06/09/2021

A healthy prostate

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The prostate gland is an organ in the male body, located just below the bladder. While aging, most men will encounter some form of an age-induced drop in the hormone testosterone and/or an age-related gradual swelling of the prostate gland.

In fact, 50% of all men aged 60 and over will experience some form of health issue with an enlarged prostate gland. When past age 70, around 80% of men have an enlarged prostate. (1)

An age-related issue, an enlarged prostate can put pressure on the urethra the canal through which urine passes.

This can in turn lead to loss of sleep, urinary tract infections, damages on the bladder and kidneys, development of bladder stones and incontinence. An enlarged prostate can also have a large impact on a man’s health from obstructing urinary flow to a reducing sexual function and libido.

Therefore, there are good reasons why any man should take care of supporting normal prostate health.


5 tips for a healthy prostate

You can take steps to keep a healthy prostate:

1. Make sure you get enough of …

Zinc is a trace mineral vital for a number of human biological processes, and research shows that it can play an important role in maintaining prostate health.

Prostate cells collect more zinc than cells in any other human tissue, (2-5) and studies reveal that the presence of zinc in the body can help prevent tumor growth, especially in the prostate. (6,7)

Likewise, several types of natural compounds have been shown to have a positive effect on maintaining normal prostate size and function.

Boron, selenium, and lycopene, which is found in tomatoes, are all-natural compounds that can help promote a healthy prostate in a variety of ways.

2. Take a saw palmetto supplement regularly

Some testosterone will be converted to DHT (dihydrotestosterone) in the body, which promotes prostate growth. 

Saw palmetto counters this because it simply blocks this conversion from happening.

3. Cut down on tobacco and alcohol

Since tobacco has long been associated with a variety of cancers, it is best to stay away from tobacco completely. Similarly, moderation is key when it comes to alcohol consumption.

4. Schedule regular check-ups with your doctor

Men are known to write off health issues as minor inconveniences more often than women. But this is not a good strategy when dealing with the health of your prostate. 

Regular blood tests and check-ups with you GP can help you detect and inhibit early prostate health issues.

5. Exercise regularly

You don’t have to be a professional sportsman to feel the positive impact that sports can have on your health. Just 30 minutes of exercise 3-5 times a week can have a significant impact on your long-term health. 

The form of exercise you choose is less important than actually doing it, so pick something that you like.


Products that support prostate health 


Other blog post topics


References

  1. https://www.lifeextension.com/magazine/2016/6/solutions-for-common-prostate-problems
  2. Franz MC, Anderle P, Burzle M, et al. Zinc transporters in prostate cancer. Mol Aspects Med. 2013 Apr-Jun;34(2-3):735-41.
  3. Huang L. Zinc and its transporters, pancreatic b-cells, and insulin metabolism. Vitam Horm. 2014;95:365-90.
  4. Franklin RB, Milon B, Feng P, Costello LC. Zinc and zinc transporters in normal prostate and the pathogenesis of prostate cancer. Front Biosci. 2005;10:2230-9.
  5. Zaichick V, Sviridova TV, Zaichick SV. Zinc in the human prostate gland: normal, hyperplastic and cancerous. Int Urol Nephrol. 1997;29(5):565-74.
  6. Costello LC, Franklin RB, Tan MT. A critical assessment of epidemiology studies regarding dietary/supplemental zinc and prostate cancer risk. Open Urol Nephrol J. 2008;1.
  7. Franklin RB, Costello LC. Zinc as an anti-tumor agent in prostate cancer and in other cancers. Arch Biochem Biophys. 2007 Jul 15;463(2):211-7.