There are multiple problems that can develop in the prostate in older men.

2. There are multiple problems that can develop in the prostate in older
men. These include benign enlargement of the prostate (BPH) and
prostate cancer (CaP). Some writers would suggest that BPH and
prostate cancer are inevitable problems that occur in any man who
lives long enough, but this is not true. There are many dietary and
herbal interventions that can help prevent these problems.

3. BPH or enlargement of the prostate causes a weak stream, nighttime
urination, frequent urination and retention of urine in the bladder. It
is commonly treated with two types of prescribed medicines;
finasteride (Proscar) and alpha-adrenergic blockers such as
terazosin. In severe cases, surgical resection of the prostate
through the urethra is performed. Saw Palmetto, derived from the
American dwarf pine tree, is effective at treating early BPH. It
inhibits the conversion of testosterone to dihydro-testosterone and
therefore leads to shrinkage of the prostate. This is incidentally the
same mechanism by which finasteride works. In fact, it has similar
efficacy as finasteride with fewer side effects. Stinging nettle,
which inhibits the growth of prostate cells, is commonly added to
saw palmetto in Europe to treat early BPH.

4. Prostate Cancer is the most common cancer in men with
approximately 230,000 new cases annually. It is second only to
lung cancer in deaths with 30,000 men dying each year. Prostate
cancer risk is affected by male hormones as well diet. Men in the
orient have a very low risk of prostate cancer, while men in
Western Europe and United States have a high risk of prostate
cancer. Furthermore, when men in the Orient eat a Western diet
their risk of prostate cancer increases.

5. WHAT TO AVOID:
The typical American diet high in animal meat, cured meats, animal
fats, and milk increases the risk of prostate cancer. This type of
diet not only leads to CaP but also to other cancers, heart disease
and strokes.

6. WHAT TO EAT
Diets high in vegetables and omega-3 fatty acids are the best way to
prevent prostate cancer. Additionally, you can consider adding
some of the following.
Soy protein (isoflavones) in the diet protects against CaP by altering
the production and metabolism of male hormones and estrogen. In
the orient, it is thought that the high soy content contributes to the
low incidence of prostate cancer.

7. Fish and omega-3 fatty acids (olive oil) are associated with a
decreased risk of CaP. They are anti-inflammatory and improve
health of blood vessels. Olive oil has been shown to directly inhibit
growth of prostate cancer cells. Flaxseed another omega-3 fatty
acid also has phyto-estrogen activity. In a study by Duke
University, flaxseed was found to inhibit CaP cells in men who
were undergoing prostatectomy.

8. Saw Palmetto may help to prevent CaP by inhibiting the conversion
of testosterone to dihydro-testosterone. Its anti-inflammatory effect
further inhibits cancer formation.
Stinging Nettle has been shown to inhibit the growth of prostate cells
and prostate cancer cells both in the laboratory and in mice.
Further human studies are needed.
Green Tea (polyphenols and isoflavones) has multiple effects
including anti-oxidant, anti-proliferative, anti-angiogenesis, and
encourages natural cell death (apoptosis). There are strong data in
the orient for its use in preventing prostate cancer.
Lycopene (tomatoes) is a powerful anti-oxidant and therefore
prevents damage to the prostate from oxygen radicals. Oxidative
damage has been linked to chronic diseases and cancers.

9. Selenium, an essential mineral, is found in our diet. It has many
activities including inhibition of prostate cancer as well as other
cancers. Higher blood concentrations of selenium correlate with a
decreased risk of prostate cancer.
Cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, and Brussel
sprouts) contain sulforaphane and indole-3 carbinol. These
substances induce enzymes in the GI tract to break down cancer
causing substances. They are also excellent anti-oxidants.
Pumpkin seeds contain zinc and are thought to help with BPH. Zinc
in small amounts appears to protect against prostate cancer but
high amounts of zinc (100mg/day) may increase the risk of
prostate cancer.

10. Resources:
http://amzn.to/29dCAVq