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Prostate Herbs -- why prostate herbs might be important for you and your prostate!

Prostate disorders do not just affect elderly men. They are more common than expected in middle-aged individuals. Over half of 40-59 year-old men have enlarged prostates. Although most will not develop clinically significant prostate disease, 25% of 50-year olds have some cancerous cells in their prostate.
Due to the problem’s magnitude, it is essential for men to know about prostate-enhancing nutritional, herbal, or alternative medicine approaches that may help one avoid more serious pharmaceutical or surgical therapies. Using these preventive approaches does not mean it is not necessary to have regular prostate-screening exams! The prostate, is a walnut-size gland that produces seminal fluid. The gland surrounds the urethra, which drains the bladder, therefore making prostate disorders affect urination. The three most common disorders are:

• 1) an inflammatory infection called prostatitis.
• 2) benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a prevalent non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate.
• 3) prostate cancer, the most frequent male malignancy.

Prostate disorders are associated with age-related changes in steroid sex hormones. After age 40, testosterone declines, and a testosterone variant called dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and the female-associated hormone estrogen increase. DHT stimulates cell growth and, in turn, prostate enlargement. By inhibiting DHT elimination, estrogen has the same effect.

Prostate Herbal Remedies:
In Europe, prostate herbal remedies are widely used to treat prostate disorders. Foremost among these herbs powerhouses is saw palmetto, isolated from the berries of a small palm tree common to the U.S.’s southeastern coastal region. A traditional Native American remedy, saw palmetto reduces prostate enlargement by inhibiting the synthesis of growth-stimulating DHT and promoting DHT elimination by lowering estrogen levels.

Many clinical studies demonstrate saw palmetto’s effectiveness. In fact, some physicians think that the herb works better in treating prostate enlargement than the frequently prescribed drug Proscar. Specifically, saw palmetto was shown to be effective in nearly 90% of patients after 4-6 weeks, while Proscar works in fewer than 50% of the patients after a year. Since Proscar is less effective, much more expensive, and its major side effect is erectile dysfunction, choosing saw palmetto seems a better option to most people.

Prostate herb supplements often administered with saw palmetto include another prostate herbal heavyweight -- pygeum. An indigenous African remedy obtained from tree bark, studies indicate that pygeum can treat BPH and prostatitis. The herb also contains chemicals that inhibit DHT-associated prostate enlargement. A third prostate herbal remedy is Cernilton, a popular European product prepared from the extract of mainly rye pollen. Numerous studies document Cernilton’s ability to treat BPH and prostatitis. Finally, stinging nettle is a traditional prostate herbal folk remedy for many ailments, including prostate disorders. Clinical studies indicate that the herb (marketed as Bazoton in Europe) also can relieve BPH symptoms. Choosing a prostate herbal supplement that is right for you is an important decision. Please choose wisely

Please call our Chicago Plastic Surgeon for a consultation and Prostate Herbs Product Recommendations!