Knowledge is your best weapon for good prostate health and avoiding prostate cancer.

Knowledge is your best weapon for good prostate health and avoiding prostate cancer. Some lifestyles, eating habits, and dietary supplements are thought to lead to lower levels of prostate cancer, as well as other cancers. Nobody can guarantee prostate cancer prevention through behavior, diet, treatment, or medicine, but there things you can do to improve your odds.

There is some evidence that links exercise to better prostate health. Exercise improves overall physical and mental health, so most medical professionals recommend at least a half an hour of exercise per week. Some studies indicate that regular exercise increases oxygen flow to the soft tissues of the body and helps to control glucose levels in the bloodstream. High levels of glucose may help fuel prostate cancer cells.

A healthy prostate diet is worth considering. High-fat and low-fiber diets and obesity seem to contribute to a higher risk of prostate cancer, Researchers theorize that high levels of body fat can stimulate the production of male hormones which encourage prostate cell production. Some researchers believe that cancerous prostate cells can feed on fat, especially fats found in red meat and dairy products. Omega 3 fatty acid, found in fish, soy, and flaxseed is known as the “heart-healthy” fats. Omega-3 fatty acids help decease fats found in the body. Countries whose diets are based on fish proteins rather than red meat have much lower rates of prostate cancer. Soy products can decease how cancerous cells move to other parts of the body. Soy products include tofu, soymilk, soy creamers, soy yogurts, soy ice creams, and tofu burgers and sausages often stocked in grocery stores today. Silken tofu or soy powder can be added to baked goods or drinks to receive the benefits of soy. Red grapes, grape juice, green teas, and red wine contain anti-oxidants that can neutralize cancer-causing agents within the body. Lycopene found in tomatoes, and beta-carotene may be beneficial in helping to protect the body from the risk of prostate cancer. Eating a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables may help boost the body’s cancer fighting abilities and over-all health.

Prostate Health Supplements such as vitamin E and selenium have been linked to a drastically decreased risk of prostate cancer. Studies of vitamin E and selenium seem to benefit those who were deficient in either, or who were ex-smokers. Studies have also linked a daily regimen of aspirin or ibuprofen to lower risks of prostate cancer. As always, talk to your doctor before starting any prolonged use of supplements or aspirin.

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Plant Based Diet Prevents Prostate Cancer

Dietary changes should be on the prescription pads of doctors treating men with prostate cancer. New research shows that eating more whole grains, vegetables, fruit, and legumes while eating less meat, dairy, and refined carbohydrates could slow the progression of the deadly disease.

“Studies have associated the Western diet not only with prostate cancer incidence but also with a greater risk of disease progression after treatment,” said Gordon A. Saxe, MD, PhD, lead author of the study and assistant professor of Family and Preventive Medicine at the Moores Cancer Center at the University of California, San Diego. “Conversely, many elements of plant-based diets have been associated with reduced risk of progression.”

Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is a marker for prostate cancer recurrence and often the earliest sign of spread of the disease beyond the prostate gland, even in people with no symptoms. Saxe and colleagues conducted a six-month preliminary study to investigate whether a plant-based diet, reinforced with stress-management training, could prevent or lessen a rise in PSA among ten men with recurrent prostate cancer.

The men and their spouses or other support person participated in intensive group and individual diet and stress-reduction trainings. The men were taught to shift their diet to more whole grains, vegetables, fruit, and legumes and to eat less meat, dairy, and refined carbohydrates (such as white rice, white flour, and sugar). The people took cooking classes, participated in group discussions and meals, and were counseled regarding calorie intake (1,600 calories per day) and portion sizes.

Compared with the rate of PSA rise in the prestudy period, there was a significant reduction on the rate of rise throughout the intervention period. Nine of the ten men had a slower progression of PSA levels. Four of the ten men had a lower PSA level than when they started the diet. The time it took the men’s PSA levels to double increased nearly tenfold over six months, suggesting a strong protective effect.

Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer affecting men in the Western world after skin cancer. About 35% of men who are treated for the disease will experience a recurrence within ten years. These men are at higher risk for life-threatening metastases. Prevention of such recurrences is, therefore, an essential element of therapy. Unfortunately, the conventional treatments to prevent recurrence, such as hormone therapy, cause many undesirable side effects, such as hot flashes, loss of libido, and loss of bone mass.

“These findings have significant therapeutic potential for recurrent prostate cancer,” concluded Dr. Saxe. “A natural dietary- and lifestyle-based approach may serve as an adjunct or alternative to hormonal therapy.”

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Over the past 40 years, the rate of obesity has been exploding in the United States.

Over the past 40 years, the rate of obesity has been exploding in the United States. A massive 65% of adults in the US were classified as overweight or obese, with a body mass index over the accepted normal of 25. More disturbing is the 31% of children who are classified as overweight or obese. Since 40% of Americans do not exercise regularly, there seems to be little hope of this changing in the near future. This dangerous combination of increased food consumption and decreased physical activity has taken a tragic toll on Americans and has resulted in increased rates of a multitude of diseases, particularly diabetes. It is literally a major health crisis looming over America, adding to an already stained healthcare system. Obesity is also bloating healthcare cost, making healthcare in the US among the most expensive in the world.

Although research has yet to identify the link between obesity and the increased chance of developing prostate cancer remains unclear; there is little question that obesity does have negative effect on disease outcomes. Studies have shown that prostate-specific antigen test results in obese men can be considerable lower despite the presence of disease, leading to delayed diagnosis and treatment; recovery from surgery tends to be longer for the obese, and the risk of death from prostate cancer can be much higher.

Whatever nutritional approaches the individual chooses for prostate health, weight management is a must for an overall strategy. Increasing the intake of fresh vegetables can be beneficial, as long as they’re not swimming in high-fat dressings, oils, or sauces. Nuts can be an excellent source of some key nutrients, but they can also be very high in calories and fat. Knowing what to eat is a start, the real step in incorporating good nutrition into your lifestyle.

In addition, exercise is essential for effective weight management, it’s important to exercise regularly, at least 30 minutes a day and at least 3 days each week. Exercise not only helps burn off extra calories, but help keep the individual flexible and help maintain muscle strength and endurance. Walking, jogging, leisure activities, amateur sports, can be effective types of exercise. The key is to stay active and stay off the couch. Many American’s face an uphill challenge to regain control of their health and weight. Taking care of the prostate requires taking care of yourself.

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There are many different medical treatments for prostate cancer that involve the clinical care of a healthcare professional.

There are many different medical treatments for prostate cancer that involve the clinical care of a healthcare professional. These treatments include expectant therapy, surgery, radiation therapy, hormone therapy, and chemotherapy. Expectant therapy is to carefully observe and monitor the prostate cancer. Because prostate cancer cells often spread very slowly, many older men who have the disease may not need more extensive treatment. However, expectant therapy usually includes routine physician examinations, including digital rectal exams and PSA tests. The different types of surgery for prostate cancer are radical prostatectomy - an open-surgery procedure in which the entire prostate gland and surrounding tissue are removed. Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) - surgery to remove part of the prostate gland that surrounds the urethra. Cryosurgery - this procedure involves killing the cancer cells by freezing them with a small metal tool placed in the tumor. Side effects of prostate cancer surgery include incontinence and impotence. Incontinence is the inability to control urine and may result in dribbling of urine, especially immediately after surgery. Normal control usually returns within weeks or months after surgery. Impotence is the inability to achieve an erection. For a month, or so, after surgery, most men are not able to get an erection. Eventually, approximately 40 to 60 percent of men will be able to get an erection sufficient for sexual intercourse, but without ejaculation of semen, since removal of the prostate gland prevents that process.

Radiation therapy uses high energy rays to kill or shrink cancer cells, and to decrease their ability to divide. Radiation is often used to treat prostate cancer that is still confined to the prostate gland, or has spread only to nearby tissue. If the disease is advanced, radiation may be used to reduce the size of the tumor and to provide relief from symptoms. Possible side effects of radiation for prostate cancer may include diarrhea, with or without blood in the stool, and colitis, problems associated with urination, a degree of impotence (inability to get an erection), which may occur within two years of radiation therapy

The goal of hormone therapy is to lower the level of male hormones in the body, particularly testosterone. Hormone therapy does not cure the cancer, and is often used to treat persons whose cancer has spread or recurred after treatment. Produced mainly in the testicles, testosterone causes prostate cancer cells to grow. Thus, reduced testosterone levels can make the prostate cancer shrink and become less active. Most studies show that hormone therapy works better if it is started early. Chemotherapy is the use of powerful, anti-cancer medications to kill cancer cells.. Hospitalization may be needed to monitor treatment and chemotherapy's side effects. Common side effects of chemotherapy include: nausea and vomiting, hair loss, anemia, reduced ability of blood to clot, mouth sores, increased likelihood of developing infections, fatigue. Most side effects disappear once treatment is stopped.

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Green Tea May Prevent Prostate Cancer

ANAHEIM, Calif.--After one year taking green tea catechins (GTCs), only one in a group of 32 men at high risk of developing prostate cancer were diagnosed with the disease, compared to nine out of 30 in a control group. Italian researchers found epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) in GTCs targeted prostate cancer cells for death, without damaging benign controls. The results were reported at the 96th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research in Anaheim, Calif.

Italian researchers from the University of Parma, University of Modena, Reggio Emilia and Saverio

Bettuzzi found Clusterin, a gene involved in prostate apoptosis, a possible mediator of catechins' action. "EGCG induced death in cancer cells, not normal cells, inducing Clusterin expression," said Bettuzzi. The research subjects were aged 45 to 75 with high-grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia--malignant lesions that are prostate cancer precursors--for which no treatment had been given, and who were not consuming green tea, tea-derived products or antioxidants, or following anti-androgenic therapy. Intervention subjects received 200 mg of GTCs (50 percent EGCG). The 30 percent incidence rate of prostate cancer in the control group was consistent with previous findings, as was the absence of significant side effects or adverse reactions among the treated group.

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New research suggests that green tea may help prevent the spread of prostate cancer.

Specifically phytochemicals in green tea, called polyphenols attack growth factors and proteins, interrupting growth processes of tumors, thus preventing them from spreading to other organs. Since earlier studies suggests that the same natural plant substances might also help prevent the start of prostate cancer, researchers indicate that more studies are needed on green tea’s affect on fighting this common cancer. The best way to reduce your risk of prostate cancer still lies in eating a mostly vegetarian diet.

Studies on diet and cancer also show that green tea when tested with mice with an aggressive form of cancer can decrease the spread or metastasis of prostate cancer to liver, bone, and other parts of the body. Additional study of green tea may help develop a treatment to prevent the dormant, non threatening type of prostate cancer many men have in their 70’s & 80’s from becoming aggressive and fatal. Around six cups of green tea per day would contain the equivalent amount of polyphenols for individuals to help block the spread of cancer. Other data shows that the phytochemicals in green tea could inhibit the early phases of prostate cancer development.

The phytochemicals seem to increase the number of enzymes that help convert carcinogens to dormant, harmless forms. Many questions remain about the amount and frequency of green tea necessary to affect the formation of prostate cancer. Black tea has shown similar benefits to green tea, although they appear to have lower levels of the beneficial substances than green tea. Whatever the benefits of green tea, it would be a mistake to rely on tea alone for prevention. Studies suggest a variety of nutritional influences on prostate cancer risk. The use of Vitamin E may offer some protection. The antioxidant mineral selenium also seems protective. Most Americans get adequate amounts of selenium, but these studies used nutrition supplements, so the study participants achieved higher intake levels. It waits to be seen whether men can protect themselves by taking supplements, including multivitamins, with selenium. If total selenium intake exceeds 400 mcg per day, nerve damage and other side effects can occur in the individual.

Other good foods for natural nutrition are blueberries, broccoli, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, flaxseed, soybeans, and tomatoes. Cooked tomatoes are actually a far better source than raw tomatoes because the cooking process releases the lycopene from cells.

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Fiber Lowers Prostate Cancer

MILAN, Italy--New research published in the March 20 edition of the International Journal of Cancer (109, 2:278-280, 2004) (http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/cgi-bin/abstract/106586506/ABSTRACT) shows vegetable fiber may lower the incidence of prostate cancer. Researchers noted this is the first study to look into fiber’s role in prostate cancer.In an 11-year multicenter case-control study, researchers investigated 1,294 men with incident, histologically confirmed prostate cancer and 1,451 controls with acute nonmalignant conditions. They found the risk for prostate cancer was inversely related with soluble fiber, cellulose and vegetable fiber, with vegetable fiber seen as the most protective--men who consumed the highest amount of vegetables were 18-percent less likely to develop prostate cancer than those who ate the least amount of vegetables. These relationships were consistent across all ages, family histories of prostate cancer, body mass indexes and education.

According to a Reuter’s write-up, study researchers reported that because vegetables were seen to provide the most benefits of all the fibers investigated, it may be possible that some of their other nutrients could be the reason behind their prostate benefits.

These abstracts provided courtesy of Natural Products Industry Insider, published by Virgo Publishing Inc.

While four out of five older adults have a chronic health condition and many experience limitations in activities as a result, substantial and growing evidence indicates much can be done to delay progression and lessen risk factors.

For instance, the most common joint disease in humans, osteoarthritis is a universal affliction: virtually everyone who lives past age 75 has it to some degree.

In osteoarthritis the production of glucosamine, which is vitally important in maintaining healthy, flexible joints, takes a downturn. Fortunately it can be replaced by glucosamine supplements. More than 20 years of research in humans, including controlled trials and reports from physicians, indicates that glucosamine effectively decreases joint pain and improves joint mobility.

Glucosamine has another related benefit in addition to supporting health of joints and tissues. It also functions as an anti-inflammatory. Studies of glucosamine’s anti-inflammatory properties suggest that it may treat two common types of arthritis, gonarthritis and osteoarthritis

Calcium has received much attention for its role in supporting bone health, particularly in postmenopausal women. Although research suggests that calcium can slow, but not completely stop, the progression of osteoporosis, its importance for maintaining strong, healthy bones and slowing bone loss cannot be overstated. Studies have suggested that during perimenopause calcium absorption decreases and thus calcium supplements are a prudent dietary measure during menopause.

Calcium is also necessary for a wide array of other functions, such as initiating muscle contractions. For this reason it plays a vital role in maintaining a healthy heartbeat. On the cellular level, calcium regulates the passage of nutrients and wastes through cell membranes. It also regulates the transmission of nerve impulses.

To learn more about these dietary supplements and others, including research citations, information on basic use, dosage, and contraindications, written in layman’s terms, visit the DSIB Web site at www.supplementinfo.org. Finding the information is as easy as clicking on the name of a supplement or condition.

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