As a man ages, it is very common for the prostate gland to enlarge. Doctors call this condition benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), or benign prostatic hypertrophy. As the prostate enlarges, the layer of tissue surrounding it stops it from expanding, causing the prostate gland to press against the urethra like a clamp on a garden hose. The bladder wall becomes thicker and irritable. The bladder begins to contract even when it contains small amounts of urine, causing more frequent urination. Eventually, the bladder weakens and loses the ability to empty itself. Urine remains in the bladder. The narrowing of the urethra and partial emptying of the bladder cause many of the problems associated with prostate enlargement. 
    Many symptoms of prostate enlargement stem from obstruction of the urethra and gradual loss of bladder function, which results in incomplete emptying of the bladder. The symptoms of prostate enlargement vary, but the most common ones involve changes or problems with urination, such as a hesitant, interrupted, weak stream. urgency and leaking or dribbling, and more frequent urination, especially at night. This is called nocturia.
   Many effective pharmaceutical medicines are available to improve symptoms of prostate enlargement. However, there are also effective natural therapies, including the use of time-tested herbal products.

Prostate Power Rx is a comprehensive prostate product with saw palmetto formulated by Dr. Ray Sahelian, M.D.
Ingredients include:
Green Tea extract which contains EGCG.
Lycopene extract from tomato
Pygeum Africanum extract
Quercetin is a flavonoid
Rye Pollen extract has been studied for prostate health
Saw Palmetto extract which can also be bought directly here, at Saw-Palmetto herb web site.
Sitosterol or beta sitosterol
Stinging Nettle extract
Daidzein - Treatment with equol, the major active form of daidzein, the estrogen-like compound found in soy, blocks prostate growth in rats.

Prostate Research Update
Use of supplements containing selenium may reduce the risk of advanced prostate Cancer. The fact that no effect was seen against early prostate cancer suggests that selenium works by slowing cancer progression rather than by preventing it all together. A recent study links the consumption of the essential mineral selenium with a lower risk of prostate cancer. There are now seven population studies in the past six years that examined the possible connection between selenium and prostate cancer. All but one of them have found selenium protective. Yet, since scientists are still uncertain how prostate cancer starts or can be prevented, it is too early to say that selenium definitely protects the prostate.

Men over 50 who have higher levels of testosterone have a higher risk of prostate cancer. The findings may mean that men should be cautious about testosterone replacement therapy, being tested in older men who see a decline in general health and vigor.

Ejaculation frequency is not related to increased risk for prostate cancer.

A molecule produced in the intestine when soy is digested stops a hormone which can fuel prostate growth or cause baldness. Writing in the journal Biology of Reproduction, they said the finding could explain why Japanese men, who eat more soy, rarely have prostate cancer. They said the molecule could be used as a treatment for cancer and baldness. The team found that the molecule, equol, "handcuffs" the male hormone DHT - a by-product of testosterone. The researchers say this could be particularly important for men who have been diagnosed with either an enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia), or cancer of the prostate. DHT has also been implicated in research into the causes of male pattern baldness.

Findings from a new animal study suggest that selenium use may decrease age-related DNA damage in the prostate and increase epithelial cell apoptosis. Therefore, dietary supplementation with the mineral could be useful in preventing prostate cancer. Dr. David J. Waters, from Purdue University in Lafayette, Indiana, and colleagues evaluated the prostate glands of 49 elderly male dogs that were randomized to receive a regular diet or a diet supplemented with selenium for 7 months. Prostate cells and lymphocytes from selenium-treated dogs demonstrated significantly less DNA damage than cells from control animals. Although the exact mechanism was unclear, it did not appear to involve the plasma antioxidant enzyme glutathione peroxidase. Animals treated with selenium also demonstrated significantly greater epithelial cell apoptotic activity than control animals. The authors state. "Further study of the process of carcinogenesis within the prostate of animal species vulnerable to spontaneous cancer development may provide important insights into the putative anticancer mechanisms of selenium and identify biomarkers that predict the prostate's response to selenium." Source: J Natl Cancer Inst 2003;95:237-241.

Prostate questions
Q. I am a 69 year old male. I have an PSA reading which is higher than I would like. My last medical exam did not include a prostate biopsy but there was no evidence of cancer. I am looking at using a product called " defined pollen
extract " to reduce the size of my prostate. Can you comment on this product for me ?
   A. We are not familiar with " defined pollen extract." A google search reveals it contains Ingredients: Defined pollen extract from rye, timothy grass, corn, hazel, sallow, aspen, oxye, and pine pollens. We don't have any knowledge whether it is effective or not for prostate enlargement or prostate cancer.

Q. I am soon to be 55 years old and think I have an enlarged prostate with nocturia. I get up every hour and half to urinate. My urologist doesn't say much. My urine analyses come back fine and when he sticks the finger, it seems normal yet I get up to urinate at night. I eat a very health near vegan diet with some fish and eggs a couple times a week and my morning cup of coffee.
   A. It may take trial and error to find the best supplement or medication for your condition.

another prostate product Prostastrong and for more prostate saw palmetto information

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