The prostate is a walnut-sized gland that produces seminal fluid, located just below the bladder. Disorders of the prostate may include inflammation called prostatitis, enlargement of the gland (BPH) and cancer. Much of this can be avoided through proper nutrition and supplementation.
Studies have linked dairy and meat products to an increased risk for prostate cancer. Substituting plant protein in your diet provides many positive prostate health benefits. Fruit and vegetable-rich diets aid in protecting your prostate from illness by supplying the essential nutrients needed to ensure healthy prostate function. Reduce consumption of red meats, dairy products, and processed foods. Eat mostly whole, natural foods preferably certified organically grown. Berries, pumpkin seeds, and vegetables from the mustard family are beneficial for the prostate. These include arugula, broccoli, brussel sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, kale, and rapini.
Foods that hurt prostate health are spicy, salty, fried, processed foods, and white bread products. Other harmful foods are sugar, artificial sweeteners, dairy foods, and red meat. You should limit alcohol and caffeinated beverages like coffee, tea, and soda which can worsen your urinary symptoms.
Herbs To Support Prostate Health
African cherry tree (Pygeum africanum) bark has been used in African cultures to treat urinary and bladder problems associated with BPH. African cherry tree bark shrinks the prostate and relieves urinary problems such as poor urine flow and nighttime urination. The recommended dosage is 50 mg of extract taken 2x daily or 100 mg 1x daily.
Saw palmetto (Serenoa repens) is most commonly used for decreasing symptoms of an enlarged prostate called benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH). This herb works by stopping the breakdown of testosterone into its byproduct.
Symptoms of BPH include:
- frequent urination
- increased urination at night
- trouble starting a urine stream
- weak urine stream
- dribbling after urinating
- straining during urination
- the inability to completely empty the bladder
Saw palmetto treats low sperm count, low sex drive, hair loss, bronchitis, diabetes, inflammation, migraine, and prostate cancer.
Taking saw palmetto with other medications that slow blood clotting, can increase your chances of bruising and bleeding.
The fruit of saw palmetto is available in several forms including liquid, tablets, capsules and tea.
Pumpkin seed (Cucurbita pepo) the nutrients found in pumpkin seeds can help men with BPH experience fewer symptoms and improve their quality of life. Pumpkin seeds and pumpkin seed oil assist in the reduction of prostate enlargement. The seeds are packed with nutrition and are proven to support prostate health. The seeds contain phytosterol, a protective compound responsible for reducing prostate enlargement.
There are several ways to use pumpkin seeds. You can eat them as a snack or consume pumpkin seed oil capsules with dinner or make a salad dressing. The recommended dose of pumpkin seed oil is 1000mg a day which is best split between 2 meals.
Stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) root soothes the urinary tract and helps men with prostate problems. Stinging nettle is anti-inflammatory and diuretic. This makes it a good candidate for prostate issues, including prostatitis and BPH which share some of the same urinary tract symptoms. Stinging nettle root is available in standardized tincture form at a dosage of 500 mg twice daily.
Nutrients For Prostate Health
Lycopene is a phytochemical found in colorful fruits and vegetables. Examples are apricots, watermelons, guavas, pink grapefruit, papayas, red bell peppers, red cabbage, and tomatoes. The best way to consume lycopene is with a whole foods diet; a diet rich in fresh fruits and the above-mentioned vegetables except for tomatoes. Why not tomatoes? There are much more concentrated sources of lycopene than fresh tomatoes. Tomato puree, spaghetti sauce, tomato soup, salsa, ketchup, and tomato paste have more lycopene than fresh tomatoes.
You can make your own tomato products as there aren’t high levels of sugars, salts or preservatives. If you buy tomato products always try to buy organic.
Zinc is one of 11 trace minerals that the body needs in very small amounts to maintain health. Zinc is present in many foods. Good amounts of zinc are present in shellfish and the bran of many grains, nuts, legumes, and red meats. The recommended dietary allowance for men is 11 mg a day most men get enough from food.
Eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables ensures healthy prostate function. Try to reduce the consumption of red meats, dairy products, and processed foods. Eat mostly a whole, natural foods diet preferably certified organically grown to keep your prostate healthy.
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