There are a number of prostate supplements on the market all promising to boost male health and prevent BPH and prostate cancer. But not all of these natural remedies have science behind them, so it's important to choose wisely when it comes to men's health supplements.
By the age of fifty, over half of the male population will face a condition known as benign prostate hypertrophy, an enlargement of the gland caused by the accumulation of DHT, a derivative of testosterone. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including a lack of the mineral zinc, a vitamin B6 deficiency, fatty acid depletion, toxins, bacteria or pesticides. Any of these can contribute to the conversion of testosterone to DHT, causing the gland to swell.
Mineral Supplement
Supplements for prostate health can address these issues, and not only help prevent BPH but also help alleviate the pain and slow the progression of an existing prostate problem. That's why more and more men are turning to natural prostate supplements to give them a fighting chance and decrease their risk of prostate cancer.
One of the most popular and well-researched prostate suppliments is saw palmetto, an herb from a tree native to the Atlantic seaboard. The active ingredient of this herb is beta sitosterol, a powerful compound that can actually interfere with the conversion of testosterone to DHT. As such it can prevent enlargement of the gland. It has also been shown to go one step further and shrink the prostate as well as relieve urinary problems associated with the condition.
Red clover is another of the popular supplements for prostate health, and acts in a similar fashion to saw palmetto extract. It's a member of the pea family, and can inhibit DHT formation through its powerful antioxidant ability.
In addition to the prostate herbs there are vitamins, minerals and other nutrients that can be helpful to men. As we mentioned above, a lack of zinc can exacerbate the problem, so ensuring that your body gets enough of this essential nutrient is crucial. It is also an important part of many other body processes.
The B Family of vitamins can also help; in particular B6 should be present in all prostate supplements. This vitamin regulates the hormone involved in testosterone conversion to DHT. As such it is able to ensure that benign prostate hypertrophy is kept in check, and even prevented.
Another nutrient making headlines is lycopene, which can be found in many popular male formulas. This is a powerful extract from tomatoes which can reduce inflammation and prevent the onset of prostate cancer. Although you can get it from eating tomatoes, a supplement can ensure lycopene content, where the fruit might be lacking by the time it hits store shelves.
Before choosing any supplements for prostate health, make sure you speak with your doctor first and discuss your options. Although many prostate suppliments are available as stand alone products, you might reap more benefits from a comprehensive formula that contains herbal extracts, vitamins, minerals and other ingredients for male health.
Since BPH affects so many men, it's important that we learn as much as we can about this condition. Prostate supplements just might be the answer to the problem.