Promising Prostate Supplements For Men Over 50 With BPH Symptoms

Discover The Benefits of a Healthy Prostate Supplement

According to the National Cancer Institute, about 12.6% of U.S. men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during their lifetimes. Men over 50 are most at risk. According to the Mayo Clinic, more than half the men over age 50 will show signs of an enlarged prostate or BPH (benign prostatic hyperplasia). Learn how to recognize the 5 early signs of prostate cancer.

There is no cure for enlarged prostate. However, the best prostate supplements for men may help to ease symptoms and shrink the size of the prostate. The effectiveness of these ingredients is limited, but they may provide some relief for men who suffer from an enlarged prostate. Prostate cancer is most common among African American men, followed by Hispanic and Native American men. Asian American men have the lowest rates of prostate cancer. National Institute of Aging

Many studies suggest that dietary prostate supplement use is common among cancer patients and men at risk of prostate cancer. You need to read the label carefully and ask your doctor if he or she knows anything about the supplement before you take it. Every supplement may not work for everyone, but trying doesn’t hurt. It’s worth finding something that works well for you instead of always taking prescription drugs. Of course, you never want to mix supplements with prescription drugs of any kind without first learning about possible interactions.

Family History of Prostate Cancer

It is believed that men with a family history of prostate cancer are at greater risk. One survey documented that about 60% of these men use vitamins or supplements, with one-third of those targeted for prostate health.

1. What are prostate supplements for men over 50?

Prostate supplements are dietary supplements that contain nutrients that may be beneficial for the health and normal functioning of the prostate gland. Common prostate supplement ingredients include saw palmetto, beta-sitosterol, stinging nettle, lycopene, selenium, and zinc.**

The most common and well-studied supplements for treating BPH are beta-sitosterol, pygeum, rye grass, and saw palmetto. Beta-sitosterol is a substance found in many plants that can help improve bladder function and urinary flow. Pygeum is an African tree extract that helps reduce urinary frequency and nighttime urination. Ryegrass is a natural diuretic that can help relieve the symptoms of BPH.

It is not entirely clear how prostate supplements work, but it is thought that they may help to ease symptoms and reduce the size of the prostate gland by decreasing levels of dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT is a hormone that plays a role in the development and growth of the prostate gland. saw palmetto, beta-sitosterol, selenium, and lycopene are all ingredients found in some prostate supplements that have been shown to inhibit the activity of 5-alpha-reductase. This enzyme converts testosterone to DHT.

There is some epidemiological evidence to suggest that men who take prostate supplements may have a lower risk of developing prostate cancer. A large 2013 study found that men who took selenium or vitamin E supplements were 32% less likely to develop prostate cancer than those who did not supplement. A smaller 2012 study found similar results, with men who took selenium and vitamin E being 41% less likely to develop prostate cancer to inhibit 5-alpha reductase activity.

Some scientific evidence suggests that saw palmetto may improve the symptoms of an enlarged prostate gland (benign prostatic hyperplasia). The beneficial effects of other ingredients in prostate supplements are derived from correlations in clinical trials and other studies.

2. Benefits of prostate supplements for men over 50 with BPH symptoms

There are many potential benefits of prostate supplements for men over 50. These supplements may help to:

• Promote urinary health
• Support a healthy prostate
• Help reduce the risk of developing benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)

Saw palmetto, beta-sitosterol, and lycopene have been shown to be effective in clinical trials.

Additionally, as men age, their testosterone levels naturally decline, which can lead to reduced sex drive and increased fatigue. Testosterone replacement therapy is one treatment option, but it comes with some risks. Prostate supplements with saw palmetto or stinging nettle extract may help to support healthy testosterone levels.

Many prostate support supplements for urinary health on the market claim to improve men’s health and wellness. However, there is no conclusive scientific evidence to support these claims. Some of the ingredients in these supplements may have health benefits, but more research is needed to confirm their efficacy.

Will prostate supplements help with ed

Many men turn to vitamins and other natural treatment methods when they have erectile dysfunction (ED) due to a variety of reasons. Some want to avoid side effects from prescription medications, and others simply haven’t had much success with these treatments.

3. Potential risks associated with taking prostate supplements for men over 50 with BPH

There are potential risks associated with taking prostate supplements, as some of these products may contain ingredients that could interact with medications or other health conditions.

It is always important to speak with a healthcare provider before taking any supplement, even one advertised as all-natural. Some of the potential risks and side effects associated with taking prostate supplements include:

• Increased blood pressure in men with hypertension,
• swelling of the prostatic urethra and related urinary tract
• symptoms such as hesitancy, increased frequency of urination,
• nocturia (awakening to urinate at night),
• full bladder feeling,
• urgency, dribbling, or weak stream.

These side effects are rare. One study that looked at the effect of a saw palmetto extract on prostate-specific antigen levels (a test used to screen for prostate cancer) and Quality Of Life questionnaires completed by subjects taking either saw palmetto or a placebo over two years found that there were no significant group differences in PSA levels or quality of life. However, there was a trend for lower QOL scores among the men taking saw palmetto compared with the placebo.

In another study, researchers looked at health-related Quality Of Life questionnaires (scored from 0-100) completed by subjects taking either saw palmetto or a placebo over two years, finding that “there were no significant changes in any of five HrQoL estimates.” This was due to an apparent increase in sexual function subscales.

However, an overview of sexual function findings in clinical trials with saw palmetto concluded that the “data on efficacy and safety were too limited to allow definitive conclusions.” They noted that their review was made more difficult because some studies measured orgasm quality while others looked at frequency.

4. Are prostate supplement ingredients safe?

While common prostate supplement ingredients do not appear to have any serious risks or side effects themselves, there is still some uncertainty about their effectiveness. Also, the possible interactions between prostate supplements and other dietary supplements and medications must be taken into consideration.

Dietary supplements can have undesirable ingredients that are not disclosed on the label. Heavy metals and animal products can be introduced through less than rigorous manufacturing practices.

5. Does nutrition play a role in maintaining prostate health?

Yes, diet and nutrition do play a role in maintaining prostate health. Some of the foods believed to be beneficial for keeping a man’s prostate healthy are:

• soybeans or soy-based products;
• green tea; and
• certain fruits and vegetables like romaine lettuce, tomatoes, broccoli, and cabbage.

Early-phase clinical trials with isoflavones, soy, and soy products for the prevention and treatment of prostate cancer have been limited by relatively short durations of intervention and small sample sizes with low statistical power. These studies targeted heterogeneous prostate cancer patient populations (in high-risk, early- and later-stage disease) and varying doses of isoflavones, soy, and soy products and have not demonstrated evidence of reducing prostate cancer progression.*

People who are obese may have a higher risk of prostate cancer compared with people considered to have a healthy weight, though studies have had mixed results. In obese people, the cancer is more likely to be more aggressive and more likely to return after initial treatment.  Mayo Clinic urologist Mitchell Humphreys, M.D.

Some studies suggest that high total calcium intake may be associated with an increased risk of advanced and metastatic prostate cancer, compared with a lower intake of calcium.

However, to properly evaluate the association between calcium intake and prostate cancer mortality and morbidity, it may be important to assess objective, biological markers of calcium, include data that account for nutritional and supplemental calcium intake, and control for other confounding factors. Studies of the association between calcium and prostate cancer have been limited to nutritional sources of calcium, such as dairy products.*

Rather than getting lost exploring rabbit holes on specific foods’ often conflicting nutritional and medicinal value, set yourself up for a doable lifestyle-changing intermittent fasting plan.

6. Tips for choosing the right prostate supplement

Many different prostate supplements for enlarged prostate are available on the market, so it can be difficult to choose the right one. Here are a few tips to help you select the most effective supplement for your needs:

Talk to your doctor. Before taking any type of supplement, it is important to speak with your physician first. This is especially true if you have any existing medical conditions or take prescription medications, as some supplements can interact with these products and cause serious side effects. Your doctor can advise you on whether a particular supplement is safe for you to take and also provide guidance on dosage recommendations.

Less than 50% of prostate cancer patients discuss their supplement use with their doctors. We can only speculate on the reasons for this reluctance. One study suggests that the participants had negative experiences with the healthcare system.

7. How to determine if you should take a prostate supplement

There is no definitive answer to whether or not someone should take a prostate supplement. However, some factors that may influence the decision include age, family history of prostate problems, and lifestyle choices. Speak with a healthcare professional if you have concerns about your risk of developing prostate problems.

There is limited research to suggest that some natural supplements may help ease symptoms associated with prostatitis or inflammation of the prostate. These supplements include quercetin in apples and tea, selenium, and milk thistle. However, these supplements cannot treat or cure prostatitis.

8. Potential side effects of prostate supplements and interactions with medications

There have been few studies on the potential side effects and interactions of dietary supplements containing phytochemicals that may influence prostate health. However, some evidence suggests that certain compounds in these supplements may interact with certain medications.

For example, saw palmetto has been shown to interfere with the absorption of testosterone replacement therapy in men undergoing treatment for low levels of this hormone. In addition, it is possible that other compounds present in these supplements (such as selenium) could also interact with prescription medications or other dietary supplements you may be taking.

Therefore, speaking with your healthcare professional about potential drug-nutrient interactions is important.

Can you take prostate supplements with Flomax

Flomax is one of the most commonly prescribed medications for BPH. It relieves the symptoms of an enlarged prostate and improves urine flow. It is an alpha-blocker that relaxes the prostate and bladder muscles. It is effective and easy to take. However, if you take Flomax you must speak with your doctor or pharmacist to determine if any supplement ingredients may interact with Flomax.

9. Adequate intake of essential vitamins and minerals for prostate health**

A healthy, well-planned diet is important for the proper immune system functioning, detoxification, endocrine function, and cell metabolism. Natural vitamins from food are good antioxidants that protect your body from free radical damage.

Essential oils in herbs contain substances that help to maintain normal hormone ratios and balances within our systems by stimulating or suppressing certain hormonal processes. These include Folate (B9), Vitamin C, Vitamin D3 & E vitamin – all shown helpful with balancing testosterone levels. At the same time, as just one example, selenium may support a balanced conversion rate between various hormones and enzymes necessary for healthy cellular function.

10. Additional tips for maintaining prostate health

• Be aware of drug-nutrient interactions when taking any dietary supplement, especially if you are also taking medication(s).
• Eat a healthful diet that includes adequate vitamin D and other essential vitamins and minerals.

References for Prostate Supplements for Men Over 50:

*PDQ® Integrative, Alternative, and Complementary Therapies Editorial Board. PDQ Prostate Cancer, Nutrition, and Dietary Supplements. Bethesda, MD: National Cancer Institute. Updated <January 13, 2023>. Available at: https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/cam/hp/prostate-supplements-pdq. Accessed <January, 2023>. [PMID: 26389500]

**Dietary Factors and Supplements Influencing Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) Concentrations in Men with Prostate Cancer and Increased Cancer Risk: An Evidence Analysis Review Based on Randomized Controlled Trials. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7600271/