Supplements to Keep Prostate Healthy

Prostate gland is one of the most vital tissues of your body that plays an integral role in the maintenance of optimal male reproductive functions. Healthcare providers recommend that all healthy adult men should take an active caution in maintaining the health of their prostate gland with the help of latest medical research, periodic consultation with their primary care providers and a wide variety of natural supplements. Most prostate related diseases are reported in males over the age of 40 years. The prostate gland is responsible for controlling the flow of urine as well as semen by acting as a valve.Frequently reported prostate issues in males:Most common prostate diseases (that are reported in males over 40 years of age) are:

• Benign hypertrophy or enlargement of the prostate gland
• Inflammation of prostate (also known as prostatitis – it may be acute or chronic)
• Malignancy of prostate (Prostate cancer)

According to a new study that was conducted on 1000 apparently healthy volunteers, investigators identified that approximately 23.1% of the study population had silent prostatic hyperplasia (1). In addition, about 5.1% were diagnosed with bacterial prostatitis and another 3.7% with malignancy of prostate.Prostate related health issues usually present as urinary symptoms ranging from issues in micturition (urgency and frequency to pass urine, involuntary dribbling etc.). Other common health issues are pelvic pain syndrome, lower back pain and much more.

Supplements to Manage Prostate Issues:

Natural remedies can play a vital role in preventing and managing prostate related health problems in adult males.

Saw Palmetto:

Research and clinical studies suggest that remedies like herbal solutions of saw palmetto can manage the symptoms of prostatic hyperplasia. Saw palmetto is available in a number of formulations but can be consumed as an isolated supplement in a dose of 320 milligrams per day (in two divided doses). Clinicians believe that regular supplementation with saw palmetto can reduce the secretion rate of male reproductive hormones that lead to the pathogenesis of malignancy or benign hypertrophy.

Red Clover:

Red clover plays a vital role in managing the symptoms of malignant growth in prostatic cells. Red clove is available in various supplemental formulations and can be consumed in a dose of about 1.5 to 3.0 milliliters (extract) or about 4 gram in the dried form. The action of red clover are mediated by isoflavones (such as formononetin and biochanin). Study conducted by Jarred (2) concluded:“Intake of red clover in dietary formulations can halt the spread of prostate malignancy by inducing programed cell-death in tumor cells due to high dietary isoflavones content”

Vitamin Supplements:

Vitamins serve as co-factors that helps in activating essential enzymes and hormone to stabilize the biological activity of prostatic cells. Healthcare providers recommend that individuals who are at risk of developing prostate related issues should consider vitamin B6 and vitamin C that facilitates major functions like prostate swellings and urinary issues.  These vitamins can be obtained as an over-the-counter supplement and cam also be obtained from different dietary agents such as oranges, lemons or vegetables, lentils, poultry, fish, nuts (best sources of Vitamin B6 and Vitamin C).Besides vitamin B and C, other vital nutrients that are also helpful in promoting the prostatic health are vitamin E and vitamin D. However, data also indicates that males should avoid over-consumption of Vitamin E and selenium (3).

Green Tea:

Green tea is high in antioxidants and is thus effective against age related degenerative issues such as Alzheimer’s disease, bone disorders, joint issues and prostate hyperplasia. According to a new study published in the peer reviewed journal Carcinogenesis (4), green tea is high in polyphenols. Scientists provided statistical evidence that consumption of green tea can arrest the abnormal cell cycle and initiate apoptosis (mechanism of natural cell death in an abnormal or mutated cell). Long term intake of green tea is associated with the shrinkage in the size of tumor as well as a decrease in the risk of cancer recurrence. In order to ascertain the optimal dose, Chinese scientists conducted a study that concluded (5):“The consumption of 6 cups of GT provided antioxidant protection, which may contribute to an inhibitory effect on prostate tumor growth in humans”

Other helpful supplements to prevent/ manage prostate issues:

-          Zinc and Copper: Zinc and copper are preventive against prostate enlargement and malignant cancers. Clinical studies suggests that effects are cumulative when the two agents are taken together.

-          Soy Milk and Fish liver oil: Soy milk and fish oil are also great sources of active metabolites that are capable of reducing prostatic problems such as inflammation, infection and malignancy.

-          Tomatoes: Tomatoes is perhaps the richest source of the biomolecule; Lycopene, a superb antioxidant that promotes cleansing and detoxification.

-          Natural Herbs: You can also consume a variety of herbs such as oregano, ginger, garlic, and turmeric to optimize the health and wellness of your prostate gland.Besides consuming natural herbs and supplements, it is also recommended to consider other factors as well that may influence the prostate health negatively such as overconsumption of soft drinks, sodas, alcohols or chronic history of smoking.References:

1. Galić, J., & Simunović, D. (2008). Prostate disease prevalence with epidemiological and hormonal analysis in randomly selected male population in Croatia. Collegium antropologicum, 32(4), 1195-1202.
2. Jarred, R. A., Keikha, M., Dowling, C., McPherson, S. J., Clare, A. M., Husband, A. J., ... & Risbridger, G. P. (2002). Induction of apoptosis in low to moderate-grade human prostate carcinoma by red clover-derived dietary isoflavones. Cancer Epidemiology Biomarkers & Prevention, 11(12), 1689-1696.
3. Kristal, A. R., Darke, A. K., Morris, J. S., Tangen, C. M., Goodman, P. J., Thompson, I. M., ... & Klein, E. A. (2014). Baseline selenium status and effects of selenium and vitamin E supplementation on prostate cancer risk. Journal of the National Cancer Institute, 106(3), djt456.
4. Thakur, V. S., Gupta, K., & Gupta, S. (2012). Green tea polyphenols causes cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in prostate cancer cells by suppressing class I histone deacetylases. Carcinogenesis, 33(2), 377-384.
5. Montague, J. A., Butler, L. M., Wu, A. H., Genkinger, J. M., Koh, W. P., Wong, A. S., ... & Mimi, C. Y. (2012). Green and black tea intake in relation to prostate cancer risk among Singapore Chinese. Cancer Causes & Control, 23(10), 1635-1641.