Saw Palmetto—Does it Work?

A large study of saw palmetto (Serenoa repens) has found no benefit for men with benign prostate enlargement (New England Journal of Medicine 2006;354:557–66), but while the study is the most rigorously controlled to date, it raises some questions since the results are inconsistent with other research.

In this double-blind trial, 225 men over age 49 who had moderate to severe symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) were randomly assigned to one year of treatment with a proprietary saw palmetto extract (160 mg twice a day) or a placebo. Researchers tracked symptoms (such as urinary frequency, especially at night), urinary flow rate, changes in prostate size, residual urinary volume after voiding, quality of life, laboratory values, and side effects. They found no significant difference between the saw palmetto and placebo groups for any of these outcomes during the year, though no negative effects were seen.

In contrast to the present findings, previous studies of saw palmetto have found it to be effective for mild to moderate BPH. A 1998 review of clinical trials of saw palmetto in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that the herb improved BPH symptoms and urinary flow, providing benefits similar to those of finasteride (Proscar; the most commonly prescribed drug for BPH), but with fewer side effects. These studies were smaller, not as long, and some had design flaws, but the benefits of taking saw palmetto for BPH has been well-enough demonstrated for it to be recommended as a first-line treatment by many urologists.

What explains the discrepancy between the results of the current study and those of previous studies? The authors had several theories: previous studies did not effectively mask the identity of the active and placebo formulations; the level of active ingredient in the extract was possibly to low to produce a measurable effect; and the severity of the condition in some of the participants in this study may have made them less likely to have a positive response. It is interesting to note that the present study excluded men with mild BPH, even though previous studies have found the herb effective for mild to moderate BPH.

So what’s a man with an enlarged prostate to do? If the condition is mild to moderate, many studies suggest that he will benefit by taking saw palmetto.

For more information visit: www.prostacet.com

One natural herb used for treating an enlarged prostate is Saw Palmetto.

One natural herb used for treating an enlarged prostate is Saw Palmetto. Saw Palmetto is native to the West Indies and the Atlantic coast of the United States of America. Native Americans and early white settlers used the berries to treat problems with the reproductive system and urinary tract. The herb has been widely used in Europe and Canada for years, and more recently has found favor in even the United States. There is increasing research and growing documentation that supports the benefits of Saw Palmetto for both the prostate and the urinary tract. Nearly 50 percent of men over age 50 will experience benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), or an enlargement of the prostate gland. One in seven over this age will be diagnosed with some form of prostate cancer. Saw Palmetto may be as effective in treating BPH as prescription medications and drug.

A clinical trial conducted in of all places, France, reported that the number of times men had to wake up and urinate at night decreased by an incredible forty five percent, and urine flow rate increased by fifty percent after treatment with saw palmetto. In another research study, 1297 males that suffered from enlarged prostates were given Saw Palmetto extract for 12 weeks, the participants observed the following: A) far less need nighttime urination B) increased urine flow, accuracy, and volume.

In an analysis paper on the clinical trials of Saw Palmetto published by the Journal of the American Medical Association found that males given saw palmetto were twice as likely to report an improvement in symptoms than those given a placebo. The plant part used is the berry, and the active constituents are sterols and free fatty acids that are standardized to 85-95 percent.

The initial research and studies of Saw Plametto have certainly been promising and offer a non-prescription drug alternative to treating the enlarged prostate. While Europeans have embraced herbal treatments, these remedies still have not found favor with medical professionals in the United States. Perhaps with more research and experience, herbs will provide a larger role in prostate treatment options in America. Until then, many Americans are seeking out these natural alternatives and supplements at health food stores and trying them on their own without medical supervision. As in all medical treatments, let your doctor know, even if he or she doesn’t approve. This can help you avoid possible side effects with other prescription drugs.

For more information visit: www.prostacet.com

The prostate gland is an important part of the male reproductive system.

The prostate gland is an important part of the male reproductive system. The prostate creates a fluid that mixes with sperm and other fluids during ejaculation. These fluids nourish and transport sperm during the process of semen ejaculation during sexual excitement. A normal prostate gland is around the size of a walnut.

Prostate Enlargement is common as a man ages and matures. Medical doctors call this condition of enlarged prostate BPH or "benign prostatic hyperplasia". As the prostate enlarges, the layer of tissue surrounding it stops it from expanding, causing the prostate gland to press inward against the urethra and restricting the flow, narrowing the space for urine to pass. The bladder wall also becomes thicker and irritable. The bladder starts to contract even when it contains even small amounts of urine, causing more frequent urination by the male. Eventually, the bladder weakens and loses the ability to completely empty itself and urine remains in the bladder. The narrowing of the urethra and partial emptying of the bladder cause a large number of the problems associated with an enlarged prostate. A doctor can determine an enlarged prostate during the dreaded finger prostate exam.

The symptoms of an enlarged prostate can vary, but the most common ones involve changes or problems with urination, such as a hesitant, interrupted, weak stream, urgency and leaking or dribbling, more frequent urination, especially at night. This is often called nocturia. Men who have symptoms of prostate obstruction are much more likely to develop chronic kidney disease. These are troubling and dangerous problems if not found and corrected in time.

Enlarged prostate treatments vary. Numerous effective pharmaceutical drugs are available to improve symptoms of prostate enlargement. There are also effective natural therapies including the use of time-tested herbal products. Some commonly used herbs for enlarged prostate gland include rye pollen, stinging nettle, saw palmetto, and pygeum, Plant extracts that have also been investigated include beta sitosterol, quercetin, rosaminic acid, genistein, daidzein and lycopene. In addition to herbs and mainstream medications, there is also some basic, common sense, behavioral changes that can help combat prostate symptoms. Among these changes are reducing fluid intake, limiting or ending alcohol and caffeine consumption, especially in the evening, and not passing up a chance to use the bathroom, even when your bladder doesn't feel full. These simple steps can help reduce the impact of an enlarged prostate on a man’s life.

For more information visit: www.prostacet.com

WEIGHT LOSS TIPS

Stretch your meals to, at least, 20 minutes or longer. Your stomach, mouth and brain are all connected and it takes 20 minutes of chewing before your stomach signals your brain that you are full. To feel full and successfully lose weight on any weight loss program, you need to eat slowly for 20 minutes or longer.



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Prostate cancer prevention holds exciting possibilities for the future and suggests some prostate cancer prevention strategies for men to use now.

Prostate cancer prevention holds exciting possibilities for the future and suggests some prostate cancer prevention strategies for men to use now. When deciding on what prevention strategies to adopt, keep in mind that several of the strongest known risk factors for prostate cancer are wildcards. They are simply beyond your control. These include: Genetics. The risk of prostate cancer is higher if other men (father or brothers) in your family have had the disease. Age. Prostate cancer is unusual in men before age 50, but incidence of the disease grows dramatically after that age. Race. African-American men are at much higher risk of developing prostate cancer.

The full range of things that cause prostate cancer is still largely unknown. Even individuals with none of the three uncontrollable risk factors for prostate cancer may choose to follow a lifestyle linked to a lower risk of the disease. The good habits that protect against prostate cancer might well help avoid other diseases as well, such as heart disease, colorectal cancer, and others. Much of the study on prostate cancer prevention focuses on good nutrition. Important factors include: Fat. 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 Vegetables. Some studies link a diet high in vegetables to a lower risk of prostate cancer. Fish. Prostate cancer can be two to three times more common in men who eat no fish as in men who eat moderate to large amounts of fish.

Research does not yet support any definite nutritional guidelines for preventing prostate cancer. Reasonable suggestions are to eat more fruits, vegetables and whole grains, reduce intake of saturated fat and cholesterol, limit sugars and salt. Drink alcoholic beverages in moderation, or cut them out completely. Watch your weight and control calories.

Obesity and prostate cancer: Studies have not established a direct connection between obesity and incidence of prostate cancer. However obesity may affect levels of hormones related to prostrate cancer risk. Strategies for preventing obesity include: following guidelines for a healthy diet, meeting with your doctor to develop a plan for physical activity, and doing some form of aerobic exercise for 30 minutes or more daily. Weight management control will have health benefits for the whole body and the mind. Take care of your body and your prostate will prosper.

For more information visit: www.prostacet.com

A risk factor is anything that may increase a person's chance of developing a disease.

A risk factor is anything that may increase a person's chance of developing a disease. It may be an activity, such as smoking, diet, family history, or many other things. Different diseases, including cancers, have different risk factors. In general, all men are at risk for prostate cancer. However, there are specific risk factors that increase the likelihood that certain men will develop the disease, including the following:

Age is a risk factor for prostate cancer, especially men age 50 and older. More than 80 percent of all prostate cancers are diagnosed in men over the age of 65. Race: Prostate cancer is nearly twice as common among African-American men than it is among Caucasian-American men. Japanese and Chinese men native to their country have the lowest rates of prostate cancer.

Diet: Data suggests that the diet consumed in Western industrialized countries may be one of the most important contributory factors for developing prostate cancer. The following information regarding diet and its effect on the risk for prostate cancer include men who eat a high-fat diet may have a greater chance of developing prostate cancer. Dietary fiber intake may decrease the progression of prostate cancer. Soy protein lowers fat intake, and the isoflavones in soy have been found to inhibit the growth of prostate cancer. Vitamin E and selenium Vitamin E, an antioxidant, combined with selenium, has been shown to inhibit tumor growth in laboratory animals. Carotenoids Carotenoids containing lycopenes have been shown to inhibit the growth of human prostate cancer cells in tissue cultures. The primary source of lycopenes is processed tomatoes in tomato juice and tomato paste. Obesity Obesity not only contributes to diabetes and high cholesterol, but has also been associated with some common cancers including prostate cancer.

Vasectomy, BPH (benign prostatic hyperplasia), or STD (sexually transmitted disease) Researchers have looked at whether men who have had a vasectomy, BPH, or those who have had exposure to STD’s are at increased risk for prostate cancer. Some studies suggest a link, while others don’t. Family history of prostate cancer. A father or brother with prostate cancer doubles a man's risk of developing prostate cancer. The risk is even higher for men with several affected relatives. Geneticists divide families into three groups, depending upon the number of men with prostate cancer and their ages of onset, including the following: Sporadic - a family with prostate cancer present in one man, at a typical age of onset. Familial - a family with prostate cancer present in more than one person, but with no definitive pattern of inheritance and usually an older age of onset. Hereditary - Five to 10 percent of prostate cancer cases are considered hereditary. Genetic Approximately 9 percent of all prostate cancers and 45 percent of cases in men younger than age 55 can be attributed to a cancer susceptibility gene that is inherited as a dominant trait (from parent to child).

For more information visit: www.prostacet.com

Ganoderma Lucidum - A Miracle Elixir for Longevity

By James Penn

The Chinese word, lingzhi, which means ‘the mushroom of immortality’ or ‘the herb of spiritual potency’, is the name they gave to a particular mushroom, eons ago. The Japanese call the herb ‘reishi’, the Koreans ‘keonji’ and the biologists Ganoderma Lucidum. It has many other names in the different regions of Asia as well. Ganoderma Lucidum is actually a miracle fungus, from which scientists have isolated several ingredients. To mention only a few of them, there are polysaccharides, terpenes, triterpenes or ganoderic acid, organic germanium, in addition to many other bioactive components. They have found these to alleviate or relieve the pain and suffering that human beings experience due to a number of diverse ailments.

In olden times, people depended upon nature, mainly on herbs, for their health problems. Then, the health sciences developed along with modern technology to produce infinite chemical combinations in the shape of medicines for the treatment and cure of various disorders of the mind and the body. With that, people turned away from herbs and towards prescription and non-prescription medicines, because these offered easier and faster methods of getting rid of their diseases. However, more and more people who are aware of the side effects of synthetic drugs are switching their loyalties to various herbal remedies. Prominent among these natural remedies is this wonder mushroom, ‘the miraculous King of Herbs’ - at least as the Chinese believe it to be), Ganoderma Lucidum.

Uses of Ganoderma Lucidum

The list of disorders or ailments for the treatment of which Ganoderma Lucidum its users say is extremely effective is long because of its wide spectrum of beneficial properties. It stabilizes blood pressure, lowers blood sugar and corrects the high cholesterol ratio. It generally strengthens the immune system. It fights bacteria, viruses (especially those causing liver diseases) and many side effects caused by the treatment of malignant tumors and cancers (because of which it offers itself as a supportive medicine in chemotherapy and radiotherapy). It is also used in the treatment of several other body disorders and ailments. It prevents bronchitis, help to relieve asthma, cough and many other related breathing complaints. It also helps the heart to function better and acts as a cardiotonic, or heart strengthener by relieving the usual feeling of a tight chest; further, it acts against plaque that builds up in the arteries. As it has sleep-inducing properties and it can help cure insomnia. The list of possible uses in seemingly unending. Most impressive of all is that it works with hardly any side effects.

It helps restore sound health, energizes the body, improving the body’s vigor and vitality. It prevents quite a bit of cell degeneration as well as senility. That is why perhaps the Taoists see it as ‘the elixir of eternal youth’. And that is why many people seek its powers for increasing their life-span. No wonder, more and more people intending to keep a good physical shape and maintain good health are using Ganoderma Lucidum continuously over long periods of time and reaping its innumerable health benefits.

Ganoderma Lucidum is, without doubt, an unparalleled miracle elixir for longevity and can typically be bought in supplemental capsule or liquid form from specialty herb or mail order stores.

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Yin and Yang: The Principle of Balance and Harmony

By James Penn

You have surely heard of opposites. Black and white, night and day, light and dark, pleasure and pain, wealth and poverty and similar innumerable pairs come to mind as opposites. Yin and yang represent, according to ancient Chinese philosophy, two opposing aspects of this entire universe as well as of human life, but with a difference. They not only oppose but also complement each other. Simply put, life is impossible without yin and yang at once opposing and complementing each other on a perennial basis. Yin is feminine, yang is masculine; yin is passive, yang active; yin is death, yang life and so on. If yin is thought to be receptive, cold, winter, moon, night, water, and even, then yang opposes and complements them by being creative, hot, summer, sun, day, fire and odd. They represent the essential parts of a duality. That only means that without either of them, the duality does not, and cannot, exist.

Yin and yang replace one another in cycles and are interdependent opposites that work in unison to attain a much-needed balance that sustains and runs this world, which by its very nature is always in flux. Yet they are not mutually exclusive, in that in yin, there is a tiny part of yang and likewise there is a very small seedling of yin in yang. They at once overwhelm and complement each other. This is a never-ending process.

Ancient scholars of China, who the emperors of the Han dynasty commissioned to study the earlier divergent principles of philosophy, came out with a unifying theory of the nature and alternating cycles of yin and yang. As yang increases, yin decreases and vice versa, in order to strike a natural balance. While it is important to have balance and harmony in nature, there are times of imbalance whenever yin and yang are deficient or in excess. This imbalance in yin and yang brings about unhappiness or misery in human life.

Manipulating your yin and yang

At such times, when you are in an unhappy state, you have to manipulate yin and yang in a way that restores the balance, by decreasing yin and simultaneously increasing yang or the other way round. Here, Feng Shui, an ancient Chinese art of space arrangement and placement of your possessions in particular directions or positions in your house, comes to your rescue. Depending upon the kind of distress you may be in or the kind of luck you want in your life, Feng Shui experts offer you suitable advice in order to make adjustments in the placement and directions of some of the objects occupying various spaces in your house. Many Feng Shui followers are also quite fastidious about using or wearing certain objects on their person, as they believe in the principle of balance in yin and yang that would bring them luck and turn their fortunes for the better.

This ancient Chinese concept of yin and yang may fascinate you. After that, you may want to see for yourself how these two, with their infinite ways in which they oppose and integrate with each other, ultimately affect your personal life.

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