What is the prostate and why is it important?
The prostate, also called the prostate gland, is a small, walnut-sized gland located directly below the bladder and above the pelvic floor muscles. It is one of the male reproductive organs. Accordingly, women do not have a prostate.
The main function of the prostate is the production of seminal fluid. This fluid is important for transporting and protecting sperm, maintaining their motility and fertilizing ability. During ejaculation, the prostate secretes its fluid into the urethra, where it mixes with sperm from the testicles and secretions from other glands.
Another function of the prostate is the conversion of the male sex hormone testosterone into its biologically active form, DHT (dihydrotestosterone). The prostate gland is therefore also very important for male hormone balance.
Below, we provide a brief overview of the various prostate diseases and then explain how a healthy diet and lifestyle, as well as certain micronutrients, can improve prostate health. We also introduce our new product, Prosta Komplex, which was developed specifically for this purpose.
What diseases of the prostate are there?
The most common prostate diseases include benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), prostatitis, and prostate cancer. These diseases can manifest themselves through a variety of symptoms.
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)
BPH is a benign enlargement of the prostate gland. It often begins after the age of 40 due to changes in male hormone levels. This causes slow growth of the gland, which is usually asymptomatic at first. As it grows, however, it narrows the urethra, causing problems with urination. Nearly one in two men over the age of 50 is affected (1).
Typical symptoms of BPH include frequent and delayed urination, nighttime urgency, a weak urine stream, and a feeling of residual urine due to incomplete bladder emptying. This can significantly reduce quality of life (1).
If BPH is left untreated, it can lead to long-term damage to the kidneys and bladder. It also increases the risk of urinary tract infections and prostate inflammation (1).
The exact causes of BPH are not yet understood. However, various risk factors play a role. We will discuss these in more detail in the following sections.
Prostatitis
Prostatitis can be caused by infectious agents such as chlamydia or mycoplasma. However, the exact cause is often unknown. Approximately half of all men will experience prostatitis at some point in their lives. Symptoms can include a feeling of pressure in the bowel area, pain in the lower abdomen and lower back, or difficulty urinating (1).
Prostate cancer
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men in Germany. Initially, symptoms are usually non-specific or absent. Later, symptoms may include pain, blood in the urine and semen, and problems with urination and bowel movements. If the disease is detected early, the chances of recovery are high. For this reason, screening tests are very important (1).
Nutrition for a healthy prostate
A healthy, anti-inflammatory diet plays a central role in the prevention of chronic diseases and has a positive effect on their healing process.
The following nutritional tips support prostate health (2) (3) (4):
- Avoid alcohol, convenience foods, high sugar and easily digestible carbohydrates, unhealthy fats (e.g. seed oils, heated vegetable fats) and cereals containing gluten.
- Eat as many organically grown vegetables, herbs, and fruits as possible. Tomatoes, in particular, are often recommended for prostate health because they are rich in the carotenoid lycopene and other plant compounds (5). Heating the tomatoes and adding a little oil can further enhance the absorption of these plant compounds.
- Include legumes, nuts, anti-inflammatory spices like turmeric and ginger, and, in moderation, gluten-free grains and high-quality animal products.
By following these tips, you can significantly reduce the amount of harmful substances and pro-inflammatory foods in your diet. Furthermore, your body already receives a variety of vital nutrients and fiber. For optimal nutrition, however, targeted micronutrient supplementation is recommended.
Important vital substances for the prostate
Our Prosta Complex is a comprehensive dietary supplement to support prostate health, formulated according to the latest scientific findings. Each ingredient has specific functions that complement each other perfectly.
The following plant extracts or phytonutrients are contained in Prosta Complex:
- Saw palmetto extract
- Nettle root extract
- Lycopene
- Pumpkin seed extract
- Beta-sitosterol
- Pygeum africanum extract
These substances have shown promise in research for the treatment of prostate diseases and are already used in medical practice. For example, there is an approved herbal medicinal product for BPH with saw palmetto extract (Permixon) as the active ingredient.
Since the European approval procedure for health claims for these ingredients has not yet been completed at this time (September 2024), we cannot provide any further information in this article.
The preparation also contains the trace elements zinc and selenium:
- Zinc contributes to normal testosterone levels in the blood and to normal fertility and reproduction.
- Selenium acts as an antioxidant, thus protecting prostate cells from oxidative stress. This trace element also contributes to normal sperm formation.
How can Prosta Complex support the prostate?
Prosta Complex supplies the prostate with important micronutrients required for metabolic processes within the gland. Furthermore, the preparation provides valuable antioxidants that protect the prostate from oxidative stress and environmental toxins.
However, the key ingredients of Prosta Komplex are the aforementioned plant extracts, which we have dosed according to current study results. Detailed information can be found, for example, on PubMed.
Why are nutritional supplements useful?
You may be wondering if simply eating more foods like pumpkin seeds or tomatoes isn't enough. Unfortunately, it's nearly impossible to achieve an effective dosage of the important ingredients through food. This would require consuming huge amounts of certain foods every day, without any certainty that the desired ingredient is actually present in sufficient quantities. Furthermore, some of the ingredients in Prosta Komplex aren't found in conventional foods.
If you want to use the ideal combination and dosage of these powerful substances, the best way to do this is through a dietary supplement.
Who should take Prosta Complex?
Prosta Complex is particularly suitable for adult men who want to take preventative measures to improve their prostate health. The product is also suitable for men who already suffer from symptoms. If you are under medical care, you should discuss taking it with your doctor or therapist.
How should you take Prosta Complex?
We recommend taking two capsules per day with a meal. This dosage provides optimal nutrition. The time of day you take it doesn't matter.
More tips for a healthy prostate
In addition to a healthy diet and nutritional supplements, there are other measures to support the prostate:
- Physical exercise: Regular exercise promotes blood circulation and strengthens the pelvic floor. Exercise is beneficial for prostate health.
- Drink enough water: Adequate fluid intake helps remove harmful substances and pathogens from the urinary tract.
- Healthy body weight: Obesity is seen as a risk factor for prostate diseases.
- Stress management and healthy sleep: Chronic stress and lack of sleep can negatively affect prostate health.
- Avoiding e-smog: Laptops and cell phones should not be placed directly on your lap to minimize electromagnetic radiation.
- Reduce harmful substances: Smoking, plastic clothing, plastic food packaging, etc. – All of these things harm the body and also affect the sexual organs and the hormonal system.
Prostate screening
Regular screenings are crucial for detecting prostate problems early. In Germany, statutory health insurance covers an annual screening from the age of 45. This includes a palpation of the rectum.
Additionally, if desired, the PSA blood level can also be determined. PSA stands for prostate-specific antigen. PSA is a protein produced by prostate cells and can be elevated in cases of cancer of the gland. Other testing options include urine flow measurement, an ultrasound scan, or a biopsy. These are only performed if a disease is suspected.
Is Prosta Complex also suitable for women?
This product has been specifically formulated and dosed for prostate health. We recommend other products for women. You can find a selection under the " Women's Health " section of our website.
What can women do to support their men?
Women can encourage their partners to have regular medical checkups and lead a healthy lifestyle. A balanced diet, shared exercise, and awareness of prostate health can make a big difference.
Conclusion: Vital substances and a healthy lifestyle strengthen the prostate
There are many ways to do something good for your prostate. The most important ones are a healthy diet, regular exercise, stress management, and targeted nutritional supplements.
Sources
- Common diseases of the prostate. Urological Health Foundation [Internet]. [Accessed on: September 15, 2024].
- Tzonou A, Signorello LB, Lagiou P, et al. Diet and cancer of the prostate: a case-control study in Greece. Int J Cancer 1999;80:704-8.
- Giovannucci E, Ascherio A, Rimm EB, et al. Intake of carotenoids and retinol in relation to risk of prostate cancer. J Natl Cancer Inst 1995;87:1767-76.
- Giovannucci E. Tomatoes, tomato-based products, lycopene, and cancer: review of the epidemiologic literature. J Natl Cancer Inst 1999;91:317-31.
- Natali PG, Piantelli M, Minacori M, Eufemi M, Imberti L. Improving Whole Tomato Transformation for Prostate Health: Benign Prostate Hypertrophy as an Exploratory Model. Int J Mol Sci . 2023;24(6):5795. Published 2023 Mar 17.
