A few reasons men should start thinking about prostate health, regardless of age

Prostate health is critical for normal reproductive function, particularly in the area of sexual disorders
Prostate problems are estimated to affect 60% of men over 40 and 75% of all men over 60. In fact, if you are over 40, you could very well begin experiencing them
One prostate problem, prostatitis, an inflammation of the prostate gland, can occur in any age group after the prostate gland reaches its adult size. If caused by an infection, antibiotics as well as diet restrictions are used. However, other references on prostate health, including the book The Prostate Miracle, noted that there are other types of nonbacterial prostatitis which can present a problem.
And then, there is the other common prostate affliction which is said to affect an estimated 60% of men between the ages of 40 and 59- benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). One reference even noted that nearly 1 out of 10 men between 25 and 30 have BPH.

Studies have been made that show the prostate to be a major center for the concentration of zinc in the body. When a man's diet is inadequate in zinc, the prostate gland begins to lose this trace element, and some researchers link this with a variety of prostate problems. Many men claim to have found relief for their troubles with the aid of a dietary supplement of zinc.

Dr. Monroe Greenberger, a New York urologist, gives sound advice: "To the man who is reaching the age where prostatic problems are most likely to plague him, good diet is essential...Although much of the value of zinc, vitamins and diet to prostatic health is still in the exploratory stage....the evidence is convincing enough for me to sit up and listen carefully...."

Zinc is a component of more than 300 enzymes that are needed to repair wounds, maintain fertility, synthesize protein, help cells reproduce, preserve vision, boost immunity, and protect against free radicals and other functions. Common use: Promotes wound healing, preserve vision, boost immunity, protect against free radicals can help avoid prostate problems, maintain fertility. Too much zinc may lower your immune response, the suggested amount is 30 - 50 mg daily unless advised by your health care provider.

Herbal Support
In addition, some men have found that herbs that provide nutritional support for prostate health

Saw Palmetto Berries: The "premier prostate herb" has long been used as a traditional remedy to strengthen the male reproductive system and promote prostate health. An extracted form of Saw Palmetto is now employed as a conventional treatment for relieving some symptoms of BPH.

Calendula: This well-known first aid plant has also been used for glandular swelling. Experimental in vivo (in the body) research suggests that Calendula-among other things-gently stimulates the immune system, as well as reduce inflammation and pain.

Another demulcent herb added to soothe and protect the urinary system is Comfrey root.

Nettle Leaves: Nettle is usually added to many prostate health formula for its diuretic properties. Diuretics are said to prevent excess build-up of urine in the bladder due to an enlarged prostate, to prevent potential back up of urine into the kidneys. Nettle is also believed to be helpful for BPH as well as bladder infections.

Other herbs: St. John's Wort, Elder Flower, Linden Flower, Blackberry Leaves, and Chamomile.

Flaxseed - In addition to promoting colon health, Flax seeds are a soothing agent in inflammatory conditions. It also contains a gel-like substance that soothes irritated tissues. (there are some reports that flax for men is questionable, so do your research and make your own decision).

The Male Herbal by James Green - an excellent book on herbal and natural health care for men and boys.

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Plant chemical may harm male fertility - study
By Patricia Reaney, Tue Jun 21, 05, 7:38 PM

A plant chemical found in soya, tofu and legumes could potentially damage sperm and affect male fertility, a British researcher said on Wednesday.

Professor Lynn Fraser, of King's College London has shown that genistein, which can mimic the effect of the female hormone estrogen, affects sperm in mice.

But it seems to have an even stronger impact on human sperm.

In laboratory tests, Fraser found that small amounts of the chemical can cause human sperm to "burn out" and lose fertility.

"Human sperm proved to be even more responsive than mouse sperm to genistein," Fraser told a fertility meeting.

She added that if women eat soya and other foods high in genistein it might have a bigger impact on male fertility because the chemical is likely to affect sperm when it is in the female preparing to fertilize an egg.

"Maternal exposure to the compounds is probably more important than paternal exposure," Fraser explained.

Although it is very preliminary research, Fraser speculated that the findings could have an impact on women trying to conceive.

"On the basis of what we have seen, it might be a practical thing to do if you are in the habit of eating lots of soya-based products to restrict your diet for a short time over the window of ovulation," she told the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology meeting.

Professor Richard Sharpe, of Edinburgh University in Scotland, described the research as interesting and said the results were surprising.

"It could of course have human health/fertility implications as indicated by the authors," he said in a statement.

But Sharpe added that oriental societies that traditionally eat a soya-rich diet show no signs of reduced fertility that he is aware of.

The effects on sperm in the laboratory may also not be directly related to what may happens in real life.

Dr Allan Pacey, of the University of Sheffield in England, said it is worrying if these compounds affect mature sperm.

"It's early days, but clearly if what happens in the laboratory also occurs in the woman's fallopian tube as the sperm make their way to the egg, then there would be the potential for fertilization to fail," he explained.
Copyright © 2005 Reuters Limited. All rights reserved.