When it comes to Enlarged prostate, the shocking fact is…
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men. In Britain, more than 52,000 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer every year – that’s 144 men every day. We don’t mean an enlarged prostate, we mean actual cancer, the big C. One man in eight gets prostate cancer.
Are you wondering how many men get an enlarged prostate that may be benign? The answer is half of all men by the time they’re 50. By the time they’re 70, 8 out of 10 men have an enlarged prostate.
What are the signs of an enlarged prostate?
An enlarged prostate, a condition known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), is a common condition in mature men.
The symptoms?
- finding it difficult to start peeing
- straining to pee
- having a weak flow of urine
- “stop-start” peeing
- needing to pee urgently and/or frequently
- needing to get up frequently in the night to pee
- accidentally leaking urine (urinary incontinence), for example after coughing or lifting something heavy.
When it becomes severe, it an also contribute to difficulty getting or maintaining an erection.
Zinc is vital for men’s health in numerous ways
Zinc is essential for various aspects of men’s health. The prostate uses up large amounts of the zinc in a man’s body to make both testosterone and semen. We all use zinc in several hundred enzymes that keep our bodies working.
Zinc makes testosterone and sperm
Zinc is crucial for the production of testosterone, the primary male sex hormone. You need good zinc levels to make healthy sperm in good quantities, and for overall reproductive function. Zinc deficiency has been linked to reduced sperm count, decreased sperm motility, and increased risk of infertility.
Zinc helps prevent prostate enlargement
Zinc has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which may help maintain prostate health and reduce the risk of conditions like benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and prostate cancer. Some research suggests that zinc supplementation may help alleviate symptoms of BPH, such as urinary difficulties.
Some of the other health benefits of zinc
Zinc plays a vital role in supporting the immune system and promoting immune function. It is involved in the development and function of immune cells, including T cells, which play a key role in the body’s defence against infections and diseases. Adequate zinc levels are essential for optimal immune function and may help reduce the risk of infections and improve immune response.
Zinc is involved in various aspects of wound healing, including collagen synthesis, cell proliferation, and immune function. You need zinc for wounds, cuts, and injuries to heal properly. Zinc deficiency can impair wound healing and increase the risk of infections and complications.
Zinc plays a role in bone metabolism and mineralisation, contributing to bone health and density. Adequate zinc levels are essential for maintaining strong and healthy bones, reducing the risk of osteoporosis and fractures.
Back to the Enlarged prostate: First The bad news
Zinc supplements are unlikely to significantly shrink an already enlarged prostate on its own. Treatment for BPH typically involves medications, lifestyle changes, and, in more severe cases, surgery.
Now The good news: Zinc helps prevent prostate cancer
If you have an enlarged prostate already, you can rest assured that zinc can help stop it from turning cancerous. There’s also strong evidence suggesting it can help prevent a healthy prostate from getting enlarged in the first place.
The normal human prostate accumulates the highest levels of zinc of any soft tissue in the body. The pool of zinc available to the body is known to significantly decrease with age. Research shows that dietary zinc supplementation protects against oxidative damage and can reduce the risk of prostate cancer developing.
More than 16 clinical studies have reported that zinc is about 60% to 80% lower in prostate glands with cancer compared to non-cancerous prostates. What’s more, not a single medical study has found an example of prostate cancer without decreased zinc levels so far. (There’s a link at the bottom of this article.)
How much zinc should I take?
It’s really important not to overdo zinc supplement dosages. 25mg of zinc is a safe level to take long term. If you go over this, you run the risk of giving yourself a copper deficiency instead – which leads to its own problems.
What form of zinc is best for the prostate?
Most clinical studies have used either zinc gluconate or zinc sulphate in prostate research. Some research into bio availability found that zinc gluconate is by far the best absorbed of all forms – whilst zinc sulphate is the least well absorbed and also the most likely to cause tummy upset.
Don’t forget the doctor!
If you are experiencing symptoms of an enlarged prostate or have concerns about your prostate health, it’s essential to see your GP for tests and a treatment plan. Don’t delay going to the doctor – you’ll suffer less misery and embarrassment if you get in early. Prevention is better than cure.
