Faqs About Prostate Supplements
We get plenty of questions about prostate supplements and how they work. Here are some of the questions we get about prostate health and prostate supplements:
Q: What is the prostate?
A: The prostate is a small, walnut-sized gland that plays a role in the male reproductive system.
Q: Where is the prostate?
A: The prostate rests below your bladder and in front of your rectum.
Q: Why does an enlarged prostate change the way I pee?
A: An enlarged prostate affects how you pee because the prostate gland surrounds part of the urethra, the tube that carries pee from your bladder and out of your body. As your prostate gland gets larger, it puts pressure on the urethra, making it more difficult to pee.
Q: Is an enlarged prostate normal?
A: Approximately 8 out of 10 men develop an enlarged prostate as they get older. For most men, an enlarged prostate is a normal part of aging.
Q: What is BPH?
A: Benign prostatic hyperplasia is a health condition where the size of your prostate grows.
Q: Is an enlarged prostate dangerous?
A: In most cases, an enlarged prostate is not dangerous. However, your doctor will run tests to determine if your enlarged prostate is a sign of a more serious issue.
Q: How do doctors treat an enlarged prostate?
A: Doctors may treat an enlarged prostate with lifestyle changes, dietary changes, surgery, drugs, and other treatments.
Q: What is prostatitis?
Q: What is benign prostatic hyperplasia ?
Q: What are the symptoms of BPH?
Q: What is a prostate supplement?
Remarkable Effects Of Beta
In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter study of 200 men with benign prostate enlargement, half the group received 180 mg of beta-sitosterol daily, while the other half received placebo. After six months, the beta-sitosterol group saw improvement in the International Prostate Symptom Score, the measurement of urine flow , and the amount of residual urine remaining in the bladder .3
| Figure 2. International Prostate Symptom Scores : Beta-Sitosterol vs. Placebo. Data comparing men treated with beta-sitosterol to those receiving placebo indicate a significant decrease in symptom scores in the beta-sitosterol group after three and six months of treatment.3 In a follow-up study, these improvements were maintained for an additional 18 months of observation.4 |
The beta-sitosterol group showed a 7.4-point decrease in the International Prostate Symptom Score, compared to a decrease of only 2.1 points in the placebo group . . . a significant 3.5-fold improvement in the men taking beta-sitosterol .3
The measurement of urinary flow increased to an average of 15.2 milliliters per second from 9.9 ml/second in the men receiving beta-sitosterol. The placebo group only increased to 11.4 ml/second from 10.2 ml/second at baseline. Urinary flow thus improved almost 35% in the group taking beta-sitosterol, compared to only 11% in the placebo group.3
What To Look For
We recommend using Total Health because it contains 23 ingredients that support your prostate health, including the powerful phytosterol we have been learning about, beta-sitosterol.
For Beta-Sitosterol to be effective, it needs to be a ration of 90% plant sterols to 10% fatty acids. Without these fatty acids, these plant nutrients become unstable and useless.
The problem is that Beta-Sitosterol compounds are expensive, much more expensive than the fatty acids. As a result, there are many products on the market that are upwards of 70% fatty acids, with less than 30% Beta-Sitosterol. Always check the label to see if the product discloses the ratio on the label.
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Who Should Take Beta
- Men with a history of prostate ailments in their family
- Men suffering from discomforts of an aging prostate
An extract of beta-sitosterol contains the needed active beta-sitosterol for the body. Experts recommend a daily dosage of 300mg.
Nevertheless, other nutrients and minerals play an essential role in supporting prostate health. These include vitamin D, selenium, copper, molybdenum, zinc, and others.
NOTE: We strongly suggest you consult with your doctor for professional advice on this.
Other Options For Treating Hair Loss
So, if beta-sitosterol isnt an effective option for treating hair loss, what is? Currently, the most effective products for treating hair loss are the FDA-approved hair loss medications finasteride and minoxidil.
Finasteride is an oral medication that works by blocking DHT production. Research shows that its capable of reducing DHT levels by more than 70 percent and producing a real, measurable increase in hair growth in balding men.
Minoxidil, on the other hand, is a topical medication that works by moving hair follicles into the anagen, or active growth, phase of the hair growth cycle.
It also improves blood circulation in the scalp, which may improve hair growth.
Research suggests that finasteride and minoxidil are most effective when used together. In one study published in the journal Dermatologic Therapy, more than 94 percent of men with hair loss who used a combination of finasteride and minoxidil showed improvements in hair growth.
We offer finasteride and minoxidil online, with finasteride available following a consultation with a licensed healthcare provider who will determine if a prescription is appropriate.
In addition to finasteride and minoxidil, products such as hair loss prevention shampoo and hair growth vitamins can also play a role in treating and preventing hair loss.
Weve covered these and other treatment options in more detail in our guide to what you should take for hair loss.
Recommended Reading: Lifestyle Changes For Prostate Cancer
Beta Sitosterol Vs Saw Palmetto For Prostate Health
Fitness
Nutritional support for prostate health is gaining wide popularity these days. Already established by the medical profession in Europe for the last twenty years, nutrients like saw palmetto and beta sitosterol are now becoming an accepted option in the United States as well, for prostate health maintenance. These two nutrients, derived from botanical sources, are prescribed by many doctors to their patients for nutritionally promoting healthy prostate functions and relieving discomforts associated with an aging prostate.
The question people are now asking is: Which is the better nutrient for promoting prostate health? Saw palmetto or beta sitosterol?
Beta Sitosterol
Beta sitosterol is a plant sterol ester found in fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds. It is found in saw palmetto berries, too. The chemical structure of beta sitosterol is similar to cholesterol. Today, “beta sitosterol” has become a household word since it is being used as a functional ingredient in many familiar food items we eat for its cholesterol-regulating properties. However, the role of beta sitosterol doesn’t end there. Beta sitosterol has also been extensively studied for its vital role in supporting and maintaining a healthy prostate.
Saw Palmetto
Saw palmetto, or Serenoa repens, is a palm tree that grows in the West Indies and along the southeastern coast of the United States.
Just How Much Beta Sitosterol Is in Saw Palmetto?
Beta Sitosterol is More Effective for Promoting Prostate Health
Saw Palmetto And Prostate Cancer
The potential for using saw palmetto in the fight against prostate cancer is still largely unknown, although some research has been done. In particular, two Italian studies reported that prostate cells treated with the extract underwent cell death .
Another study conducted at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center was not as positive. Data in the study came from 35,239 men who had participated in the VITamins and Lifestyle project. The investigators looked at the mens supplement use and incidence of prostate cancer and did not find an association for use of saw palmetto.
Read Also: What Foods Can Prevent Prostate Cancer
Beta Sitosterol Side Effects
Taking beta sitosterol for BPH, or prostate health, typically requires such a low dose that side effects are very uncommon. I havent noticed any problems while taking 160 mg a day. Some side effects that have been reported by people taking more than the recommended amount include nausea, diarrhea, upset stomach, and impotence.
Why Choose Bens Natural Health Supplements
At Bens Natural Health, our motto is to combine holistic healing with modern science.
Bens Natural Health is the worlds first high-quality, all-natural, scientifically proven clinical supplement company. Our supplements are effective, natural and 100% side effect free.
Moreover, at Bens Natural Health, we have four rules for all our supplements:
- We only use the highest quality ingredients
- We only use them if they have been proven to work in independent, peer-reviewed double-blind studies
- With all our supplements, we find a way to get every ingredient into a single bottle
- We always formulate them in clinically significant doses of the most bioavailable form
And, all our supplements come with a 90-day money-back guarantee. So if you arent happy with the results, we will provide you with credit or a full refund.
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Manufacturer Transparency & Reputation
The supplement industry is filled with shady companies. When you buy a prostate supplement, you expect the manufacturer to be transparent and reputable. We preferred supplement companies that disclosed their ingredients and dosages upfront. We also selected supplement companies with a longstanding reputation for creating quality products.
There Are Four Main Scams In The Prostate Industry That You Should Be Aware Of:
Fake Review Sites The Internet is flooded with fake prostate product review sites. You will see below I expose these crooked companies. The products promoted by crooked websites are: Prostavol, Prostara, Prostaleaf and Prostafin .See expose on these scams below on this page.
Free Trail Scams You often see ads offering you a free bottle of a product and are only required to pay a small shipping fee of like $5. Most of these are merely credit card scams designed to get your card and then to charge you, as much at $120 21 days later for more products. Most of these Free trials are operated by companies hiding out in other countries hiding form the law.
Saw Palmetto This product does not work. It has been touted for years as a wonder herb for prostate health. Its complete bullshit. The REAL clinical trials show that saw palmetto is no more effective than a placebo . It does not work dont waste your money.
Mail Order Scams Many of the brochures and sales letters you may get in the mail offering prostate products are pure 100%frauds. Often they use fake doctors and worthless ingredients. There are some good companies that offer their prostate supplements through the mail, but I have put together a list of some below that are just total riff offs out to steal your money.
A classic example of a fake prostate supplement review website is the ProstatePillReviews.com which was created to help sell the product Prostavol.
Dont get ripped-off by this fraud.
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Garden Of Life Dr Formulated Probiotics Prostate+
Price: $$$
Garden of Life Dr. Formulated Probiotics Prostate+ is a high-quality product thats gluten-free, non-GMO verified, and third-party tested by NSF. Its also unique in that it targets both your gut and prostate health.
Each two-capsule serving contains 164 mg of a shelf-stable probiotic blend. Probiotics are beneficial gut bacteria that have been linked to several benefits for health, including supporting your immune system and boosting digestive health .
While more research is needed, bacterial imbalances in the gut are thought to be another potential risk factor for prostate inflammation and prostate cancer .
This supplement also contains organic cranberry powder, which has been suggested to help improve prostate health.
In one 6-month study, 42 men with elevated PSA levels were given 1,500 mg of cranberry extract daily .
At the end of the study, those taking the cranberry extract had significant improvements in urinary symptoms and lowered PSA levels (
When buying supplements, its always important to purchase from a brand and retailer that you trust. Additionally, look for products that are free of or contain very few artificial additives.
While the FDA regulates dietary supplements, it does so differently than how it regulates pharmaceuticals .
To ensure quality and accuracy, look for supplements that are manufactured in a GMP-certified facility and third-party tested by an organization like USP, NSF, or ISO.
Measuring Symptoms Of Prostate Enlargement
In order for scientists around the world to evaluate the efficacy of a particular therapy, certain testing standards have been established.
One of the most common standards is the International Prostate Symptom Score . The score is stated as a number that can range from 0 to 35, depending on the severity of lower urinary tract symptoms. The International Prostate Symptom Score also includes a scoring of quality of life as it relates to urinary symptoms.
A measurement to assess the strength of the urinary stream is called the maximum urinary flow rate . The maximum urinary flow rate is commonly decreased with benign prostate disease such as BPH .
The third test is the amount of residual urine that remains in the bladder after voiding, or postvoid residual urine . This is most easily assessed with pre- and post-void ultrasounds of the bladder.
Read Also: Robotic Prostate Surgery Side Effects
What If I Cant Have Surgery
Surgery isnt always an option you may not be fit or well enough for an operation, or you may not like the idea of it. If surgery isnt suitable for you and lifestyle changes and medicines havent worked, your doctor or nurse may suggest using a catheter. This is a thin, flexible tube used to drain urine from your bladder. The catheter may be permanent or temporary.
A permanent catheter is passed up into the bladder through your penis, or through a small cut in your abdomen. The catheter is usually attached to a drainage bag, which you strap on to your body under your clothing. Your doctor or nurse will usually change your catheter every 12 weeks.
A temporary catheter is where you put a catheter in yourself when you need to urinate, rather than leaving one in all the time. Your doctor or nurse will show you how to put the catheter in and tell you how often to use it. Some men can urinate quite well without a catheter and only use it once a day to make sure they empty their bladder regularly. Other men need to use a temporary catheter several times a day.
You can lower your chances of getting a urine infection by keeping your catheter and the area around it clean. You may find the following tips helpful.
Let your nurse know if your catheter isnt draining properly. If urine hasnt drained from your bladder for 2 to 3 hours, contact your GP or district nurse straight away.
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Health Solutions From Our Sponsors
Agbabiaka, T. B., Pittler, M. H., Wider, B., and Ernst, E. Serenoa repens : a systematic review of adverse events. Drug Saf 2009 32:637-647. View abstract.
Al Shukri, S. H., Deschaseaux, P., Kuzmin, I. V., and Amdiy, R. R. Early urodynamic effects of the lipido-sterolic extract of Serenoa repens ) in patients with lower urinary tract symptoms due to benign prostatic hyperplasia. Prostate Cancer Prostatic.Dis. 2000 3:195-199. View abstract.
Aliaev, IuG, Vinarov, A. Z., Lokshin, K. L., and Spivak, L. G. . Urologiia. 2006 :47-50. View abstract.
Anceschi, R., Bisi, M., Ghidini, N., Ferrari, G., and Ferrari, P. Serenoa repens ) reduces intra- and postoperative complications of surgical treatments of benign prostatic hyperplasia. Minerva Urol.Nefrol. 2010 62:219-223. View abstract.
Anonymous. Effectiveness of lipidosterol extract Serenoa repens in patients with prostatic hyperplasia. Urologiia. 2002 :23-25. View abstract.
Ashar, B. H., Rice, T. N., and Sisson, S. D. Medical residents’ knowledge of dietary supplements. South.Med J 2008 101:996-1000. View abstract.
Authie D and Cauquil J. Appreciation de l’efficacite de permixon en pratique quotidienne. . C R Ther Pharmacol Clin 1987 5:4-13.
Avins, A. L. and Bent, S. Saw palmetto and lower urinary tract symptoms: what is the latest evidence? Curr Urol Rep. 2006 7:260-265. View abstract.
Bauer, H. W., Casarosa, C., Cosci, M., Fratta, M., and Blessmann, G. . MMW.Fortschr.Med 6-24-1999 141:62. View abstract.
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Just How Much Beta Sitosterol Is In Saw Palmetto
The saw palmetto berries contain a mix of fatty acids, flavonoids, polysaccharides and sitosterols. In general a typical saw palmetto product would contain 85 to 95 percent of mixed sterols and fatty acids.
The mixed sterols are
They comprise just about 1 percent of the nutritional profile of saw palmetto berries.
Supplements That Show Promise
Other supplements show hopeful signs of helping in studies so far, but thereâs less research on these than the more common options.
Pumpkin seeds: These and pumpkin seed oil extract seem to help with BPH symptoms and may shrink the size of the prostate. It may also be helpful when used along with other supplements such as saw palmetto.
Stinging nettle: This is a type of herb, and its root may help with urine flow and waking up a lot at night to pee. Itâs sometimes used along with other supplements to treat BPH symptoms.
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Life Extension Palmettogaurd Saw Palmetto Nettle Root Formula With Beta
Price: $$
Life Extension is a supplement company thats known for producing high quality supplements in an NSF-registered GMP facility.
Each supplement contains a certificate of analysis that allows you to confirm the quality and accuracy of the product youre buying.
Life Extension PalmettoGaurd is one of the better supplement options, as it consists of just five active ingredients to support prostate health saw palmetto, nettle root extract, beta-sitosterol, boron, and rosemary extract.
Nettle root is commonly used in herbal medicine to help reduce pain and inflammation. Limited studies in humans have also suggested that it may reduce urinary symptoms associated with BPH .
One study in 100 men with BPH found that taking 600 mg per day of nettle extract for 8 weeks significantly improved reported BPH symptoms, compared with a placebo .
This supplement also contains saw palmetto and beta-sitosterol, which may be more effective than consuming saw palmetto on its own .
One study in 66 men with BPH found saw palmetto supplements to be more effective at lowering levels of prostate-specific antigen a protein that can signal an issue with prostate health and improving urinary symptoms when combined with beta-sitosterol .
For best results, its recommended to take two capsules per day, one in the morning and the other in the evening.