Prostate problems--a male genitourinary health problem--are particularly common among middle-aged men. According to the National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse, the No. 1 cause of prostate problems in men under 50 is prostatitis, or inflammation of the prostate gland, while the No.1 cause of prostate problems in men over 50 is prostate enlargement. Prostate supplements have long been used in treating various prostate problems, but you should always consult your doctor before using these powerful natural healing substances.
Prostate Issues
There are many possible prostate issues, including prostatitis, prostate enlargement and prostate pain. One of the most serious prostate issues is prostate cancer. The National Center for Biotechnology Information reports that prostate cancer is the leading cause of death in men over the age of 75. If you are a middle-aged man, it is important for you to monitor your genitourinary health and report any problems--painful urination, blood in your urine, urine dribbling, painful ejaculation--to your doctor, as soon as possible.
Prostate Supplements
There are many dietary supplements that may be helpful in treating your prostate problems; however, you should always ask your doctor about the efficacy of these supplements and their immediate and long-term health effects. According to Dr. Russell B. Marz, a naturopathic physician, licensed acupuncturist and author of "Medical Nutrition From Marz," zinc and vitamin A are two of the most effective supplements in treating or preventing prostate problems. Other beneficial supplements may include African pygeum, saw palmetto, coenzyme Q10, selenium, garlic and quercetin.
A Beneficial Supplement
African pygeum may be one of the most beneficial dietary supplements in treating your prostate problems. African pygeum, or simply pygeum, notes Phyllis A. Balch, a certified nutritional consultant and author of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," may be particularly effective in reducing symptoms associated with prostate enlargement, or benign prostatic hyperplasia, such as nocturnal urination, repeated urinary infections, difficulty initiating urination and low urine flow. African pygeum is also known as African plum tree.
Considerations
Prostate problems range from mild and annoying to severe and life-threatening. If you experience the characteristic signs and symptoms associated with prostate problems, visit your doctor as soon as possible. A qualified health care practitioner can assess your condition or refer you to a urinary tract health specialist. To better understand the role of dietary supplements in treating your prostate problem, meet with a clinical nutrition specialist to review the risks, benefits and limitations of supplements.
References
- National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse: Medical Tests for Prostate Problems
- National Center for Biotechnology Information: Prostate Cancer
- "Medical Nutrition From Marz"; Russell B. Marz, N.D.; 1999
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch, CNC; 2010
