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~ Back to Articles Index Page ~  In today’s world of “instant knowledge”, it is so good to see more and more readily available, medically sound, information being published on prostate health and conditions. Women around the globe have benefited for years now from the publication of medical findings regarding symptoms and early detection of conditions such as breast cancer and heart disease. Now men have that advantage as well. Because this small gland will affect most men over the age of fifty in some way, shape or form, and in a severity which depends largely on your genetic profile, educating yourself on prostate health couldn’t be more important. And ladies, this means you too. Knowing how to spot the early signs of prostate problems can help you encourage your partner to seek medical attention earlier rather than later. Although the exam and blood test are quick and simple, most men choose not to opt for this type of preventative action. But, as a man, you should remember; a baseline test conducted soon after your fiftieth birthday will assist your doctor in diagnosing issues for decades to come. It won’t take you more than a few minutes to educate yourself on this small gland and it’s functions. And you’ll be pleasantly surprised at how simple it is to keep it healthy, possibly warding off any prostate problems until your later years.
The prostate is a small gland in men that is part of the reproductive system. It's about the shape and size of a walnut. The prostate rests below the bladder and in front of the rectum. It surrounds part of the urethra, the tube that carries urine from the bladder. Enlarged Prostate As a man ages, the prostate can grow larger. When a man reaches the age of 40, the prostate gland might have increased from the size of a walnut to that of an apricot. By the time he reaches the age of 60, it might be the size of a lemon. Because it surrounds part of the urethra, the enlarged prostate can squeeze the urethra. This causes problems in the passing of urine. Typically, these problems passing urine don't occur in men until they are age 50 or older. An enlarged prostate is also called benign (noncancerous) prostatic hyperplasia or BPH. Age and a family history of BPH are indicators as to the likelihood of a man developing BPH. Eight out of every 10 men eventually develop an enlarged prostate. About 90% of men over the age of 85 will have BPH. About 30% of men will find their symptoms bothersome. There is no link between BPH and prostate cancer. Symptoms of an enlarged prostate may include:
Early detection of prostate problems is the key. However, convincing most men to see their doctor for a check-up is like asking them to drag their fingernails down a chalkboard. Fortunately, this simple check-up is the first step in determining if there are any problems with the prostate. Beyond this, a simple blood test can also determine whether prostate specific antigen, or PSA, levels in the blood have risen; a yellow flag of sorts. Men in their early 50’s should have this blood test done to establish a baseline for future comparisons.
Taking into consideration your family history of prostate conditions, lowering your risk of developing prostate problems is as easy as making better lifestyle choices. Regular exercise and a healthy body weight Food, Nutrition and the Prevention of Cancer: A Global Perspective, a joint project of the World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF) and the American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR), states that, “…between 30 to 40 per cent of all cancer cases are preventable with reasonable and appropriate diets, physical activity and maintenance of appropriate body weight.” Regular exercise is an important part of preventing prostate cancer and slowing the disease’s growth. Thirty to forty-five minutes of moderate to vigorous activity most days of the week is a general recommendation for reducing the risk of cancer. 1 Choose to eat more fruits, vegetables, and soy products and less red meat and red meat fat. Eating a wide variety of fruits and vegetables, choosing from every colour in the rainbow, ensures you’re getting the vitamins and minerals you need each day. Getting enough vitamins and minerals within a healthy, balanced diet that includes whole grains, can be a powerful tool to ward off prostate conditions. Some specific foods that are known to protect the body from cancer-causing agents include:
Supplements such as vitamin E and selenium are powerful antioxidants. Some studies suggest these micronutrients may reduce the risk of prostate cancer. Herbal supplements have also been found to be effective in dealing with prostate conditions. A Note On Beta-Carotene The carotenoids are a class of compounds related to vitamin A. In some cases, they can act as precursors of vitamin A. The best known subclass of the carotenoids are the carotenes, of which beta-carotene is the most widely known. When food or supplements containing beta-carotene are consumed, the beta-carotene is converted into vitamin A in the liver. People receiving radiation treatment for prostate cancer have benefited from taking oral vitamin A. For more information on vitamin A, and natural food sources, CLICK HERE. Saw Palmetto – acts as a urinary antiseptic and inhibits production of a form of testosterone that contributes to enlargement of the prostate. Has been used clinically in Europe to treat BPH. Contains beta-carotene. Can be combined with nettle root. Nettle Root – Contains beta-carotene, lycopene (also a carotenoids), and selenium. Acts as a pain reliever and tonic. Good for BPH. Improves inflammatory conditions. (Also called Stinging Nettle). Pumpkin – Contains beta-carotene, selenium and vitamin A. Useful for prostate disorders and irritable bladder. 2 
Red wine is a particularly rich source of antioxidants, in particular flavonoids. Flavonoids occur in fruits, vegetables, spices, seeds, nuts, flowers and bark. Wine, apples, blueberries, bilberries, onions, broccoli, tomatoes, soy products and tea are some of the best food sources of flavonoids. Certain flavonoids even have a much greater antioxidant activity than vitamin C and E or beta-carotene. Red wine also contains resveratrol, a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory extracted from the skins of red-coloured fruits. Other foods high in resveratrol include peanuts, red grapes, and strawberries. Limit the amount of fluids you have after dinner and reduce the amount of caffeine and alcohol you consume. Carol Roy is a Natural Health Practitioner, registered with Natural Health Practitioners Canada, who received her diploma from the Alternative Medicine College of Canada in Montreal, Quebec. With 9 years experience in her area of expertise, naturopathic medicine, Carol has also trained to become a fully qualified Reiki Master, Quantum Touch ® Practitioner and Reflexologist. are recommendations only and not a substitute for any medical advice or a replacement for any prescriptions. Seek medical advice for any health concerns. Consult your health care provider before using any recommendations herein. References: 1. Prescription for Nutritional Healing, Fourth Edition, Phyllis A. Balch, CNC 2. WebMD, Men’s Health http://men.webmd.com/wat-is-the-prostate Vancouver Sun, September 4, 2004 article on Prostate Health by Dr. Martin Gleave, Professor of Surgery, University of British Columbia and director of clinical research at the Prostate Centre at the Vancouver General Hospital. |
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