Protect Against Poor Prostate Gland Health with Key Nutrients for a Healthy Prostate

The prostate gland is a small, donut-shaped, walnut-sized gland surrounding the urethra where it leaves the bladder. It produces an alkaline substance which makes up the largest part of the seminal reproductive fluid. As men mature into their 40s, the cells in the prostate gland often become enlarged; this is known as Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia or BPH for short. BPH is the non-cancerous enlarging of the prostate which is harmless in some cases. Often times however, enlargement of the prostate gland squeezes the urethra to interfere with urinary flow; this in turn can lead to urological symptoms associated with the bladder. Numerous studies show more than half of all men over 50 years of age suffer from an enlarged prostate and its symptoms. As men continue to age, up to 80% will suffer from uncomfortable symptoms that may include urinating, increased frequency and urgency of urination, sleep-disturbing nighttime urination, and lower back pain.

While aging contributes to an enlarged prostate gland, hormones may also play a role. Once in the prostate cells, testosterone is converted into another, more powerful male hormone, dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT is responsible for triggering the division of prostate cells so their numbers increase. Levels of DHT are known to be 5 times higher in enlarged prostate glands than in those of normal size. If the conversion of testosterone to DHT is prevented, BPH does not occur and in some cases can even be reversed once it has developed.

Men in their mid to late 40s and beyond should look to their healthcare provider for information on the prostate and preventative measures that should be taken.

Below is an abbreviated list of ingredients found in our Prostate Health formula.

Saw palmetto is especially helpful to men suffering from prostate gland problems; its use is currently focused on BPH. Saw palmetto relieves symptoms of BPH, such as urinary frequency and urgency, excessive nighttime urination, or delayed urination. Additionally, saw palmetto promotes optimum anti-inflammatory responses in the prostate to reduce swelling and promote normal urine flow. Moreover, saw palmetto has been shown in studies to inhibit conversion of testosterone to DHT which contributes to swelling and enlargement of the prostate.

Cayenne pepper has traditionally been used to promote prostate and urinary health because it contains capsaicin and saponins which stimulate blood flow.

The oil constituents of certain plants contain a mixture of phytosterols, or plant hormones, called beta sitosterol. Studies support a minimum of 20 mg per day of beta sitosterol to increase urine flow and decrease residual urine volume significantly. Research also suggests that beta sitosterol inhibits prostaglandin synthesis thus reducing inflammation.

Pygeum africanum is native to the high forested regions of Africa where it has been used for centuries for maintaining and improving prostate health. Today it is widely used in both Germany and France where it has been approved in those countries to support a healthy prostate. The bark of this tall African tree is an excellent source of beta sitosterol and has been shown to reduce inflammation. Additionally, research supports that pygeum africanum is more effective in the presence of saw palmetto.

In a recent double-blind trial, men with precancerous changes in the prostate received a green tea extract or a placebo for one year. The outcome yielded a favorable statistically significant difference for those men receiving the green tea extract versus the placebo suggesting green tea extract may help promote prostate health in men at high risk of developing the disease.

Pumpkin is native to North America, tropical regions of Africa and South Asia. The origins of its use can be traced back to Native American healers. Several years ago, researchers noticed that men who live in areas where pumpkin seeds are a diet staple have a lower incidence of prostate problems. This may be due to the essential fatty acid content in pumpkin, as EFAs have been found to be useful for optimal prostate health. Also a good source of Zinc, Pumpkin contains nutrients which promote prostate, bladder, and urinary tract health. Pumpkin is most efficacious when combined with nettle and/or saw palmetto, all of which are found in this formulation.

Nettle is gaining recognition for its positive effects in supporting prostate, bladder, and urinary tract health. It also promotes urine flow and supports less frequent urination.

Recently in a controlled trial, men with BPH received a supplement containing three amino acids including glycine and glutamic acid (the third being alanine). After three months, about half of these men reported reduced urgency, frequency, and/or less delay starting urine flow by reducing the amount of swelling in the prostate. Other similar controlled trials of this amino acid combination have produced similar results.

Lycopene is one of the most widely studied compounds today and has been shown in numerous studies to promote prostate health. It is highly regarded as an important ingredient in promoting men’s health and is the subject of ongoing studies on anticarcinogenic effects. Lycopene is the most abundant carotenoid present in the prostate gland and serves as an antioxidant by protecting against free radical attacks in the prostate.

May promote healthy prostate function
May reduce urgency, frequency, and/or delay starting urine flow associated with a swollen prostate gland
Promotes overall prostate, bladder, and urinary tract health

Take 2 capsules daily with an 8 ounce glass of water.

• Please note that Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia can only be diagnosed by a physician.
• If you suffer from significant prostate problems, consult your healthcare provider.