4 Ways to Manage Prostate Problems

Zinc

An enlarged prostate is something most men will experience as a very common consequence of aging. As men age, their prostate begins to enlarge; at least 80–90% of elderly men will have some degree of prostatic enlargement. This condition is known as “benign prostatic hypertrophy,” and is not a dangerous condition, but can cause the characteristic symptoms of urinary frequency and urgency, and can sometimes lead to an increased risk of bladder infection from urine retention. It certainly can decrease the quality of life that men typically want to enjoy as they age. However, there are things you can do to manage your condition.

Four Ways To Manage Prostate Problems

1. Zinc

Zinc is a mineral which can be used very effectively to control an enlarged prostate. This critical mineral is capable of decreasing the levels of the enzyme which converts the male hormone testosterone into dihydrotestosterone.

When this occurs, the increased levels of dihydrotestosterone in your prostate will cause it to enlarge. I recommend taking 20 mg of zinc citrate twice per day with food.

2. Omega-3 Fatty Acids

The increased intake of essential fatty acids found in the omega-3 family can influence the degree of prostatic enlargement by decreasing inflammation levels and normalizing hormone metabolism within the prostate gland.

I recommend taking one gram of omega-3 three times per day with food. In addition, you may also want to avoid foods high in saturated fat like red meat, dairy products, and lard.

Fried foods and foods containing trans fat are not recommended, as they can lead to greater amounts of prostatic enlargement.

You can also try to eat two to three servings of oily fish every week and add one tablespoon of ground flaxseed to your cereal every morning.

3. Lycopene, Selenium, and Saw Palmetto Extract

An enlarged prostate responds well to several key supplements, which can be combined together for an optimum prostate tonic.

The antioxidant lycopene, contained in higher concentrations in tomatoes; the trace mineral selenium; and the herb saw palmetto can be used together to decrease prostatic inflammation, decrease free radical generation, and restore hormonal balance.

I recommend taking lycopene at five to 10 mg per day with 400 mcg of selenomethionine (a form of selenium) and saw palmetto extract containing 150 mg, consumed twice per day with food.

4. The Right Carbs

Diets which are higher in the refined types of carbohydrates, like white flour, rice, baked goods, pasta, sugar, syrup, candy, and junk food, can cause a lot of health problems, including obesity, diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and prostatic enlargement.

High levels of blood insulin associated with the intake of these types of carbs can cause increases in inflammation and disturb the hormonal balance within the prostate, causing excessive growth.

What I recommend is that you consume the right types of carbs in your diet. These would include whole grains; legumes; whole fruits; flaxseed; sweet potatoes; and deep, dark-coloured vegetables. The antioxidant chemicals and good fats associated with these foods can protect the prostate and the consumption of these foods results in lower insulin levels.


Sources:

Christudoss, P., “Zinc status of patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia and prostate carcinoma,” Indian J Urol. January 2011; 27(1): 14-8.
Espinosa, G., “Nutrition and benign prostatic hyperplasia,” Curr Opin Urol. January 2013; 23(1): 38-41.
Minutoli, L., et al., “Serenoa Repens, lycopene and selenium: a triple therapeutic approach to manage benign prostatic hyperplasia,” Curr Med Chem 2013; 20(10): 1306-12.