I am not sure how to prevent prostate problems in advance, but I have some issues and have been experimenting and reading in order to find ways to counter what seems to be prostate enlargement. Like you I was sceptical about saw palmetto, but I find that the Doctor's Best brand (which is all saw palmetto oil, no fillers) most definitely eradicates my chief urinary issue, which is reflux. I believe it does this by relaxing the prostate so that the tube flowing through it is able to open fully and not be squeezed. On the other hand, it is a relaxant only, not a cure or a healing agent, because when I stop taking it the problem returns.
It is not good to take saw palmetto all the time, so I cycle it with nettle extracts and drink nettle tea. Nettle extracts work somewhat in the same way as Doctor's Best saw palmetto for me, except much more crudely. Basically, I think they work by a combination of diuresis and relaxation, so you pee more, but in a freer way. When taking nettle, I do not drink in the later evening, and so I am not troubled in the night, since the diuresis has by then run its course. I have found even the cheapest nettle extracts seem to work. I have not quite worked out which is better, root or leaf--to my surprise they both seem diuretic, despite what one reads--so I take both together.
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At the same time, I have kept looking into things that might potentially help prevent prostate cancer. I always have a dollop of tomato paste on the side of my plate, which I believe may be protective because of certain nutrients in it, such as lycopene. Although it is food, I regard it as a supplement and do not leave any on the plate. I also chew a little nigella sativa seed. This is a horribly bitter and unpleasant seed, but I am rather convinced by the mountain of research in its favour re cancer, including prostate cancer. I think if I was diagnosed with prostate cancer, I would take the nigella sativa oil.
I also eat walnuts, which some research supports against prostate cancer. Same with milk thistle. I suspect most fruits and vegetables (and seeds) contain nutrients that might help against prostate cancer. We are probably more at risk when not eating enough of them.
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Am I getting anywhere? I first started having problems three years ago and went to the doctor with nasty reflux pains that struck when I peed. That never happens now--the most I get is a moment of slight soreness, and that is rare. Flow is not too bad, though not perfect (it used to be much worse, as far back as the 90s). Sexual health is actually improved--what relaxes the urinary system seems to relax the sex system too. In theory, things should just get steadily worse at my age (60), but in effect they have improved beyond measure since I improved my diet and put some thought into what I eat and supplement. I say "in effect", because I do not think this sort of degeneration can be reversed; but one can mask it and prevent it--at least for the time being--from getting worse, I have found.
Best of luck.
Edited by Gerrans, 02 August 2014 - 10:29 AM.