Research>Supplements for Prostatitis

Supplements for Prostatitis

Inflammation of the prostate gland is referred to by the general term prostatitis, it typically affects men between the ages of 20 and 40 years of age and it is thought to affect up to 30 per cent of men. Prostatitis encompasses four conditions of the prostrate gland - acute and chronic bacterial prostatitis, chronic nonbacterial prostatitis, and prostadynia.

The different forms of prostatitis are:

• Chronic nonbacterial prostatitis (NBP) which is also known as chronic bacterial prostatitis (CAP); it is normally caused by infectious agents such as viruses and fungi and is the most common type of prostatitis.

• Prostadynia (PD) which is also known as chronic pelvic pain syndrome, the exact cause of prostadynia (PD) is unknown; it is non-infectious form of prostatitis.

• Acute bacterial prostatitis (ABP) which is usually caused by the E. coli bacteria when it causes a urinary tract infection which then spreads to the prostrate.

• Chronic bacterial prostatitis (CBP) which is usually caused by a blockage to the urinary tract.

The symptoms of prostatitis vary but the most common are feeling ill with fever and chills, pain between the scrotum and anus, aches around the lower back, genitals and thighs, difficulty and pain whilst urinating, pain on ejaculation, urinating more often and burning whilst urinating.

Changing the diet may help with prostatitis, cut down on saturated fats, eat plenty of fruit and vegetables, increase fibre in the diet, include foods which are rich in zinc such as seafood, bran, whole grains, garlic, pulses and pumpkin seeds, consume more tomatoes, seeds and nuts. If you are a smoker then try to quit, tobacco smoke reduces the natural immunity to prostate infection.

The best supplements to take are vitamin C, vitamin E and zinc. Acupuncture and Sitz baths are known to help with the symptoms of prostatitis.

The following supplements may help if you are suffering from Prostatitis.

Bromelain (NBP, PD)

Extracts of Flower Pollen (NBP, PD)

Pau d’arco

Pygeum (CBP, NBP)

Quercetin (NBP, PD)

Saw palmetto (NBP)

Vitamin C (ABP, CBP)

Natural Supplements for Prostatitis, Enlarged Prostate

The prostate is a doughnut-shaped male sex gland. Normal size about that of a walnut. It is positioned beneath the urinary bladder. It encircles the urinary outlet, or utethra. During ejaculation, the muscles in the prostate squeeze fluid from the prostate into the urethral tract. Prostatic fluid makes up the bulk of semen.

Prostatitis, inflammation of the prostate gland, is common in men of all ages. The usual cause is infectious bacteria that invade the prostate from other areas of the body. Hormonal changes associated with aging may also be a cause.

Problems arise when the inflammation result in urine retention. This causes the bladder to become distended, weak, tender, and itself susceptible to infection. Infection in the bladder is easily transmitted up the ureters to the kidneys.

Benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH) is the gradual enlargement of the prostate. Half of all men over the age of fifty and three fourth of men over 70 are affected by this condition. This is largely attributable to hormonal changes associated with aging.

After the age of around 50, a man's testosterone and free testosterone levels decrease, while other hormones, such as prolactin and estradiol increase, creating an increase in the amount of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a very potent form of testosterone. All this is happening in the prostate causing a hyperplasia (overproduction) of prostate cells. Ultimatedly resulting in prostate enlargement.

The major symptom of enlargement of the prostate is the need to pass urine frequently. A man may find himself rising several times during the night to urinate. Pain, burning, and difficulty in starting and stopping urination. Blood in the urine is not uncommon.

Symptoms

* Frequent urination
* Urination that is hard to start or stop
* Dribbling
* The sensation of an incompletely emptied bladder
* Increased nighttime urination
* Burning pain with urination
* Reoccurring bladder infections

Root Causes

* Hormonal changes
* Nutritional deficiencies
* A diet that's high in fat and low in fiber

Foods that help

* Tomatoes
* Pumpkin seeds
* Flaxseeds
* Flaxseed oil
* Green tea
* Plenty of clean water to keep fluid moving through the urinary tract.

Saw palmetto and Pygeum are excellent herbs for prostate health.

Saw Palmetto

* Reduces the conversion of testosterone to DHT
* Blocking DHT from binding to prostate cells
* Reducing the effects of estrogen and progesterone on the prostate cells
* Causing smooth muscle relaxation
( allowing the urethra to open more effectively and preventing the back-up of urine)

Pygeum a study involving three urology centers looked at the effects of Pygeum on the symptoms of BPH. Researchers concluded through urine flow measurements that pygeum induced significant improvements, including nighttime urination.

Testing for prostatitis and enlarged prostate usually involves a digital rectal exam plus a blood test that screens for levels of prostate specific antigen (PSA), a protein secreted by the prostate.

It's our gift to ourselves, how we take care of it. We can float through days, months, years, not paying any attention to our health. Yes, we are busy, things to do, children to raise, careers to contend with, but all these areas need us to be healthy. We need clean water & exercise, and nutrition to keep our bodies in good working vibrant condition.

Natural Supplements For Prostate Health

Each year thousands of men are treated for inflamed prostates, in most cases those cases of prostatitis could have been prevented with the help of supplements for prostate health. A healthy prostate is of the utmost importance. Men suffering from prostatitis often suffer from sexual dysfunction, difficulty urinating and even chronic abdominal and back pain. Prostate health should be important not only to elderly men, but also those as young their 40s. In order to encourage a health prostate, much consideration should be given to supplements for prostate health.

The first step to a healthy prostate should be one's dietary habits. Recent research has shown that the foods we eat have a strong impact on prostate health. Afflictions of the prostate are most commonly found in developed countries whose dietary habits focus on red meat and dairy products. Contrast that with a country whose diet focuses on fruit and vegetables and it is easy to see that natural foods can encourage a healthy prostate. A diet with significantly higher amounts of calcium will also lead to increased chances of developing prostatitis. Foods with tomatoes, pink grapefruits and even watermelons are rich in Lycopene, which is an antioxidant. Lycopene and nutrients like zinc and selenium are available in supplements for prostate health. A deficiency of vitamins like vitamins D and E can also lead to an increased chance of developing an enlarged prostate. Herbal remedies have long been found effective as supplements for prostate health.

In countries like the United States herbal supplements are often regulated to "dietary supplement" status, meaning many will not discover the incredible benefits that an herbal supplement may provide. In some cases, herbs are more effective then the most popular brands of prostate medications available. Much care should be taken to completely research any herbal regiment. Make no mistake, herbs are as powerful and in some cases are more powerful then prescription medication. Look for any supplemental information available on herbal remedies, prior to including them as supplements for prostate health.

What You Can Do About Prostatitis

Prostatitis is the inflammation or infection of the prostate, the male sex gland which produces the alkaline fluid that forms part of the semen. This is a common male problem caused by bacterial infection or, in rare cases, may accompany cancer of the prostate.

"Most men will have at least one bout in their lifetime, usually in their later years. In most cases, there is no infection, and the cause of the problem is unknown. But some¬times infection occurs as a complication of a venereal disease or bladder infection," according to Kurt Butler and Dr. Lynn Rayner of the John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii in "The Best Medicine."

As the prostate enlarges following infection, it obstructs the bladder, leading to difficulty urinating or failure to empty the bladder completely. The leftover urine becomes a perfect breeding ground for bacteria which can later damage the kidneys and cause blood poisoning.

Other symptoms of prostatitis are frequent urination, especially at night, a burning sensation on urinating, fever, chills, joint and muscle pains, low back pain and sometimes blood in the urine.

To combat prostatitis, the doctor may prescribe antibiotics and pain relievers. Sitting in a bathtub with six or eight inches of warm water for I5 minutes at least three times a day may help.

There is no special diet for prostatitis but avoid alcohol and spicy foods which can irritate the urethra. Drink eight to 10 glasses of water a day for continuous urine flow.

Zinc supplements are sometimes given since the prostate is said to be rich in zinc and men with bacterial inflammation usually have less of this element in their prostate fluid. There is no evidence that they work but there's no harm in trying them.

"While this may help those who are deficient, large doses should not be maintained indefinitely," Butler and Rayner said.

Surgery is the last resort. While this won't affect sexual response and activity, it may reduce the amount of semen a person has. Semen may also enter the bladder and be expelled with urine.

"Surgical removal of the infected part of the prostate is an option in a few severe cases when other treatments don't work. The chances of responding to a major surgical procedure for any type of prostatitis are quite low. For this reason most doctors are very hesitant to perform surgery for these conditions and generally discourage surgery even as a last resort," warned the Prostatitis Treatment Center China.

One of the best ways of preventing prostatitis is to have sex regularly or increase your sexual activity. Prolonged sexual abstinence or frequent sexual arousal without ejaculation should be avoided while a balanced diet with adequate amounts of zinc and unsaturated oils is advised.

Zinc and Prostate Health

The importance of the trace mineral, zinc has been well documented for its role in supporting prostate health. The normal human prostate accumulates the highest level of zinc of any soft tissue in the body. Zinc is vital for prostate functions and male hormone activity. Hence, zinc is often referred to as "The Male Mineral".Prostate health functions on the adequate availability of zinc. Zinc is required for the production of sperm and seminal fluid. A deficiency can cause impotence and infertility. Excessive sexual activity may lead to depletion of zinc stores.

Prostatitis and BPH

Low levels of zinc, particularly in the prostate, can be caused when the body is fighting an infection or due to high levels of anxiety/tension. During prostatitis, zinc levels in the prostate are reduced to one-tenth the normal levels. Aging is another factor that can lead to lower zinc levels. Zinc levels gradually reduce as men age. Testosterone levels decrease after the age of fifty creating an increase in the amount of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) within the prostate. DHT is a powerful hormone which is responsible for the overproduction of prostate cells, leading to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

The growth of the prostate gland, common in older men, may be related to low zinc levels causing alterations in hormone balance. Zinc is believed to inhibit the activity of the enzyme (5-alpha-reductase) that converts testosterone to dihydrotestosterone.

"Stimulation of the prostate gland by dihydrotestosterone contributes to its growth, so reducing levels of this hormone should lead to a reduction in prostate size," says Fouad Habib, Ph.D., a cell biologist at the University of Edinburgh Medical School, Scotland. Dr. Irving Bush, M.D., who serves as a Urology professor, University of Health Sciences/Chicago Medical School, as a senior consultant, Center for Study of Genitourinary Diseases in Illinois, and was a former chairman of the Food and Drug Administration panels on gastroenterology, urology and dialysis, conducted a study using zinc supplementation on patients with BPH.

Out of the 19 men who participated in this study, Dr. Bush discovered a significant decrease in the size of the prostate in 14 men strongly suggesting a link between zinc and prostate health. Adequate zinc levels are essential for maintaining healthy prostate cells. Since zinc deficiency may result in prostate enlargement, zinc is as helpful with enlarged prostates as inflamed ones caused by prostatitis.

Prostate Cancer

Statistics show that one of the leading causes of cancer in American men is prostate cancer. It is quite common for elderly men to have some degree of abnormal prostate cell growth. Research indicates that a cancerous prostate gland has lower levels of zinc, as compared to a normal prostate gland. Many studies suggest that low levels of zinc may be a causative factor for the growth and development of prostate cancer. In some cases, research has connected an increase in the dietary supplementation of zinc with a decreased risk of prostate cancer.Research conducted at the Linus Pauling Institute at the Oregon State University suggests that zinc supplementation may be more helpful in the early stages of cancer development rather than as a cancer treatment.

Diet

Very few men are taking in the US RDA of 15 milligrams of zinc a day. Zinc-rich foods include nuts, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, wheat bran, wheat germ, brewer's yeast, onions, molasses, peas, beans, lentils, and gelatin. If the soil is low in zinc, fruits and vegetables grown on it will also be deficient. Zinc content in refined, processed foods is almost negligible.Super Beta Prostate contains the RDA of zinc along with other herbs and essential minerals and vitamins for supporting prostate health and a healthy sex life.

Foods to Eat to Cure a Yeast Infection

Foods to eat for a yeast infection include many different types of green foods.

All green foods have the quality of being natural treatment for yeast infections and natural appetite suppressants, are rich in beta-carotene and other carotenoids, have a high bioavailability (easily digested and absorbed compared to synthetic vitamins and minerals), and have strong antioxidant properties. Some of the many beneficial effects of green foods include higher energy, greater physical stamina, improved digestion and elimination, allergy relief, and immune system boosting. All these green foods are compatible with each other and with all the other supplements on this list.

Kelp, dulse, bladderwrack, and other seaweeds are an exceptionally good anti-fungal whole Candida food. They are natural treatment yeast infection because they are rich in iodine and selenium, minerals known for their ability to inactivate fungi.

Seaweeds are foods to eat for a yeast infection because they are high in sodium alginate, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, iron, sodium, potassium, sulfur, and vitamins C and B12. It is an alkaline-forming food that replenishes glands and nerves, particularly the thyroid. It is a good source of trace minerals and has traditionally been used in the complementary medical treatment of obesity, goiter, hypothyroidism, anemia, emaciation, impotence, nervousness, a weakened immune system, and hair loss.

Saw palmetto is a natural treatment yeast infection. It is also known as Serenoa sermlata, Serenoa repens, or Sagal serru-lata, may be an important remedy for men with prostatitis associated with Candidal infection. It works as a diuretic, nerve sedative, expectorant, general nutritive tonic, urinary antiseptic, gastrointestinal stimulant, muscle builder, and circulatory stimulant. Saw palmetto has traditionally been used in the complementary medical treatment of prostate conditions (benign prostatic hypertrophy, prostatitis), enuresis (bed wetting), stress incontinence, infections of the genitourinary tract, and muscle wasting diseases of any kind.

Other whole Candida food concentrates may include aloe vera, beet root powder, cloves, onions, garlic, golden seal, and pau d'arco.

Honey, maple syrup, fruit concentrate, fruit juice, sweet fruits, and sugar: No sweeteners are recommended for any Candida food treatment diet, and sugar and artificial sweeteners are the worst offenders. A large percentage of people are allergic to sugar, and for the yeast it is their "sweetener of choice." There is growing evidence of brain tumors, thinking difficulties, and multiple side effects from artificial sweeteners, especially aspartame. So they are definitely not foods to eat for a yeast infection.

Supplements for Prostate Health: How Effective Are They?

Prostate disorders have become quite common among 21st century men. The number of diagnosed cases has escalated alarmingly, particularly in Western countries. With the increasing number of reported cases, researchers and scientists have developed various sets of treatment protocols to help manage conditions affecting the prostate gland. However, maintaining a healthy prostate is still the best way to avoid having to undergo strenuous treatment tactics to manage these problems. In the past few years, supplements for prostate health have been made available to help men minimize their chances of developing any of these disorders.

Supplements for prostate health are not cures, they are habits and nutrients that can help improve a man's prostate health and thereby narrow his chances of acquiring prostate-related disorders such as prostatitis, enlarged prostate and even cancer. According to studies, nutrition is the most important factor both in the development and management of prostate gland diseases. Proper diet and a healthy lifestyle are believed to be key elements in maintaining a healthy prostate.

The prostate gland is part of the male reproductive system. It is located under the urinary bladder and in front of the rectum. The position of the prostate allows it to affect the processes of urination and ejaculation. To maintain the health of the prostate gland, experts have claimed that excessive intake of animal-derived foods such as red meat and dairy products should be avoided. This claim is primarily based on statistics which showed that Western men have a higher percentage of prostate diseases compared with Asian men. Westerners are more inclined to have red meat in their diet, while Asians are more likely to eat vegetables and fruits.

Another factor that contributes to prostate health is lycopene. Lycopene is an antioxidant agent that can be found in tomatoes, guavas, watermelon and pink grapefruit. When it comes to minerals, zinc has been hailed as the most effective in helping lower a man's chances of developing prostate disorders. Zinc can be found in shellfish, yeast and pumpkin seeds. Since men tend to lose zinc when they ejaculate, their need for this particular mineral is higher than that of women. A daily intake of 50 to 100 milligrams of zinc has been recommended by health experts to ensure a proper level of supply in the body.

Soy products are another of those groups of foods recommended to men, particularly those aged 45 and above. Some scientists have speculated that Japanese men have lower incidence of prostate cancer compared with American men because they have higher intakes of soy foods. Tofu, tempeh, miso and soy milk are common in most Japanese men's dietary programs. Aside from their long-proven nutritional functions, soy products also contain two substances that seem to help fight cancer. These are genistein and isoflavinoids. These chemicals have been found to be particularly effective against hormone-dependent cancers like prostate cancer.

Most supplements for prostate health are found in ordinary natural foods that people can easily get their hands on. Even though these supplements cannot cure cancer, they can help in developing the defenses of men against prostate disorders.

A Guide to Supplements for Prostate Health

You've probably heard it a million times....you should eat more tomatoes for your prostate health because they contain a nutrient called lycopene.

And this is true.

But did you know that there are a broad array of nutrients, whether they be vitamins, minerals, or other antioxidants that have shown to improve or maintain the health of a man's prostate?

By the time you finish reading this article, you will probably know more about the best prostate health supplements to use than 95% of men out there.

And that's a good thing to know considering that prostate cancer comes second only to lung cancer for cancer caused deaths in American men!

First, let's talk about the mineral zinc and prostate health.

Zinc appears to play a crucial role in maintaining good prostate health, but precisely how it does this still isn't clear.

If you aren't getting enough zinc, consider using a supplement containing it. But, it's important to not overdo it.

Believe it or not, too much of a good thing can be a bad thing. In fact, although you are probably not aware of it, some antioxidants that normally assist the body by fighting free radicals can generate free radicals themselves if too much is taken.

In fact, one study has even shown that more than 100 mg of zinc per day can actually increase a man's chances of developing advanced prostate cancer!

Again, this sort of harm from excess can happen for many things not just zinc.

Prostate Health Formulas

Good prostate health formulas should contain something called beta sitosterol. Everyone talks about saw palmetto, but they should be talking about beta sitosterol which is literally many hundreds even thousands of times more powerful and effective than saw palmetto.

Here's why:

Saw Palmetto supplements are comprised almost entirely of "fatty acids" with only a very small part "sterols." Even the best Saw Palmetto prostate supplements made from standarized extracts are approximately 85% fatty acids.

What's important to understand here is that the fatty acids have no therapeutic value. On the contrary, it is the "sterol" component that makes up the active constituents -- the part you want.

The active sterol part is the source of saw palmetto's benefits.

Have you seen studies showing that saw palmetto sometimes works and sometimes doesnt?

In our opinion, this is because saw palmetto isn't that effective to begin with. It just doesn't contain enough active constituents, the sterols.

And in those studies where it does seem to work with mixed results, our conjecture is that higher quality saw palmetto was probably used in such studies.

Back to beta sitosterol as one of the best supplements for prostate health. This "sterol" component mentioned above from saw palmetto is in fact beta sitosterol.

In short, beta sitosterol is only the active component part of saw palmetto, which is why several studies have shown beta sitosterol is extremely effective.

Another one of the best supplements for prostate health is corn silk extract.

Any man who suffers from prostatitis or enlarged prostate gland problems (BPH) knows that their condition is associated with inflammation. One of the symptoms of this sort of inflammation is a weakened flow of the urine stream and dribbling.

Corn silk may be beneficial here because it acts as an anti-inflammatory and as a natural diuretic, and therefore may help to increase urine flow and reduce pain associated with the inflammation of the prostate.

Of course, there is also lycopene mentioned at the start of this article. Lycopene is indeed an important nutrient to be used in quality prostate health formulas -- or you can get it from eating foods, like fresh tomatoes.

And, no, ketchup does not count as a fresh tomato food! In fact, even if ketchup did contain any good lycopene content, the benefits would be more than offset by all the horrible high fructose corn syrup in such products.

Lastly, although you can't get these in prostate health supplements, the US National Cancer Institute did a study which revealed that men who consumed just 1/3 rd of an ounce (that's not much at all) of onions, scallions, garlic and chives per day were far less likely to have prostate cancer.

Yes, we realize that you can buy garlic supplements and they are often sold in supplements for prostate health. But we don't believe they are effective because the beneficial compound in garlic, called allicin, is highly volatile, and is only released when the garlic is crushed or chopped, and, most importantly, quickly deteriorates.

This is why, in our opinion, a lot of garlic supplements have been shown to be ineffective because the allicin is not stable whereas fresh garlic works since you are eating it soon after you chop it up.

So when you look at supplements for prostate health, skip the garlic and just eat more of it.

Do Natural Remedies Work in Prostate Gland Problems?

The prostate is a small organ situated below the urinary bladder in males. It is essential for the production of the seminal fluid which is discharged from the male copulatory organ, the penis during sexual stimulation.

The prostate gland is prone to a number of problems. One of the deadliest is prostate cancer, which is a fatal condition. Another commonly faced problem by men is prostatitis, which is the inflammation of the prostate gland. Prostate gland problems increase as the man advances in age. However, care of the prostate gland must be taken throughout life so as to protect oneself from problems later on in life.

In Ayurveda, two important prostate related complications are known:-

(i) Mootrakruchra, which is painful micturation or urination and

(ii) Mootraghaata, which is suppression of urination.

These are actually considered to be symptoms of prostate problems. Most of the prostate complications are shown by urinary symptoms like the two above and in addition, hesitant urine flow, dribbling, increased urination, hematuria (blood in urine), urinary tract infection and urinary retention.

(1) Useful Herbs in the Treatment of Prostate Gland Problems

- Hog Weed (Boerhaavia diffusa)

Hog weed is known in Ayurveda as punarnava. It is prescribed in case of all urinary problems that are caused due to prostate ailments.

- Prickly Lettuce (Lactuca scariola)

The prickly lettuce leaves provide a bitter tonic, which is very effective in the treatment of enlargement of the prostate gland.

- Salep Orchid (Orchis mascula)

The salep orchid is known as shalaba mishri in Ayurveda. It is prescribed in case of prostate problems brought on by vata vitiation.

- Small Caltrop (Tribulus terrestris)

Gokshura or small caltrop, is an indigenous Indian herb which is commonly used in treatment of urinary complications caused due to prostate problems. Its fruit is effective in such cases. It is ground roughly and boiled in two cups of water till it is reduced to half the amount. This is drunk along with sugar.

(2) Dietary Treatments for Prostate Gland Problems

A reduction in the mineral contents of the body is generally related with prostate gland disorders. It has been found that a long time deficiency of zinc in the diet causes such problems. Therefore, foods that are rich in zinc must be consumed adequately. Zinc is present to appreciable extent in meat, eggs and all kinds of seafood.

In case of prostate problems, sour and fried things are to be avoided. These are difficult to digest and will exert pressure on the prostate. Foods that are recommended for people with prostate problems are ghee made from cow’s milk, butter, ginger, garlic and asafetida.

(3) Ayurvedic Treatments for Prostate Gland Problems

Shilajit is the best Ayurvedic medicine for prostate gland problems like benign prostate hyperplasia. It is taken in small doses for better effect. The dosage prescribed is half a teaspoonful at bedtime along with milk. Shilajit is also taken in the form of its preparations. Chandraprabha vati is a very popularly prescribed Shilajit preparation that is prescribed for the treatment of prostate enlargement.

Prostate gland problems can occur due to all the three dosha interferences. Hence, Ayurvedic treatments would slightly differ according to the dosha. The following are the typical treatments:-

- Prostate problems due to vata vitiation – Herbs like gokshura, punarnava, shalaba mishri, kahu, guggulu and shilajit are provided. Three of these herbs are prescribed in the form of a mixture, in doses of 1 to 3 grams per day for a month.

- Prostate problems due to pitta vitiation – When the prostate problems are due to pitta vitiation, then cooling herbs must be provided to reduce the agni. Herbs of choice in this case are punarnava and coriander. Marshmallow and barley are also found to be effective.

- Prostate problems due to kapha vitiation – Guggulu and shilajit are the herbs of choice. Along with then spices like turmeric, ginger and cinnamon may be added. Juniper berries are also prescribed in some cases.

(4) Home Remedies for Prostate Gland Problems

The following are some remedies that can be done at the household level to prevent prostate problems:-

- Eat a mixture of juniper berries and parslane. This helps in case of enlarged prostates.

- Increase the use of tomatoes in the diet. This protects from prostate infections.

- When there are prostate problems, alternate cold and hot hip baths for ten minutes a day are beneficial.

There are many precautions to be taken in order to keep the prostate gland healthy. These should be borne in mind.

- One of the most important things to remember is that prostate problems begin when you lead a sedentary life. Hence, a change in lifestyle would do better for prostate problems. Men must remain sexually active, but most not indulge in excessive sex. Walks and other forms of mild exercise must be regularly done.

- The urge to urinate must never be suppressed. This leads to prostate complications. This must be kept in mind when going on long travels.

- Do not sit on a hard stool for long periods of time. If you do a desk job, then get a soft ergonomic chair to sit on.

- Alcoholism and smoking are two certain ways to invite prostate problems.
Avoid them, especially if you are overweight.

Natural Prostate Gland Health

The prostate is a small male gland located between the bowel and the bladder that can almost double in size during puberty due to certain changes in the male hormone testosterone. Years of research has still not been able to find out the exact purpose of the prostate gland but it is known that fluid from the prostate mixes with sperm during ejaculation.

Many middle aged men will face problems with an enlarged prostate gland. Although the growth of prostate is usually benign and known as Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), there is always a risk of it becoming malignant.

If you are a male and over fifty years of age, you are likely to be at risk of developing some kind of prostate problem. This could be an inflammation, an enlargement or a cancer of the prostate gland. Diagnosis and treatment at an early stage of any of these conditions is important as all prostate disorders are progressive.

Types

There are three main types of prostate gland disorder

Prostatitis. An inflammation caused by infection of the prostate gland. This can cause pain and irregular urination.

Benign Prostate Hyperplasia. This is an enlargement of the gland that puts considerable pressure on the urethra causing difficulty to urinate and an inability to completely empty the bladder.

Prostate Cancer - A malignant growth or tumor.

Symptoms

The prostate gland surrounds the tube through which urine exits the body, so if enlarged it can create problems with urination.

Symptoms of prostate enlargement include sleep disruption through excessive urinating during the night and a slow dribbling stream giving the feeling that the bladder has not emptied completely after urination.

Most of the symptoms of prostate cancer are similar to BPH or an enlarged prostate. Traditional prostate medicine, can be successful in increasing the flow of urination. Herbs for restricting prostate enlargement can also play an important part in maintaining prostate health and preventing prostate cancer.

Preventions

Try to eat natural, rather than commercial food that loses many of it's important ingredients due to additives that extend the shelf life of the product. Tomato soup, pink grapefruit, watermelon, apricots and a fruit and vegetable diet are all prostate friendly and help in reducing the risk of prostate cancer. Black and green teas have also been found to contain antioxidants that can halt the growth of prostate cancer.

Cures and Treatments

Some of the conventional treatments for prostate problems include surgery, transurethral treatments, radiation, and the different types of prostate medications on the market today. These will depend on the type and seriousness of your complaint. Prostate health should be approached proactively, especially if you are a middle aged man, to ensure that you take preventive measures before these problems occur.

Natural remedies are popular and can be extremely helpful in preventing and, at times, curing prostate
problems. These natural therapies are mainly preventative measures and can arrest serious prostate disorders before they develop.

Managing prostate health in this natural way does not include a drug program and is therefore devoid of any side effects and ensures long-term wellbeing and vitality of the patient.

Some of the herbs used in natural remedies for prostate enlargement are:

Saw palmetto, is an ancient American remedy for prostate disorders.

Pygeum is a herbal remedy that contains substances that restrict enlargement of the prostate.

Stinging nettle, a perennial Eurasian nettle established in North America, is another traditional remedy for prostate disorders.

Epilobium Parviflorum has an inflammation-inhibiting action and can support a normal-sized prostate. This herb is recommended to support ongoing prostate health.

Symptoms Of Zinc Deficiency

There is a range of effects that signal zinc deficiency such as retardation of growth in children, male reproduction, low blood sugar, poor bone growth, brain disorders, high blood cholesterol, poor circulation, eating disorders, problems with female reproduction, poor skin, nails and hair conditions and poor sense of taste and smell.

Zinc is vital for healthy growth; dwarfism, stunted growth and being underweight for their age may occur in children if there diet is deficient in zinc.

Zinc is essential for sexual reproduction and development. Sperm needs zinc to function properly; any deficiency in zinc will affect fertility. Deficiency in zinc interferes with the cell division in sperm. Young boys going through puberty need higher levels of zinc to develop healthy reproductive organs. Any deficiency of zinc and the body will draw it from other areas such as the brain which could then lend to learning problems through puberty.

The prostate gland has the highest concentration of zinc in the body. The lack of zinc in older men has been linked to inflammation of the prostate gland known as prostatitis.

Zinc helps in the way the body regulates the high and lows of blood sugar level and it has been linked to help people who have hypoglycaemia. The deficiency of zinc has an effect on circulation; it has been linked to cold hands and feet and high blood pressure. Cholesterol in the blood has a tendency to rise if there is a deficiency of zinc in the body.

Painful hip and knee joints have been linked to zinc deficiency, this is because the bones contain a large amount of zinc and any deficiency will cause them to become thicker and shorter causing pain and other symptoms. Also the body’s ability to heal would be compromised if there is a zinc deficiency.

Zinc deficiency in children can cause all types of brain disorders such as mild to severe retardation, dyslexia and other problems with mental development. This is because the area of the brain that controls emotions need to contain high levels of zinc. Depression and mental lethargy can also result from zinc deficiency. Mental diseases such as epilepsy and schizophrenia have been associated with the lack of zinc. The lack of zinc can also have a marked effect on emotional and addictive behaviour such as alcoholism and obsessions. In the case of alcoholism, alcohol depletes zinc from the body when it is consumed which then intern starts a downward cycle of craving for more alcohol which then results in more depletion of zinc and so on. Zinc deficiency has also been linked with antisocial behaviour such as delinquency and criminality.

Zinc deficiency has been associated as one of the contributing aspects to eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa and bulimia. It has been noted that some people with anorexia nervosa loose the sense of taste, this links with zinc deficiency as it is known that some people with zinc deficiency have a poor sense of taste (ageusia) and smell (anosmia). Zinc supplement are known to stimulate appetite and improve food intake with people who have eating disorders.

The lack of zinc can cause problems with female reproduction; it can cause lack of ovulation, late onset of menstruation and amenorrhea (lack of periods).

Zinc deficiency has an effect on the skin, nails and promotes poor growth of hair. The skin looses its flexibility and elasticity and is prone to stretch marks, this affects pregnant women especially. Acne, boils, dermatitis, psoriasis and white marks on fingernails all respond to extra zinc in the diet.

Lack of zinc has also been associated with gum inflammation, increased risk of coronary heart disease, diabetes, poor wound healing, eczema, tinnitus and acute diarrhoea in Third World children.

Zinc deficiency is common in low-income pregnant women, pregnant teenagers, people suffering from liver cirrhosis, people with Down’s syndrome, children with alopecia areata, vegetarians, alcoholics, people with sickle cell anaemia, people with chronic kidney disease and malabsorption problems.

Typical signs of zinc deficiency in a person are loss of appetite, poor sense of smell and taste, tendency towards depression, white marks on fingernails, pale skin, frequent infections, low fertility, stretch marks, prostate problems, stunted growth, mental problems, poor wound healing, a poor immune system, diarrhoea, mental lethargy, poor appetite, rough skin, weight loss, ache and greasy skin.

To treat zinc deficiency, it is best to advise a person to increase foods that are high in zinc content within their diet. These foods are Oysters, ginger root, lamb, pecan nuts, dry split peas, haddock, green peas, shrimps, turnips, Brazil nuts, egg yolks, whole wheat grain, rye, oats, peanuts and almonds. Pumpkin seeds and pumpkin seed butter are excellent sources of this vital mineral.

Good stomach acid, vitamin A, E and B6, magnesium, calcium and phosphorus will all help with the absorption of zinc.

Phytates (wheat), alcohol, oxalates such as rhubarb and spinach, stress, high calcium, high sugar intake, copper and low protein intake will all hamper the absorption of zinc.

Zinc supplements will also help with zinc deficiency; this can be either in the form of zinc sulphate or zinc gluconate ranging from doses of 15 to 300 mg for an adult. Chelated zinc is the best form of zinc supplements to be taken.

In conclusion, zinc is an essential mineral with over 300 enzymes reliant on it to help heal wounds, maintain fertility in adults, protect against free radicals, promote healthy growth in children, boost immunity, synthesise protein, preserve good vision and help cells reproduce. Deficiency is very common (especially in the Third World) and can cause major health complaints, zinc deficiency can be over come by consuming the right diet full of foods that are high in zinc and by supplementing the diet with chelated zinc.

The Many Benefits Of Zinc Supplements

Getting enough zinc can wonders in numerous health conditions. Zinc activates white blood cells to fight infections. It helps protect the body against viruses. Men need zinc for sperm production and to keep the prostate gland healthy. Zinc helps the pancreas make insulin and keep normal sugar levels.

Zinc is essential for good memory. Zinc supplements even help teenagers get better grades in school.

How important is zinc? Zinc is present in every cell in the body. It is a component of over 200 enzymes. There are high amounts of zinc in red blood cells, white blood cells, your bones, kidneys, liver, pancreas, and retina. Men have high concentrations of zinc in the prostate gland. Every cell in the body needs zinc to divide and replace itself when the body makes new tissues.

Here are two lists. One is a list of conditions that can occur when the body does not get enough zinc. The second is a list of conditions that improve due to the benefits of zinc supplements.

Not getting enough zinc can lead to chronic fatigue, dermatitis, diarrhea, hypothyroidism, female infertility, impaired platelet aggregation, insulin resistance, and loss of taste or smell. It can cause reduced resistance to infection, night blindness, poor appetite, poor memory, attention deficit disorder, and reduced learning ability, and it can cause slower growth in children, slow healing of wounds, and infertility in men. Add to this list Acrodermatitis enteropathica, Alopecia, atrophy of the testes, bone loss and osteoporosis, decreased sperm count, decreased sperm motility, delayed puberty, nerve cell problems in Alzheimer's disease and Down's syndrome, and ringing in the ears.

Among the benefits of zinc supplement is improved immune function. Other benefits of zinc supplements are adding calcium to bones and teeth, lowering blood sugars, helping interferon work in treating hepatitis C, clearing up bacterial prostatitis, and recharging the male sex drive. They can help recovery in brain injury, improve brain function, restore night vision, increase sperm count, and stimulate the libido.

Extra zinc can help bring out weight gain in anorexia nervosa and help children with sickle cell disease. It can even cure bad breath.

Who needs the benefits of zinc supplements? You might be surprised. The United Nations University found that 20% of people worldwide are deficient in zinc. Zinc in supplements is needed to prevent childhood infections and diarrhea and to support normal growth and development.

Think you're safe if you eat a good diet? Think again. Scores of modern medications deplete the body's stores of zinc. Any women who takes the Pill or hormone replacement therapy or medication to prevent osteoporosis is at risk for nutritional deficiency and may need zinc supplements. Heart patients, diabetics, and epileptics also need zinc supplements.

Even some supplements increase the body's need for zinc. Calcium supplements, magnesium supplements, and whey all can interfere with the absorption of zinc. Never take zinc at the same time you take these supplements, and always be sure you are getting enough of the benefits of zinc supplements if you take any supplements for bone health or muscle health.

What about side effects of zinc supplements?

If you take too much zinc, your body will have difficulty absorbing copper. It's OK to take up to 20 mg every 2 hours for as long as 2 weeks to fight a cold, but for everyday nutrition limit your intake to 15 mg a day. Zinc supplements can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, but only if you take about a gram-over 60 times the recommended dose.

How can you tell if you are taking too much zinc?

Here is a simple test. Overdoses of zinc numb your taste buds to bitter flavor and metallic aftertastes. Zinc has a metallic taste. If you can't taste zinc, you don't need to take it! The benefits of zinc supplements are yours with just a small, regular dose.

Prostate Health Supplements and Information All Men Should Know About

The prostate is a walnut-size gland of the male mammalian reproductive system. Its main function is to secrete and store the seminal fluid (one of the constituents of sperm). In women, Skene's glands are sometimes referred to as a female prostate. The most common problems of the prostate are benign prostatic hypertrophy, Prostatitis and prostate cancer.

The benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH) - is characterized by the fact that the volume of the prostate increases. In this case, the passage of urine is made difficult. BPH thus increases the risk of urinary retention (lack of ability to urinate) and infection of the prostate. It is often linked to the diminution of the male hormone production that occurs in older people. Age increases the risk of BPH; that's why prostate issues occur more in older males. There is a certain increase in prostate volume at 75% in men over 50 years. Clinical signs may be present in almost 100% of men over 90 years.

Conventionally, several drugs are available: doxazosin , Flomax, Proscar and Avodart. They act on the muscles that control the emptying of the bladder. More recently, drugs that reduce the level of the hormone that causes the increase in prostate volume were allowed on the market. Those available drugs have greatly helped improve the quality of life of those suffer from BPH. However, none of existing drugs so far can not cure BPH. The surgery may be necessary.

Prostatitis - is the inflammation of the prostate, a common condition in middle-age men. If the prostate grows too large it may constrict the urethra and impede the flow of urine, making urination difficult and painful, or completely impossible. Prostatitis can be acute or chronic. Acute prostatitis may be accompanied by fever, chills and urinary retention. Most of the times, the infection is caused by Escherichia coli. The chronic prostatitis is often due to the proliferation of Escherichia coli, more rarely of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in case of urogenital tuberculosis. Symptoms are chills, fever, lower back pain, body aches and frequent and painful urination. Prostatitis is treated in several ways depending on its severity and the therapists, but most methods used are antibiotics, surgery, massage, and herbal medicine.

Prostate cancer is the worst prostate problem men over 50 can have. Not only because the disease is painful, but also, it could cause death to the victim. The prostate cancer share similar symptoms with other prostate-related problems. Although pain in the lower back and difficulty of ejaculation are rarely present in other prostate issues.

This type of cancer develops from the tissues of the prostate when cells of those tissues mutate to multiply uncontrollably. The disease can spread (metastasize) from the prostate to other parts of the body (especially in the lymph nodes). The treatment is done by surgery, radiotherapy, hormone therapy and sometimes chemotherapy, or a combination of these methods.

Eat a healthy diet by eating fresh fruits and vegetable abundantly. Eating fruit not only give you antioxidants, but also fructose. Fructose can stimulate the production of vitamin D that will stop the subsequent growth of malignant tumors. The absence or lack of vitamin D can increase the risk of developing cancer cells particularly on the prostate. Eat more fish and reduce fat in your diet. Increase your sex life. Many researches show that men who live a healthy lifestyle and have regular sexual intercourse are less apt to develop prostate cancer. Consuming lots of omega 3, drink plenty of fluid, most importantly fresh carrot, radish and watercress juice.

Horsetail (Shavegrass) Kills Diseases and Speeds Healing

The horsetail herb is also known as horse willow, toadpipe, bottle brush, Corn Horsetail, Dutch rushes, Quyroughi, Atkuyrugu, and Shavegrass. It is a perennial flowerless plant whose value is found in the hollow, jointed stems. First recommended by the Roman physician Galen, several followed his advice to treat for kidney and bladder troubles, arthritis, bleeding ulcers, and tuberculosis. The Chinese still use it to cool a fever and as a remedy for eye inflammations such as conjunctivitis and corneal disorders. They also use it to treat dysentery, flu, swellings, and hemorrhoids. The fresh or dried green stems of horsetail are collected in summer.

The horsetail constitutes one of the most diuretic species in all the plants. In other words it possesses a great capacity to eliminate water from the body. This is due to the chemical ingredient equisetonin. Horsetail can actually increase unination up to 30%. This fact means it is often used in products for weight loss. Equisetonin and potassium are especially beneficial for this but calcium, magnesium, ascorbic acid and caffeic acid also contribute to this ability.

Horsetail also has the power to help knock out bacterial and inflammatory diseases of the lower urinary tract and flush out kidney and bladder stones. Horsetail also speeds up slowly healing wounds and repairs bony tissues because of the quantity of silica in the plant. Silica helps to fix calcium, so that the body can store more quantity of this mineral and it is able to form stronger bones or tendons. This means horsetail is a good herb to take when dealing with osteoporosis.

Because of its mineral content horsetail is recommended for anemia and general debility. It has also been used to treat lung damage such as tuberculosis or emphysema. Horsetail is an excellent herbal source of silicon, calcium, magnesium, chromium, iron, manganese, and potassium. It has been used to treat prostatitis, enuresis, urinary tract infections and muscle cramps. This herb nourishes nails, hair, skin, bones and the body's connective tissue.

Horsetail is considered a specific remedy in cases of inflammation or benign enlargement of the prostate gland. Its toning and astringent action make it of value in the treatment of incontinence and bed-wetting in children. Recent research in Russia has apparently demonstrated that horsetail is effective in removing lead accumulations in the body.

It may be taken internally to stop bleeding from ulcers or diminish heavy menstrual bleeding. It may also be used as a gargle and mouth rinse for sore throat and bleeding gums or mouth ulcers. Externally it may be applied as a compress to fractures and sprains, wounds, sores, and skin problems.

Externally use 10 grams of the powdered herb in 1 liter of water for compresses. Internally, use the powdered herb for infusions, taken orally in an average daily dose of 6 grams. If you take horsetail internally, drink plenty of water. To make horsetail tea, pour boiling water over 2 to 3 g of the herb, boil for 5 minutes, and then strain after 10 to 15 minutes. It can be consumed several times a day between meals.

Overuse of licorice with horsetail may increase potassium depletion and risk of cardiac toxicity and thiamine deficiency (especially when used in connection to excessive alcohol consumption). Some advise pregnant patients, breast-feeding patients, those with impaired heart or kidney function, with liver problems, who are taking a cardiac glycoside, and who have a history or potential of thiamine deficiency (for example, alcoholic patients) should avoid using horsetail. The plant contains equisetic acid, which is thought to be identical to aconitic acid. This substance is a heart and nerve sedative that is a poison when taken in abnormally high doses.

What are the Best Prostate Supplements for Male Health?

There are a number of prostate supplements on the market all promising to boost male health and prevent BPH and prostate cancer. But not all of these natural remedies have science behind them, so it's important to choose wisely when it comes to men's health supplements.

By the age of fifty, over half of the male population will face a condition known as benign prostate hypertrophy, an enlargement of the gland caused by the accumulation of DHT, a derivative of testosterone. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including a lack of the mineral zinc, a vitamin B6 deficiency, fatty acid depletion, toxins, bacteria or pesticides. Any of these can contribute to the conversion of testosterone to DHT, causing the gland to swell.

Supplements for prostate health can address these issues, and not only help prevent BPH but also help alleviate the pain and slow the progression of an existing prostate problem. That's why more and more men are turning to natural prostate supplements to give them a fighting chance and decrease their risk of prostate cancer.

One of the most popular and well-researched prostate suppliments is saw palmetto, an herb from a tree native to the Atlantic seaboard. The active ingredient of this herb is beta sitosterol, a powerful compound that can actually interfere with the conversion of testosterone to DHT. As such it can prevent enlargement of the gland. It has also been shown to go one step further and shrink the prostate as well as relieve urinary problems associated with the condition.

Red clover is another of the popular supplements for prostate health, and acts in a similar fashion to saw palmetto extract. It's a member of the pea family, and can inhibit DHT formation through its powerful antioxidant ability.

In addition to the prostate herbs there are vitamins, minerals and other nutrients that can be helpful to men. As we mentioned above, a lack of zinc can exacerbate the problem, so ensuring that your body gets enough of this essential nutrient is crucial. It is also an important part of many other body processes.

The B Family of vitamins can also help; in particular B6 should be present in all prostate supplements. This vitamin regulates the hormone involved in testosterone conversion to DHT. As such it is able to ensure that benign prostate hypertrophy is kept in check, and even prevented.

Another nutrient making headlines is lycopene, which can be found in many popular male formulas. This is a powerful extract from tomatoes which can reduce inflammation and prevent the onset of prostate cancer. Although you can get it from eating tomatoes, a supplement can ensure lycopene content, where the fruit might be lacking by the time it hits store shelves.

Before choosing any supplements for prostate health, make sure you speak with your doctor first and discuss your options. Although many prostate suppliments are available as stand alone products, you might reap more benefits from a comprehensive formula that contains herbal extracts, vitamins, minerals and other ingredients for male health.

Since BPH affects so many men, it's important that we learn as much as we can about this condition. Prostate supplements just might be the answer to the problem.