60% of men between the ages of 40 and 59 have an enlarged prostate gland, known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Symptoms include; urinary frequency, urgency and night-time awakening to empty the bladder, with intermittency and reduced force.

Hormonal Factors

As men age, there are changes in hormone levels. Testosterone levels decrease, while other hormones, particularly prolactin, are released. The  net result of this is an increase in concentration of dihydro-testosterone in the prostate gland. This increases cellular reproduction and causes enlargement of the prostate.

Several treatments can help to reduce dihydro-testosterone levels.

Nutritional Factors

Zinc is the most important of all nutrients for avoidance of BPH. It inhibits the enzyme which converts testosterone to dihydro-testosterone. It also reduces the binding of both these hormones to cellular receptor sites, therefore allowing more of the hormones to be excreted.

However, intake of large amounts of zinc is not in itself enough; it needs to be absorbed. Various pancreatic juices are necessary for this, but pancreatic activity decreases with age. Zinc picolinate, bypasses the need for pancreatic activity, and therefore ensures maximum absorption.

Alcohol reduces zinc absorption and increases excretion. It also reduces vitamin B6 stores, further reducing zinc levels.

Essential Fatty Acids

Apparently, deficiency or imbalance in essential fatty acids can cause BPH. Linseed oil, and evening primrose oil to a total of 4000mg per day, will probably help.

Amino Acids

Three amino acids, glutamic acid, L-alanine and glycine, have been shown to help in various controlled tests.

Herbal Remedies

Saw Palmetto is believed to have a powerful inhibitory effect on production and retention of dihydro-testosterone. Pygeum Africanum, another herb, is known to be helpful.

Panax Ginseng has been shown, in animal studies,  to increase testosterone production and decrease prostate weight. No clinical trials have yet been carried out on human beings, but there is a long history of use for this and other problems.

Treatment

Nutritional Supplements

¨      Zinc Picolinate 25-50mg/day.

¨      Vitamin B6 100mg per day.

¨      Linseed oil and/or Evening Primrose Oil; total 4000mg per day.

¨      Amino acids; glutamic acid, glycine, L-alanine.

¨      Pumpkin seeds; ¼ to ½ cup per day, for zinc and essential fatty acids.

Herbal Medicines

¨      Saw Palmetto300-600mg per day.

¨      Pygeum Africanum 25-50mg per day.

To buy any of these products, click this link: www.NationalNutrition.co.uk