Movember – Prostate Awareness Month

Other than skin cancer, prostate cancer is the most common cancer in American men. The American Cancer Society’s estimates for prostate cancer in the United States for 2013 are:

• About 238,590 new cases of prostate cancer will be diagnosed
• About 29,720 men will die of prostate cancer

Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in American men, behind only lung cancer.

http://www.cancer.org/cancer/prostatecancer/detailedguide/prostate-cancer-key-statistics

It has been proven through Quantum Physics that one doesn’t catch disease; it is created by the way one eats, drinks, thinks, and lives. In order to keep the body healthy – organ systems, glands and tissues –  it is imperative to follow a preventative, proactive, and holistic approach to health. This couldn’t be more true when addressing health concerns due to modern day factors, such as diet & lifestyle choices. 

What is the Prostate?

The prostate is a small, walnut sized gland which is located under the bladder and surrounds the urethra in males. Its main purpose is to secrete a thin milky, alkaline fluid, which prevents infection, lubricates the urethra, and increases sperm motility; which aids in fertility. 

Prostate Health

Prostate Enlargement or Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) affects more than 50% of men up to age 50 and affects over 90% of men over the age of 85. This condition can be caused by many influences such as: dietary factors, lifestyle choices, environmental aspects, as well as metabolism and hormone balance. The Testrosterone to Estrogene ratio may also prove useful for monitoring risk of prostatic hypertrophy and prostate cancer. Recent studies are shedding light on the role of estrogen in prostate disease. For example, estrogen receptors are dramatically over expressed in prostate epithelial cells in prostate cancer and less so in benign prostatic hypertrophy 

It is of key concern to keep this little gland healthy, as long-term BPH can eventually obstruct the bladder and cause bladder stones, infection or even kidney damage. 

As Nutritional Consultants we can help determine the Root Cause as to why the body is no longer functioning correctly. We look at all aspects of a person’s life in relation to their health with a focus on Nutrition and Diet. Using a combination of herbal medicine, homeopathy, nutritional supplementation and food as medicine, designed to one’s unique biochemistry, it is possible to regain balance and alleviate symptoms naturally. 

Factors that affect the Prostate may be related to:

Diet:

• Increased saturated fat and/or trans fat intake
• Poor quality or excessive animal proteins
• Coffee and caffeine consumption
• Alcohol intake
• Increased consumption of cruciferous vegetables has also been shown to modify the risk of prostate cancer and these types of vegetables contain phytonutrients which alter estrogen metabolism

Lifestyle Recommendations:

• Lack of exercise
• Abdominal obesity (waist over 40 inches)
• Poor Stress Management

Environmental Factors:

• Toxic load
• Heavy metal exposure, especially Cadmium
• Xenoestrogens – hormone disruptors found in plastics and personal care products

Natural Supplements:

• Zinc – a mineral important in every aspect of the male reproductive system
• Health fats such as Omega 3 and 6 in the correct ratio
• Beta-Sitosterol – a phytosterol found in soybeans (non-GMO sourced)
• Saw Palmetto – an herbal extract of a fruit is known for its ability to inhibit DHT receptor binding; a potent form of testosterone
• Pygeum Africanum – a native African evergreen shown to inhibit growth factors responsible for enlargement
• Stinging Nettle – extracted from the nettle root and studied to have a modulating effect on hormone balance
• Flower Pollen Extract – extracted from rye-grass and has exhibited powerful anti-inflammatory action and inhibits the growth of prostate cells

Murray, Michael. The Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine. New York: Atria, 2012

Maintaining ones’ health is an ongoing project. Maintain the awareness that there are many alternative therapies that can assist you toward your health goals and your journey to optimal wellness, such as those offered through Health House Consultations.

Guest Post By: Jennifer Papaconstantinou CNP, NNCP

Student Liaison

Edison Institute of Nutrition