Prostate problems are every man’s concern. A quick biology lessen will show you exactly why you are at risk. At 18 your prostate is the size of a walnut. By 40 it has grown to the size of an apricot and begins compressing the urethra which is the primary cause of prostate problems. And by 60, one out of every two men will have a prostate the size of a lemon and will be experiencing many prostate-related health issues. At first your prostate symptoms may be virtually invisible so they’re easy to overlook. But as your prostate grows, so will the severity of symptoms.

And once the symptoms start, they are not likely to ever go away...and they may become worse. So it’s smart to see your health provider and have a check-up. In addition, it’s also advisable to have a Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) test. This is a highly significant and sensitive marker to highlight potential prostate health problems.

Since prostate problems will eventually strike 90% of all men sometime in their life, you should learn to recognize the warning signs. If you answer “yes” to three or more of these questions, you may be at risk for developing prostate health issues.


    * When you want to pass urine, is there a delay before you start?

    * When you pass urine, do you find your flow stops and starts?

    * When you think you have finished passing urine, do you find a bit more trickles out, and sometimes stains your underwear?

    * Has your stream become weaker or thinner in the past year?

    * Do you feel your bladder is not quite empty after you have been to pass urine?

    * Do you usually get up more than once in the night to pass urine?

    * Are you passing urine more frequently in the daytime?

    * When you want to pass urine, do you feel you have to go straight away?

    * Do you ever pass urine when you don't mean to?

    * Have you ever noticed signs of blood in your urine?

    * Have you noticed any signs of sexual dysfunction?



Who Are Those at Higher Risk?

Strongest known risk factors for prostate problems include:


    * Age. Men above 50 are usually diagnosed with prostate disorders. More than 80% of the diagnosed cases are more than 65.

    * Race. Prostate disorders occur more in African-American men than in men of other races.

    * Diet. The diet consumed in America can be a contributing factor for developing prostate disorders. Current research indicates that nutrition may play a preventive role in prostate disorders.

    * Genetics. The risk of developing prostate problems is higher if you have a father or brother who has had it.


How do you Know When It’s Time to Take Preventive Measures

Whether you do or do not fall into any one of the risk categories mentioned above, experts advise that you follow a lifestyle that is linked to a lower risk of prostate disorders. Several large and long-term medical research studies suggest that we take a proactive approach on prostate health and focus on preventive methods that can be used now.

According to the Mayo Clinic a guideline for a preventive diet includes eating moderate sized portions and controlling calories. Other key factors include cutting down on fat, eating plenty of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, including fatty fish in your diet, and limiting intake of sweets and salt. Alcoholic beverages should be consumed in moderation, preferably not at all.

Traditionally, men turned to saw palmetto to maintain a healthy prostate. But recent clinical studies have shown that beta-sitosterol is significantly more potent and effective in nutritionally supporting healthy prostate, urinary, bladder and sexual functioning, Beta-sitosterol is found in pecans, pumpkin seed, cashew fruit, rice bran, wheat germ, corn oils, soybeans, sea-buckthorn and wolfberries. Pumpkin seeds have been used historically for prostrate health.

What to Look for in a Prostate Supplement

Look for an all-natural prostate supplement with pharmaceutically produced pure beta-sitosterol. Other ingredients to look for in a prostate health supplement are zinc, copper, manganese, iodine, chromium, molybdenum, selenium, Vitamin D, silicon, boron, vanadium. All of these nutrients in a well balanced formula play a nutritional role in prostate health.

Since Beta-sitosterol is already found in our diet, it is generally regarded as a safe supplement. Numerous studies by highly qualified researchers have shown that beta-sitosterol has no serious side effects or drug interactions. However, it is always advisable to check with your doctor before taking any supplements to see whether it is advisable for you.