Enlarged Prostate (BPH): Changes in the prostate gland are attributed to alterations in male hormone levels, particularly an increase of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) which promotes an overproduction of prostate cells. In turn this leads to prostate damage and ultimately prostatic enlargement. This is called Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH).
BPH should not be confused with Prostatitis which is inflammation of the prostate due to an acute or chronic bacterial infection, resulting in painful urination, blood in the urine, and a raised white cell count in blood tests. Prostatis is smilar to a bladder/urinary infection - and both may require antibiotic therapy.
Prostate & Urinary Problems: The Prostate gland sits just below the bladder and surrounds the urethra, the tube through which urine flows from the bladder. When the prostate enlarges, it either compresses the urethra and partially or completely block urine flo or it can cause the muscles around the urethra to contract, making it difficult for the urethra to relax and let urine flow. The result is frequent urination (especially at night), weak urine flow, and difficulty emptying the bladder. Depending upon its severity it can also have a negative effect upon sexual desire and performance.
Prostate Gland & Male Fertility: One of the main functions of the prostate is to produce an important liquefying component of semen, which allows the sperm to move freely.
Prostate & PSA levels: It's normal for your prostate gland to produce PSA (prostate specific antigen), which helps liquefy semen. Higher than normal levels (>4) in your blood can indicate you have BPH, or another prostate health problem and it is advisable for men over 50 to have regular PSA tests.
Drug Treatment versus Natural Therapy: Whilst there are effective drug treatments for BPH, e.g. Finasteride or Proscar, they also have undesirable side effects, including erection problems, low libido and reduced semen during ejaculation.
Natural therapies are a fist-line preventitive health option as well as being effective for the mild to moderate symptoms of BPH.
Who needs Prostate Support? Athletes who use anabolic prohormones regularly or older men (40+) stand to benefit from Prostate Support. Since a healthy prostate is also essential for male fertility and with a 50% drop in sperm counts, protecting the health of the prostate has become even more important for couples wishing to start a family. For these individuals, dihydrotestosterone (DHT) poses special male-related problems.
Prostate Health & Prostate Support: Prostate Support herbs and nutrients have been specifically selected to include only those nutrients, at the highest effective dose, which have been shown scientifically to have beneficial effects in reducing prostate enlargement:
Prostate Support saw palmetto complex offers all 6 of the recommended Prostate nutrients in one complete combo! Working collaboratively to aid symptoms of BPH, and safeguard the health of the prostate gland. Prostate Support does what it says!
Saw Palmetto contains fatty acids and plant sterols (Beta-Sitosterol) which help inhibit the action of an enzyme called 5-alpha-reductase, which converts testosterone to its more active form - called dihydrotestosterone, (DHT). Saw palmetto also prevents DHT from binding in the prostate. Saw Palmetto also has an anti-inflmamatory effect which eliminates other hormones responsible for BPH and reduces fluid retention & inflammation. In Europe, a number of studies have shown that taking 160mg of saw palmetto extract, taken twice daily, is as effective as the prescription drug, finasteride or Proscar, but without the unwanted side-effects.
Nettle increases the amount of urine flow and is used as irrigation therapy for inflammatory diseases of the lower urinary tract. Nettle's anti-inflammatory actions prevent the body from making inflammatory prostaglandins and thus helps prevent enlargement of the prostate (BPH)
Pygeum reduces inflammation which is often connected with benign prostate enlargement. The oleanolic acid in Pygeum may also stimulate an immune response that can prevent development of malignancy in those with BPH
Lycopene (from LYC-O-MATO®) is a natural tomato Extract. Lycopene is a carotenoid which health studies suggest retards the growth of prostate cancer and can also inhibit turmour growth
Zinc is an essential mineral. Zinc supports prostate as well as sperm health and prevents the progression of benign prostate enlargement
Pumpkin seed oil promotes normal prostatic function and can improve the function of the bladder and urethra.
Vitamin B6 controls hormone production
Health Tip: Since BPH causes inadequate bladder emptying, this increases the risk of a urine infection. In such cases it may be helpful to take a prophylactic course of Cranberry |