Significant numbers of men over the age of 50 develop problems with prostrate health. The prostate gland is about the size of a chestnut and sits at the base of the bladder in front of the rectum. The prostate surrounds a tube called the urethra which passes urine out of the body. Problems can occur when the prostate becomes enlarged or inflamed to the point of impairing urination and causing severe pain. Such symptoms are may be due simply to non-cancerous prostate enlargement, seen commonly in aging men, which is called Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), formerly known as prostatism. Other causes could be infection or possibly a cancerous tumour.

Unfortunately prostate symptoms are often ignored until they become unbearable. The National Cancer Institute (NCI) states that prostate cancer is the second most common form of cancer and the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths among men in the United States. The incidence of prostate cancer diagnosis in young men is on the increase, however the rate of deaths from prostate cancer has been decreasing, possibly due to improved detection methods.

Prostrate cancer and other prostate problems brings fear of impotency following surgery, chemotherapy or radiation. Consequently there seems to be a great interest in alternative remedies such as herbal cures, acupuncture, meditation and dietary chnages.

Saw palmetto is a key ingredient in a prostate health supplement, it has been found to be effective in reducing prostate enlargement. It reduced absorption of the hormone which triggers prostate enlargement when pro high levels, and also possesses properties which reduce inflammation and swelling, all of which contribute to relieving bladder discomfort and problems with urination.

To keep cancer at bay, a good diet to follow would be one that includes nuts, vegetables like cabbage, broccoli and kale, fruits like apples, grapefruit and papaya, oatmeal, fish and fish oil and seeds like flax, pumpkin, sunflower and sesame. Foods best avoided are red meats, alcohol, refined sugar, hydrogenated fats and soft drinks. Salmon helps fight inflammation. Research has found that men who ate it regularly had a 300% lower chance of prostrate enlargement. One nature cure recommends pureeing a few aloe vera leaves, combining it with a cup of honey and cooking it for 15 minutes. It is then mixed with 3 tablespoons of brandy and a teaspoonful drunk every 8 hours for a month.

Too often, it is because men are reticent about talking about prostrate problems. Early detection could mean a quick cure so it would be wise to go for a check up as soon as any kind of discomfort is felt in the area. It could make the difference between life and death.