The most effective natural approaches to preventing and treating prostate enlargement, heart disease, sexual dysfunction, and more
1. Enlarged Prostate (Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia)
The all-too-common problem of prostate enlargement, also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), affects almost half of men over the age of 45. It is characterized by problems with urination, including difficulty starting and stopping, a sluggish stream, the need to urinate frequently at night, and the tendency to dribble.
As men age, their hormone status changes. Testosterone levels decline, while levels of estrogen and a metabolite of testosterone known as DHT increase—and this fuels prostate growth. To make matters worse, toxins such as pesticides and herbicides, plasticizers such as BPA, and other environmental pollutants known as xenoestrogens mimic the effects of estrogen in the body and exacerbate the problem. So the key to successful treatment is to reduce their effects on the prostate.
Natural solutions
To prevent and treat prostate enlargement, eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, particularly cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli and cauliflower, that promote hormone balance by detoxifying estrogen. Also consume foods that are high in omega-3 fatty acids, which reduce prostate inflammation. Cold-water fish (salmon, sardines), flaxseeds and flaxseed oil, fermented soy (miso, natto, tempeh), and nuts and seeds are all good sources. Zinc-rich foods, including pumpkin seeds, are also helpful. And limit your intake of sugar, caffeine, and alcohol, all of which can inflame the prostate.
Supplement-wise, saw palmetto extract has been shown in several studies to help BPH. A meta-analysis published in the Journal of the American Medical Association reviewed 18 randomized, controlled trials involving 2,939 men with BPH and found that saw palmetto can improve urinary fl ow as effectively as the commonly used drug Finasteride.
Denne historien er fra June 2016-utgaven av Better Nutrition.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra June 2016-utgaven av Better Nutrition.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
Strike A Healing Chord
Soothe your mind, body, and spirit with three simple sound therapy techniques for self-care.
Laura's Gourmet Granola
If you’re tired of granola that’s more candy than health food, chef and entrepreneur Laura Briscoe’s offerings are just what you’ve been looking for.
News Bites
Caffeine, Peanuts, CoQ10, and Iron Deficiency.
The Overlooked Keys to a Healthy Gallbladder
Keep your bile thin and free-flowing by focusing on supportive foods, supplements, and physical activity.
Go Nutty This Year
This über-healthy alternative to traditional lattes features homemadewalnut “mylk,” along with antioxidant-rich green tea and berries.
The Three Stages of Infection
What you need before, during and after an illness, and why you need different fixes for each stage.
Taming the Flames
How to beat back chronic inflammation and protect yourself from related disease.
Deconstructing the Flexitarian Diet
How being a part-time vegan can make you healthier.
Brain Regain
How one senior used a leptin-focused diet (high-fat, no carbs) to recover from a cognitive injury, reconnect with his family, and reclaim his health.
Healthy Aging— Head To Toe
Science-backed supplements to protect all your parts.