The Prostate: Small Gland, Big Trouble

By Darlene Kvist, MS, CNS, LN
April 13, 2021

This month on our blog we've been sharing ways to balance hormones (and recognize imbalances in the first place. Thus far we've only lightly touched on how men are impacted by hormones, so today we'll do just that.

When male clients tell us they are experiencing the following urinary symptoms, we know they are most likely experiencing prostate problems and it is usually a sign their hormones are out of sync:

• Need to urinate frequently

• Experience decreased urine flow

• Getting up several times a night to use the bathroom

Again, these are all signs of an inflamed and enlarged prostate or prostate cancer. The bad news is that the majority of men in the U.S. over the age of 50 will develop prostate problems. The good news is there are several things men can do to improve their prostate health.

Why Are Prostate Problems So Common?

Research from the Weill Cornell Medical College in New York found as men's waistlines got bigger, the stream of their urine often slowed to a trickle. A large waistline is often characteristic of a condition called metabolic syndrome, which is also linked to heart disease and diabetes. When a man's weight increases, often swelling or inflammation of the prostate occurs, along with erectile dysfunction, frequent nighttime urination and increased prostate cancer risk.

Weight gain, especially around the middle, usually leads to higher estrogen levels in both men and women. Read more on that here. The increase of weight gain in the U.S. has paralleled the increased rates of prostate cancer in men and breast cancer in women. Many Americans today have excessively high levels of the female hormone estrogen because of the extra weight they carry. In short, fat cells have the ability to produce a type of estrogen that leads to inflammation of the prostate. A harmful cycle to say the least.

How Can Men Reduce Their Risk for Prostate Problems?

If men commit to losing even 10% of their body weight, they can greatly reduce their overall health risk. 

For example, a man weighing 250 pounds only needs to lose 25 pounds to become surprisingly healthier. Having fewer fat cells results in reduced estrogen levels and therefore less risk.(Our online or virtual Nutrition 4 Weight Loss program can set you up for success to accomplish this goal.)

In addition to weight reduction, prostate health depends on good nutritional habits such as:

• Drinking filtered water (stop drinking soda)

• Reducing or eliminating processed high sugar foods (replace them with organic fruits)

• Reducing or eliminating processed carbohydrates like cookies, muffins, and pasta (replace them with vegetables)

• Limiting alcohol to no more than a few a week is reasonable and realistic for many.

• Choosing organic foods, if possible

• Eating cruciferous vegetables at least once daily since they play a special role in prevention of prostate cancer (Broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage and Brussels sprouts support detoxification of the bad forms of estrogen.)

For additional prostate support, add key supplements such as:

• Omega 3 essential fatty acid (fish oil) (3000 IU per day) – Fish oil reduces inflammation throughout the body, including the prostate.

• Vitamin E Toco (200-400 IU per day) – Gamma Tocotrienols were found to suppress the cell's ability to imitate tumor growth.

• Vitamin D3 (3000-4000 IU per day) – Low levels of vitamin D may be linked to higher rates of prostate cancer.

• Prostate Pro (2 capsules per day) – Prostate Pro is a supplement with a combination of key nutrients that reduce prostate inflammation and increase urine flow.

• Nutrikey Key Greens & Fruits (1 scoop per day) – Key Greens & Fruits provide the antioxidants that stop free radical damage in the body.

If you are, or someone you love is, experiencing prostate problems or are concerned about maintaining a healthy prostate gland, ask these questions:

• Are there habits I need to change?

• Are there foods I need to include in my diet?

• Should I be taking Omega 3 essential fatty acid (fish oil) to reduce inflammation?

• Is it time to consult with a Nutritional Weight & Wellness nutritionist for additional support?

Remember, food is your first line of defense for prostate problems (and most health conditions), which gives you solutions right in your kitchen and in your control.

For more information on prostate health, listen to our Dishing Up Nutrition episode Learn About Prostate Health & Problems with special guest Greg Peterson.