food chains, or purchased online. When shopping for supplements containing saw palmetto, look for ones made in an NSF-registered CGMP facility to ensure you are getting only the highest-quality product available; many are formulated with additional ingredients that support prostate health such as pumpkin seed extract and selenium; for instance Life Extension’s prostate health formula contains both full spectrum cranberry extract as well as S7 (a proprietary blend of seven plant-based ingredients designed to increase nitric oxide levels in blood to improve blood flow directly to the prostate). For instance Life Extension’s prostate formula contains both full spectrum cranberry plus S7 (an innovative proprietary blend of 7 plant-based ingredients designed to increase nitric oxide levels in blood in order to improve blood flow), while their prostate health formula contains full spectrum cranberry as well.
Beta-Sitosterol
Beta-sitosterol, a phytosterol naturally found in plants, may help limit cholesterol intake into the body by acting like cholesterol itself and acting like an inhibitor against tumor cell growth. Studies have also demonstrated its anti-inflammatory properties and may provide protection from prostate cancer through inhibiting tumor cells’ proliferation.
One study demonstrated that beta-sitosterol significantly mitigated symptoms associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), such as urinary frequency and urgency as well as improving urinary flow. Furthermore, it significantly decreased prostate size – one of the key markers of BPH.
Many supplements claim to support prostate health. When selecting one, make sure it includes clinically proven ingredients like saw palmetto and pygeum extract and comes from within the USA with a 60-day money back guarantee.
The ideal prostate supplement for men consists of natural ingredients sourced sustainably and meeting daily dose recommendations, manufactured in an FDA-inspected facility and capable of offering noticeable results within weeks.
NOW Foods’ Beta-Sitosterol Plant Sterols with Fish Oil provides 1 gram of plant sterol esters in a base of fish oil for effective prostate support, featuring other beneficial compounds like lycopene and quercetin as well as non-GMO ingredients and vegan certification.
Preventing prostate disease involves eating healthily, exercising regularly and living an active lifestyle. Even as risk of prostate disorders increases with age, preventive measures such as eating well and engaging in regular physical activity can still help minimize risks. Herbs and supplements may also help treat prostate conditions; however, since their safety may not be closely regulated like prescription medication from your physician, it’s wise to first discuss your options with him or her prior to trying anything new. Certain supplements may interact with certain medications or exacerbate medical conditions, making it imperative to select an effective product suitable for you. For instance, many prostate supplements contain herbal blends which could interact with sedatives or other prescription medicines prescribed to the individual.
Lycopene
Lycopene, the natural pigment responsible for giving tomatoes their characteristic red hue, has been found to protect human cells against cancer and other diseases. Due to its antioxidant properties and direct absorption from foods, lycopene may help lower risk of prostate cancer by inhibiting cell proliferation and inducing apoptosis in cancerous tissue; furthermore it may improve statuses for both enzymatic (superoxide dismutase and catalase) and non-enzymatic antioxidants (vitamins E and C).
Lycopene has been shown to significantly reduce atherosclerosis in humans by inhibiting oxidation of proteins, serum lipids and DNA. Furthermore, lycopene increases levels of cholesterol-reducing HDL metabolites among male subjects and protects against prostate and lung cancer by suppressing tumor growth and inducing cell apoptosis.
Diets that include foods high in lycopene may help lower the risk of prostate cancer, though more studies are necessary to establish this correlation. Some research indicates that lycopene could potentially slow progression while results from other trials remain inconsistent; this may be related to how often lycopene-rich foods are combined with prostate health supplements like saw palmetto and pygeum which could skew study results when looking solely at its effectiveness.
Other researchers have hypothesized that lycopene could help protect against prostate cancer by inhibiting inflammation and oxidation of cellular components. Animal and test tube experiments have demonstrated how lycopene inhibits lipoxygenases enzymes; furthermore it enhances natural anti-inflammatory compounds like turmeric and ginger for fighting inflammation.
Persona Nutrition’s top prostate health supplement combines three patented ingredients to promote prostate health: Pacran Cranberry Powder; Lyrored Lycopene for a bioavailable form of Lycopene; and Phytopin Plant Sterol that enhances prostate health. Made in the US with no gluten or major allergens present and an unmatched 60 day money back guarantee make this an ideal product for anyone wanting the maximum prostate benefits without paying overpriced and unproven supplements.
Pygeum
Pygeum is an extract derived from the bark of an African plum tree (prunus africanum). This herb may help improve prostate health by decreasing inflammation in the bladder, kidneys and urinary tract. Furthermore, pygeum also has anti-ageing properties and may protect against cancer.
Pygeum works to reduce production of dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT is an androgen that causes the prostate gland to expand beyond normal, while blocking its actions and promoting cell death can slow or stop its effects on cells in the prostate gland. Furthermore, some compounds found within Pygeum may help inhibit cancerous prostate cell growth as well as provide protection from future growth of cancerous prostate cells.
One study demonstrated that pygeum extract significantly alleviated BPH symptoms while having no discernible impact on prostate volume, suggesting it’s most useful in those with mild to moderate BPH. Furthermore, combined use with saw palmetto and stinging nettle may provide further prostate health benefits.
Many men with BPH opt for natural supplements before turning to surgery, with Pygeum being shown to alleviate its symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). It does this by blocking DHT from binding to androgen receptors in the prostate and thus allowing urine to flow more freely while simultaneously helping decrease inflammation levels in the prostate gland and shortening time until urine can flow freely again after being expelled from it. Furthermore, Pygeum helps decrease time that the bladder remains full after each urination session as well as help reduce how long that the bladder remains full afterwards.
Contrary to most prescription drugs, pygeum is generally safe for most users. It does not interact with most medications and has no serious adverse reactions; however it should not be taken by men taking blood thinners due to possible interactions.
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