How to keep your prostate healthy

Present position in South Africa

One in six men dies in South Africa of prostate cancer – the number one cancer amongst men.

Ideal position

75% of Prostate and other cancers can be prevented

Ultimate solution for prostate cancer prevention

Lifestyle modification and supplementation and a reduction in prostate cancer.

What is the prostate gland and what does it do?

It is a small organ, about the size of a walnut, located below the bladder. The prostate is part of the male reproductive system and secretes a whitish fluid that helps sperm mobility. The prostate also acts to control the flow of urine from the bladder.

What is prostate cancer?

It is a malignant growth within the prostate gland. 20% of men over 50 develop prostate problems and 1 out of 6 will develop prostate cancer. It is the most common cause of cancer in men.

What is an enlarged prostate?

When the male hormones start to decline (about at 50yrs), the prostate starts to grow. This is called enlarged prostate or prostatic hypertrophy (BPH). If the glands grow too much, it begins to pinch the urethra, interfering with urination and can also have a negative effect on sexual performance.

What is Prostate calcification or Prostate stones?

Prostate stones or prostate calcification are calcified proteinaceous bodies and is caused by prostatic fluid buildup in the prostate ducts that is not flushed away by ejaculation or blood that nourishes the prostate. This form of prostatitis is also believed to be caused by urine that flows from urethra into the prostatic ducts and not through the penis. Toxins found in the urine can activate a bacterial infection that leads to prostate infection and the formation of prostate calcification.

Prostate calcification can be determined through a routine prostate exam, PSA test or ultrasound to detect the presence of prostate stones. If left untreated, prostate stones can become infected and can lead to prostate infection and are a leading source of chronic prostate infection.

Prostate calcification is common in men over age 50 and can affect up to 75% of middle-aged men who have enlarged prostate or prostate infection. It is interesting that some men with prostate calcification never experience any pain or discomfort.

Prostate stones are not dangerous if treated effectively and timely. Supplementation with Magnesium, Vitamin K2, Nattokinase and Serrapeptase, prostate massage and diet modification can assist with prevention and treatment of prostate stones.

Symptoms of enlarged prostate / prostate cancer

Dribbling
Decrease in the size of the stream during urination
Chronic discomfort in the abdominal area
Frequent urination
Problems holding back the urine stream
Pain or burning during urination
Blood in urine or semen
Pain during ejaculation
Pain in the lower back, hip or thigh
No symptoms at all
Erection problems

What causes prostate enlargement

1. Obesity

Abdominal fat cells create the aromatase enzyme. Low testosterone allows the formation of abdominal fat, which then causes more aromatase enzyme formation and thus even lower levels of testosterone and higher estrogen by aromatizing testosterone into estrogen

2. Elevated Estrogen levels

An elevated estrogen level causes the prostate to enlarge and is a prostate cancer initiator.

Where do all the estrogens come from?

Plastic containers and wrapping of food with plastic
Fruit and vegetables sprayed with herbicides and pesticides
Estrogen in our drinking water. In countries where there is a high in usage of OC – the rate of prostate cancer was high.
Adipose fat emits estradiol into an aging mans blood
Aging, alcohol, and certain drugs impair liver function, and can be a major cause of hormone imbalance in aging men
Heavy alcohol intake increases estrogen in men and women. (Hops, beer and wine contain phytoestrogen and alcohol reduces the livers ability to remove it)
Red meat and animal fat diet containing hormones.
Livestock that has received bovine hormones during their life time pose the risk that the hormones can lower testosterone levels and stimulate cell growth. Bovine hormones can increase the body’s overall inflammatory response and also increases levels of circulating hormones such as estrogens and androgens, both of which affect prostate tissue
Lower levels of testosterone
Dairy products containing bovine hormones
Sugar – consumption of refined sugar
Low fiber diet that leads to constipation and enlarged prostate
Unbalanced prostaglandin production – to much PGE2 and to little PGE1 and PGE3
High DHT (dihydrotestosterone) levels – low levels of zinc and selenium
High alcohol consumption
Aging, alcohol, and certain drugs impair liver function, and can be a major cause of hormone imbalance in aging men. Heavy alcohol intake increases estrogen in men and women

3. DHEA supplementation when BPH is present

4. Emotions

Men don’t like to deal with their emotions, but they really need to. While there are many alternatives, one of my favorites, which has been scientifically verified effective, is the Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT). This non-invasive and simple-to-learn tapping technique can help you release emotions locked in your body—even if you’re not clear on the origin of the trauma

5. Deficiencies

A vitamin D deficiency is common in prostate cancer.

Men and Estrogen

Men do need estrogen for bone health, cognitive function and also maintenance of the inner lining of the arterial wall.

Drugs for treating enlarged prostate

Proscar – Side effects: liver damage, impotence, decreased libido, decreased volume of ejaculate, breast tenderness and enlargement and rash
Hytrin – normally used for high BP – will also help BPH – side effects: dizziness, fatigue, weakness, drowsiness, headache, heart palpitations, nausea, and shortness of breath, nasal congestion and vision disturbances.
Flomax
Celebrex
Statins

Prostate drugs can be cancer fertilizers

In a BMJ study 30% of men with BPH (no cancer) taking Finasteride develop prostate tumors.

BPH and Prostate Cancer

BPH is not cancer. If your enlarged prostate is driven by estrogen we know today that ESTROGEN IS A PROSTATE CANCER INITIATOR – I will then seriously start a preventative programme for prostate cancer.

Prostate cancer

ADPC (Androgen dependant prostate cancer-testosterone dependant)

Testosterone is blocked and cancer cells cannot grow

ADT (Androgen deprived prostate cancer-testosterone independent)

Estrogens, including diethylstilbestrol (DES), were used as the primary medical treatment for metastatic prostate cancer for many years but have been superseded in the past two decades by luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) agonists, primarily because of the cardiovascular toxicity associated with oral estrogen therapy

The healthy prostate programme

Reducing your waist circumference (belly fat) if needed – will lower your estradiol levels if your hip to stomach ratio is more than 1 and reduce adipose fat (belly fat) by restoring free testosterone levels with natural aromatase –inhibiting natural formulations like: Quercetin, naringenin, resveratrol, apigenin and oleuropein
Lose weight: reduce kilojoule intake – sugar and other high GI foods will increase insulin levels and will damage other cells in the body

Check your PSA annually (from 35 years of age) and DRE from 50 onwards

Suggested age specific reference ranges
Years	Ng/ml
40-49	0-2.5
50-59	0-3.5
60-70	0-4.5
70-79	0-6.5

Check your Estradiol levels from 35 years of age

7.34 – 66.45 pmol/L	Low estradiol –high risk for osteoporosis
73.42 – 110 pmol/L	Normal
>110 pmol/L	High – high risk for heart attacks & strokes

Food

Fish: eat more fish or other sources of omega-3 fatty acids
Eat more garlic and pumpkin seeds
Red meat: only eat free range grass fed hormone free red meat
Dairy: only consume bovine free hormone dairy products
Eating four or more servings of organic vegetables will reduce BPH risk by 32%

Limit exposure to chemicals – herbicides and pesticides present to the body as estrogens
Limit lead, cadmium and mercury exposure
Reduce alcohol consumption if you have BPH and have no alcohol if you have prostate cancer
Exercise – not exercising enough is bad for your health and a risk factor for cancer
Re-pack food in plastic containers into glass containers ASAP
Drink more good quality filtered water – 6 to 8 glasses a day
Smoking – please stop – REDUCE PROSTATE CANCER 30%– smoking will enhance free radical activity
Supplements – like vitamin D, Vitamin K2, Magnesium, Nattokinase and Serrapeptase
EFT – emotional freedom techniques – to address emotional issues

Natural remedies for enlarged prostate

Tribulus Terrestis

A herbal remedy that will raise testosterone levels and reduce the enlarged prostate

Vitamin D

A vitamin D deficiency is common in prostate cancer. Herrings (22.5mcg), mackerel (17.5mcg), salmon (12.5mcg) oysters (3mcg) cottage cheese (2mcg), eggs (1.75mcg), sunshine

Vitamin K2

Decalcify the prostate for better blood circulation

Vitamin E

Beans (7.7mg), peas (2.3mg), wheat germ (27.5mg), tuna (6.3mg), sardines (2.0mg), salmon (1.5mg), sweet potatoes (4.0mg).

Zinc

Round steak, pork loin, pumpkin seeds, eggs, lamb chops, brewer’s yeast, nonfat dry milk, ground mustard, well cooked oysters, wheat germ and 15mg Zinc tablets daily.

Selenium

Tuna, onion, tomatoes, broccoli, garlic, brown rice, barley, turnips and 400 mcg Selenium tablets daily.

Magnesium

Decalcify the prostate

Lycopene – reduce prostate cancer with 50%

Tomatoes and watermelon

Beta-sitosterol

It is widely distributed in the plant kingdom and found in Nigella sativa, pecans, Serenoa repens (saw palmetto), avocados, Cucurbita pepo (pumpkin seed), Pygeum africanum, cashew fruit, rice bran, wheat germ, corn oils, sea-buckthorn, wolfberries, and Wrightia tinctoria.

I3C & DIM

Cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, cabbage, and watercress that can protect against cellular changes that lead to colon, breast, thyroid, and other cancers.

Curcumin

Tumeric

Pygeum Africanum

Herb

Omega 3

Fatty fish and seeds

Serrapeptase and Nattokinase

Assist with decalcification of the prostate gland.

For mild symptoms of BPH

Urinate when you first get the urge. Also, go to the bathroom when you have the chance, even if you don’t feel a need to urinate
Avoid alcohol and caffeine, especially after dinner
Don’t drink a lot of fluid all at once. Spread out fluids throughout the day. Avoid drinking fluids within 2 hours of bedtime
Try NOT to take over-the-counter cold and sinus medications that contain decongestants or antihistamines. These medications can increase BPH symptoms
Keep warm and exercise regularly. Cold weather and lack of physical activity may worsen symptoms
Learn and perform Kegel exercises (pelvic strengthening exercises)
Reduce stress. Nervousness and tension can lead to more frequent urination

Have you had your annual prostate test yet?

Bibliography

BMJ Open February 2012
New Optimum Nutritional Bible – Patrick Holford
Genesende Voeding – Prof Willem Serfontein
Pubmed
lifeextention.com
drmercola.com
www.menshealthcures.com