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Nutritional Support for Prostate Health

As a cardiologist, I treat many men over the age of fifty. Many of these men have prostate problems as well. While lecturing to the prostate support group at Manchester Memorial Hospital, I was amazed at how many younger men (in their forties) had prostate problems, including cancer. Diet is one of the best ways to protect against prostate cancer. Throughout this book I have been praising the healing capabilities of soybean products. Soybeans contain isoflavones rich in natural phytoestrogens. Extensive research has shown that these compounds have many protective benefits, reducing the incidence of prostate cancer in study populations. There is also experimental evidence that phytoestrogens also protect against colon cancer. Not only do soy products protect the circulatory system, but the phytoestrogen effect of genistin found in soybeans protects against the bone loss that leads to osteoporosis. For men, these phytoestrogens are especially important in reducing the incidence of prostate cancer. It is noteworthy that Japanese men, whose diet is low in fat and high in soy products, have a low incidence of prostate cancer.

Another nutrient associated with the prevention of prostate cancer is lycopene. Lycopene is a protective carotenoid responsible for the red color in tomatoes. Several studies have observed a direct association between increased consumption of tomatoes and a reduction in the risk of prostate cancer. When it comes to prostate health, men should consider the nutritional protection found in tomatoes and tomato sauces, as well as the many soy products I have discussed in previous sections of this book.

However, there are specific herbs and nutritionals that are also useful in prostate healing. In addition to the low saturated fat, lycopene, and a soy-enriched diet, I recommend the following for prostate health:

1. Avoid alcohol and nicotine.

2. Take natural vitamin/mineral preparations including folic acid, vitamin E, zinc, and mixed carotenoids, including beta carotene and lycopene.

3. Take saw palmetto, 160 mg to 320 mg daily, for an enlarged prostate. Saw palmetto is a safe, cost-effective natural alternative for treating BPH (benign prostatic hypertrophy). Clinical studies, such as that described in Michael Murray's The Healing Power of Herbs, have determined that it is as effective - if not more effective - than the widely prescribed drug called Proscar. Saw palmetto attacks BPH by reducing levels of DHT (dihydrotestosterone). DHT is the active form of testosterone, the major culprit causing enlargement of the prostate gland. Saw palmetto also blocks the action of 5-alpha reductase, the enzyme that converts testosterone to DHT. Increased 5-alpha reductase activity and high levels of DHT appear to be major contributors to BPH.

4. Pygeum africanum, 50 to 75 mg per day. Pygeum africanum is a nontoxic tree native to Africa. Its medicinal properties are derived from the bark of the trunk. It is particularly effective in reducing the size of the prostate gland and in enhancing prostatic secretions.

5. Stinging nettles, 150 mg daily, may help to increase urine flow.

6. GLAs (gamma linolenic acids), 2,000 to 3,000 mg daily (in the form of evening primrose oil, borage oil, or black currant oil).

Impotence

Whether the result of an enlarged prostate or sexual dysfunction, men of all ages may experience impotence. The following suggestions have helped many of my patients with this problem:

1. Use a multivitamin/mineral formula with zinc, at least 30 mg per day.

2. Take L-tyrosine, 2-3 grams daily.

3. Consume L-arginine 4 grams at bedtime. (Doses greater than 6 grams may increase growth hormone, thus stimulating testosterone production.)

4. Use coenzyme Q, 60 mg after meals.

5. Take Siberian ginseng, 2 grams per day.

6. Ingest ginkgo biloba, 120 mg daily.

7. Use saw palmetto, 160 to 320 mg daily.

8. Consider Corynanthe yohimbe. (Note that yohimbine, a substance found in the bark of the yohimbe tree, is powerful and can have side effects. Since its primary action is to increase blood flow to erectile tissue, an increase in heart rate and blood pressure may occur. Corynanthe yohimbe should not be used without the supervision of a physician.)

9. Consider Muira puama. (This herb, native to Brazil, has long been used to improve libido and sexual function. Although Muira puama's mechanism of action is unknown, its effectiveness in erectile function may be related to enhancing self-esteem. In one study of 262 patients, 1 to 2 grams of Muira puama extract produced a significant response in at least 50 percent of the subjects. Muira puama is often placed in various male formulas in low dosage. These nutritional support systems can usually be found in health food stores.

© 1998 by Stephen T. Sinatra, M.D.

Tags: Healing

About the Author

Stephen T. Sinatra, M.D., F.A.C.C., is board certified in internal medicine and cardiology. He has special expertise in utilizing behavior modification and emotional release as tools for healthy leaving. Trained in Gestalt and bioenergetic psychotherapy, he is a certified bioenergetic analyst. Editor of monthly Phillips' HeartSense newsletter, Dr. Sinatra is a much-sought-after speaker for medical conventions and anti-aging conferences.