Simple ways to support prostate health

For most people with prostates, dysfunction in this small organ will lead to uncomfortable symptoms late in life.  This becomes more common after around age 50, but may occur much earlier, and is almost universal after age 80 or so.

For those that may not know (many people it turns out!), the prostate is a small, walnut shaped organ between the penis and the rectum.  The urethra passes through the prostate.  A major function of the prostate is to secrete fluid which nourishes protects the sperm during ejaculation.

Prostate conditions
The most common medical conditions associated with the prostate are:

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia - BPH

•  A swelling of the prostate that could lead to urinary symptoms such as increased frequency, difficulty starting urination, weak stream or dribbling.

Protatitis

•  Prostatitis is usually associated with inflammation and may be due to infection, or may be due to non-infective causes.
•  Symptoms could include those of BPH, or also pain or burning with urination, pain or discomfort in the groin, abdomen or lower back, and more.

Prostate cancer

•  A common form of cancer that is usually treatable when caught early.
• More advanced cases may cause urinary symptoms, erectile dysfunction, bone pain, weight loss and more.

General support for the prostate
Prostate conditions may develop in conjunction with higher circulating amounts of insulin or chronic inflammation.  If either of these two are present, then addressing those may ultimately help with prostate health as well.

Physical support
Too much sitting can be harmful to prostate health, both due to the inactivity as well as pressure on the perineum.  Here are some ideas for how to address this:

Sitting

• Try to alternate periods of sitting with standing to work, and/or taking frequent breaks, i.e. every 30 minutes
• Sitting on a prostate-friendly chair/cushion/bike seat that relives pressure on the perineal area

Movement:

• Do daily stretching or yoga for the lower body, i.e. inverted yoga poses
• Take frequent walks or runs, i.e. 2-4 miles/day

Dietary support
Diet is very individual, and dietary recommendations will vary from person to person, however here are some general guidelines:

Increase:

• Consumption of fresh fruit and vegetables
• Garlic and onions
  • Shown to be the most protective vegetables for prostate health
• Isoflavones, i.e. whole soy

Avoid/reduce:

• Excessive animal products

Herbal support
For support of the prostate and surrounding organs there are a few possibilities:

Urinary support

• Soothing, demulcent herbs like couchgrass or marshmallow root may provide relief from mild, irritative symptoms in the urinary tract

Relaxation for the surrounding tissue

• Herbs like kava or valerian that relax the muscles may provide relief where tension disrupts the normal flow of urine

Hormonal support

• Herbs like nettle root and saw palmetto have traditionally been used for prostate health, however their hormonal effects can include undesired side effects, so please consult an herbalist or qualified practitioner before using.

Conclusion
The prostate is a little understood but important gland.  People with prostates are at risk for developing urinary symptoms or other problems in the later stages of life, but there is a lot that we can do with simple lifestyle changes to preserve the health of this organ.

Please share with anyone you think would benefit!

Thanks for reading!

By Nick Cavanaugh

References

1. Gladstar, R. (2017). Rosemary Gladstar's Herbal Healing for Men: Remedies and Recipes for Circulation Support, Heart Health, Vitality, Prostate Health, Anxiety Relief, Longevity, Virility, Energy & Endurance. United States: Storey Publishing, LLC.
2. Integrative Men's Health. (2014). United Kingdom: Oxford University Press.
3. Mills, S. Y., Bone, K., Mills, S. (2013). Principles and Practice of Phytotherapy: Modern Herbal Medicine. United Kingdom: Churchill Livingstone.

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