Despite its small size, the prostate plays an important role in male reproductive and urinary health. Looking after your prostate health is important, especially as you age.
The prostate is a walnut-sized gland, shaped like a donut that surrounds the upper part of the urethra in men, just below the bladder. The prostate is important for male reproductive health as it supplies part of the seminal fluid, which mixes with sperm to help the sperm travel and survive. Given the location of the prostate surrounding the urethra, poor prostate health can disturb the urinary tract and lead to lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS).
LUTS
As men age, it is not uncommon for them to experience an increase in urinary symptoms. In fact, more than 50% of males experience LUTS by the age of 50, with the incidence increasing around 10% per decade, with up to 90% of males experiencing symptoms by the age of 85[1].
Common LUTS symptoms can include:
- Urinating more often
- Waking in the night to urinate
- Changes to everyday workings of the bladder
Strategies for LUTS
If you find yourself frustrated with any of the above, there are a few simple steps that can be taken. Our top recommendations include:
- Watch your fluids. Minimise drinks such as coffee, caffeinated soft drinks and alcohol, especially in the later part of the day and before bed.
- Revamp you diet. A healthy balanced diet is essential for overall health, but adding lots of fresh fruits and vegetables ensures a good supply of nutrients which are very important for prostate health. Zinc is particularly important, as it is concentrated in the prostate and necessary for maintaining prostate health. Include zinc rich foods, such as oysters, red meat, poultry, nuts and wholegrains.
- Practice pelvic floor exercises. Pelvic floor and bladder retraining exercises may help improve muscle tone and ease urinary symptoms.
Supporting your prostate
No matter your stage of life, it’s never to late to support the health of your prostate. Herbs of Gold Prostate Pro is specifically formulated with antioxidant nutrients and carefully selected extracts with the double benefit of supporting prostate health and urinary tract health in men. Prostate Pro contains Flowens™, a unique, full-spectrum clinically studied[1] extract of Cranberry fruit, and Phytopin®, a beta-sitoserol extract derived from Pinus pinaster, to maintain healthy urine output and relieve urinary frequency in males, plus zinc to support healthy prostate function.
Always read the label and follow the directions for use.
[1] Hechtman, L. (2017). Clinical Naturopathic Medicine. Elsevier.
[2] Vidlar, A., Vostalova, J., Ulrichova, J., Student, V., Stejskal, D., Reichenbach, R., ... & Simanek, V. (2010). The effectiveness of dried cranberries (Vaccinium macrocarpon) in men with lower urinary tract symptoms. British Journal of Nutrition, 104(8), 1181-1189.
