Showing posts with label prostate cancer. Show all posts
Showing posts with label prostate cancer. Show all posts

Wednesday, January 5, 2011

Treatment For Prostate Cancer With Omega 3 Fish Oil Supplements


Prostate cancer is the second most common cause of death from cancer amongst men in the USA. The most common being lung cancer. Over twenty seven thousand men are estimated to die from cancer of the prostate annually.The good news is that research has shown that a diet which has a high Omega 3 fatty acid content can reduce the potential for getting prostate cancer and reduce the effects of cancer of the prostate. The research focused on the amount of oily or fatty fish in the diet of the men studied. The conclusion of the studies was that men who ate more fatty fish were less likely to be affected by prostate cancer. It was also concluded that where cancer of the prostate was diagnosed the growth rate of the prostate tumor could be reduced by increasing the amount of Omega 3 fats in the diet.Diet is all important when it comes to preventing or treating prostate cancer. Increasing the amount of Omega 3 fats in the diet can reduce the risk of death by cancer of the prostate and allow a man diagnosed with prostate cancer to live with the tumor to a normal life span.Omega 3 fatty acids are known as essential fatty acids because they are required for healthy body functioning. However they must be provided in the diet because the human body cannot manufacture them itself. Cold water oily fish are the most common source of Omega 3 fats. These include fish such as sardines, tuna and salmon which are rich in omega-3 fatty acids.It is important to balance the ratio of Omega 3 fatty acids against Omega 6 fatty acids. This ratio should be as near to one to one as possible. The diet of most western men is in excess of twenty to one as a result of the large amount of meat and low amount of fish eaten. This is one of the important factors affecting the statistics for prostate cancer and cancer of the prostate deaths in western and eastern men. Western men being more likely to be affected by prostate cancer and die of this disease.Genetics also plays an important role in the tendency to develop cancer of the prostate. Men with a variant of the COX-2 gene are known to have a higher likelihood of developing cancer of the prostate than other men. This variant of the COX-2 gene is passed from generation to generation among men. This susceptibility to cancer of the prostate caused by genetics can be positively affected by diet. An improved diet can have a positive outcome for these men.By increasing the amount of Omega 3 fatty acids in the diet the genetic cancer risk can be reduced. Men with the COX-2 variant can change their prostate outlook by changing their diet. They have a choice of eating more fatty fish or adding an Omega 3 fish oil supplement to their diet.Men prone to prostate cancer would be those who benefit most by changing or improving their diet by increasing their consumption of Omega 3 fatty acids. However all men should consider the importance of Omega 3 fats in their diet.Men over the age of sixty are also more likely to develop cancer of the prostate and should consider dietary changes. Changing their diet to increase the amount of Omega 3 fatty acids can prevent the development of prostate tumors and has been shown to slow the development of existing prostate tumors. Men diagnosed with prostate tumors have been able to control the further growth of the tumor and live out a normal life span.Fatty fish or Omega 3 fish oil supplements can be used to increase the Omega 3 fats in the diet and thus have a positive benefit for the prostate.Omega 3 fish oil supplements are rich in the required Omega 3 fatty acids and are an excellent alternative to fish. Produced from raw fish oil using a process called molecular distillation Omega 3 fish oil capsules are not only rich in the essential Omega 3 fatty acids but also free of the contaminants such as mercury and heavy metals that are often present in fish.Omega 3 fish oil capsules are concentrated, pure and an easy to take alternative for fish.
Take action today to prevent or reduce your risk from prostate cancer by increasing your daily intake of Omega 3 fats. Use an Omega 3 fish oil supplement to boost your bodies ability to fight this deadly cancer and live a longer happier life.
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Wednesday, December 29, 2010

Exercise & Prostate Cancer Risk


There is an increasing body of research evidence to suggest that many cases of cancer can be prevented through lifestyle and diet modifications. (More enthusiastic cancer prevention experts have suggested that 80 percent of cancer cases, or more, might be preventable with rigorous lifestyle and diet changes.) Given that, in the best case, modern cancer treatment results in the long-term survival of only about 60 percent of all cancer patients, and that the survival rate for many of the most lethal cancers still remains far more dismal, an ounce of cancer prevention is certainly worth much more than a pound of cancer cure.Prostate cancer is the most common non-skin cancer that occurs in men, and the second most common cause of cancer death in men. In 2009, an estimated 192,000 new cases of prostate cancer will be diagnosed, and approximately 27,000 men will die of this disease. Prostate cancer currently afflicts 1 out of every 6 American men during their lifetimes, and accounts for 25 percent of all cancer diagnoses in men (similar, I might add, to the percentage of breast cancer cases among all cancer cases diagnosed in women). The relationship between prostate cancer risk and exercise has not been entirely clear, thus far, as various clinical studies have produced contradictory findings. Some of these studies have suggested that high levels of daily physical activity may reduce the risk of prostate cancer, while other studies have not confirmed a link between prostate cancer risk and physical activity levels.A new prospective public health study, just published in the British Journal of Cancer, adds further important evidence that increased levels of physical activity may indeed reduce the risk of developing prostate cancer. Importantly, the researchers conducting this study took the extra step of conducting 7-day physical activity evaluations to verify that the study's participants actually engaged in the levels of physically activity that they claimed on the questionnaires. (This additional validation step confirmed the accuracy of the questionnaire information supplied by the study's volunteers.) The incidence of prostate cancer, and the death rate associated with prostate cancer, among these 45,887 middle-aged and elderly men were then analyzed at the conclusion of this very large prospective epidemiological study.When the men who engaged in physical activity at the highest levels were compared with those at the lowest levels, some very important differences in prostate cancer risk emerged. Overall, very high levels of physical activity were associated with a 16 percent reduction in the risk of developing prostate cancer. Additionally, among the men who spent at least half of their work days being physically active, the risk of prostate cancer was 20 percent lower when compared to men who spent most of their work day sitting down. Additionally, the risk of developing advanced prostate cancer appeared to be further lessened by regular daily physical activity.The results of this study mirror those of other high-quality cancer prevention studies for other types of cancer (including, most notably, breast cancer). Cancer is the number two cause of premature death when including people of all ages, and the number one cause of premature death below the age of 80 in the United States. Regular exercise, including relatively moderate activities such as brisk walking or bicycling, have been shown to significantly reduce the risk of death due to cardiovascular disease, as well as, increasingly, the risk of developing or dying from multiple different types of cancer.
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Sunday, December 26, 2010

4 Effective Tests For Prostate Cancer


With the exception of non-melanoma skin cancer, prostate cancer is the most prevalent type of cancer amongst men. It affects around 35,000 men each year with around 66% of these diagnoses being amongst men who are aged 50 and over. It begins when the prostate cells start to multiply in a rapid and uncontrollable way leading to the formation of a cancerous tumour. This can then lead to a number of undesirable symptoms including difficulty urinating properly and pain in the hips, groin and lower back. If you suspect that you may have prostate cancer for the above reasons or for any other reason you should go see your doctor for further testing. In this article I will be discussing four of the tests that they may use.
1) PROTEIN SPECIFIC ANTIGEN (PSA) TEST:Your prostate produces a protein called PSA. A PSA test quite simply measures the level of PSA that is in your blood. A small amount of PSA is normal but high levels of blood PSA are often linked with prostate cancer. The PSA test is not 100% accurate because other factors such as your age can influence PSA levels.
2) DIGITAL RECTAL EXAM (DRE):-This prostate cancer test involves your doctor placing a gloved finger inside your rectum. They will then feel your prostate gland to see if it has changed shape or increased in size. The DRE also has its limitations because a cancerous prostate may still feel normal from the outside.
3) TRANS RECTAL ULTRASOUND SCAN (TRUS):This test uses sound waves to build an image of your prostate. Your doctor can then use this picture to measure your prostate and see if it looks abnormal. Again the TRUS is not the perfect prostate cancer test because a normal sized, normal shaped prostate can still turn out to be cancerous.
4) BIOPSY:This test involves a tissue sample being taken from the prostate and examined in the laboratory. The laboratory tests can then be used to determine if the cells in the prostate are cancerous. Although a biopsy is one of the best prostate cancer tests available there are instances when a prostate biopsy comes back negative despite cancerous cells being present.
Prostate cancer affects 35,000 men every year. Therefore, if you have any reason to believe you may have contracted this disease go and see your doctor right away and ask them about getting yourself tested. Whilst each of the tests has its limitations, collectively they provide a good indicator as to whether your prostate has become cancerous.Whilst every intention has been made to make this article accurate and informative, it is intended for general information only. Prostate cancer is a very serious, life threatening condition and you should discuss any concerns, treatments or lifestyle changes fully with your doctor.
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Tuesday, December 21, 2010

Get to Know How Prostate Cancer Radiation Treatment Works


Prostate cancer is deadly to men over fifty, and is often so slow to really develop that it's not noticed until it's too late to remove by normal surgery. Although prostate cancer can be prevented by normal routine checkups and a healthy low-stress lifestyle, it's still possible for any male to develop prostate cancer. Because of this, prostate cancer radiation treatment is one of the most common methods of treating prostate cancer, and it's effective for the most part. However, it isn't perfect. Before getting prostate cancer radiation treatment, it's best to know how the treatment works.
The Alternative to Prostate Cancer Surgery
Prostate cancer radiation treatment is also called radiotherapy or chemotherapy, and is used when surgery fails or during any stage of the cancer. This works by sending a wave of ionized radioactive particles. This radiation is absorbed into cells, which mutates the DNA and increases the likelihood of that cell dying. There are two main types of prostate cancer radiation treatment beam therapy and brachytherapy. Radiation treatment is the most commonly used method for treating prostate cancer aside from surgery.Beam therapy is done by placing the patient into a linear accelerator to send beams of radioactive particles firing directly at the prostate. The latest techniques enable the beam to match the shape of the prostate so that other tissue isn't damaged. Usually, beam therapy is done over a period of several weeks daily. There are fewer side effects with newer forms of prostate cancer radiation therapy, however.Brachytherapy, however, is done by infusing a series of small rods with radiation and inserting them into the cancerous tissue. These rods act as a permanent emitter of low-grade radiation. The X-rays are only able to travel a short distance, so there's little chance of damage to the other surrounding tissues of the body. This treatment tends to have a better outcome as far as preventing recurring cancer. Also, there's little chance of the radiation being exposed to other men.Prostate cancer radiation treatment is most commonly used in men who wouldn't really be able to have surgery safely. Prostate cancer radiation treatment is one of the most effective methods of treatment for prostate cancer, but there are some side effects, such as hair loss, sickness and overall loss of energy.Although prostate cancer is a very deadly disease, it can be easily dealt with if it's caught on time with regularly scheduled checkups and a healthy lifestyle.
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Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Prostate Cancer and the Amazing daVinci System


Unlike normal blog postings dealing with Choices, Ethics, and Consequences my topics as a professional motivational speaker it seemed appropriate today to speak of my complete recovery from prostate cancer hoping that it might help others who are faced with decisions on prostate cancer treatment.In layman's terms, everything seemed to work fine. So the discovery of prostate cancer was quite accidental. My doctor referred me to a Urologist. Being fearful of needles (and a biopsy is the ultimate needle) I asked if it would hurt. Prostate Cancer! How could I, a 47 year old healthy male, with no other medical issues have prostate cancer? My local doctor wanted to schedule surgery immediately. He said I had four options: (1) Radical prostotectemy (traditional surgery); (2) Radiation; (3) Hormone therapy and/or (4) Watch and wait. Again, he recommended surgery. I was like learning to play golf - I would prefer to learn from someone who plays daily than learn from a weekend hacker. First thing I found based on my diagnosis I had time to consider carefully my options. Prostate cancer generally is slow in it's progression. CAUTION - do not use my experience as a crutch to avoid treatment (I witnessed my father-in-law die from complications from prostate cancer), rather, seek competent medical help in making your treatment decisions.
Options Considered:
Watch and wait. I researched my diet considered the possibility that I could reverse what existed and even reduce the cancer. For a short time I actually saw a decrease in my PSA; however, that was short lived. Radiation Therapy. Not really an option for me. While I talked with a man in his late 60's to early 70's who had outstanding results using focused radiation (proton therapy I think it was called), the reality is - once you opt for radiation and the tissue is destroyed, if prostate cancer returns, it cannot be surgically removed. By the way information on proton treatment can be found at http://www.protons.com/ or at http://www.llu.edu. com/High Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU). In my search for the right treatment, I spent much time in considering this alternative. There were three practical objectives I wished to accomplish with whatever treatment I selected: (1) Cancer elimination, (2) Minimal issues with incontinence (preferably none) and (3) minimal issues with erectile function (again, preferably none). Based on my Gleason score and prostate cancer diagnosis, it seemed that this treatment would be viable. For research information visit http://www.ushifu.com/ As part of my consideration I met with Dr. George Suarez, Medical Director for USHifu. He reviewed my medical background and was kind in taking the time to discuss with me my options using this new prostate cancer treatment. Dr. Suarez took the time to explain all my options and how, if I elected, HIFU could be effective while meeting my three objectives. Radical Prostatectomy. All of the possibilities above, brought me back to the original suggestion - SURGERY. Since I had the time to research I discovered (through the wonder of the Internet) this, then, new procedure called a robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy. Hum...seemed that needed more study. Of course, at the time, Johns Hopkins Brady Urological Institute was recognized as one of the best in the world for prostate cancer research and study. After careful consideration I contacted Johns Hopkins inquiring about this seemingly new procedure - using the daVinci Surgical System. http://www.urology.jhu.edu/MIS/daVinci/ .The folks at Johns Hopkins could not have been more caring and helpful as I sought all my treatment options. Of course, they reviewed my file carefully and spent all the time I wanted and needed to evaluate my options. In the end, one thing was clear - all other options being equal - surgical removal was still the "gold standard" in the fight against prostate cancer. The surgery went fine - of course I don't remember a thing - so all I can base it on what the Doctor's report. Initially the report indicated that the cancer was contained in the prostate and the removal should yield me "cancer free." Outcome. Within four weeks following surgery I boarded a plane to Dallas, TX to begin a new job. Within seven weeks of surgery incontinence was not an issue. Erecticle function returned within three months (with the aid of medication) and returned to full function (without medication) within twelve months.
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Saturday, December 11, 2010

Prostate Cancer Staging System


Once a patient is diagnosed with prostate cancer, it is then important that information regarding the extent of the spread is determined, and how much it has affected the gland. Determining this is what is called prostate cancer staging. Prostate cancer staging involves categorizing the disease in specific classification in order to derive the appropriate approach for your treatment.Prostate cancer staging conventionally was done by classifying the stages as Stages A, B, C and D. Stages A and B may be curable, and in both cases, the cancer is localized within the gland. In this type of prostate cancer staging, stage C has the cancer spreading beyond the prostate but has not reached the lymph nodes. Some in this stage have some hope of being cured. In stage D, the cancer has already reached the lymph nodes, bones and some other areas. Though the prostate cancer in this stage may no longer be curable, it can be treated for purposes of slowing its effect down.New prostate cancer staging systems now use the TNM notation. T means tumor, N means Nodes (lymph nodes), and M means metastasized to other body organs.For this prostate cancer staging system, the T classification has two types: a.) clinical stage, and b.) pathologic stage. The clinical stage is important in determining whether removal of the prostate gland may be in order, though it will not show the extent of the cancer spread. The pathologic stage is determined after surgery and will enable one to know the severity of the cancer - also, one will be able to have a better impression on how it might fair for him in the future.Prostate cancer staging systems, whichever is used, provide a general guideline on what to expect at each particular level. It describes the condition of the prostate and the cancer cells in it, the treatment that may work for your particular stage, and the prognosis for your case.With the valuable information it provides, prostate cancer staging systems will be a useful tool for both patients and doctors alike. Patients will be able to understand their current situation and the specific status of their prostate. Doctors will be able to rely on them to come up with the suitable approach for the patients they are treating.Without prostate cancer staging systems, there would not be any means of putting meaning of the level and severity of the cancer experienced by the patient - no reference for appropriate approach in treating prostate cancer. A prostate cancer staging system has continued to be an efficient tool and basis for one's treatment & prognosis.
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Tuesday, December 7, 2010

Sex After Prostate Cancer


If ever you need a good reason to get a prostate cancer screening this is it. SEX, for many men, seems to define who we are as people. So the question about the possibility of having sex after being diagnosed with prostate cancer is of interest to many.From a high level, there are four basic stages of prostate cancer in the earlier you are diagnosed with it, the more treatment options are available and they're less likely to have a negative impact on your sex life.The earlier you're diagnosed, the better it is for your life, sex life, and survival. Testing should begin when the typical man is about 50. The two tests include the Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) Test, which is a simple blood test and the DRE or digital rectal examination. This should be done annually for all men after age 50 if only to develop a baseline number and history for future diagnostic informationIf however any of your direct relatives, father, brother or uncles have had prostate cancer, you should be tested and have the annual exam starting around age 40. This is also a good idea if you're black. There are indications that black Americans are at higher risk of contracting prostate cancer and should be checked starting between 40-50 years old.Most of the time, men do not need to worry about prostate cancer if these tests are done regularly as part of an annual physical work up. This is because as cancers go, prostate cancer is relatively slow growing. Make no mistake however, cancer is the second leading cause of death in men after heart disease. And prostate cancer is the second most frequent cancer contracted by men.This type of information should be sickening for you if you're a man or know and love a man. The second highest cancer cause of death is the highly treatable prostate cancer. Why? Well, men do have a tendency to ignore their health much more than women. Waiting until Prostate cancer is in the final stages or metastasizes is almost a death wish.The diagnostic process for prostate cancer is a PSA test followed by a biopsy if deemed necessary. The biopsy will then be analyzed and a Gleason score will be assigned. Many factors are involved in the decision to treat or even not treat prostate cancer. Your age, interest in sex, medical and family history along with test results are all used by you and your doctor to determine the correct course of action.Prostate cancer doesn't mean the end of your sex life. It means that you have cancer that needs to be monitored closely and treated appropriately. Having prostate cancer doesn't stop a healthy sex life. Dying however does!So, talk to your doctor and schedule a prostate exam and blood test. It's the best thing you can do to assure a healthy and long lived sex life.
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Saturday, December 4, 2010

How to Prevent Prostate Cancer By Eating A Healthy Diet


Prostate cancer is one of the most common kinds of cancer among men. In recent year, the number of affected male is on the rise, and has become a very serious problem to be noted. Fortunately, our diet can play an important role in preventing prostate cancer.The symptoms of prostate cancer can include frequent urination, difficulty in initiating urination, pain and discomfort during urination, blood in the urine and lower back pain. These symptoms do not necessarily mean you have prostate cancer, but it is very important for all men over the age of 50 to have a thorough prostate examination every year to detect any signs of occurrence of cancer. The earlier the discovery of any problems, the better it is for full recovery.In order to prevent prostate cancer, it is important for one to eat healthily. It is crucial for men to understand that red meat, such as meats like lamb, beef and pork, are thought to increase the risk of prostate cancer. That is perhaps red meat contains high levels of saturated fat. Dairy products too have high levels of saturated fat, and hence they have been suspected to cause higher risk of prostate cancer as well.It is also important to help prevent prostate cancer by changing diet. When it comes to using diet to help prevent prostate cancer, the biggest problem seems to be saturated fat and the lack of fiber. Cases of prostate cancer tend to be at their highest levels in countries where levels of saturated fat in the diet are the highest.We just need to make a small change in our diet to prevent prostate cancer. We can try things like changing saturated fat to unsaturated fat, or consume less meat and eat more vegetables in our diet. These changes are important, especially to those men who are at increased risk for prostate cancer.Theses dietary changes can do much more than help prevent prostate cancer by eating healthier. It can also have other important health benefits, such as reduced risk of diabetes and obesity. Start today by eating a higher number of fruits and vegetables. Fruits and vegetable are rich in nutrients, low in fat, and delicious, so they should be a major part of any healthy diet.Of course any major dietary change should be discussed with your doctor to find the most suitable diet that fit your body best. Your doctor can help you make the most out of your dietary changes, and can help guide you and monitor your progress. So start making changes and prevent yourself from getting prostate cancer today.

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Thursday, November 25, 2010

Prostate Cancer Prevention & Nutrition


Detecting and Preventing Prostate Cancer
As is the case with most forms of cancer, the key to effective treatment of prostate lies in early detection through a PSA test. The most frequent symptoms of cancer in the prostate are frequent urination and a weak urine flow. Other symptoms of cancer include bloody or painful urination.When it comes to prostate, the familiar adage that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure is particularly apt. Maintaining a healthy weight has been shown to lower the chance of developing prostate cancer, as has adopting a diet that is low in fat. However, the most effective method of preventing prostate cancer has been proven to be getting the proper nutrients that the prostate needs through diet and nutritional supplements.

Prostate Cancer Death Statistics
Prostate cancer is currently one of the most common form of cancer in adult men, second only to skin cancer. One in every six men are diagnosed with prostate cancer following a PSA test, and roughly 27,000 men die from prostate cancer every year. Sadly, many cases of prostate cancer could have been avoided through proper prostate nutrition and PSA testing.

Prostate Treatments and Side Effects
Although modern medicine has made significant breakthroughs in the treatment of prostate, all cancer treatments come with a wide range of side effects. In the case of prostate cancer, the most common treatments are external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) and radioactive seed implants. External beam radiation therapy works by exposing the cancerous cells to highly powered X-rays. While EBRT has proven to be very effective at eradicating malignant cells, it also burns adjacent healthy tissue and comes with mild side effects including frequent urination and very loose stools. Although brachytherapy has proven to be very popular with men who catch the cancer early on through a PSA test, the treatment nearly always results in side effects that make urination moderately painful and some patients experience subsequent erectile dysfunction.

Using Supplements for Proper Prostate Nutrition
The key to preventing cancer is ensuring that you are receiving proper prostate nutrition through both your daily diet and the use of additional supplements that target the prostate. The best supplements for prostate nutrition include a complete prostate health complex that delivers the proper doses of vitamin D, lycopene and other nutrients. Vitamin D has proven to be invaluable in securing prostate nutrition, as it has been proven time and time again that men with prostate cancer were also deficient in Vitamin D. Lycopene is an antioxidant that is found in tomatoes that has been found to drastically lower the an individual's chances testing positive for cancer after a PSA screening.

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Monday, November 22, 2010

Best Choices For Prostate Cancer Prevention


More than half of males over age 40 have enlarged prostates resulting to frequent urination and sexual dysfunction.There's no sure way to prevent prostate cancer - but you can make some choices for prostate cancer prevention. Prostate cancer is complicated, and researchers are still trying to understand the full range of factors that cause it - and determine which prostate cancer prevention strategies are safe and most effective. Experts know that diet and lifestyle choices play a part in prostate cancer prevention. Some medications and supplements also show promise.Prostate problems affect almost 90% of males over age 50. While age, genetics and race are factors you can't change, there are some factors you can control for prostate cancer prevention. Here are a few things that you can do to help for prostate cancer prevention. So far, research does not support definite nutritional guidelines.
NUTRITION AND PROSTATE CANCER PREVENTION
Prostate cancer rates vary greatly from one country to another, with the highest rates appearing in countries where people tend to eat a lot of fat. A diet high in saturated fats (such as animal fats found in red meat) may pose the greatest risk for prostate cancer prevention. Drink alcohol in moderation. Eating plenty of all kinds of vegetables, including tomatoes, may help ward off prostate cancer. Eat foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon, herring and mackerel. These foods may help for prostate cancer prevention and other health problems.Prostate problems may become much worse if left untreated. It is estimated that 35% of all prostate surgery patients experience dreadful complications like impotency and incontinence. Just a little prostate swelling can have a serious impact with your urinating and sexual performance. Moreover, drugs and surgery can have disastrous consequences such as impotency and incontinence.
Natural way
There are now many published clinical studies demonstrating the ability of a range of herbs to support the healthy functioning of the prostate. Many international scientific journals have published studies showing Beta-Sitosterol to be safe and highly effective without any side effects. Beta-Sitosterol can support good prostate health by maintaining healthy male hormone balance and reducing the symptoms of an enlarged prostate.

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Saturday, November 20, 2010

Diet, Herbs, and Prostate Cancer


There are multiple problems that can develop in the prostate in older men. These include benign enlargement of the prostate (BPH) and prostate cancer (CaP). Saw Palmetto, derived from the American dwarf pine tree, is effective at treating early BPH. It inhibits the conversion of testosterone to dihydro-testosterone and therefore leads to shrinkage of the prostate. Stinging nettle, which inhibits the growth of prostate cells, is commonly added to saw palmetto in Europe to treat early BPH.Prostate Cancer is the most common cancer in men with approximately 230,000 new cases annually. Prostate cancer risk is affected by male hormones as well diet. Men in the orient have a very low risk of prostate cancer, while men in Western Europe and United States have a high risk of prostate cancer. Furthermore, when men in the Orient eat a Western diet their risk of prostate cancer increases.The typical American diet high in animal meat, cured meats, animal fats, and milk increases the risk of prostate cancer. This type of diet not only leads to CaP but also to other cancers, heart disease and strokes.Diets high in vegetables and omega-3 fatty acids are the best way to prevent prostate cancer. In the orient, it is thought that the high soy content contributes to the low incidence of prostate cancer.Fish and omega-3 fatty acids (olive oil) are associated with a decreased risk of CaP. Olive oil has been shown to directly inhibit growth of prostate cancer cells. Flaxseed another omega-3 fatty acid also has phyto-estrogen activity. In a study by Duke University, flaxseed was found to inhibit CaP cells in men who were undergoing prostatectomy.Saw Palmetto may help to prevent CaP by inhibiting the conversion of testosterone to dihydro-testosterone. Its anti-inflammatory effect further inhibits cancer formation.Stinging Nettle has been shown to inhibit the growth of prostate cells and prostate cancer cells both in the laboratory and in mice. Further human studies are needed.Green Tea (polyphenols and isoflavones) has multiple effects including anti-oxidant, anti- proliferative, anti-angiogenesis, and encourages natural cell death (apoptosis). There are strong data in the orient for its use in preventing prostate cancer.Lycopene (tomatoes) is a powerful anti-oxidant and therefore prevents damage to the prostate from oxygen radicals. It has many activities including inhibition of prostate cancer as well as other cancers. Higher blood concentrations of selenium correlate with a decreased risk of prostate cancer.Cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, and Brussel sprouts) contain sulforaphane and indole-3 carbinol. These substances induce enzymes in the GI tract to break down cancer causing substances. They are also excellent anti-oxidants.Pumpkin seeds contain zinc and are thought to help with BPH. Zinc in small amounts appears to protect against prostate cancer but high amounts of zinc (100mg/day) may increase the risk of prostate cancer.

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