Fixing the waterworks with Pygeum

Attention fellas over 40! Are you tired of frequent night trips to the toilet? Is your partner complaining about being woken several times a night? Men tend to accept these plumbing problems as an inevitable part of ageing, but this needn't be the case.

An increasing need to urinate is typically a sign that the prostate, a doughnut-shaped gland that sits around the urethra (the tube that drains urine from the bladder) has enlarged, making urination difficult. According to Andrology Australia, prostate enlargement is a widespread problem that increases with age and affects nearly all men.

It's important to remember that an enlarged prostate should not be confused with prostate cancer – a much more serious condition. The common term for an enlarged prostate is BPH, which stands for benign (non-cancerous) prostatic hyperplasia (enlargement). The causes of BPH are not known for certain, but age-related changes in hormone levels circulating in the blood may be a factor. Because of the gland's position around the urethra, the layer of surrounding tissue stops the prostate from expanding, causing it to press against the urethra like a clamp on a garden hose.

The bladder wall becomes thick and irritated, and starts to contract even when it contains only small amounts of urine. This is what causes the frequent need to urinate and symptoms such as straining to urinate, dribbling after urination and the uncomfortable feeling that the bladder is not quite empty If you experience any of these you should always consult your doctor for a diagnosis. Don't attempt to self-diagnose.

From jungle to medicine cabinet

The rough brown bark from the ancient African Pygeum africanum tree has been used as a tribal remedy for centuries to treat bladder and urination problems. Traditional South African healers used the bark in tea form to alleviate the bladder and urinary discomfort that is associated with an enlarged prostate in the mature male.

In France, more than 80 per cent of general practitioners prescribe medicine that includes Pygeum extract to treat BPH. Numerous clinical trials suggest that Pygeum can safely and effectively help to reduce the symptoms of BPH. In a multi-centre trial in Europe, 85 men with mild to moderate BPH were given 50 mg of a standardised Pygeum extract twice daily for two months. The study participants demonstrated a 40 per cent decrease in the severity of symptoms of BPH. Furthermore, the Pygeum-supplemented men reported a 32 per cent decrease in frequency of night-time urination and a 31 per cent improvement in quality of life.

In a larger placebo-controlled, double-blind study, 263 men received either 100 mg of Pygeum extract or placebo daily for 60 days. The Pygeum group demonstrated a 17.2 per cent improvement in urinary flow, a 24.5 per cent decrease in residual bladder volume, a 31 per cent decrease in night-time urination and a 19.4 per cent decrease in frequency of daytime urination. Overall, 66 per cent of the Pygeum group reported improvements, compared to only 31 per cent of the placebo group.2

Protecting the medicinal tree

Due to its legitimate popularity, in 1995 the Pygeum africanum tree was classified as an endangered species because of growing international demand for its bark. When buying Pygeum, always look for a brand that is produced by a Convention of International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) approved manufacturer. This means you are getting the best of both worlds – Pygeum with a guaranteed therapeutic effect and a product that has been specifically grown for commercial use and not illegally harvested.

References
1. Breza J, et al; Curr Med Res Opin. 1998; 14(3): 127-39. 2. Barlet A, et al; Wien Klin Wochenschr. 1990 Nov 23; 102(22): 667-73.

The above information was taken from our NSP Australian website: naturessunshine.com.au/health-tips/waterworks-pygeum.shtml

An Excellent Pure Source of Pygeum is in Nature's Sunshine Men's Formula product.

Men's Formula w/Lycopene (60 caps)

(Visit above link to purchase and read more about this wonderful product)

Benefits:
•Provides nutritional support for the prostate gland and the entire male glandular system.
•Contains the antioxidant, lycopene, which studies suggest may have a beneficial effect on prostate health.

Men's Formula [Glandular] is specifically formulated for men 40 and older who seek a nutritional boost for a healthy prostate gland.

Each capsule contains saw palmetto extract (Serenoa repens) standardized to 20 percent essential fatty acids; pumpkin seeds (Cucurbita pepo); pygeum bark extract (Prunus africana) standardized to 2.5 total sterols, calculated as beta-sitosterol; gotu kola aerial parts; standardized lycopene concentrate, a powerful antioxidant; stinging nettle extract (Urtica dioica) standardized to 2 percent plant silica; and zinc.

Saw palmetto supports the prostate gland and the urinary system. It protects the prostate gland from active forms of testosterone. Lycopene has been shown to have a protective effect on the prostate gland. Gotu kola herb supports the nervous system and promotes endurance.

For intensive use: Take 3 capsules twice daily with morning and evening meals.
For maintenance: Take 2 capsules daily with a meal.

Please call or email me if you need additional information or you need help with your order.

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