Prostate Health... Naturally Prostate issues too often put a damper on the activities of men of all ages and they are far more common than previously thought. According to some studies, virtually all men will eventually experience prostate issues. Men with enlarged prostates experience discomforts that may include difficulty urinating, increased frequency and urgency of urination, bouts with sleep-disturbing nighttime urination and lower back discomfort. Dealing with the discomforts from enlarged prostates may be costly, too. Every year about 400,000 men have prostate surgery, adding over $3 billion annually to the national health care bill. Natures Life offers several products to support prostate health, including Saw Palmetto as a whole berry concentrate, and three doctor-formulated combinations including Saw Palmetto for supporting prostate health. All of these products are designed to provide nutritive support for: - healthy prostate gland function
- normal urine flow
Natures Life® Prostate formulas are made from all natural ingredients
only the finest available. Regardless of the formula you prefer, you can always be sure of the same superior quality and consistent results. Prostate function A small doughnut-shaped gland, the prostate surrounds the urethra where it leaves the bladder. The prostate produces an alkaline substance which makes up the largest part of the seminal reproductive fluid (semen). Most mens prostates start to enlarge at about age 50. As the prostate gland enlarges, it pinches the urethra, causing reduced urine flow and increased discomfort. Research into prostate enlargement is focusing on male hormones, or androgens. In older men, androgen production changes result in higher levels of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which is produced from testosterone. The prostate is more likely to enlarge when higher levels of DHT are present. The Holistic Approach A unique combination of herbs, amino acids, vitamins, minerals, phytonutrients, and essential fatty acids may help provide nutritional support to maintain good prostate health. Saw Palmetto Berry (Serenoa repens B.) The berries from this small tropical palm contain lipophilic sterols and essential fatty acids, including beta sitosterol. Saw Palmetto extract may also support normal inflammatory response by inhibiting the production of prostaglandins. Research suggests that Saw Palmetto may help to increase urine flow and decreases nighttime discomfort. Saw Palmetto has been the subject of numerous double blind clinical trials. All of these effects of Saw Palmetto make it the key ingredient to support prostate health. Pygeum Bark (Pygeum africanum H.) The bark of this tall African tree contains lipophilic sterols, including beta sitosterol and sitosterone plus unique fatty acids. These ingredients influence prostaglandin synthesis to help provide nutritional support for a normal inflammatory response. Other components of pygeum may provide nutritive support to help maintain normal prostate size. Stinging Nettle (Urtica dioica L.) A common weed around the world, stinging nettle has a long history of traditional use to support normal urine flow. Nettle contains substances that may have anti-androgen activity. Many commentators feel that the potential beneficial effects of Nettle extract are increased when combined with Saw Palmetto. Pumpkin Seed (Cucurbita pepo) The seeds of this familiar food is a good source of zinc, phytosterols, and essential fatty acids: nutrients essential to prostate health. Preliminary studies find pumpkin seed extract promising alone, but combinations of pumpkin seed oil with nettle and/or saw palmetto have the potential to help restore and maintain healthy prostate size. Minerals Zinc is concentrated in the prostate gland and is a major constituent of seminal fluid. Zinc appears to play a role in maintaining healthy male hormone balance, possibly by its effect on 5-alpha reductase, the enzyme which produces powerful androgens in the prostate. Preliminary reports suggest that zinc may be helpful in supporting urinary comfort. Copper is added to balance the zinc and prevent a copper deficiency. Active Aminos (Glutamic Acid, Alanine & Glycine) These are the three amino acids found in highest concentration in the prostate. A recent study suggested that this combination of amino acids may help support normal urination and urinary urgency. Beta Sitosterol The oil constituents of a few plants, including soybeans, pygeum, and pumpkin seeds, contain a mixture of phytosterols, or plant hormones, that include beta sitosterol. Recent studies have suggested that beta sitosterol may help to support normal urine flow. Research also suggests that beta sitosterol may also support normal prostaglandin synthesis thus normalizing the inflammatory response. Vitamin B-6 (Pyridoxine HCl) This essential B vitamin is required for many metabolic processes, including the use of amino acids such as Glutamic Acid, Alanine and Glycine. Lycopene: A valuable addition Lycopene is an antioxidant carotenoid found primarily in most tomato products. In men, lycopene is stored in the prostate and testes, and has been associated with protecting the health of the prostate by acting as an antioxidant. As men age, the level of lycopene is diminished, therefore it should be replaced by food intake or supplements. Several other herbs have traditionally been used for prostate and urinary tract health: Herbs | Traditional Indications* | Burdock Root (Arctium lappa L.) | Contains polyacetylenes, amino acids and inulin for restoring harmony to the body. | Cayenne Fruit (Capsicum annuum L. var. annuum) | Contains capsaicin and saponins for stimulating blood flow. | Goldenseal Root (Hydrastis canadensis L.) | Contains alkaloids, including berberine, a powerful tonic for all mucus membranes. | Gravel Root (Eupatorium purpureum L.) | Contains active volatile oils and flavonoids; for healthy kidney and bladder function. | Juniper Berry (Juniperus oxycedrus L.) | Contains essential oils, flavone glycosides, organic acids and terpenes for healthy kidney and bladder function. | Marshmallow Root (Althaea officinalis L.) | Mucilage, containing poly-saccharides and uronic acid for normal urine flow. | Parsley Leaf (Petroselinum crispum M.) | Contains coumarin and flavonoids for normal urine flow. | White Pond Lily Root (Nymphaea odorata) | For intestinal cleansing. | * These are traditional indications, and Natures Life does not guarantee that the indicated herb will have the referenced benefit at the levels provided. |