Protecting the prostate is essential for healthy aging. The disorders caused by the enlargement of this gland seriously affect the quality of life of many men. Plants may help us in the prevention and treatment of these disorders.
One of the
weak points of male health is the prostate, mainly in middle age. Prostate
cancer is the most common one in men, and 1 out of 8 men between 60 and 70
years old suffers from diseases like benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). This
incidence rises to 9 out of 10 men over 80 years of age.
Despite these
numbers, the Spanish Association of Urology warns that only half of men over 50 undergo
an annual medical check since prostate health is usually overlooked until problems
become real.
Which symptoms do we need to watch for?
Benign Prostatic
Hyperplasia is the benign growth of the prostate gland that causes urethral
obstruction. Some symptoms may appear when this happens: increased frequency of
urination, difficulty starting or stopping it, and even painful urination.
It is essential
to watch for these symptoms and undergo a medical checkup. Moreover, some medicinal
plants may help in these cases.
Which are these plants?
- Sabal (Serenoa repens): Its berries give
us a frequently used extract to tackle prostate disorders. It stands out
for its anti-inflammatory and anti-androgenic action, as well as for
inhibiting the growth of prostate epithelial cells.
- Pygeum (Pygeum africanum): Its bark
contains substances that improve the urinary symptoms derived from prostatic
hyperplasia. The extract is antiproliferative and prostatic regenerating,
as well as preventing or reducing functional bladder disorders.
- Pepperwort (Lepidium latifolium): Although
this plant is traditionally associated with the elimination of kidney
stones, research carried out by the R&D&I department of Soria
Natural has confirmed its anti-inflammatory prostatic action.
- Green nettle (Urtica dioica): Its leaves
and stem stand out for their content of compounds that provide diuretic,
depurative and anti-inflammatory properties, which make it recommendable
in case of inflammation of the urinary tract.
In addition to plants, we can
include in our daily diet some antioxidant-rich foods, such as fruits,
vegetables and nuts, that contain zinc and selenium, which are two trace
elements that help protect the prostate.
