Keep your Prostate Healthy

Worried about your prostate health and how this can affect your life? Not sure what you can do to support your immune system and reduce inflammation? Keep reading and stay informed as to what the causes may be and what steps you can take right now, to achieve a complete state of health!

Introduction to Prostate Health and Conditions:

According to Harvard Health Publications one of the most common health concerns men have is about their prostate. Commonly it used to be that men over 50’s would be concerned about their prostate health, but nowadays it is very common that men in their 30’s and 40’s are experiencing health problems in this area. Prostate is an organ that sits right under the bladder and its biological purpose is to nourish and produce semen, serving as muscle and a sex gland. When men are young the size of the prostate is typically walnut sized and as men age, the prostate enlarges to the size of an egg as normal part of aging. This condition is known as benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH); when the prostate enlarges, the urethra is constricted causing urinary problems, such as: frequent need to urinate, a weak or small amount of urine even though there is a rush to get to the bathroom and urinating more than twice per night. Most often if there is pain when urinating this is clear sign of prostate inflammation or prostatitis caused by bacterial infections that can be acute or chronic.

Potential Causes of various Prostate Health Concerns:

It is good to be aware of some of the influencing factors known to affect prostate health such as: family history, age, hormonal factors such as low testosterone levels, excessive estrogen production, xenoestrogens and production of DHT (dihydrotestosterone) from testosterone by the enzyme called 5-alpha reductase. Other factors include: poor diet, lack of sleep, increased stressed levels, high toxicity levels due to a suppressed and overloaded immune system and other emotional factors.

Alternative medicine theory considers that BPH it is a condition influenced by estrogen dominance due to high stress levels and xenoestrogens. Men convert testosterone to estrogen when inflammation is present in the body as a result of elevated cortisol levels raised due to adrenal fatigue caused by stress, lack of sleep and high stimulants intake such as: caffeine, cigarette smoking, alcohol consumption and a diet high in processed sugars and refined carbohydrates; the lack of sleep coupled with this cocktail of stimulants directly affects the immune system, weakening it and making it more sensitive to inflammation, toxic accumulation and higher levels of cortisol and cholesterol. *(1), (2)

In our modern world, men are bombarded daily with female hormones mimickers such as Xenoestrogens, known as endocrine disrupting compounds. These Xenoestrogens increase the normal ratio of 4 parts testosterone to 1-part estrogen, to higher parts of estrogen thus considerably lowering the testosterone levels. There are many scientific studies that attest xenoestrogen bisphenol A, commonly found in plastic products such as reusable water bottles, food cans and dental sealants, to induce inappropriate androgen receptor activation and mitogenesis in prostatic adenocarcinoma cells *(4), *(5). We cannot possibly avoid all these xenoestrogens as they are present in non-organic fruits and vegetables that are treated with pesticides, herbicides and fertilizers; they are found in additives, preservatives, packaged foods of all kinds such as cookies, sodas, breads, muffins, cereals, frozen foods as well as in petrochemical compounds found in creams, lotions, soaps, shampoos, perfumes, room deodorizes. *(3), (4), (5)

Most health experts do not recommend the use of testosterone therapy because of its negative impacts on prostate health. They do however believe that it is the excessive production of DHT (dihydrotestosterone), known as the testosterone breakdown product caused by enzyme 5-alpha reductase that causes many of the prostate health aliments. Their target is to reduce this enzyme by inhibiting it or slowing it down, thus DHT levels would decrease and testosterone levels would increase. DHT overproduction is also involved in male pattern baldness, also known as androgenetic alopecia that causes hair at the temples and on the crown to slowly thin and eventually disappear. Again linked to an increase in 5-alpha reductase, high DHT conversions will consequently increase hair loss. *(6), (7), (8)

Provita Nutrition Formula Prostate Pro Forte Benefits:

Prostate Pro Forte is a well-researched synergistic herbal formulation by Provita Nutrition, offering support for prostate function and its aliments. There is much research done on these ingredients that are able to reduce symptoms of BHP, painful and nocturnal urination, reducing the risk of inflammation and possible chronic prostate conditions.

The new and improved formulation includes more than 23 ingredients designed to work together synergistically for maximum overall effectiveness. This carefully designed product not only provides potent standardized herbal extracts known to improve prostate function, but also critical supporting nutrients for reducing inflammation and increasing antioxidant function. Masterfully selected, these are the most potent, proven herbs known to support overall prostate health and they can act far more powerfully when taken synergistically.

Here is a brief introduction to these amazing herbs that can help alleviate and treat many of the symptoms associated with BHP and prostatitis. Don’t forget that prevention is key in establishing a healthy immune system. Always stay up to date with the latest research and how you can improve your health through diet and natural supplements.

Saw Palmetto has been shown to significantly diminish signs and symptoms of BPH by inhibition of the enzyme 5-alpha reductase and by interfering with prostate estrogen receptors. *(9);

Pygeum Bark herb is known to support the bladder and urinary tract infections, it can reduce swelling and provide protection due to its high concentration of antioxidants; Pygeum extracts have been used therapeutically since 1960’s for various prostate issues, particularly BPH. Atraric acid, a compound inherent in Pygeum, was found to reduce prostate growth; *(10), (11)

Pytosterols containing 80% Beta-Sitosterol, Campesterol and Stigmasterol, are among most effective substances known for supporting prostate health. Similar in structure and function to cholesterol, these plant sterols are known for their ability to lower cholesterol by attaching to spaces in the digestive track, usually reserved for cholesterol and as a result, less cholesterol is absorbed in the blood stream. Oxidized cholesterol metabolites are irritating to the bladder and they have been shown to accumulate in an enlarged prostate; Damaged by free radicals, toxic cholesterol can in turn damage prostate cells, leading to increased cell growth seen in BHP. That is why the addition of these pytosterols is so important and beneficial to reduce symptoms of BPH. Beta-Sitosterol is also known to naturally block testosterone conversion to the DHT form, thereby reducing prostate growth. *(12), (13)

Stinging Nettle is another amazing herb specifically selected for its medicinal use in treating urinary problems in men; it is known to soothe the urinary tract due to its anti-inflammatory properties and also because it is a diuretic. Both of these characteristics are important when dealing with prostatitis, BPH, pelvic pain, urinary pain and burning. * (14)

Olive Leaf extract is a strong, natural antiviral agent, thus can help support the functions of the immune system and will increase the body’s ability to fight off illness and disease; Olive leaf extract contains high amount of flavonoids, which are known to help reduce inflammation in the prostate.

Goldenseal has potent antibacterial and antibiotic properties, which can help reduce inflammation of the prostate gland, making it a very beneficial remedy for prostatitis;

Pumpkin Seed Oil is commonly used for prostate health because it can reduce the size of enlarged prostate, especially in the instance of BHP but its use is also known to protect against prostate conditions. *(15) Another great use of pumpkin seed oil in men is to act as a hair loss remedy due to its high zinc content, which helps balance hormones, thus in turn benefits hair growth by stopping formation of the androgen hormone, DHT. * (16)

Graminex Pollen Extract can help relieve and reduce the symptoms of BHP and prostatitis. It can significantly reduce the inflammatory symptoms among men as it makes the muscles of the bladder relax, resulting in easy and smooth urination. *(17)

Diindolylmethane (DIM) is a naturally occurring phytochemical compound derived from cruciferous (Brassica Family) vegetables such as broccoli, Brussel sprouts, cabbage, known for their health benefits to support healthy estrogen metabolism in the body. DIM supports the body in breaking down estrogen in ways that prevent its unhealthy buildup in the prostate gland. *(18)

Indole-3-carbinol- is a common phytochemical in cruciferous vegetables known to balance estrogen levels. Dietary studies have revealed an association between a high dietary intake of cruciferous vegetables and a decreased prostate risk. Indole-3-carbinol increases capacity for detoxification of carcinogens. *(19)

Lycopene –is a naturally occurring nutrient that gives many fruits and vegetables their red color. Lycopene is a potent anti-oxidant that works synergistically to prevent BPH along with Saw Palmetto and all the other herbs mentioned above.

Zinc, Selenium, Copper, Vitamin B6, Vitamin D3 and Boron are a great minerals and vitamins that support men’s health; Boron alongside Vitamin D3 maintains healthy bones, helps to process other minerals and nutrients and helps to support a healthy immune system. Zinc not only reduces colds, while greatly supporting the immune system but also it supports the body to manufacture sperm. Selenium is another mineral that greatly supports men’s health. It keeps the testes and seminal vesicles healthy and promotes the production of sperm and its motility. A deficiency in selenium and zinc can lead to infertility in males. Selenium is also known as a powerful antioxidant which help remove free radicals and reduce inflammation. Copper is a great mineral and its health benefits include help in preventing BHP and prostatitis. Zinc and copper are supplementing together because zinc inhibits absorption of copper and may lead to a deficiency.

The combination of glycine, alanine and glutamic acid has been shown in several studies to relieve the many BPH symptoms. These amino acids act as inhibitory neurotransmitters by reducing the feelings of a full bladder, therefore they are able to reduce many of the symptoms of BPH. *(20)

All these beneficial medicinal ingredients are synergistically working together to protect the prostate, to reduce painful symptoms and improve hormone balance. Many clinical studies have attested an improved state of health while taking these supplements, within days and weeks; it is important to take charge of your health as soon as first symptoms appear.

There are other common sense strategies for prostate health such as: eating organic fruits and vegetables, reducing the intake of red meat, coffee, alcohol- especially beer, which is known to increase production of DHT and exercising.

* Always confirm with your doctor if this supplement is right for you.

References: