The Best Supplements for Men’s Prostate Health
Introduction
As men age, their prostate health becomes a concern. The prostate is a walnut-sized gland that produces fluid for semen. While it is normal for the prostate to grow as men get older, it can lead to enlargement of the gland and cause problems such as frequent urination, difficulty in emptying the bladder, and urinary tract infections. Fortunately, several natural supplements are widely available that can help improve and maintain prostate health.
The Top Supplements for Men’s Prostate Health
Saw Palmetto
Saw palmetto has been used traditionally to treat urinary tract problems since ancient times. Saw palmetto contains chemicals that prevent the conversion of testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone that can contribute to prostate growth. By blocking DHT, saw palmetto helps reduce inflammation of the prostate gland, relieve urinary tract symptoms, and also improve sexual function.
A study conducted in 2012 that involved 225 men discovered that saw palmetto significantly reduced urinary tract symptoms associated with an enlarged prostate.
Beta-sitosterol
Beta-sitosterol is a plant sterol found in fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds. It is frequently used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Beta-sitosterol works by reducing the size of the prostate gland, improving urine flow rates, and relieving urinary frequency and retention.
A research article published in 2000 that studied the impact of beta-sitosterol in treating BPH found that beta-sitosterol significantly improved urological symptoms and urinary flow rate compared to a placebo group at the end of six months.
Pygeum
Pygeum is derived from the bark of the African cherry tree and contains phytosterols and fatty acids. Pygeum has been shown to relieve urinary symptoms related to an enlarged prostate, as well as reduce inflammation in men with chronic prostatitis.
A meta-analysis of studies done in 2018 concluded that pygeum treatment might be effective for reducing symptoms such as pain during urination, evening urination, and overall symptoms of an enlarged prostate.
Stinging Nettle
Stinging nettle is a flowering plant found all over the world. The root of stinging nettle is traditionally used to treat BPH due to its anti-inflammatory properties. Stinging nettle also inhibits the production of DHT by blocking certain enzymes and proteins responsible for the conversion of testosterone into DTH.
A study published in the Journal of Herbal Medicine in 2017 found that stinging nettle significantly reduced prostate size and improved urinary function after six months compared to a placebo group.
Zinc
Zinc is a mineral that plays a crucial role in maintaining a healthy prostate gland. Zinc helps balance hormone levels and supports normal prostate function. Low levels of zinc have been linked to an increased risk of developing prostate cancer.
A study conducted in 2015 found that zinc supplementation had a protective effect against prostate cancer in men who did not consume alcohol.
Conclusion
Natural supplements can provide effective support for men’s prostate health. Supplements like saw palmetto, beta-sitosterol, pygeum, stinging nettle, and zinc can help ease urinary tract symptoms, reduce inflammation, and maintain a healthy prostate gland. If you are experiencing any prostate-related symptoms, always consult your doctor before taking any supplements.