How Herbs Can Help You Win the Prostate Battle

The differences between men’s and women’s health are primarily based on the differences in the anatomy, hormones, and perceptions of each sex. Women tend to listen to their bodies and are in tune with emotion and memory, while men tend to be more visual in their perception of things – including their very own health. “Generally speaking, men are more concerned about basic daily survival issues than they are about the prevention of disease.”

The truth is, however, that while both genders are very different, some health problems can be linked to both. There are many “female concerns affecting men”, including breast cancer (which has increased 600% in males in recent years), and osteoporosis-related fractures (with one in eight men experiencing them). Still, men and women are very different in the way they were created, but each has a small fragment of the other. This is what makes us the human race. In that race, however, it is our job to take care of our bodies. And knowing that lifestyle, environment, stress, and genetics affect us is a good start. A specific area where men should always pay attention is in the area of prostate health.

Testosterone levels play a big role in this. Women carry a 12% testosterone level; while men, on the other hand, have 80%, with this declining with age. Men also inherently have lower levels of estrogen and progesterone in their bodies. A high level of xenoestrogens cause the male reproductive system to decline, and it is during the man’s prostate health is in danger.

Why is prostate health important? One in 20 men will die from prostate cancer. By age 100, all men have some level of this cancer in their bodies due to the time and wear on their bodies. The discouraging news nowadays is that some forms of benign prostate cancer is showing up in men as young as their twenties, and doctors are seeing constant increases in the frequency of prostatitis. Many things contribute to this, including diets high in red meat, bad fats, few fruits and vegetables, and little fiber. Coffee and chocolate can also affect prostate health, and poor colon and bladder cleansing makes it even more dangerous when it comes to having a healthy prostate.

There are some things we can do behaviorally to keep the prostate healthy. These would include avoiding red meats and bad fats, coffee, and chocolate. Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables is also important, and regular colon and bladder cleansing will help. Exercising the prostate with regular monogamous sexual activity and making sure to go to the bathroom whenever the urge comes is important to keep the prostate from getting stagnant and inflamed from congestion, as well as ridding the prostate of the gravel or solid deposits that may make you sick. Frequent checkups are also important. But there are things we can do herbally and nutritionally as well, particularly for those at high risk for prostate trouble.

SAW PALMETTO – According to the Journal of the American Medical Association, Saw Palmetto “was singled out for its effectiveness in relieving bladder problems from enlarged prostate with virtually no side effects.” Perhaps this is because Saw Palmetto is known to inhibit Di-Hydrotestosterone, an antagonist to testosterone.

FLAX SEED OIL – This EFA was noted as early as 1941 for prostate benefits. Flax increases fertility, and also contributes to less frequent urination, increased energy, and enhanced sexual enthusiasm.

GINKGO BILOBA – This herb helps to improve blood flow to the prostate and penis, and is particularly helpful when used with Hawthorne, Gotu Kola, and Bacopa.

RED ROOT – This herb is known to be helpful for all prostate discomforts.

YLANG YLANG – Ylang Ylang is an essential oil known to increase circulation and repair damage to the internal tissues of the penis. It is also good for Peyronies Disease.

RED RASPBERRY – Red Raspberry is a reproductive tonic not just for women. It is a strong herb that works well in all reproductive system concerns for both women and men.

KOREAN GINSENG – As well as increasing energy and stamina, Korean Ginseng is shown to release nitric oxide, which helps to improve erectile dysfunction. L-ARGININE may also be used because it is a known pre-cursor to nitric oxide.

LYCOPENE – Tomatoes contain a great deal of this powerful natural antioxidant, which is known to help in the prevention of prostate cancer. In fact, those who eat at least two servings of tomatoes a week are known to have a 34% less risk of developing this type of cancer!

HORMONES -These include IGF-1, MELATONIN, and DHEA-M. These hormones increase energy and sexual drive, and can be critical in the manufacture of the testosterone that your body needs – particularly as you age.