Prostate is not a problem just for elderly male population. Affecting 1 in 8 men, prostate disorders are much more common than would be expected in middle-aged individuals. The good news is that using natural treatments this battle can be a successful one.

The natural approach to prostate problems involves four steps.

1. Improving the blood and energy flow to the prostate region.
   This flow is affected by things like low back problems, constipation, scar tissue and injury. It can be improved by massage, manipulation therapies, acupuncture and the appropriate dietary changes.

2. Diet targeted at improving the health of the prostate.
   Soy contains natural substances which help detoxify the harmful Di-Hydro-Testosterone (DHT), thereby reducing its stimulation for cell multiplication. It's a reality that Japanese men, who eat a plenty soy diet, have very low incidences of prostate problems. Therefore, products containing a high amount of soy have been recommended as preventing prostate enlargement. Vegetables containing carotenes and red-orange fruits are also associated with low prostate cancer incidence. Finally, adequate fiber in the diet, as well as pumpkin and sunflower seeds seem to improve prostate symptoms.

3. Diet high in vitamins and supplements helping in prostate function.
   Zinc may be cancer protective as is required to utilize carotenes. In conjunction with vitamin B6, zinc also regulates the enzyme which converts testosterone to the harmful DHT. Vitamin E helps preserve the fatty acids and they are formatted in the human body to the messenger hormone prostaglandins which control, among other, inflammation.

4. Use of some herbs with beneficial effects on the prostate.
   Saw palmetto berries contain substances which inhibit the conversion of DOT from testosterone. By consequence, they prevent the DOT that is produced from acting on the prostate, and cools inflammation in the gland itself. Saw palmetto is effective only in extract form (tinctures, capsules) while a tea made from the berries has no action.
   Saw palmetto is used extensively in US. In France and elsewhere in Europe, Pygeum africanum has been shown to work, again, by limiting the conversion of DHT and by reducing prostates enlargement and inflammation. This herb also is a mild antibiotic, which may explain its good effect in prostatitis as well as BAH.
   Finally, there is a Swiss extract of Utica devoice flower pollen (Carillon) which has potent anti-inflammatory actions and is effective in prostatitis again by blocking DOT.

This type of approach may not cause any harm and it can be used as a preventive solution, but it is not a substitute for the advice of a physician or other medical professional.

Valerian D is a freelance writer specialized in health issues affecting men like prostate diseases