I’m sure we all know someone who has suffered from prostate disease, usually prostatitis, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BHP) or, the most feared, prostate cancer. It really is the disease which seems to sneak up on men, particularly once they are over 50. Clinically it can be difficult to tell these diseases apart, as they all have similar features.

Signs and symptoms of prostate disease can be:

• Slowed or delayed start of the urinary stream
• Weak urine stream, straining to urinate and dribbling after urinating
• Strong and sudden urge to urinate and incomplete emptying of the bladder
• Needing to urinate two or more times a night
• Inability to urinate at all or incontinence
• Pain with urination or blood in the urine (these may also indicate infection)
• History or recurrent urinary infections

The prostate is a small gland in the male reproductive system which sits just below the bladder and also surrounds the urethra. The tube carrying urine to the bladder is known as the urethra. When a male’s prostate is healthy, there is no problem with the flow of the urine. However, as the prostate enlarges, it may constrict the urethra, limiting the urine flow. Once the prostate gland shrinks in size, urine will flow normally again. If you experience any of these symptoms it is recommended you see a healthcare professional.

There are nutrients and herbs which we have found can aid maintaining a healthy prostate, relieving the symptoms of an enlarged prostate and over the years I’ve written about several prostate formulas. As new research comes to hand, new formulas come onto the market. A formula which is popular with our customers not only contains Saw Palmetto which is a well know prostate herb, but also Lycopene.

Now Lycopene has often been included in prostate formulas, however usually in very small doses. This formula contains a high dose of Lycopene because it is now believed Lycopene may help reduce an enlarged prostate. The antioxidant properties of Lycopene may help repair damage to the prostate, thereby decreasing the swelling.

Many may know that Lycopene is a powerful antioxidant found in the Mediterranean diet. It is the active carotenoid component of tomatoes which give that familiar red colouring and act as this impressive antioxidant. Unfortunately, Lycopene is difficult to absorb because of its molecule structure. However, this formula contains LactoLycopene which combines Lycopene with whey protein which enables the body to absorb the Lycopene more effectively. In fact, one capsule is the equivalent of 30 tomatoes.

For some time, it has been believed Lycopene could contain some anti-cancer benefits because of its potent antioxidant properties. Because Lycopene circulates in the blood, concentrating in various parts of the body including the male reproductive system, it is thought it may give some protection from prostate cancer.

I’ve often written about Saw Palmetto as it is a well known herb which has been around for many years and has been found to help in the treatment of urinary disturbances, low libido in men and as a general male tonic. It has been found to be effective in the treatment of medically diagnosed benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). It’s believed this herb can be effective within 4 - 6 weeks.

For further information on prostate health or other health issues, call to see Bev and the team at Go Vita, Your Health Shop at 5 North St, Batemans Bay or phone on 44729737. Don’t forget to tune into Bev on Go Get Healthy on 2EC at 12.30pm every Wednesday.