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Volume 3 - 3
Prostate Disease & Nutrition
One of the growing medical concerns for males today is the increase in Prostate Disease. The American Cancer Society estimates 165000 men will be diagnosed this year. The target group for the detection of Benign Prostate Hypertrophy (BPH) is males in their 40¡¯s and 50¡¯s. Understanding the factors which cause, contribute, prevent and help Prostate Disease can be life saving.
At around 50 years old, the testosterone levels begin to decrease. This decline results in an increase of dihydrostestoserone levels which causes the overproduction of prostate cells. When dihydrostestoserone levels and prostate cell production is excessive, the prostate enlarges and the bladder is obstructed. It is not uncommon for symptoms such as an increase in urinary frequency and urgency, such as awakening in the middle of the night, to occur. If there is urine retention from major blockage of the bladder, the urine may even seep into the blood. Right now, one of the growing areas of concern is preventing the disease in the form of invasive cancer which would begin in the prostate then rapidly spread throughout the body. Fortunately, there are therapies and natural remedies which may alleviate a lot of the discomfort associated with this disease. It is necessary for each individual to learn the pros and cons of each therapy in order to make the proper decision for his condition.
Herbal therapies have been around for centuries. It is only recently that medicine and modern technology is exploring the benefits which they have demonstrated. The cost of herbals is up to 60% less expensive than pharmaceuticals and the benefits are very impressive. Saw Palmetto Berry or Serenoa Repens is from a palm tree native to Florida. Not only was the herb a common part of the Native American diet, but was used for years as a natural treatment of prostate conditions. It is reported that the berry inhibits dihydrotestoserone production. Recent clinical trials have revealed very positive and encouraging results. In a 1992 double-blind study published in European Urology, patients treated with Saw Palmetto had favorable results and considerably less side effects than the placebo group. It reported, "The treated group prostatic samples was significantly lower than that of the untreated group." Two other herbals which are being researched and used to treat BPH is Africanum Pygeum and Stinging Nettles (or Urtica dioica). The Pygeum was originally used in the powder form extracted from the bark of Pygeum evergreen trees and consumed for genito and urinary complaints. The active properties of Pygeum are Phytosterols, which demonstrate anti-inflammatory properties by blocking enzyme production and lowering cholesterol levels. Nettles, an extract from nutrient rich plants originally grown in Europe and Israel, has been found to possess steroidal components which inhibit the membrane activity of the prostate which a 1994 study in Tokyo found to suppress prostate cell metabolism and growth. The Warsaw School of Medicine in Poland conducted a study in 1993 on 134 patients with symptoms of BPH. The treatment used was a combination of Pygeum and Nettles in a capsule form. The results showed "safe and effective" results and significant reduction in problems with urine flow, residual urine and nycturia. There were very few reports of side effects. It is important to recognize the severity of the side effects each therapy yields. Some reports claim that surgery and radiation can cause impotence and incontinence. For example, a 1995 study published in the British Journal of Urology reported an increase in erectile failure in some patients who underwent a transurethral prostatectomy.
The best way to avoid the dangers and side effects of any therapy is through prevention. Nutrition and supplementation can help avoid many prostate problems. According to Dr. Mindell, author of The Vitamin Bible, zinc and vitamin B6 are excellent preventors of prostate disease. It has also been reported that glutathione and bioflavinoids are effective methods of prevention. Including foods such as soy, fresh fish and organic produce in conjuncture with avoiding too much red meat and animal fats which contain alpha linoleic acid and cholesterol will prove to be very beneficial as well. Medicine has a new development, the PSA (prostate specific antigen) Test, which is an early diagnosis tool to detect prostate cancer in the very early stages.
The statistics show that prostate cancer may be on the rise. However, with proper diet habits, regular physician exams and nutritional practices, risks can be lowered. It is imperative to take action. Implement preventive measures as well as explore and learn the different therapies available which can not only battle prostate disease but optimally, stop it before it starts.
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