Regarding prostate gland health, it is likely that you know what the prostate gland is and what its function is in the body. However, a brief introduction seems relevant to get started in a discussion on this topic.
The prostate gland is a walnut sized gland that surrounds the urethra just below the urinary bladder in the human male. It is considered an exocrine gland of the reproductive system, and it is responsible for the production of fluid that makes up semen, along with spermatozoa and seminal vesicle fluid. The prostate gland plays a key role in both urinary and sexual health.
There are hundreds of animal species that have a prostate gland, but only humans and dogs are known to suffer from poor prostate gland health.
Stay up to date with the latest news by signing up for our e-zine:
Maintaining prostate gland health is a major concern for men 40 and over in North America. As men get older, their prostate keeps growing, resulting in uncomfortable symptoms. Studies indicate that half of men over the age of 40 have symptoms of prostate enlargement, and this number increases with age.
To function properly for prostate gland health, there are male hormones called androgens that govern its function. The main male hormone is testosterone, and a specific form of it called dihydrotestosterone regulates the prostate.
Male Prostate Health : Prostatitis and Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
One issue that is of concern with prostate gland health is prostatitis. Prostatitis is an inflammation of the prostate gland. It may be classified as acute or chronic. There are many treatments for this depending on the causes and symptoms.
Another condition of concern to maintain prostate gland health is benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH. This is sometimes referred to as enlarged prostate. Most cases of prostate enlargement are benign or noncancerous.
This often occurs in older men, and they may find the process of urination to be difficult. The reason for this is because the urethra passes through the donut-shaped prostate gland and is easily constricted by prostate swelling. There is often urgency to urinate, followed by difficulty beginning the urinary stream. At times, urination can become very painful or even impossible.
With this condition, there are many different medications and procedures that some have found helpful. They may range from the use of pharmaceuticals, such as antibiotics, to surgical options.
Some of these may involve removal of all of part of the prostate, widening of the urethral passage through scraping or laser surgery, ablation, or microwave therapy. There are also a number of drugs that either relax the muscles at the neck of the bladder or actually shrink the enlarged prostate. Male hormones called androgens may also be prescribed to halt the growth or enlargement of the prostate.
At times, some of these procedures may be necessary, and at other times, there may be a more simple approach that can be taken to alleviate the symptoms.
For prevention of BPH, when it comes to maintaining prostate gland health, it is generally a good idea to follow a
nutritious diet
that is low in saturated fats, triglycerides and red meat. Eating lots of fresh fruit and vegetables and drinking alcohol in moderation, if at all, are good for overall men’s health, as well as prostate gland health.
To find out if you may be suffering from one of these conditions, ask yourself if you have noticed any of these symptoms:
* Increased urgency and frequency of urination
* More frequent visits to the washroom at night
* Slower or weaker stream
* Feeling like you still have to urinate even after visiting the washroom
* Pain or burning on urination
* Decreased sexual activity and occasional impotence
* Lack of bladder control—incontinence
If you or someone you know are experiencing these types of symptoms, you should consult with a
medical professional
to rule out more serious problems.
Fortunately, there are medically validated natural options that you can take advantage of to address the symptoms of an inflamed or enlarged prostate.
There is growing evidence that a supplement made with liquid saw palmetto extract can have a very positive affect on those suffering from prostatitis, benign prostatic hyperplasia, and also those dealing with prostate cancer.
This is considered an herbal therapy and it is greatly valued by
alternative practitioners.
It is also now gaining acceptance by conventional doctors as an adjunct, or to be used along with, other treatments mentioned above, to shrink prostate tissues.
To learn how to prevent prostate cancer, you can find more specific information about a protective protein called
To view specific published studies about glutathione and cancer, including one entitled,"Molecular Pathogenesis and Prevention of Prostate Cancer" that illustrates glutathione's protective role in how to prevent prostate cancer, click
here.
Prostate Gland Health : Saw Palmetto Liquid
Saw Palmetto (Serenoa repens) is the best-studied herb for the support of prostate gland health. It has been the subject of more than 20 clinical trials involving over 3,000 men. Saw Palmetto can help to relieve the urological symptoms associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia (enlarged prostate).
A supplement that extracts only the active oil portion of the Saw Palmetto berry to maximize bioavailability is the best way to gain the benefits of this plant. There are a number of commercially available Saw Palmetto products that include extracts of the whole berry, including leaves and pulp, but significantly dilute the active oil portion which results in much weaker activity.
We have found a very effective
saw palmetto liquid berry extract
that is highly bioavailable. It is combined with four other herbs that are know to boost vitality and complement the activity of the Saw Palmetto berry. These herbs are:
Damiana (Turnera diffusa) and Muira Puama (Acanthea virilis). These are traditional herbs used for sexual vitality.
Ginseng (Panax ginseng).
Ginseng has been used as an herbal medicine for over 2,000 years. In traditional Chinese medicine, ginseng is considered to be the most potent plant for stimulating energy and vitality. The Greeks gave it the name “panax” meaning panacea, and promoted its health-giving properties for many ailments.
Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba). While the best known uses of this plant are for brain health, Ginkgo has also been studied to support sexual health.
Survey : Rate Your Prostate Gland Health
Would you like to rate your prostate gland health? You can now, with the help of a survey developed by the American Urological Association (AUA) . This is currently the standard test to determine urinary health. More information can be found on their official website
here.
(this link opens in a new window)
Prostate Symptom Survey :
For questions 1 - 6, score
0 for not at all;
1 for less than 1 time in 5;
2 for less than half the time;
3 for about half the time;
4 for more than half the time;
and 5 for almost always.
Score Yourself!
1. Over the past month or so, how often have you had a sensation of not emptying your bladder completely after you finished urinating?
2. Over the past month or so, how often have you had to urinate again less than two hours after you finished urinating?
3. Over the past month or so, how often have you found you stopped and started again several times when you urinated?
4. Over the past month or so, how often have you found it difficult to postpone urination?
5. Over the past month or so, how often have you had a weak urinary stream?
6. Over the past month or so, how often have you had to push or strain to begin urination?
7. Over the past month, how many times did you most typically get up to urinate - from the time you went to bed at night - until the time you got up in the morning? (0, 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5)
Scoring:
The sum of the answer scores gives us a better idea of the prostate condition as follows:
1 - 7 = Mild
8 - 18 = Moderate
19 - 35 = Severe
If your score shows that you should be more concerned about your prostate gland health, consult with your health professional.
Prostate Gland Health : Complementary Products
There are some additional supplements you can take to support prostate gland health. Here are a few that we recommend here:
An
omega-3 supplement with turmeric
. Omega-3 fatty acids promote the production of hormone-like substances in the body called prostaglandins—which get their name because they were first found to be important in the prostate gland.
Turmeric is a known anti-inflammatory agent, and so may help to relieve the symptoms of prostatitis or inflammation of the prostate. The turmeric also helps to keep the Omega-3 fatty acids fresh.
A high quality
vitamin and mineral supplement with chlorella. Chlorella is considered to be a superfood algae, and it is also a complete protein. The supplement should also include the minerals zinc and copper which are supportive of a healthy prostate.
A glutathione enhancer has been shown in medical studies to help in all areas of the body, including assisting with prostate gland health. To learn more about glutathione and it’s roles in the body,
In conclusion, male prostate gland health is more of a concern for men generally once they are over 40. This affects both their urinary and sexual health. Two common concerns for prostate gland health are Prostatitis and Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia. There are many surgical and pharmaceutical treatments that are available and can be discussed with your health care professional.
If you would like to take a more natural approach that has proven to be effective, you may consider trying a highly bioavailable Saw Palmetto Liquid Berry extract called Magistral. Many have found this to be effective in relieving the symptoms listed above.
For further information on how Magistral is manufactured, and a brief video summation of male prostate health with Dr. Jimmy Gutman, please follow along with us here:
Also, you may want to consider giving added attention to good nutrition, as well as some complimentary products in to your diet, such as Omega 3, a Multiple Vitamin and Mineral, and a Glutathione Enhancer like Immunocal for additional support to your prostate gland health.
May you have excellent urinary and sexual health as a result. Your prostate will thank you!
Dr. Jimmy Gutman is the world's most published author on the subject of glutathione. His current bestseller is entitled "Glutathione - Your Key To Health."
Enjoy this page? Please pay it forward. Here's how...
Would you prefer to share this page with others by linking to it?
Click on the HTML link code below.
Copy and paste it, adding a note of your own, into your blog, a Web page, forums, a blog comment,
your Facebook account, or anywhere that someone would find this page valuable.