Nutrition and Prostate Health
A Review of Nutrition, Herbals, and Lifestyle on Prostate Health
Feb 19, 2008
Aging is an issue that no longer affects only women. Science has discovered a multitude of health concerns that may affect men as they age; among these is prostate health. Nearly two-thirds of men between the ages of forty and sixty are affected by a complication with their prostate. The most common prostate complication is benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), or enlargement of the prostate. BPH may cause frequent urination, excessive nocturia and reduced pressure when urinating. While there are medications available for treatment of BPH, they are often accompanied with undesirable side effects. The good news is that there are dietary and lifestyle factors that may reduce the occurrence and severity of benign prostatic hyperplasia.
Minerals
The key to long-term prostate health is dietary prevention and early diagnosis. Zinc and selenium are two dietary intake markers that have been strongly associated with BPH prevention and diagnosis. The prostate accumulates more zinc than any other soft tissue in the body, making adequate zinc intake a primary concern for overall prostate health. Zinc accumulation inhibits the metastatic capability of malignant prostate cells and exhibits cell-cycle arrest effects via its induction of apoptosis (1). Studies have shown that adequate zinc levels in the body strongly correlate with a decrease in various prostatic diseases.
Another mineral that has become prominent in BPH prevention is selenium. Dr. Guang-Xun Li at the University of Minnesota has determined that selenium is a promising chemopreventive agent for prostate health due to its induction of reactive oxygen species (ROS)-mediated apoptosis, DNA single-strand breaks, and p53 caspase-dependent and independent apoptosis in prostatic stromal and epithelial cancer cells.
Herbal Extracts
The herb saw palmetto (Serenoa repens) has been used for centuries to treat prostate-related issues. Recent clinical trials have suggested the efficacy of saw palmetto for treating lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) due to BPH. Another herb that has demonstrated great efficacy for treating LUTS is pygeum (Pygeum africanum) bark extract. It contains three ester compounds that have shown to affect growth factor-mediated prostate growth as well as specific parameters of bladder function. Other herbs such as Baikal skullcap and Reishi have also been shown to demonstrate prostate health benefits. Baikal skullcap extract has substantial COX-2 inhibiting activity.
Lifestyle Factors
There are also lifestyle factors that can decrease the discomfort and ailments associated with an enlarged prostate. A study conducted by the Kinesiology Department at the University of Calgary found that moderate and strenuous exercise can significantly improve chronic fatigue and quality of life for patients diagnosed with prostate-related health issues. Avoiding bladder irritants such as caffeine, alcohol and spicy food will help to alleviate certain BPH symptoms (2). While complete prevention of benign prostatic hyperplasia and prostate cancer may not attainable, strong evidence suggests that dietary changes and supplementation with a variety of nutrients can reduce the incidence and mortality of prostate cancer.
- Franklin, R. and Costello, L. Zinc as an anti-tumor agent in prostate cancer and in other cancers. Archives of Biochemistry and Biophysics. 463(2): 211-217, 2007.
- Parsons, J. Modifiable risk factors for benign prostatic hyperplasia and lower urinary tract symptoms: New approaches to old problems. Journal of Urology. 178(2): 395-401, 2007.
