The prostate gland is a small gland, found only in men, situated between the bladder and the penis. The National Health Service of the United Kingdom notes that the principle function of the prostate gland -- which surrounds the urethra, or the vessel that transports urine from your bladder -- is to assist the production of semen. Some remedies may exert powerful effects on your prostate gland, improving your prostate health. Always discuss treatment methods and their associated risks with your doctor beforehand.
Prostate Problems
There are several prostate-related health problems that can reduce your quality of life or affect your longevity. Prostate problems, notes the National Institute on Aging, are especially common after the age of 50. Some of the most common prostate problems in middle-aged and older men include prostate enlargement and prostatitis, or prostate pain and inflammation. There are several types of prostatitis, including acute prostatitis, chronic bacterial prostatitis and chronic abacterial prostatitis. One of the most serious prostate problems is prostate cancer, which is common in American men, notes the Institute.
Powerful Remedies
Certain remedies -- both herbal and non-herbal -- may be helpful in improving your prostate health or treating your prostate problem. Phyllis A. Balch, a nutrition researcher and author of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," reports that the following remedies may be beneficial for your prostate health: selenium, zinc, quercetin, buchu, corn silk, uva ursi, saw palmetto, raw prostate glandular, MSM, essential fatty acids and Siberian ginseng. Not all remedies traditionally used in improving prostate health have been studied using contemporary scientific research methods.
Highlighted Remedy
Selenium may be a powerful remedy in boosting your prostate health and treating prostate-related conditions. Balch notes that selenium possesses antioxidant properties that may help protect your cells from prostatitis-related toxin damage. MedlinePlus states that selenium is a mineral that may be found in some foods, although the amount of selenium in your food is largely dependent on the selenium content of the soil in which your food is grown. Selenium may also be helpful in preventing prostate cancer, notes MedlinePlus.
Warning
Changes in your ability to urinate may be indicative of prostate problems or other serious health problems. If you experience prostate-related symptoms, schedule an appointment with your doctor. Some prostate conditions may require a referral to a urologist and may respond best to early treatment and intervention. Do not delay visiting your doctor if you develop prostate-related symptoms. Many natural remedies for your prostate health contain powerful medicinal ingredients and should always be used under the guidance of a licensed health care professional.
References
- National Health Service: Prostate Disease
- National Institute on Aging: Prostate Problems
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch, CNC; 2010
- MedlinePlus: Selenium
