This month, we are taking a look at prostate health - it's not only men's issue, but it's also important to their spouses/partners/families, as well. Many men are not sure what they can do to improve the health of their prostate. We'll look at three common problems, and also at what can be done to reduce the likelihood of these problems.
These newsletters will help you make better choices for better health. The choices that you make today can either have a positive or negative impact on your overall health. Begin by choosing better. It is a step toward longevity.
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The prostate is a small gland that is part of the male reproductive system and is normally about the size of a chestnut or walnut. It's located below the bladder, in front of the rectum, and it surrounds part of the urethra (the tube that empties the bladder).
The prostate produces a fluid that makes up part of the semen which carries sperm from the testicles during ejaculation. The prostate also metabolizes the hormone testosterone into a biologically active form called dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT is an androgen hormone that plays a role in puberty and helps men develop their adult male characteristics.
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Common prostate health problems
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 Benign prostatic hyperplasia (or hypertrophy) (BPH) occurs when the prostate gland becomes inflamed or enlarged as men get older. This causes the prostate to compress the urethra, making it difficult to urinate. This can lead to a bladder infection or bladder stones.
The development of BPH is age-related in nearly all men and starts at around 40 years of age. According to studies from all around the world, it seems that about 10% of men in their 30s, 20% of men in their 40s, 50% to 60% of men in their 60s, and 80% to 90% of men in their 70s and 80s show some signs of BPH. Many men with BPH never see a doctor for this and never need any treatment. It's when BPH is associated with other symptoms that men usually seek treatment. The most common issue is lower urinary tract symptoms, such as pain when urinating and a need to urinate frequently.
Prostatitis is inflammation or infection of the prostate gland that often results in swelling and pain. It may also lead to problems urinating, sexual dysfunction and general health issues, such as feeling tired and depressed. Unlike most other prostate problems, prostatitis occurs more often in young and middle-aged men. Treatment usually includes antibiotics. Please note that it's important to take probiotics if you take antibiotics to maintain healthy levels of 'good' bacteria (see Supplements).
It is a significant health problem with prevalence rates of 11% to 16%. In the United States, there are more than 2 million consultations per year for prostatitis. It is the most common reason men under the age of 50 consult a urologist, and it results in more physician visits than BPH or prostate cancer in the U.S.
Prostate cancer is a leading cause of cancer in men in the United States and Canada. In Canada, 1 in 8 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime. This was estimated to be 21,600 cases in 2016, with an estimated 4,000 deaths. The death rate has been declining by just over 3% per year from 2003 to 2012 in Canada. The risk of developing prostate cancer increases with age, rising sharply after age 55 and peaking at age 70-74, after which it declines slightly. Family history of prostate cancer (father, brother) is another risk factor.
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Tips for a healthy prostate
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 Fortunately, there are a number of preventive measures to improve prostate health, including diet and lifestyle changes.
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Dietary changes
- Get at least 5 servings of fruit and vegetables every day.
- Include produce high in lycopene, a powerful antioxidant, such as red peppers and tomatoes. Lycopene makes fruit and vegetables red and has been proven to be a cancer-fighting agent.
- Cruciferous vegetables, such as broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, bok choy and kale are good anti-cancer foods.
- Choose whole grain bread and pasta over bread and pasta made with white (refined) flour.
- Be more selective with your choice of protein. Avoid processed meats, e.g. sandwich meat, hot dogs, bacon. Limit the amount of red meat you eat, including beef, pork and lamb.
- Instead, eat more fish with high levels of omega-3 acids. Wild caught fish in general, and salmon, in particular, is a great choice.
- Beans, poultry and eggs are also healthy options for protein.
- Limit your alcohol and sugar intake.
- Green tea is the best beverage for anti-aging because it contains the highest level of antioxidants. It helps promote detoxification (to remove symptoms of prostatitis) and prostate health.
- Pumpkin seeds and pumpkin seed oil are good for prostate health because of their high carotenoid content and liposoluble vitamins. Pumpkin seeds contain zinc, which acts as a diuretic to help empty the bladder, and they reduce inflammation.
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Avoid high consumption of dairy products, which have been linked to a higher risk of prostate cancer. This has been attributed to higher calcium intake.
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Other lifestyle changes
- Physical activity - A majority of studies have reported a reduced risk of prostate cancer in men who were most active. Physical activity also reduces the risk of BPH. It is believed that it's the ability of exercise to modulate hormone levels, prevent obesity, enhance immune function and reduce oxidative stress that explains the protective effects of physical activity.
- Maintain a healthy weight. Men who are obese may have an increased risk of prostate cancer. If you would like help with losing weight, please contact me for an appointment.
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Do not smoke.
- Supplements can play an important role in increasing prostate health (see below).
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There are some Nature's Sunshine supplements that are relevant to this newsletter. You can find information about these products and purchase them in our online store:
 For prostate health:
- Vitamin D
- Zinc
- Saw Palmetto
- Saw Palmetto Concentrate
- Super Omega-3
- Zambroza
Probiotics:
- NutriBiome Bacillus Coagulans Probiotics
- Probiotic 11
- Bifidofilus Flora Force
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“I had my first visit to a holistic clinic for a very bad sinus infection and I am so pleased I went to see Ramila. After 2 weeks of congestion, followed by 3 days of complete blockage and body aches, I was 90% better in 48 hours. My respiratory health was fully restored in just 4 days, with no recurrence of symptoms. I am amazed with the results and although maintain my health through proper nutrition and exercise, its comforting to know I can count on Ramilas |Healing arts clinic for natural treatments. Thank you.”
- Valarie L
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