Men must manage a variety of issues as they age: balding, weight gain and prostate problems – but supplements may offer relief.
Certain nutrients have been shown to alleviate symptoms associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), such as frequent or urgent urination. These include urtica dioica nettle, lycopene and pygeum.
Saw Palmetto Extract
Saw palmetto extract is an increasingly popular addition to men’s health supplements, often in combination with other herbs. Derived from the berries of Serenoa repens saw palmetto fan palm, saw palmetto is best-known for its effects on prostate health, such as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Additionally, saw palmetto helps prevent hair loss, balance hormone levels and promote overall urological wellness.
Saw palmetto’s effectiveness lies in its ability to inhibit 5-alpha reductase, an enzyme responsible for turning testosterone into dihydrotestosterone or DHT and leading to BPH symptoms such as an enlarged prostate and issues with urinary functions like urine flow.
Studies have demonstrated that saw palmetto can reduce the size of prostate glands while relieving associated urinary issues, such as frequent or incomplete urination or night time urination. A recent randomized trial confirmed this observation when participants who consumed 320 milligrams daily of saw palmetto before prostate surgery experienced significantly shortened surgeries as well as post-surgery recovery times.
Still, more research needs to be conducted before concluding that saw palmetto can effectively treat prostate enlargement. Furthermore, it should be noted that the herb will not provide relief if your symptoms are caused by something other than BPH itself, such as prostatitis. In such instances, seek medical assistance immediately to find their source and treat accordingly.
Saw palmetto supplements are generally safe and well tolerated by most. Before including it in your diet, though, consult with a healthcare professional first as some medications may interact negatively and some side effects such as digestive symptoms or headaches may arise. Furthermore, pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid taking saw palmetto due to hormonal effects and slow blood clotting effects that it could bring about.
As a rule of thumb, a high-quality saw palmetto extract with no fillers should contain at least 90 percent fatty acids and sterols – the active components in the herb – as this will ensure optimal results. Furthermore, it’s essential to purchase from a reputable brand of this supplement; otherwise, inferior ones could contain lower concentrations or be entirely devoid of essential nutrients.
Lycopene
Lycopene is an antioxidant present in tomatoes and other fruits and vegetables that has numerous health benefits, such as decreasing prostate cancer risk and improving overall wellbeing. Furthermore, lycopene helps treat lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), caused by an enlarged prostate tissue. Lycopene can be obtained through supplements; however it’s best derived naturally through cooking tomatoes.
Lycopene has been shown to reduce the risk of prostate cancer by inhibiting cellular proliferation, increasing cell death rates and improving DNA repair. Furthermore, lycopene can also aid in the prevention of atherosclerosis and inflammatory diseases by protecting lipids, proteins and DNA from oxidation; further reducing oxidative stress through balancing activities between nonenzymatic antioxidants as well as enzyme antioxidants in the body.
One study demonstrated that diets rich in tomato products and lycopene significantly lowered the risk of an enlarged prostate in men by increasing levels of lycopene in their prostate and testes. Meanwhile, another found that higher lycopene consumption was linked with an 9% decrease in prostate cancer risk and was capable of inducing cell apoptosis and therefore decreasing risks.
Diets rich in lycopene can also improve sexual function and lower the risk of kidney or bladder stones, as well as decrease PSA levels which play an integral role in diagnosing prostate cancer.
Food sources of lycopene such as tomatoes and other fruits and vegetables provide the greatest source of this antioxidant, with supplements also available; however, whole food sources are generally more cost effective and provide greater health benefits.
Dietary intake of lycopene is essential to both the prevention and treatment of prostate disease. Lycopene can be added into our daily diet by eating more tomatoes and other lycopene-rich fruits and vegetables such as bell peppers. At least 15 servings of fruits and vegetables should be included daily for maximum effectiveness against prostate disease risks and heart disease, stroke, or other chronic illnesses.
Fenugreek Extract
Fenugreek (menthylmethionine) has long been used in Ayurveda and traditional Chinese medicine systems for its wide array of nutrients and phytochemicals – including vitamin C, zinc, magnesium, potassium, iron, vitamin B6 and other antioxidants – that promote prostate health in various ways, such as reducing inflammation, regulating testosterone levels and supporting healthy urinary function.
The prostate gland is a walnut-shaped organ located at the base of a man’s urethra – the tube through which urine exits. Over the course of his lifetime, his prostate may grow or shrink in size as his life progresses, eventually becoming enlarged over time leading to symptoms such as difficulty urinating, weak urine flow and frequent urination. Fenugreek contains natural chemicals which may reduce these symptoms by decreasing inflammation and strengthening his urinary system.
Fenugreek can offer numerous health benefits, such as reducing cholesterol and blood sugar, improving immune function, preventing diabetes, and improving digestion. Furthermore, its diuretic action helps flush excess water from the body; and its soluble fiber content relieves constipation while aiding digestion – further helping people manage weight by stimulating feelings of fullness and satisfaction.
Fenugreek extract supplements could be the key to increasing exercise performance. According to early research, taking 500 mg of Torabolic from Indus Biotech Private Limited each day for eight weeks reduced body fat while increasing bench press strength among young men.
Fenugreek can offer numerous health advantages, but it’s essential that any supplements or medications taken be discussed with a healthcare provider prior to use. They can help weigh the benefits and drawbacks of each product you wish to take as well as monitor how your response changes with any medicines already being taken or supplements taken subsequently. Furthermore, healthcare providers can assist in designing a diet which includes more healthful whole food sources that reduce your risk of disease and injury.
Quadrangular
Cissus quadrangularis (commonly referred to as the devil’s backbone) is an all-natural plant used to strengthen bones, reduce inflammation, speed healing of bone fractures, and address hemorrhoids. Cissus quadrangularis is widely used as a remedy in Indian culture while its extract is widely included as an ingredient in testosterone supplements for increasing testosterone levels and decreasing estrogen conversion.
Prostadine also contains saw palmetto, fenugreek, milk thistle and other natural ingredients known to support prostate health and urinary well-being, such as saw palmetto berries. Chrysin is said to be one of the most potent natural aromatase inhibitors; this can prevent your body from turning testosterone into estrogen and can reduce symptoms associated with an enlarged prostate such as frequent urination and poor urine flow.
Another key ingredient in the formula is nettle root, which has been shown to increase urinary function and decrease prostate size, while helping promote strong, healthy bones. Furthermore, this remedy includes shilajit which contains humic and fulvic acids as well as minerals, nutrients, antioxidants, amino acids, and vitamins that may all have beneficial properties for prostate health.
Though many prostate supplements claim to be effective, not all are created equal. Some may contain contaminants or ineffective ingredients. Therefore, it’s essential that you select one with clinical validation for improving prostate wellness and has a money back guarantee.