Prostatitis is inflammation of your prostate gland -- a gland in the male genitourinary system. According to the Family Doctor website, prostatitis is often confused with infections of your urinary tract, as these health problems share similar symptoms. Acute prostatitis and chronic bacterial prostatitis are the two main types of prostatitis. Although nutritional supplements may effectively treat this condition, you should first visit your doctor to see if nutritional supplements are right for you.
Prostatitis
Classic symptoms associated with prostatitis include reduced libido, pain in your penis, scrotum or perineum, lower back discomfort, fever, increased urinary frequency and pain with urination. According to the National Health Service of the United Kingdom, acute prostatitis affects about one in every 10,000 men, while chronic bacterial prostatitis -- also an uncommon condition -- affects about 1 to 2 percent of men. Prostatitis, though uncommon, can develop in men of all ages.
Nutritional Supplements
There are many nutritional supplements that may help treat your prostatitis. According to Phyllis Balch, a nutrition expert and author of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," essential supplements for prostatitis include acidophilus, quercetin, selenium, vitamin B complex and zinc. Important supplements for prostatitis include essential fatty acids, garlic, L-alanine, L-glutamic acid and L-glycine, MSM, raw prostate glandular, vitamin A and vitamin E. Other helpful nutritional supplements include kelp, lecithin granules, magnesium and calcium and vitamin C with bioflavonoids.
A Helpful Supplement
Selenium is one of the most helpful supplements in treating prostatitis. According to the Linus Pauling Institute, both humans and animals require selenium -- a trace element -- for the proper functioning of numerous selenium-dependent enzymes, or selenoproteins. Selenium, reports Balch, has antioxidant action and helps to protect your cells from toxin damage associated with prostatitis. Selenium has also been found to protect you from certain tumors, including prostate, lung and colorectal tumors.
Caution
Be aware of the side effects and risks associated with any substance, including nutraceuticals or dietary supplements that you ingest to help treat your prostatitis and other ailments. Nutritional supplements should be used with the utmost of caution, as many of these substances can provoke strong reactions within your body. Prostatitis is a health condition that is best managed with a well-rounded treatment plan encompassing dietary changes and other lifestyle factors as well as more conventional therapies recommended by your doctor.
References
- Family Doctor: Prostatitis
- National Health Service: Prostatitis
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch, CNC; 2010
- Linus Pauling Institute: Selenium
