Last Updated on February 14, 2024 by Nasir Hanif
Every man should make his prostate health a top priority. Whether you’re living a healthier lifestyle, using natural ingredients, or even taking prostate supplements (like prostate 911), there are many easy ways to maintain the health of your prostate for years to come.
But why is this so important? After skin cancer, prostate cancer is the most common type of cancer for men. According to the American Cancer Society, roughly 1 in 9 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer at some point in their lives. While this form of cancer is usually slow growing, it does have the potential to be aggressive—and at times—even fatal.
Generally, most men don’t need to start prostate screening tests until the age of 40, but you shouldn’t wait this long to ensure the health of your prostate. In addition to screenings and vitamins and supplements, there are many natural ingredients that can help make your prostate healthier. Here, we’re taking a look at some of the most common natural ingredients that can not only ensure good prostate health, but improve your overall health, as well.
Table of Contents
SYMPTOMS OF PROSTATE CANCER
But how, exactly, do you know if you’re having prostate problems? Here are some of the most common symptoms of prostate cancer:
· Trouble urinating
· Discomfort in the pelvic area
· Decreased force in urine flow
· Bone pain
· Erectile dysfunction
However, it should be noted that these symptoms are not always signs of prostate cancer. If you have one or several of these symptoms, it may also be an indication of an enlarged prostate or other prostate or urinary issues. Always speak to a doctor before jumping to any conclusions.
LYCOPENE
If you love tomatoes and watermelon, you’re already a step ahead on this one. Lycopene is a plant nutrient with amazing antioxidant properties. Antioxidants are important because they combat free radicals, which are compounds that can damage your body. Lycopene can help balance these free radicals, keeping them at a safe level.
According to recent studies, Lycopene may protect your body from certain types of cancer, including prostate cancer. This nutrient can be found in a wide variety of fruits and vegetables, including watermelon, carrots, red bell peppers, apricots, and pink grapefruit. As a rule of thumb, if it’s pink or red, there’s a good chance this fruit or vegetable has a good dose of lycopene.
GREEN TEA
If you want to protect your prostate health and get a little caffeine boost, try drinking green tea. Like lycopene, green tea is loaded with antioxidants to support your overall health. In addition to lowering your risk of prostate cancer, green tea also has the potential to improve blood flow, lower cholesterol, improve brain function, and reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease. It’s really amazing what one drink can do for your body and health.
However, you should also keep in mind that green tea does have caffeine. While the caffeine levels are much lower compared to other options, like black tea, caffeine can irritate prostate issues. Like anything else, caffeine should be consumed in levels of moderations.
SAW PALMETTO
This herbal remedy comes from the fruit of palm trees and some studies have shown that it has anti-inflammatory and hormone-blocking properties. While there’s still only preliminary medical research on saw palmetto, this remedy has been used as an alternative medicine for years to treat urinary issues.
RYE GRASS POLLEN
Another herbal supplement, rye grass pollen can also alleviate symptoms caused by an enlarged prostate. While this supplement, commonly marketed as Cernilton, has never shown a major impact in large-scale studies, some smaller studies have indicated rye grass pollen can reduce the overall size of the prostate.
ZINC
Essential for human health, zinc is a mineral that helps the body’s immune system, thyroid function, and even helps you heal wounds. Zinc also plays a critical role in maintaining your vision and overall eye function.
Additionally, zinc can also help reduce urinary issues that are common with an enlarged prostate. There are many zinc supplements available, but zinc is also found naturally in many foods, including seeds, nuts, chicken, and fish.
PYGEUM
If you haven’t heard of this one, you’re not alone. Pygeum is a tree found in Africa and its bark has recently been studied for its effects on urine flow. A scientific consensus is still in the making, but an article in the Canadian Journal of Urology suggests that ingesting Pygeum bark can alleviate urinary problems caused by an enlarged prostate. However, be aware that Pygeum bark has also caused minor side effects, such as headaches, for some users. Always consult a doctor, pharmacist, or medical professional before making any major dietary changes.
TIPS FOR A HEALTHY PROSTATE
In addition to incorporating these natural ingredients into your diet, there are many other ways you can maintain a healthy prostate. A regular exercise routine and a clean diet (one filled with fresh fruits and vegetables) are two of the most effective ways to protect the health of your prostate—not to mention the rest of your body. It’s also beneficial to avoid smoking.
CONCLUSION – NATURAL INGREDIENTS FOR PROSTATE HEALTH
Hopefully this guide to some of the natural ingredients for prostate health showed you just how easy it can be to maintain and sustain the health of this important gland. You may not often think about your prostate, but it’s important to take steps to ensure quality prostate health—especially as you grow older. Doctors recommend that most men begin regular prostate screenings by age 40.
But don’t wait until your 40s to begin taking care of your prostate. If you’re not already, start incorporating some natural ingredients, such as zinc, green tea, and lycopene, into your regular diet. These can not only improve your prostate health, but can also help you lead a healthier and happier life.
Apart from this, if you are interested to know more about Caring at Home: Vital Components of Home Health Care then visit our Lifestyle category.
