Six Simple Tips for Prostate Health

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a noncancerous enlargement of the prostate gland, common in American and European men over the age of 50. While the actual cause is not completely understood, experts believe it is closely linked to hormone levels. Try the following to help reduce the risk of BPH:

Eat a diet low in saturated and trans-fats, focusing instead on the healthier monounsaturated and omega-3 fats.

Eat more whole soy foods. Asian men have a lower risk of BPH and some researchers believe it is related to their intake of soy foods.

Avoid symptom triggers such as caffeine and alcohol, which increase the need to urinate and may irritate the bladder.

Avoid constipation by increasing fiber in your diet. The pressure from constipation may make the symptoms of BPH worse.

Have regular check-ups. The National Institute on Aging recommends that men get regular medical checkups including a prostate exam.

Try Saw palmetto (Serenoa repens). If symptoms of BPH do occur, try managing them with saw palmetto. The best form to use is an extract standardized to 85-95% total fatty acids. Use 160 mg twice a day. Although saw palmetto does not shrink the size of the prostate, it often helps promote healthy function and decreases symptoms.

Consider herbs and nutrients such as green tea extract, stinging nettle root, ginger, rosemary, zinc, lycopene, and selenium. All have been shown to help maintain and promote normal prostate health.

Keep in mind that it may take at least eight weeks of using these supplements before you see a positive change in your symptoms. Be sure to consult your physician and discuss any medications you are taking - including supplements - to avoid interactions.

.

.

....from Dr. Weil website