Although the prostate gland is commonly associated with a man's sexual prowess, this vital part of the male reproductive system has yet another important role – it is crucial for normal male fertility.

The prostate rests below the bladder and in front of the rectum. It surrounds a part of the urethra, the tube that carries urine from the bladder.

It is normally the shape and size of a chestnut, consisting of hundreds of tiny glands and their channels that merge into larger ducts and drain prostatic fluid into the urethra.  

When a man is born, his prostate gland is about the size of a pea and weighs 1 gram. It grows only slightly until puberty, when it begins to enlarge rapidly. The prostate gland reaches the normal adult size and shape when a man is in his early 20s.

A healthy adult prostate weighs about 20 grams and is about 3 centimeters in diameter. 

The gland generally remains stable until about the mid-40s, when in most men the prostate begins to grow again through a process of cell multiplication (hyperplasia). The likelihood of developing an enlarged prostate increases with age.

Should the prostate become significantly enlarged, it may cause various health problems.

Therefore, we suggest several natural remedies to ease enlarged prostate symptoms.

Most common prostate conditions

The three most common prostate problems are: prostatitis (inflammation of the prostate), enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH) and prostate cancer.

Often caused by infection, prostatitis may develop rapidly or slowly.

Acute prostatitis generally affects men aged between 20 and 40 years.

If left untreated or accompanied by repeated bladder infections, acute prostatitis may lead to chronic prostate infection or it may occur and disappear periodically.

Prostatitis is not a severe condition, but it may cause uncomfortable symptoms and affect a man's quality of life.

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a common urological condition caused by the non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland as men get older. 

The earliest signs of BPH usually begin as men age the past 45 years of age, and about  90% of men over the age of 85 will have BPH. 

The cause of prostate enlargement is still unknown, but most experts agree that it is linked to hormonal changes that occur as a man gets older.

BPH symptoms include :

• straining while urinating
• urinary hesitancy (difficulty starting urination)
• weak urine stream or a stream that stops and starts 
• frequent long urination
• inability to completely empty the bladder
• inability to urinate
• frequent urination (almost every hour)
• increased frequency of urination at night
• urgent need to urinate.

Although prostate cancer usually occurs at the same age as benign prostatic hyperplasia, having BPH does not mean that a man is more likely to develop prostate cancer. They are two different diseases.

Herbs – Your Natural Health Remedies

Phytotherapy (herbal therapy) offers many benefits for the support and promotion of prostate health. It has been shown to be helpful in treating prostate cancer, enlarged prostate (BPH) and chronic prostatitis.

Certain herbs have been shown to stop or decrease the hyperplasia of the prostate and relieve the unpleasant symptoms.

The presence of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a substance produced from the hormone testosterone by a particular enzyme, in the prostate gland may encourage cells to grow and eventually lead to a growth in the gland itself.

Several scientific studies have shown that Saw Palmetto extract (also known as Serenoa repens) has the unique ability to interfere with the conversion of testosterone to DHT, thereby shrinking the size of enlarged prostates and relieving the unpleasant symptoms.

Asian ginseng (Panax ginseng) can also offer relief from some of the symptoms of an enlarged prostate. It is available in a number of forms, most often dried root or liquid extract.

The bark of the tall, evergreen Pygeum tree native to Africa (Pygeum Africanum) has been widely applied across Europe as a treatment for enlarged prostate. Studies have shown that Pygeum can significantly reduce the symptoms of enlarged prostate.

Several clinical studies have also confirmed the effectiveness of the stinging nettle root (Urtica dioica) in lessening the severity of an enlarged prostate.

Zinc mineral is also commonly recommended as a treatment for enlarged prostate because it may inhibit the activity of the enzyme that converts testosterone to dihydrotestosterone, an action that may cause prostate enlargement.

Pumpkin seeds are one of the best sources of zinc, some other minerals and essential fatty acids. You may also choose sesame seeds as a good source of this important trace mineral.

Vitamin B6 may also be very effective against prostate problems. Bananas, avocado, dried fruits, spinach and wheat germs contain plenty of Vitamin B6.

Nutrition and Prostate Health – Foods for a Healthy Prostate  

It is suggested that men who suffer from prostate problems avoid caffeine and keep alcohol consumption to a minimum.

Also, some varieties of red peppers may cause prostate irritation.

Luckily, there is a wide variety of foods that may help boost your prostate health. A well balanced diet may reduce your risk for prostate problems.

1) Cruciferous vegetables such as cabbage, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower and broccoli have been shown to possess great anti-cancer properties. 

Many studies have demonstrated that broccoli is one of the richest sources of a potent compound sulforaphane, which has long been known for its powerful anti-oxidant and anti-cancer benefits. 

This is why broccoli is often considered an irreplaceable cancer-fighting ingredient.

A study conducted in the US has shown that consuming broccoli and tomatoes together (during one meal) is more effective in dealing with prostate conditions  than eating either alone.

2) Tomato

Studies have shown that the risk of developing prostate cancer is lower in men who have higher levels of lycopene in their blood.

Lycopene is the major carotenoid in tomatoes and has long been known for its potent anti-cancer properties.

Being an abundant source of other antioxidants and vitamins, tomato should form an integral part of every diet.

As cooking appears to release more of the lycopene in tomatoes, they retain their nutritional value when cooked or fried.

3) Soy (Soybean)

Men are recommended to try to incorporate soy and its products into their diets, since this legume qualifies as a pretty good source of proteins and appears in different processed forms, mainly as tofu or soy milk.

Soy may be very effective against prostate cancer due to its high levels of isoflavones, phytonutrients that may convert into phytoestrogens within the body.

Consume only ecologically produced, non-GMO soy.

4) Flaxseed

Studies have shown many positive health benefits from flaxseed. It is the richest plant source of Alpha Linolenic Acid (which forms omega-3 fatty acids) and the phytohormones lignans.

Studies suggest that lignans and omega-3 fats may together help prevent prostate cancer.

You may add flaxseeds to virtually any meal.

Flaxseed oil may also be to prepare salad dressings, to flavour cooked vegetables or to make marinades.

5) Curcuma (Turmeric)

When combined with cauliflower, curcuma has been shown to prevent prostate cancer and stop the growth of existing cancer cells.

The main active ingredient in this wonderful spice is curcumin, with its powerful anti-inflammatory effects and potent anti-oxidant properties.

Patients with severe forms of cancer may use turmeric for its ability to prevent metastases from occurring in different forms of cancer.

Turmeric is also fat soluble, so it may be a good idea to combine it with fatty and oily foods.

It may also be used as a spice in the preparation of salad dressings, whose base may include olive oil, flaxseed oil, pumpkin seed oil.

6) Pomegranate

Not only are pomegranates good for your heart and blood vessels but they have been shown to inhibit breast cancer, prostate cancer, colon cancer, leukemia and to prevent vascular changes that promote tumor growth.

It has been shown that a glass of pomegranate juice has a stronger antioxidant effect than a glass of red wine or green tea, and pomegranate extract is up to ten times stronger.

To boost your immunity and optimize your health, most nutritionists recommend drinking 2,5 decilitres fresh squeezed or bottled pomegranate juice per day.

7) Green Tea

Green tea contains chemicals known as polyphenols, which have antioxidant properties and have been proven effective in preventing and treating prostate cancer and other forms of cancer.

It also shows beneficial effects in dealing with conditions which may lead to developing cancer.

Regular consumption of green tea offers many health benefits and may substitute harmful stimulants such as coffee.

Recipes

Broccoli Recipe with Tomato Sauce and Wheat Germ

Ingredients:

• 600 g broccoli
• 3 dl tomato juice
• 2 soupspoons wheat germ
• parsley
• oil
• salt
• ground black pepper

Directions:

Cut the broccoli into florets and cook in salted water over medium-low heat. Steep the broccoli and keep the remaining liquid (stock).

Pour a little oil into another bowl, sip in tomato juice and add salt, pepper and chopped parsley.

Add wheat germ and stir in lightly.

Add in broccoli, sautee in a covered pan over low heat until it starts to soften and releases its scent.

If necessary, add 1 to 1.5 dcl broccoli stock.

Fried Cauliflower with Pumpkin Seeds and Turmeric

Ingredients:

• 600 g cauliflower
• pumpkin seeds, to taste
• chopped almonds or walnuts (optional), in larger pieces
• grated smoked tofu or hard cheese
• turmeric
• sliced garlic
• olive oil
• salt, pepper
• chilli (optional)

Directions:

Cut the cauliflower into florets and blanche it in boiling and salted water for 30 seconds. Steep the cauliflower, soak in cold water and repeat steeping.

Pour a little olive oil into a saucepan and pile up cauliflower florets. Add parsley, sliced garlic and pumpkin seeds. 

Optionally add almonds or walnuts. Stir in salt and pepper and add chilli optionally.

Add turmeric and olive oil. 

Put the cauliflower in the oven and bake at 170-180 degrees C, for 20 to 30 minutes.

Towards the end, add grated smoked tofu or cheese and bake a little bit more.
 

Sources for this article include:  
[url=http://www.wikipedia.org]http://www.wikipedia.org[/url]
[url=http://www.medicalnewstoday.com]http://www.medicalnewstoday.com[/url]
[url=http://www.webmd.com]http://www.webmd.com[/url]

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