All men, regardless of age, shape, size and colour should be thinking about their prostate health. The prostate is a gland located between the bladder and the base of the penis, in front of the rectum. The function of the prostate is to make and secrete a milky, slight acidic fluid which protects and nourishes sperm cells and makes semen more liquid. This fluid contains;

• Citric acid to energise sperm
• Enzymes such as prostate-specific antigens (PSA) used to clot seminal fluid
• Seminalplasmin which acts as a natural antibiotic and protects the sperm from bacterial infection of the fluid.

An increase in Prostate-specific antigens (PSA) can enlarge the prostate gland and increase infection, enlargement or in some cases indicate prostate cancer. An increased PSA alone is not necessarily a cancer diagnosis, and should be monitored by a GP. Prostate conditions are generally slow to develop and many DR’s will take a cautious monitoring approach. It is important to note that autopsy research shows that about half of all men over the age of 80 actually have prostate cancer, but have died without ever knowing about it, and have died of something else entirely. Whilst prostate conditions such as benign prostatic hyperplasia, prostatitis and prostate cancer do not generally affect men until 40+ or older, the time to support prostate health and prevent prostate problems is NOW.

Does the Size of the Prostate Change with Age?

Yes, the size of the prostate changes with age. In younger men, the prostate is about the size of a walnut, however it can grow to be much larger in older men, which can become problematic and can result in the following symptoms;

• Frequent urination
• Nocturia (bed wetting)
• Hesitancy in urination
• Decreased force of urination stream
• Post-voiding dribbling
• Sensation of incomplete emptying

Whilst some enlargement of the prostate gland, known as benign prostatic hyperplasia can happen as part of the natural ageing process, it is critical to seek medical support if you are suffering with one, some or all of the above symptoms.

How do we protect ourselves?

Scientific research has shown that some some simple steps can have positive impacts on prostate health.

Go plant based!

Research currently supports that eating a diet rich in whole plant-based foods, regular exercise, stress management and positive social engagement have a significant positive impact on prostate health, even in patients with cancer cell progression when diagnosed in early stage prostate cancer. Animal products and dairy contain hormones and growth factors such as IGF-1 (insulin like growth factor 1) and can enhance the growth of hormone sensitive tumours.

Flaxseed

Daily inclusion of 1 Tablespoon of ground flaxseeds, due to their unique lignin content, has been associated with general prostate health and implicated in improved cancer prognosis.

Lycopene

Most commonly found in tomatoes, lycopene works as a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent in the body and may support the health and integrity of the prostate gland in this capacity.

Saw palmetto

The herb saw palmetto contain active properties that may be effective in reducing the amount of the enzyme PSA that promotes the growth of prostate cells and contains anti-inflammatory properties that have a positive effect on the prostate gland and is commonly used as sexual tonic and aphrodisiac.

Please note – all men with an enlarged prostate should thoroughly discuss all of their treatment options, including the use of supplements with their doctor and healthcare specialist before commencing treatment.   

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