Prostate – how you can support it with pumpkin seeds and co.

A small organ yet of great importance for men – the prostate. But do you actually know the exact function of the prostate? No? You're not alone. A study concludes that only one in four men over 50 knows more about the prostate. Therefore, we will tell you how the prostate gland works and what you can do for its health.

Overview of Prostate Function

The prostate (prostate gland) is a chestnut-sized organ weighing approximately 20 to 25 grams. It belongs to the internal reproductive organs of the male body. The prostate connects the bladder and the urethra, encompassing a part of the urethra. The two vas deferens end in this part. However, the connection of various structures is not its function, but rather:

• The prostate glands produce a secretion that makes up 30 percent of semen. This prostatic fluid is thin, has an acidic pH, and serves to transport sperm cells.
• In the prostate, sperm, prostatic fluid, and seminal vesicle fluid come together to form the ejaculate. During ejaculation, the prostate muscles contract, propelling the sperm forcefully into the urethra and ultimately out.
• The hormone testosterone is converted in the prostate gland into its biologically active form, dihydrotestosterone (DHT).
• When urinating, the prostate closes the small ducts so that no urine enters the seminal ducts. The reverse happens during ejaculation. The prostate muscles then close the urethra towards the bladder.

Learn more about the hormone testosterone: Testosterone Booster

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Prostate Inflammation and Other Complaints

In young age, the normal function of the prostate is taken for granted by many men. With age, however, some experience problems because the organ is often enlarged. This causes problems with urination. But this is not the only problem that can arise from the prostate.

The organ can also become inflamed. Prostate inflammation is also called prostatitis and can be caused by bacteria. Prostatitis is either acute or chronic. In both cases, antibiotics can be used for treatment. In chronic prostatitis that is not caused by bacteria (Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome; CPPS), treatment is based on the symptoms. With CPPS, depressive moods also occur in almost half of the cases. Relaxation exercises are therefore doubly important.

Another disease of the prostate gland is prostate cancer, i.e. malignant tissue changes. The chances of recovery are usually good if the cancer is detected early. Therefore, an annual early detection examination from the age of 45 is also very useful.

What are typical symptoms of prostate problems?

Most prostate diseases also cause symptoms. These can be the following signs:

• frequent urination (especially at night, a typical symptom of an enlarged prostate)
• blood in urine or semen (also recognizable by a brownish discoloration)
• urinary retention (bladder cannot be completely emptied; difficulty starting urination)
• interruptions in urine flow
• weak urine stream
• impotence
• prostate pain
• pain during bowel movements
• pain or burning during urination
• lower abdominal pain

How to keep your prostate healthy – 5 tips

In cases of benign prostatic enlargement, CPPS, or to protect your prostate from diseases, you can take active steps. We give you 5 tips to do something good for your prostate.

1. Attend preventive examinations

Gynecological check-ups are simply part of life for women from puberty onwards. For men, it's different. For them, there's no reason for a check-up in their younger years. Therefore, it's not surprising that later recommended check-ups are missed. By the age of 45 at the latest, men should also go for an annual preventive check-up with a urologist. Even before that, it's advisable to pay attention to your body. If you notice any signs of a prostate disease, you shouldn't wait long and make an appointment. Shyness about a check-up should definitely be overcome, because the examination doesn't hurt. The earlier a disease is detected, the better the chances of recovery.

2. Healthy diet

A healthy diet promotes general health, strengthens your immune system, and reduces inflammation. Therefore, we also advise you to eat a varied diet to prevent prostate diseases. It should contain all vitamins, minerals, essential fatty acids, and amino acids. For the prostate gland, a good supply of zinc and selenium is particularly important, as these minerals support the body's own defenses. They also reduce oxidative stress, which can contribute to the development of cancer.

3. Herbal remedies like pumpkin seeds

You can specifically supplement your diet with herbal remedies to also benefit from other secondary plant compounds. For example, pumpkin seeds and pumpkin seed extract are said to support prostate and urinary tract function. In addition, pumpkin seeds are rich in zinc, which can influence testosterone levels.

Other plant extracts that are associated with positive effects on the prostate include: saw palmetto, nettle, garlic, broccoli, pomegranate, African plum tree, and South African star grass. Saw palmetto extract and nettle are the best researched.

4. Frequent Ejaculations

In fact, sexual behavior has an impact on the development of prostate cancer. In one study, researchers found a link between frequent ejaculations and a reduced risk of cancer. This link applies to the entire lifespan as well as from the age of 40. How ejaculation is triggered, whether through masturbation or sexual intercourse, plays no role in this.

5. Healthy lifestyle

Why some diseases develop is not always known, and this is also true for prostate cancer. However, an influence of nicotine and alcohol is suspected. In other words, if you can do without these indulgences, you are very likely doing your prostate a favor. In addition, it is known that physical inactivity can increase the risk of prostate cancer. With a healthy lifestyle, you are therefore on a good path to having a healthy prostate even in old age.