Edwin Y. Endo, OD Optometrists, Eye Doctors Of Honolulu

 

Let’s talk about the most important nutrient to support a healthy prostate.  An enlarged prostate can affect urination and libido. The more the prostate enlarges, the higher your risk is for prostate cancer. But, just because the prostate enlarges doesn’t mean you have cancer.  There is a powerful form of testosterone in the body called DHT. Testosterone can convert to DHT with a specific enzyme. Certain medications inhibit this enzyme to reduce DHT and help with male pattern baldness, prostate hypertrophy, and erectile dysfunction. But, zinc is actually a natural inhibitor of this enzyme.  Zinc is the most important nutrient to support a high testosterone level, sperm fertility, and a healthy prostate.  A zinc deficiency could lead to an enlarged prostate gland, inflammation of the prostate gland, and an increased risk of prostate cancer. A zinc deficiency can also affect your libido, testosterone, sperm count, and urine flow.  Causes of a zinc deficiency: • Not consuming enough red meat  • Low stomach acid  • Certain medications (antacids, diuretics, statins) • Alcohol  • Sugar consumption  • Frequent meals  Foods high in zinc: 1. Shellfish  2. Red meat  You could also take a zinc supplement. I have a great product called Trace Minerals Enhanced, that’s loaded with zinc and the other trace minerals you need.  However, zinc alone will not act as a cure for an enlarged prostate or other medical conditions because there are many other factors involved. One of these factors is your diet. To learn more about the diet you should be on, check out my videos on Healthy Keto and intermittent fasting.