Prostate plays an integral role in a man’s reproductive system. It is responsible in the production of semen through the help of the male hormones or androgens. No doubt, this walnut-sized gland plays a very big role in every guy’s “manhood”. However, this little gland increases in size or becomes swollen as men age due to different medical conditions.
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or enlarged prostate is very common for men ages 50 and above. The initial symptom that you should watch out for is frequent urination which is due to it growing too large, constricting the urethra and obstructing the flow of urine.
The next prostate problem is Prostatis which can develop at any age but generally more common between ages 30-50 years old. This is when the prostate becomes inflamed due to bacterial infection and can be treated by alpha-blockers and painkillers.
The previous prostate problems mentioned above don’t lead to cancer, although Prostate Cancer is known as the most common type of cancer that affects men. The risk of developing prostate cancer increases as men get older, but is generally common once you enter the age of 50.
So if you are a man, middle-aged or older, these natural supplements can help support your Prostate Health.
Lycopene
Lycopene is a red carotene and carotenoid pigment found in red fruits and vegetables. It has been associated with Prostate Cancer prevention and lowers cancer-related symptoms such as pain and urinary tracts issues.
Get your lycopene from supplements, whole tomato or in sauce or juice form.
Pomegranate
Either as juice or supplement, this antioxidant-rich superfood is believed to decrease the risk of developing Prostate Cancer and help improve erectile dysfunction. According to the National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse, pomegranate extract inhibits the enzyme that produces estrogen (female sex hormones) that can possibly cause the enlargement of the prostate or BPH.
Zinc
A bunch of studies show that Zinc is essential in preventing the development of cancer cells in the prostate, at the same time, high levels can be toxic too. Zinc promotes apoptosis which is the body’s cell death mechanism that causes cells to die when they are not needed anymore or could possibly cause damage. It also inhibits cell migration to other tissues which are common in malignant cells.
The recommended zinc supplementation is 30-85 mg/day. Take note that if you are taking 50mg or more, you should also supplement that with 2mg of copper to prevent Copper deficiency.
