Prostate disorders are fairly common in the United States. One in six men will suffer from prostate cancer in their lifetime, although incidence varies greatly among different groups, posing a high risk to men over the age of 65 in particular. An enlarged prostate means the gland has grown bigger. Prostate enlargement happens to almost all men as they get older. As the gland grows, it can press on the urethra and cause urination and bladder problems. An enlarged prostate is often called benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). It is not cancer, and it does not raise your risk for prostate cancer. Fortunately, prostate cancer and BPH are treatable, but scientists are now discovering that proper nutrition can keep the prostate healthy and prevent the onset of these conditions.Most of the dietary supplements recommended for decreasing the risk of prostate cancer and BPH are found in the foods we eat everyday. Lycopene, an antioxidant that strongly protects against prostate cancer, is found in tomatoes.

Compounds in green tea are known to inhibit the development of prostate cancer. Common antioxidants, such as vitamin E and selenium, are beneficial in stabilizing highly reactive free radicals and protecting against cancer.

Saw palmetto, which is extracted from the fruit of a small palm, is typically used for relieving symptoms of benign prostatic enlargement such as nighttime urination, urinary flow, and overall quality of life. Although it may not greatly reduce the size of the prostate, saw palmetto may have an effect similar to Proscar® but with fewer side effects. Taking pumpkin seed oil extract orally alone, or with saw palmetto, was reported to help the symptoms of benign prostate enlargement. Pygeum has been observed to moderately improve urinary symptoms associated with enlargement of the prostate gland or prostate inflammation. Taking garlic supplements might improve symptoms associated with benign prostate enlargement or prostate cancer and may also decrease the risk of developing prostate cancer. Stinging nettle has been used in Europe for benign prostate enlargement for a long time due to its anti-proliferative and anti-inflammatory effects.