Saw Palmetto | Ask the ND with Dr. Jeremy Wolf

December 2015

Dr. Wolf gives you the rundown on Saw Palmetto and how it interacts with brain cell membranes.

 As we age our bodies change. For men one of the major complaints about aging arises from problems associated with declining prostate health. One of the most common conditions is Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia, which is when the prostate begins to swell. This swelling can lead to increased urinary frequency, weakened urinary stream and difficulty initiating urination. In today’s episode I wanted to talk about an herb that may help to combat some of the symptoms associated with an enlarged prostate. The herb I referring to is Serenoa repens, more commonly known as Saw Palmetto.

Saw palmetto is an extract from the berries of the palm tree. 
The active constituents of the plant include the sterols and free fatty acids found within the berries.

Saw palmetto is currently being used in other countries; for example, it is used in 50 percent of treatments for BPH in Italy and in 90 percent of such treatments in Germany.

Prostatic enlargement depends on a hormone called dihydrotestosterone (DHT). In the body testosterone is converted into DHT by a hormone called 5 alpha-reductase

Evidence suggests that saw palmetto may be an effective inhibitor of 5-alpha-reductase activity in prostate gland tissue, making it beneficial for BPH.

Saw Palmetto does not decrease the size of the prostate but may decrease inflammation and reduce symptoms.

Some studies have concluded that Saw palmetto and Finasteride a drug used to treat BPH had similar positive effects on urinary symptoms and scores. 

According to some professionals the highest quality saw palmetto products on the market today are organic supercritical Co2 extracts. 
Its important to make sure your supplements contain the oils (fatty acids and sterols) from the berries and not berry powder. 

In general 320mg of Saw Palmetto per day seems to be the standard dosage used for BPH. 

A mild side effect of GI irritation may occur when taking Saw palmetto, however it seems that when taken with food it helps to resolve this complaint. 

Shop LuckyVitamin.com for a large selection of quality Saw Palmetto supplements:
http://luckyv.it/1OkVFSa

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About The Series:
Watch LuckyVitamin's Ask The ND series featuring LuckyVitamin Dr. Jeremy Wolf for healthy information, benefits and facts about popular nutritional supplements and wellness topics. These quick guides are great educational resources to learn about a variety of wellness oriented topics from a trained Naturopathic Physician.

About The Doctor:
Dr. Jeremy Wolf is a Licensed Naturopathic Physician (N.D.). He completed his four-year medical training from the Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine (SCNM) and Health Sciences graduating with high honors. Prior to receiving his Doctorate, Dr. Wolf received his Bachelors in Science with a focus in Biology from Towson University. Dr. Wolf's medical focus is based on Herbal Medicines, Health Supplements, Homeopathy, Pediatrics, Nutrition and Physical Medicine. He has also had extensive training in Therapeutic Nutrition. Dr. Wolf's medical philosophy is based on a healthy balance of diet, exercise and proper nutrition to aid in the reversal of disease and stimulate the body's innate ability to heal itself.

About LuckyVitamin:
For those leading active, healthful lives, LuckyVitamin is the inspirational and supportive source for products and knowledge dedicated to helping everyone on their journey towards happy wellness. Visit http://luckyv.it/1MH3Um3 (LuckyVitamin.com) to learn about healthy living and shop thousands of health and wellness products at great prices.