No one wants to have any type of cancer, especially prostate cancer. Although there are screening tests that can detect this cancer, there is no guarantee that it will be discovered in the early stages. But there is something that all men can do to lower – or possibly – eliminate their risk of prostate cancer and help their prostate glands work more effectively. By using the right vitamins and perhaps adding certain foods to their daily meals, men can avoid many of the problems that occur (especially with age) with their prostate gland.
So which vitamins, herbs and foods are most helpful for promoting prostate health? Many doctors have suggested Saw Palmetto as a possible aid and results have been very promising. Although the effects may not be immediate, men who use Saw Palmetto have reported less need to urinate frequently as well as relief from pain or discomfort while going to the bathroom. In many cases, their lives return to normal, with no hint of a prostate issue.
Dietary changes can also help with prostate health, along with nutritional supplements and vitamins. For unknown reasons, high fiber diets, particularly those low in fat, seem to alleviate prostate problems. Adding vitamins to the mix may boost the beneficial positive effects even more. Although every man is different and there may be variations (even when two men use the same products), the key to healthy prostate glands seems to lie with vitamins that help balance hormones, particularly testosterone. Levels of this hormone change with age and affect the prostate gland. Vitamin therapy can help this.
Zinc may be another supplement worth trying for prostate health. It is certainly worth asking one’s doctor or nutritionist about zinc therapy. Zinc may help to shrink the prostate gland, bringing much relief. Other vitamins which have been reported to help men with prostate problems – or keep problems from occurring in the first place – include Vitamins A and C, selenium and Vitamin E. Vitamin C is thought to help with general immune system problems and to help protect again prostate gland infections or inflammations. It also may be a mild diuretic and help with urinary issues.
An alternative to Vitamin C is lycopene, found in tomatoes and foods rich in Vitamin C. Lycopene may actually help prevent prostate cancer, making it a vitamin which definitely promotes prostate health. It may also help to slow down the progression of any cancer. Another promising dietary aid rests in soybeans and soy products. Research indicates that cultures where soy and soybeans are eaten frequently have lower rates of prostate cancer death. So loading up on the temp eh, miso and other soy products could keep the prostate healthy and/or any cancers from developing and growing quickly.
When making dietary changes, think in terms of brightly colored foods. Tomatoes, broccoli, red and green peppers, and carrots are all examples of food which can help create a healthy immune system. When possible, try eating the foods uncooked, adding fiber to the diet. Broccoli is delicious dipped in a little salad dressing or tossed with a bit of mayo.
Once the dietary changes have been made, speak to a doctor or nutritionist about trying Saw Palmetto. If this doesn’t bring relief, try adding a different vitamin or nutritional supplement each week, monitoring the effect on the prostate gland. For some men, zinc or Saw Palmetto may be the solution. For others, a combination of vitamins, herbs and foods may help maximize prostate health.