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Prosta-Care™ |
Dietary Support for Normal Prostate Function |
Suggested Retail Price:$19.95 The Prostate Gland The prostate gland is found below the bladder and in front of the rectum and it surrounds the upper section of the urethra. The normal prostate gland is about the size of a walnut. It secretes a thin, milky, alkaline fluid which helps lubricate the urethra to prevent infection and increase sperm mobility. Prostate secretions are very important to successful fertilization. Because of this location, when prostate health is compromised, it ends up causing many problems. The Problem As men age, their prostate becomes enlarged. Eventually, it constricts the urinary tract and pushes against the bladder. This leads to prostate dysfunction in 90% of all men over 50. Not only is it extremely uncomfortable, it also robs them of sleep, restricts their activities and affects sexual performance. This common disorder is known as Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) or Benign Prostatic Hypertropy. BPH is a gradual process. Presently it is estimated that 60% of men between the ages of 40 and 60 are already experiencing BPH. It can affect men as young as 25. Since it is a gradually progressing disorder that slowly creeps up, many scientists now believe that millions of men are living with prostate problems without knowing it. Because of this, 90% of all prostate cancer goes undetected until it has spread beyond the most treatable stage. Although this condition needs to be properly identified and diagnosed by a qualified physician, there are common symptoms of BPH that middle aged men should watch for. First Warning Signs One of the first symptoms is a need to urinate frequently during the night. This may cause a man to get up at night to go to the bathroom 3, 4, 5 or more times. • Frequent urination progresses to a painful or burning sensation during urination, coupled with difficulty starting or stopping urine flow. • Inflammation and swelling (these symptoms can sometimes be hard to detect) • Interrupted urine stream and inability to empty the bladder • Dribbling • Low back and bladder pain • Decreased sexual activity (painful sex or complete lack of sex) If left untreated, BPH can lead to serious infection and chronic prostatis. If prolonged urinary retention exists, urea and nitrogenous wastes in the urine can enter the blood stream and result in potentially life-threatening renal failure and the need for prostate surgery, which itself is associated with numerous complications. The Primary Causes of BPH Prostate enlargement can be caused by infection, cancer, nutrition, life-style choices or the bad conversion of testosterone to DHT (dihydrotesterone).* A sedentary life-style and a diet rich in red meat, coffee and alcohol are known to precipitate BPH. Prolonged sexual activity without climax and nutritional deficiencies in zinc, essential fatty acids, fruit and vegetables may also contribute. BPH also appears to be caused by hormonal changes associated with aging. The primary male sex hormone, testosterone, decreases with advancing age, while, estrogen, prolactin, LH and FSH levels are all increased. The ultimate effect of these changes is that within the prostate gland itself there is an increased concentration of testosterone and its conversion to an even more potent form known as dihydrotestosterone (DHT). The increase in testosterone and DHT is largely due to a decreased rate of removal plus an increase in the activity of the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase, the enzyme that converts testosterone to DHT. DHT is the same hormone that causes men to lose their hair. It also causes an over production of cells in the prostate which, in turn, cause swelling. Elevated estrogen levels are also thought to be a key factor that inhibits the elimination of DHT from the prostate in BPH. Surgery and Prescription Drugs Surgery is only a temporary treatment that often has very undesirable side effects, including impotency and incontinence. Many men will need additional surgery within five years because the underlying hormonal actions that caused the prostate to enlarge will still be at work. Prescription drugs have had limited, if any, success in reducing an enlarged prostate. The side effects of these drugs are almost as bad as the prostate disorder itself. In a study sponsored by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs, researchers found that Proscarâ was no more effective than a placebo in improving the symptoms of prostate disorders. Furthermore, it causes loss of libido, impotency and ejaculation disorders in nearly 15 percent of the men who use it. Saw Palmetto Extract Saw palmetto (Serenoa repens) berry extract has been found to be extremely effective for prostate enlargement according to a study by Dr. Champault published in the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology (Champault, 1984). Further, European researchers confirmed his findings in 12 major scientific studies. Double-blind, placebo controlled studies found that 90% of men using Serenoa experienced a significant reduction in prostate problems. In a study published in the Journal of Steroid Biochemistry, Dr. Sulton reported that Serenoa contains sterol like compounds that block the conversion of testosterone to DHT (Sulton, 1984). This binding site inhibition increases the breakdown and excretion of dihydrotestosterone and is believed to be the reason for the superior results that are reported when saw palmetto berry is used as compared to the results from using Proscarâ. Proscarâ inhibits DHT production, but not the binding of DHT to receptor sites. Recommended use as a Dietary Supplement: To achieve the benefits with saw palmetto, it is essential that the fat-soluble saw palmetto extracts are standardized to contain 85-95% fatty acids and sterols and be used at the recommended level of 160 mg. twice daily. Prosta-Caretm has been formulated with extra virgin olive oil as opposed to many other products that contain rice bran or safflower oil. Saw palmetto extract is completely safe. No significant side effects have ever been reported in the clinical trials of this extract. *These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Other natural ingredients recommended to support prostate health include: • Pygeum Africanum • lycopene • nettle root extract • bee pollen • pumpkin seed • essential fatty acids • green tea i• indole-3-carbinol, • modified citrus pectin • resveratrol • selenium • vitamin E • soy • amino acids: L-alanine, glutamic acid and glycine • sulforphane from cruciferous vegetables # 2081 Prosta-Care™  References Champault, G., Patel, J.C. & Bonard, A.M. (1984), “A double-blind trial of an extract of the plant Serenoa repens in benign prostatic hyperplasia.” British Journal of Clinincal Pharmacology, v. 18, pp. 461-462. Sulton, C., et al. (1984). “Inhibition of androgen metabolism and binding by a liposterolic extract of “Serenoa repens B” in human foreskin fibroblasts.” Journal of Steroid Biochemistry, Jan, 20(1): 515-9. |
| Information contained in this bulletin is for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for advise from your physician. This information should not be used for diagnosis or treatment of any health problem. You should consult with a health care professional for treatment of any health issue. |
