Prostate Protection +

Prostate cancer kills 31,000 men in the US each year. Over 220,000 are diagnosed with the disease each year—the equivalent of a new diagnosis every 2.6 minutes. A man’s lifetime chance of developing this cancer is about one in six. At this writing, prostate cancer is present in more than 9 million American men. What are you waiting for?

Ready for some good news? Prostate cancer is nearly 100% survivable if detected early. The natural or “holistic” approach may be particularly beneficial in patients who are diagnosed with very early prostate cancer that is less likely to spread. (LE Magazine April 2007)

By the age of 50, half of the male population will have to face an enlarged prostate gland, a condition known as benign prostate hypertrophy, or BPH. This is caused by a conversion of the male hormone testosterone to a compound called dihydrotesterone (DHT). As men grow older, many experience declining prostate health that significantly affects their lifestyle and well-being. One of the most common conditions threatening the prostate gland is benign prostatic hypertrophy. This swelling of the prostate gland can lead to myriad symptoms such as increased urinary frequency, weak urinary stream, and difficulty initiating urination. Supplements for prostate health can ensure that your body gets the vitamins, minerals, fatty acids and other nutrients it needs to maintain a healthy prostate gland, and prevent the onset of BPH and cancer.

Vitamin B-6 along with zinc, Vitamin B6 regulates the hormone that converts testosterone to DHT, and helps prevent swelling of the prostate. It is the most important prostate vitamin.

The prostate has the highest levels of zinc—more than any other organ of the body. This indicates that zinc supports prostate health. An important mineral for many bodily processes, a zinc deficiency predisposes the prostate gland to infection, which could eventually lead to enlargement. Zinc is also instrumental in making sex and thyroid hormones and it is also important for proper immune system function.

Copper is a trace mineral. It is the third most abundant trace mineral in the body. Copper is a normal constituent of blood. It is present in every tissue of the body, but is primarily stored in the liver. Copper stimulates the immune system to fight infections, repair injured tissues, and promote healing. Copper also helps to neutralize "free-radicals" which can cause severe damage to cells. A nutritional supplement designed for prostate health should maintain a proper balance between zinc and copper because zinc can reduce the absorption of copper in the body.

Selenium is a natural antioxidant which prevents and repairs cellular damage from free radicals which can directly contribute to certain forms of cancer.

Vitamin E is suspected of playing a role in preventing prostate cancer. Vitamin E interferes with two proteins that play a central role in the development of prostate cancer, say scientists at the University of Rochester Medical Center. In prostate cancer cells exposed to vitamin E, the PSA level drops significantly, as much as 80 to 90 percent, a sign of slowed cancer cell growth. Researchers also saw a 25 to 50 percent decrease in the number of cancer cells, and under certain conditions the compound killed off 90 percent of cancer cells.

Saw Palmetto is an herb from a small palm tree native to the Atlantic seaboard, saw palmetto is the most popular and researched prostate herb. Saw palmetto contains beta sisterol, a powerful compound that interferes with the conversion of testosterone to DHT. Studies show that saw palmetto shrinks enlarged prostates and relieves urinary problems. A most unique review of 31 years of studies was published in the volume 280 of the Journal of the American Medical Association (1998) where they chose 18 different trials involving 2,939 men in total who were treated for BPH with strong extracts of saw palmetto containing beta-sitosterol. They said after reviewing all these studies, "The evidence suggests that Serenoa repens (saw palmetto) improves urologic symptoms and and flow measures."

Beta Sitosterol is Highly Effective in Treating an Enlarged Prostate as well as for Lowering Cholesterol. If there was only one supplement you could take to reduce your cholesterol it should be beta-sitosterol taken in 300-600 mg doses every day. Beta-sitosterol is the most studied, most proven, most effective suplement to lower total and LDL cholesterol. The studies on this in the medical journals actually go back 50 years yet most people have never even heard of it. In the Lancet, vol 345 (1995) a very professional study was done at the University of Bochum in Herne, Germany by Dr. Berges and his associates. They used pure beta-sitosterol with 200 men half of whom received a placebo over the course of a year. They said, "Significant improvement in symptoms and urinary flow parameters show the effectiveness of beta-sitosterol in the treatment of BPH." This is clearly one of the most important and well done studies on prostate ever published.

Pygeum Africanum is an evergreen tree that grows in the mountainous forests of Africa. European doctors have been prescribing this bark extract for years to help preserve prostate health and promote a man's overall well being. In fact, in France and other countries, phytotherapeutic preparations (nutritional compounds derived from plants) such as Pygeum are the most widely used drugs for the treatment of BPH. In Asia, Africa, and India, phytotherapeutic medicine is considered a first-line treatment for BPH and has been utilized effectively for centuries. Pygeum helps prevent and reverse BPH, Reduces inflammation, Reduces prostate size, Promotes normal urination, Rids the prostate of cholesterol deposits that can occur with BPH, and Significantly ameliorates the uncomfortable symptoms associated with BPH including frequent urination and abdominal heaviness.

Raspberries contain an antioxidant ellagic acid which protects your cells from becoming damaged and slows the growth of abnormal cells. Ellagic acid retains its potency after heating, freezing and concentration processing. Some of the data published by the Medical University of South Carolina is presented here. Following exposure to Ellagic Acid from red raspberries, human cervical cancer cells infected with human papilloma virus (HPV) die within several days due to the process termed apoptosis. Ellagic Acid from red raspberries causes growth cycle arrest of cancer cells, thus inhibiting cell division (mitosis) and cellular proliferation. Ellagic Acid from red raspberries prevents destruction of a cell regulatory gene by HPV oncogenes (genes responsible for cancer induction) in cervical cells, which gene is regarded as the safeguard of normal cellular division, and which when inactivated results in abnormal cell division/proliferation. Similar protective effects were observed in breast, pancreas, esophageal, skin, colon, and prostate cancer cells when exposed to Ellagic acid.

Graviola has a long history of medicinal use. Research has indicated, albeit 'in vitro', that several of the active ingredients (Annonaceous acetogenins) kill malignant cells of 12 different types of cancer including prostate cancer.

Catechins found in green tea are shown to be medicinal to the prostate, though it is unknown how they prevent or combat prostate problems.

Traditionally, cat's claw has been used to treat the following diseases: tumors and other growths, ulcers, gastritis, arthritis, rheumatism, menstrual disorders, prostate problems, asthma, diabetes, viral infections, acne, general debility, gonorrhea and cirrhosis.

Broccoli is considered a good source of nutrients because it is rich in vitamin C, carotenoids (vitamin A-like substances), fiber, calcium, and folate. Broccoli is also a source of many substances called phytochemicals, or plant chemicals, that may have anticancer properties. For example, broccoli contains several compounds called isothiocyanates, including sulforaphane and indole-3-carbinol (I3C), which have been touted as possible anti-cancer agents in recent years.

Lycopene is extracted from tomatoes and contains powerful antioxidants that may be able to reduce BPH inflammation and prevent prostate cancer.

Stinging nettle (Urtica dioica and the closely related Urtica urens) has a long medicinal history. Stinging nettle root is used widely in Europe to treat BPH, or enlargement of the prostate. Today, many people use it to treat urinary problems during the early stages of an enlarged prostate (called benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH), for urinary tract infections.

Scientific research published in the British Journal of Urology International in September 2009 investigated the potential of the Maitake mushroom on prostate cancer cells extracted from humans and grown in a laboratory. The maitake D-fraction extract caused almost complete cell death of the prostate cancer cells and the scientists involved felt the Maitake mushroom may have potential as an alternative treatment of prostate cancer.

Reishi Mushroom has also demonstrated general anti-tumor properties as well as being an immunomodulator - meaning it may boost a weak immune system or calm an overactive one. Scientists from the University of Haifa, Israel are using extract from the Reishi mushroom to slow the progression of prostate cancer.

Shiitake mushroom contains chemicals that might help lower cholesterol levels. It also contains Eritadenine.. This compound is believed to be responsible for reducing blood levels of cholesterol and fats by promoting their excretion. Another healthy compound in the shiitake mushroom is lentinula edodes mycelium (LEM). LEM is thought to be helpful in not only treating and preventing cancer, but also Heart Disease, Hypertension, infectious diseases and also Hepatitis. Shiitake mushroom is used for boosting the immune system, lowering blood cholesterol levels, treating prostate cancer, and as an anti-aging agent.

Quercetin is a type of flavonoid that serves as the backbone for many other members of the flavonoid family. One of the many health benefits of quercetin is that it acts as a potent antioxidant combating the destructive "free radical" molecules that play a part in many diseases. In laboratory tests and animal studies quercetin has shown to have anti-cancer effects. In a double-blind study quercetin was effective in prohibiting non-bacterial chronic prostatitis (inflammation of the prostate gland).

Juniper Berry promotes urine flow and helps to clear the kidneys, bladder and prostate of toxic wastes, while at the same time helping to combat urinary infections in both men and women.

Native Americans used uva ursi as a drug to treat inflammations of the urinary tract, especially cystitis, prostate and bladder infections.

Buchu Leaf is a urinary tract disinfectant and diuretic. It flushes bacteria out of the urinary tract, aids in the elimination of excess fluid, uric acid and toxins. It treats urinary tract infections and inflammation and can lessen inflammation of the colon, gums, mucous membranes, prostate, sinuses, and vagina. It helps control bladder and kidney problems, diabetes, and digestive disorders. It has been used to treat enlargement of the prostate and burning urine. Buchu Leaf aids in preventing and treating gravel and stones in the kidneys and bladder.

Glutamic Acid is an amino acid needed for maintaining normal prostate function. Glutamic acid can attach itself to nitrogen atoms in the process of forming glutamine, and this action also detoxifies the body of ammonia. The fluid produced by the prostate gland also contains amounts of glutamic acid, and may play a role in the normal function of the prostate. Studies of L-glycine, L-alanine, and L-glutamic acid showed that these three amino acids relieved many of the symptoms of an enlarged prostate. For example patients taking these aminos experienced reduced nighttime urination, reduced urgency, reduced frequency, and alleviation of delayed urination.

Pumpkin Seed Powder is a powerful, reliable and safe way to destroy internal parasites. Sometimes called a "Male Tonic," Pumpkin Seeds are a natural way to revitalize the prostate gland, treat inflamed bladder and stimulate male hormone production. Pumpkin Seeds contain four times the amount of beta-carotene than carrots!

Burdock root is rich in vitamin B-complex. It also contains, in high amounts, chromium, cobalt, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, silicon, zinc, sodium and potassium. In animal experiments, burdock root extracts have been shown to destroy bacteria and fungus cultures, as well as showing strong anti-tumor activity.

Cayenne Pepper has been documented as capable of destroying cancer cells. This was a reality determined by the American Association of Cancer Research when their experiments started to unearth capsaicin, a key ingredient in various types of pepper around the world with a particularly high concentration in cayenne pepper. It was found during experimental studies that capsaicin kills the types of prostate cancer cells that are dependent on the androgen hormones in the male body.

Goldenseal contains Berberine a natural antiseptic that kills germs and bacteria. It tends to clean all bodily organs and is especially helpful for male (and female) urinary and reproductive systems.

Gravel root helps to prevent the formation of kidney and bladder stones and may diminish existing stones. Gravel root is also useful for cystitis, urethritis, prostate enlargement (and other forms of obstruction).

Marshmallow Root increases urine flow and reduces inflammation of the prostate. BPH can cause irritation in the urethra and soothing, demulcent Marshmallow root is the perfect choice to treat the aggravated tissue. Marshmallow root is rich in mucilage containing a variety of polysaccharide compounds. Marshmallow root has anti-inflammatory, diuretic, demulcent, and emollient properties. It soothes, heals and reduces the inflammation of effected tissues.

Parsley Leaf Powder is an excellent remedy for reducing swollen or enlarged glands, very good diuretic, helps in obstruction of the kidney, liver and spleen, improves urination when it is painful and incomplete.

This herb is taken traditionally internally for leukorrhea, diarrhea, bowel complaints, scrofula, mucous troubles, inflamed tissues in various parts of the body and for bronchial troubles. Very effective in dropsy, kidney troubles, catarrh of the bladder, or irritation of the prostate. Excellent for infant bowel troubles.