The prostate gland is about the size of a walnut and is located right below the bladder in men. Although it may be small, its location makes it particularly problematic if there is an issue.

Many men will experience an issue with their prostate at some point in their lives. In fact, about 30 million men suffer from some condition with their prostate. However, there are ways that men can protect themselves and maintain the health of their prostate well into old age.

Common Prostate Conditions

Prostate issues become more likely with age, but they are not limited to middle-aged and older men. The most common forms of prostate issues are prostate cancer, benign prostatic hyperplasia, and prostatitis.

Prostate cancer is a significant global health problem. It usually presents with no symptoms at all, and the cancer is typically only detected with DRE and PSA tests. Any symptoms generally are a sign of advanced disease, but that is more uncommon with modern medicine. Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in men in the U.S., behind lung cancer. It is also the second leading cancer in American men, behind skin cancer.

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is also called an enlarged prostate. It’s normal for the prostate to continue to grow throughout a man’s life, but overgrowth can cause problems. The prostate compresses the urethra, which makes it difficult to urinate. This leads to a higher risk of bladder infections and bladder stones.

Prostatitis is a common condition that affects up to 16% of men. It is the underlying cause of 2 million doctor’s visits each year. It is the infection or inflammation of the prostate gland. Typically, it results in swelling and pain but can also cause problems in the bedroom, difficulty urinating, and other health issues, such as fatigue and depression. Prostatitis is most often in young and middle-aged men. Prostatitis comes in three forms: nonbacterial prostatitis (the most common), bacterial prostatitis, and proctodynia (or chronic prostatitis).

Symptoms of prostate problems vary based on the type of condition. For example, acute prostatitis caused by bacteria typically causes symptoms of an infection, such as fevers, muscle pain, and fatigue. However, some common signs of prostate problems include:

• Frequent urge to pee.
• Blood in semen or urine.
• Pain in the bedroom.
• Pain or stiffness in hips, pelvic or rectal area, upper thighs, or lower back.
• Difficulty maintaining a strong stream of urine.
• Needing to get up multiple times at night to pee.

How Super Plants Can Help

Although prostate issues are more widespread than ever, they are far from new. For thousands of years, health practitioners have observed that certain plants support overall wellness and male health in particular. They passed on their knowledge to the next generations, creating a rich tradition of helpful supplements to increase vitality and wellbeing.

Since then, researchers have used modern science to figure out what makes these plants in particular so crucial for supporting prostate health. They have discovered critical compounds and properties that make these supplements particularly helpful and tested their abilities in a lab setting.

Pine Pollen

Although most of us only think about pollen when our allergies are acting up, pine pollen actually contains potent benefits. Health practitioners have long understood that pollen supports health. Researchers have identified pollen as an ingredient in medicine 2,000 years old.

Modern science has uncovered some of the powerful benefits of pine pollen that support prostate health. It is full of enzymes, antioxidants, amino acids, vitamins, and minerals that greatly help overall wellness.

Except for certain forms of prostatitis, most prostate issues are directly tied to age. In fact, the rates of BPH increase from 50% of men between 51-60 to 90% of men above the age of 80. One of the best ways to reduce the risk of developing symptoms of an enlarged prostate is to support anti-aging processes in the body.

Pine pollen can help. Scientists have identified pollen as having certain anti-aging properties. One study on mice found that it had anti-aging properties and could potentially support healthy aging in humans. Although more research needs to be done to substantiate these findings, pine pollen’s strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity could help slow the effects of aging.

Another benefit of pine pollen is that it is a natural source of testosterone. The most current research links low levels of testosterone with enlarged prostates. Although testosterone and prostate cancer was long believed to be unconnected, 2021 research has scientists exploring the use of high-dose testosterone on prostate cancer.

Although more research needs to be done, one study does show that pine pollen contains a significant amount of testosterone. 

Pine pollen has grown in popularity as more people are discovering its many benefits. As a result, though, more research needs to be done to understand its properties and advantages fully. However, the current science is promising.

Grape Seed Extract

Grapes are among the most versatile fruits today, used in raisins, wine, jellies, grapeseed oil, and more. While the health benefits of wine are much-touted, they are far from the only health-boosting grape food. Grape seed extract (GSE) has a number of benefits, especially for supporting prostate health.

GSE is a particularly rich source of antioxidants. These antioxidants are critical for reducing the risk of many different cancers, most notably prostate. Multiple studies have found that taking GSE is associated with a lower risk of developing prostate cancer. Researchers found that it specifically inhibits the growth of cancer cells. More recent research found that a compound in GSE, B2G2, induces cancer cell death in humans. 

In addition, researchers have associated oxidative stress with BPH. GSE’s antioxidants could reduce oxidative damage that is associated with prostate conditions.

Metabolic syndrome is another condition often associated with prostate conditions. Researchers have found that it may lead to BPH and is associated with a higher risk of prostate cancer. GSE can help reduce the development of metabolic syndrome. Studies have found that GSE has an anti-obesity effect and helps improve glucose tolerance.

Cordyceps

Cordyceps are fungi that grow on insects to keep their numbers in check. When they attack the host, they take over and develop long and thin stems that grow out of the host’s body. For many centuries, Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioners collected, dried, and used the insect remains and fungi to treat a number of health conditions.

Recently, cordyceps have gained popularity as research has unearthed their many benefits. Although most of their studies are limited to animal and test-tube studies, their results so far are extremely promising.

Researchers have discovered that cordyceps is an exceptionally rich source of antioxidants and full of anti-aging properties. Several studies have shown the anti-aging benefits of Cordyceps. One study on mice demonstrated that Cordyceps helped protect the mitochondria and reduced signs of aging. Another study on mice found that even when they induced aging, Cordyceps had protective effects.

In addition to its anti-aging benefits, Cordyceps also reduces the risk of metabolic syndrome. A recent 2020 study found that Cordyceps found that it inhibited the development of metabolic syndrome, which is linked with prostate health.

Cordyceps is also helpful for fighting inflammation in the body. Test-tube studies found that human cells suppress the proteins in the body that increase inflammation when they are exposed to Cordyceps. In fact, a 2020 review stated that it has excellent potential as the next new class of anti-inflammatory agents. Another 2022 study also found that the current research points to its usefulness in clinical use to lower inflammation.

The research on how Cordyceps affects the prostate specifically is still new but extremely promising. A 2021 study on animal models found that Cordyceps could improve BPH in men. Another 2019 study found that Japanese men who consumed mushrooms, including Cordyceps, had a lower risk of prostate cancer.

However, those with prostate cancer may want to speak with a medical provider before taking Cordyceps. One study found that it did promote the growth of prostate cancer cells. 

Tongkat Ali

Tongkat ali is a flowering plant found in Indochina, Indonesia, and the Philippines. Traditional health practitioners in Southeast Asia have used the roots of tongkat ali for centuries. It was used for a number of conditions, such as bacterial infection, fevers, and male bedroom performance.

Researchers have been able to confirm the many benefits of tongkat ali, especially for men. Studies have documented its ability to increase testosterone in men with low levels.

One one-month study on older men with low testosterone took 200 mg of tongkat ali once a day. At the end, 90% of men had testosterone in the normal range again. Other studies have also documented its ability to support healthy testosterone levels in men.

Other research also showed that tongkat ali promotes anti-prostate cancer activities in the cancer cells. Another study also found that it could be useful in reducing the risk of prostate cancer in the future, in addition to improving testosterone levels.

Research on tongkat ali also found that it can help support a healthy mood and reduce stress hormones in the body. Another one-month study found that participants reduced their cortisol levels by 16% over those who took a placebo. After taking it, the participants reported feeling less tension, anger, and stress.

Epimedium

Epimedium is more commonly known as horny goat weed. As the nickname suggests, ancient health practitioners started using it after noticing its ability to promote goat breeding. 

However, Epimedium does more than promote feelings of desire and an increase in bedroom performance. It also has exciting potential for male prostrate health.

Epimedium’s aphrodisiac qualities come from its ability to support healthy hormone balance in both men and women. One study on rats found that supplementing with the active ingredient in Epimedium, icariin, significantly increased testosterone.

Although more research needs to be done, the studies of Epimedium on prostate health are promising. A 2019 study found that it inhibited the growth of BPH cells. Another 2021 study also found that it improved metabolic syndrome-induced BPH.

Researchers have found that Epimedium also contains anti-cancer properties that might be able to reduce the risk of prostate cancer.

Epimedium has exciting potential for improving overall male health, including reducing the risk of prostate conditions.

Lifestyle Hacks to Support Prostate Health

Prostate health is linked to overall wellness. While certain herbs and mushrooms can help boost the body and improve health, they cannot replace good diet and lifestyle habits.

Here are some critical lifestyle hacks to improve prostate health:

A prostate-health diet. A diet low in processed foods and high in nutrient-dense ones is critical to prostate and overall health. Foods that support prostate health include wild-caught fish, tomatoes, green tea, pumpkin seeds

Get some sunshine. Vitamin D is a critical nutrient for prostate health. Researchers have correlated vitamin D levels with BPH, prostatitis, and prostate cancer. One of the best ways to get a healthy amount of vitamin D is sunshine. Midday sun, especially during the summer, is one of the best times to get sunlight for vitamin D levels.

Exercise daily. Researchers have found that exercise is critical for BPH risk reduction, reducing symptoms of prostatitis, and slowing prostate cancer progression. Aim to get at least 30 minutes of exercise a day to improve prostate health.

Practice stress-management. As we stated earlier, stress is a common driver of many prostate conditions. To reduce the risk of prostate problems and improve overall prostate health, take some time to practice stress management. Meditation, hobbies, socializing, and certain breathing techniques can help lower cortisol in the body.

Improve Your Prostate Health Today

Although most men will experience some prostate issues at some point in their lives, that doesn’t mean we have to be doomed to poor prostate health. Certain herbs and mushrooms can provide a critical boost to keep the prostate healthy even into old age. When combined with diet and lifestyle changes, we can support a healthy prostate for years to come.

Alpha Complex combines all of these potent plants into one convenient formula. Using only the highest quality ingredients from the purest sources, each herb and mushroom is backed by historical use and modern research.