The importance of regular check-upsBPH is a non-cancerous swelling of the prostate gland. But prostate enlargement can also be the result of infection, cancer and a number of other conditions, so it’s essential to see your doctor (or get your man to see his doctor) for simple, regular check-ups and for individual advice and diagnosis. A regular prostate check over the age of 50 years is recommended; you can’t self-diagnose BPH so, if you have any kind of urinary discomfort, need to urinate more frequently than usual or have difficulty, see your GP immediately.

Palmetto PlusTM

If you’re a man who only visits your doctor when you’re feeling really unwell and/or you avoid regular health checks (or if you know a man who does), you’re not alone!

Yet medical screening tests and visits to the doctor are essential not just to pick up potential problems, but to allow for early treatment, too.

So, if men’s health problems are not high on the to-do list for you or for a loved one, read on because we’re talking about men’s health – and prostate health in particular…

The prostate explained Usually the size of a walnut, the prostate gland in men is shaped like a doughnut and surrounds the urethra, the tube that empties urine from the body. The gland produces fluids needed to produce semen.

At puberty, the surge in testosterone levels triggers major growth of the prostate gland. The prostate continues to grow approximately doubling in size between the ages of 21 and 50 years. From age 50 to 80 years or so, the prostate once again doubles in size and it’s this enlargement that can trigger the symptoms associated with a condition called benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH).

BPH explainedBPH is very common. Although the exact incidence is difficult to estimate, a substantial number of men have symptoms of BPH which increase with age. In fact, BPH is so common that some medical authorities suggest that it’s a natural part of ageing. Seeing your doctor for an accurate diagnosis is quick and simple. Your doctor may recommend lifestyle changes and/or doctor-prescribed treatment may involve oral medicines. Surgery is only required rarely.

What are the symptoms of BPH?BPH symptoms mainly involve difficulty in urinating. That’s because of the position of the prostate gland. Enlargement puts pressure on the urethra and the bladder, triggering feelings such as the need to pass urine frequently, difficultly in complete emptying, poor urine flow, a sudden need for the toilet and needing to urinate both day and night. Ejaculation problems can result after surgical treatment for BPH .

Men’s health matters!

Complementary approachesThere are a number of traditional herbal treatments for BPH. Based on research, USANA has combined three effective natural alternatives to protect male physiology in one product, Palmetto Plus™ which contains saw palmetto and two powerful antioxidants, lycopene and soy isoflavones.

Saw palmetto. Native Americans traditionally used the berries of this palm tree both as food and as medicine. It was first listed in the United States Pharmacopeia as far back as 1906 and supplements of saw palmetto are still a popular treatment for BPH. According to one study published in the Journal of Urology: ‘Evidence suggests that saw palmetto may have a significant effect on urinary flow rates and symptom scores when compared to a placebo in men with lower urinary tract symptoms.’

Saw palmetto appears to shrink the inner lining that puts pressure on the tubes that carry urine. Some studies have suggested that saw palmetto acts in a similar way to one of the most commonly-prescribed medicines for BPH called finasteride by inhibiting the production of an enzyme called alpha-reductase. This converts testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT is a hormone that’s produced in the prostate and other organs. Accumulation of DHT in the prostate (which can happen with age) causes the continued growth of the gland and may cause BPH in some men. As well as BPH, excess quantities of the male hormone DHT have been linked with a variety of conditions including hair loss.

The standardised dose is 320 mg of saw palmetto daily which when taken over several months may help to improve symptoms. Saw palmetto is a safe option for men with moderately symptomatic BPH with a gentle action and very few side effects.

Some studies showed that saw palmetto is as effective as finasteride and better tolerated. For example, saw palmetto doesn’t seem to cause impotence as often as finasteride.

Lycopene and soy isoflavonesStudies suggest that combining saw palmetto with chemical isoflavones, antioxidants found in foods such as legumes and soy may help to improve its effectiveness. Both plant pigments have also been shown to help retain prostate health.

Lycopene, the pigment that gives tomatoes their red colour, is the most abundant carotenoid in the prostate. It helps to maintain the cell membrane and DNA from oxidation.

Soy isoflavones are a group of phytochemicals found in soybeans; these have been shown to help maintain good health in a wide range of functions throughout the body. The mild oestrogenic action of soy isoflavones may have a positive effect on BPH by mildly inhibiting cell proliferation in the prostate gland.

A meta-analysis of eight studies found that consumption of isoflavones was associated with a small reduction in risk of prostate problems and scientists continue to examine the role of isoflavones in prostate health.

Essential fats, zinc and BPH Some fats are essential because the body can’t make them for itself even though the body needs a supply for good health. Shortage of a range of essential fats and zinc has been linked with BPH. Increasing intake of both these may help to boost prostate and overall health. Pumpkin seeds provide both of these important nutrients. Adequate amounts of zinc and selenium are important in maintaining the health of the male physiology. Zinc and selenium are not included in the Palmetto Plus formulation, but are found in USANA’s Essentials™ Multimineral which is a good source of zinc and selenium. BiOmega™ provides a highly purified source of the key effective omega-3 fats, EPA and DHA which are potent anti-inflammatories needed for long-term and general good health including prostate health.

Why Palmetto Plus™?USANA’s scientists have developed Palmetto Plus™, a combination of saw palmetto and two other powerful antioxidants, lycopene and soy isoflavones to support the male physiology in the maintenance of overall good health.

All of the natural botanical components in Palmetto Plus are standardised extracts and, as with all USANA Nutritionals, are guaranteed for purity and potency.

Palmetto Plus is laboratory tested, quality guaranteed. Meets British Pharmacopoeia specifications for potency, uniformity, and disintegration where applicable.

Using Palmetto Plus: Adult men take one Palmetto Plus capsule daily, preferably with a meal.

Palmetto Plus is:

• Effective

• Science-based

• Pharmaceutical quality

Use only as directed. Always read the label. If symptoms persist see your healthcare practitioner.

Seven ways to boost men’s health1. Rate your reds! Tomatoes and other red fruits are rich in lycopene, which is great for all round body health and also for prostate health. The benefits of lycopene were first revealed by Harvard researcher Dr Edward Giovannucci in the 1990s and other studies have confirmed the benefits of tomatoes and tomato products. Try to eat some tomato-based foods daily – the lycopene is much more easily available to the body after cooking so enjoy some tomato sauce-based dishes as well as fresh tomatoes with a little olive oil (lycopene is fat-soluble so your body absorbs more when it’s eaten with a little healthy oil).

2. Go for garlic Another staple of the Mediterranean diet, garlic, contains beneficial sulphur compounds. One study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute shows that men who eat the equivalent of about three cloves of garlic tended to have better prostate health. Don’t like garlic? Sprinkle your stir-fries and salads with spring onions (about two tablespoons) as both contain beneficial organo-sulphur compounds.

3. Spice it up! Adding herbs and spices to your meals gives them a fragrant flavour and may also help prostate health according to scientists from the Center for Holistic Urology at Columbia-Presbyterian Medical Center in New York City. Ginger and herbs such as oregano, rosemary, plus that all round good guy, green tea, showed promising results relating to boosting prostate health.

4. Get moving Regular exercise, whether it’s moderate or vigorous is great for mind and body health and that includes prostate health. A meta-analysis of 11 published studies found that moderate to vigorous physical activity reduced the risk of BPH by as much as 25 per cent. And, the protective effects increase with higher levels of activity.

Prostate conditions and hair loss?The hormone dihydrotestosterone triggers hair loss and prostate growth so reducing the DHT levels have been used to treat hair loss in men. More clinical trials are needed to prove a definitive link.

5. Time for an oil change? Men with high levels of Trans fats (found in manufactured foods, takeaways etc.) had higher levels of inflammation and insulin resistance, both of which can affect every body organ including the prostate according to research. Look on the label and avoid foods that contain hydrogenated or partially-hydrogenated vegetable oil. Instead, boost your levels of the anti-inflammatory fats, omega-3s, which can also help to lower triglyceride levels. The best sources of this valuable essential fat are cold water fish like salmon, sardines and fresh tuna. You’ll also find omega-3s in freshly ground flaxseeds, walnuts and canola oil plus the excellent combination in BiOmega™.

6. Select more soy Rich in plant antioxidants called isoflavones, eating soy foods may help to boost prostate health. Opt for soy beans added to casseroles and curries and include foods made from them, like tofu and soy milk which have also been shown to lower cholesterol. Just 25 grams of soy protein daily (equivalent to two and a half cups of soy milk) can lower LDL-cholesterol by five to six per cent according to the prestigious Harvard University, as long as it’s part of a diet low in saturated fat. As well as tofu and soy milk, try soy cheese, soy burgers, and edamame.

7. Get into a healthy weight Lots of studies have shown that increased body fat levels are associated with enlarged prostate volume. So, here’s another reason to get into a healthy weight range for you and specifically, get rid of the spare kilos that may be clinging to your middle. This kind of central obesity is associated with the pro-inflammatory condition, insulin resistance, which itself is related to a number of health conditions including a higher risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes.

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Palmetto PlusTM