Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is estimated to effect 50-60% of men between 40 and 59 years of age. The prostate is a gland at the base of the bladder in men only.

Certain malfunctions of the prostate can develop causing problems with urination and fertility. Symptoms of BPH include: Urinary frequency (especially at night), difficulty starting and stopping the flow of urine, bladder not emptying fully, and the force of urine flow is reduced. There is a higher likelihood of infection setting in (prostatitis) and an increased risk of prostate cancer developing.

A diagnosis is usually achieved through an examination which reveals a soft, smooth and enlarged prostate gland that is not tender. BPH is caused by metabolic changes arising from the many changing steroid (hormone) levels in men of this age group.

Free testosterone levels decrease with age and other hormone levels increase causing a pool of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) (the potent androgen derived from testosterone) within the prostate. There is a decreased rate of removal of DHT and testosterone due to the inhibitory effect other increasing hormone levels have on the metabolism of these chemicals.

BPH can often be very successfully managed using nutritional, herbal and dietary support.

• Try to have a diet that is rich in vegetables and wholegrains and limit your intake of processed and refined foods. Drink plenty of water (6-8 glasses a day).

• Eat one handful of pumpkin seeds (raw) everyday for their zinc and essential fatty acid content. It is also recommended that 1 tablespoon of flax seed oil be taken daily for adequate essential fatty acid intake.

• Supplementing the diet with up to two tablespoons of bee pollen granules (or equivalent) has shown some promising results in the relief of BPH symptoms.

• Try to limit your salt and animal fat intake as cholesterol metabolites in the blood may damage cells and accumulate in the prostate gland. A diet low in red meat is advisable. Beer and other alcohol intake should be greatly reduced.

Prostatitis is an inflammatory condition of the prostate that can be acute or chronic. In addition to following the above dietary and lifestyle measures, sufferers should use Prostate Support Formula in conjunction with other supplements such as Oxoamidin (high strength garlic) and Immune Formula.

It contains nutrients beneficial to prostate gland function, hormone regulation and reproductive health in men.

Zinc: Inarguably regarded as the most important nutrient in the treatment of Benign prostatic hyperplasia. Zinc has been shown to reduce the size of the prostate and to reduce symptoms in the majority of patients.

The role of zinc in BPH is believed to be its involvement with androgen (male hormone) metabolism. Intestinal uptake of zinc is impaired by oestrogens but enhanced by androgens. Since oestrogen levels are increased in men with BPH, zinc uptake may be low.

L-Glycine, L-Alanine and L-Glutamic Acid: These three amino acids in combination have shown in several studies to relieve many of the symptoms of BPH.

In a controlled study of 45 men, frequent night time urination was relieved or reduced in 95%, urgency reduced in 81%, frequency reduced in 73%, and delayed urination alleviated in 70%. Similar results have been reported in other controlled studies.

Saw Palmetto and Pygeum Africanum: An extract of the fruit of saw palmetto has been shown to greatly improve the signs and symptoms of an enlarged prostate in clinical studies.

Saw Palmetto extract inhibits dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and the action of 5-alpha-reductase (the enzyme that converts testosterone to DHT).

Pygeum africanum has demonstrated some impressive results in reducing symptoms associated with BPH from clinical trials of over 600 patients.