Question : I HEARD from a friend that the herb Saw Palmetto is very beneficial to those with prostate enlargement or Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH). Tell me more about this condition and how does pumpkin seed help? Can I take a zinc supplement together with this herbal formulation?
Answer : THE prostate is a doughnut-shaped male sex gland. It is located right beneath the urinary bladder and surrounds the urethra, a tube which drains the bladder. The first signs of prostate enlargement tend to be related to urination problems. As men get older, the prostate has a natural tendency to enlarge. The primary cause is a change in hormone levels. As one ages, the testosterone level drops but other hormones such as prolactin, oestradiol and the sex hormone-bind- ing ligand, increase.
The typical symptoms of BPH are frequent urination (every 30 minutes or so), especially at night, with small amounts of urine; a sudden, urgent desire to urinate; a thin and weak stream of urine even with extra "effort"; having to wait longer to start urination; dribbling even after you have emptied the bladder; straining to urinate; and a feeling that you have to go again even though you have just passed urine.
BPH will often respond to nutritional and herbal support. This is particularly important as some surgical procedures result in complications. In addition, nutritional factors may offer significant protection against developing prostatic enlargement.
The herb Saw Palmetto is the most well-known and time-honoured herb, a powerful remedy used primarily to relieve symptoms associated with prostate enlargement. Not only does it strengthen the reproductive system by regulating the sex hormones, Saw Palmetto also improves a person's vitality and sex drive. By decreasing the levels of Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in the prostate, further enlargement of the prostate can be prevented.
Pumpkin Seed has long been used in treating prostate disorders. The effectiveness of this herb is thought to be due to its high content of essential fatty acids, zinc and plant sterol. Combining Saw Palmetto and Pumpkin Seed gives a more reliable and balanced effect because of the synergistic effects.
Zinc deficiency has also been linked to prostate inflammation and enlargement, therefore a zinc supplement may be advocated both to prevent and alleviate an enlarged prostate. Zinc-rich foods include whole grains, red meat, shellfish, nuts and seeds especially walnuts, hazelnuts and almonds, shrimps and soy beans.