Men’s Prostate and Urinary Health

Prostate health concerns are extremely common in men over 50. There are several nutrients and herbal supplements that may help support men’s prostate and urinary tract health.

1) Saw Palmetto
Saw palmetto is a plant native to the southeastern United States. This herb is a source of fatty acids and phytosterols and is one of the most common supplements taken by men with prostate concerns. It is most frequently taken to help support prostate health and promote healthy urinary tract flow and frequency, as well as to help maintain hormonal balance.

2) Selenium

Selenium is a trace mineral that is essential for human health. It works as an antioxidant to help protect cells and our body needs it for many processes including reproduction, thyroid hormone metabolism and DNA synthesis. Selenium concentrations decline with age and some studies have shown a correlation between higher selenium intakes and better prostate health. Selenium may also help maintain cardiovascular, thyroid and immune health. 

Good natural food sources of selenium include:

• Nuts, like Brazil nuts and walnuts
• Garlic, broccoli and brussels sprouts
• Many fresh and saltwater fish, like tuna, cod, red snapper and herring
• Beef and poultry
• Grains 

Whole foods are the best sources of selenium. The mineral may be destroyed during processing. 

3) Lycopene

Lycopene is a carotenoid pigment and a highly effective antioxidant that accumulates in prostate tissues. It is found in whole foods including tomatoes, watermelon, pink grapefruit and other foods with a red hue. Tomatoes and tomato products are our most common dietary source.Studies have linked tomato consumption with a decrease in risk for prostate health concerns and because lycopene is found in a high concentration in tomatoes and provides antioxidant protection, it is suspected to play a role in prostate health. 

4) Flower Pollen Extract

Flower pollen extracts are a rich source of amino acids, minerals and vitamins and  may be an effective tool in enhancing and maintaining prostate and urinary health. 

5) Pygeum

Pygeum extract comes from the bark of an African tree with a long history of use for promoting prostate and urinary tract health. Chemicals in pygeum may work to help with urine flow, urinary frequency during the day and night, as well as prostate health.