Prostate suggested herbal treatments
are saw palmetto, lycopene,
selenium, and zinc. Other remedies such as hydrotherapy and a low-fat
diet are discussed.
The prostate gland is a walnut-size organ that surrounds the urethra
at the neck of the bladder.
Some symptoms of prostate trouble are
difficulty
urinating and emptying the bladder, frequent urination, difficulty
sleeping, backache, and feeling that an empty bladder is full.
Risk factors for prostate
prostate include smoking, family history and obesity.
Lycopene is a carotenoid that is good for the prostate. Researchers
have found that Lycopene's antioxidant activity may aid in reversing
the malignant process. A recent study published in the Journal
of the National prostate Institute ("Intake of Carotenoids and Retinol
in Relation to Risk of Prostate prostate") found that men
who ate cooked tomato products were less likely to develop prostate
prostate.
Researchers found that men who consumed 10 or more servings of
tomato-based foods a week were up to 45 percent less likely to
develop prostate
prostate. Cooked tomato products offered protective benefits,
but raw tomatoes and tomato juice were found to offer little
or no
protection.
The cooking process breaks down the tomatoes' cell walls and
releases more Lycopene. Other sources of Lycopene are pink grapefruits,
watermelons, and guavas.
Saw Palmetto (Seronoa repens) has been effectively used as a therapeutic
herbal treatment for the prostate. The hormone Dihydrotestosterone
(DHT) contributes to the development of prostate disorders. Saw Palmetto
inhibits the production of DHT, which reduces prostate enlargement
and inflammation. It is available in health food stores and has no
side effects.
Selenium is a mineral that is found in the prostate. Low levels of
this mineral can cause prostate problems. This mineral can be taken
as a supplement in tablet form combined with selenium rich foods,
such as shellfish, garlic, chicken and grains.
Zinc is a mineral that is found in the prostate. Low levels of zinc
can lead to prostate problems. A daily supplement of zinc can be
combined with zinc-rich foods, such as lamb chops, clams, whole oatmeal,
wheat germ, oysters, sunflower seeds and pumpkin seeds.
Studies have shown that a high-fat diet contributes to prostate problems.
High cholesterol levels are bad for the prostate. Cholesterol accumulation
in the blood in the prostate damages cells. Red meat, such as beef,
should be avoided. The theory is that animal fat contains estrogens
that lower testosterone levels and stimulate cell growth. High-fat
dairy products and hydrogenated oils should be avoided. A low-fat
diet that is high in soy products is recommended. Foods that are
good for the prostate include fruits, vegetables, fish oils (omega-3
fatty acids), garlic, chicken, oysters, lamb chops, pumpkin seeds,
sunflower seeds, and soy products (miso, tofu, tempeh). Drinking
at least six to eight glasses of water a day helps prevent prostate
problems.
Hydrotheraphy relieves prostate pain and pressure. Sit in a sitz bath,
alternating hot and cold water. This bath stimulates blood circulation
and tones the muscles. The rest of the body should be covered during
this bath.
An informative book on treating prostrate problems naturally is "Dr.
Earl Mindell's What You Should Know About Natural Health for Men."
Always consult a physician before proceeding with any remedy.
Naturopathic Treatment
The goal of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) treatment is to reduce
excessive cell growth by inhibiting the conversion of testosterone
into the more potent hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and by preventing
estrogen from attaching to receptors in prostate tissue. From a naturopathic
viewpoint, this is accomplished through nutrition and the use of supplements
and herbs.
Nutrition
- Eat whole, fresh, unrefined, and unprocessed foods. Include
fruits, vegetables, whole grains, soy, beans, seeds, nuts, olive
oil, and cold-water fish (salmon, tuna, sardines, halibut, and mackerel).
Eating organic food helps reduce exposure to hormones, pesticides,
and herbicides.
- Avoid refined sugar and flour, dairy products, refined foods,
fried foods, junk foods, hydrogenated oils, alcohol (particularly
beer), and caffeine.
- Eliminate food sensitivities. Use an elimination
and challenge diet to determine food sensitivities.
- Drink ½ of your body weight in ounces of water daily (e.g.,
if you weigh 150 lbs, drink 75 oz of water daily).
Supplements
Supplements are intended to provide nutritional support. Because a supplement
or a recommended dose may not be appropriate for all persons, a physician
(i.e., a licensed naturopathic physician or holistic MD or DO) should be
consulted before using any product. Recommended doses follow:
- Amino acids— The combination of glycine, alinine, and glutamic
acid (200 mg of each daily) reduces urinary urgency, urinary frequency,
and delayed micturition (initiation of flow).
- Beta-sitosterol— 60–120 mg daily in 3 divided doses may
help reduce symptoms. Beta-sitosterol also lowers cholesterol (a
higher dose of 500 mg 3 times daily is required), which is important
since high cholesterol levels can cause prostatic hyperplasia.
- Flaxseed meal— Grind and eat 2-4 tbsp daily. An alternative
is to take 1 tbsp of flaxseed oil daily. Flaxseed oil is a good source
of the essential fatty acid (EFA) alpha-linolenic acid (an omega-3
fatty acid).
- Flower pollen— Follow product directions. It has been used
in Europe for over 25 years to treat BPH. Flower pollen is not the
same as bee pollen.
- Zinc picolinate— 30–50 mg daily. Zinc competes with copper
for absorption; therefore, when supplementing long term with zinc,
copper should also be supplemented. There are supplements available
that contain both zinc and copper.
Herbal Medicine
Herbal medicines usually do not have side effects when used appropriately and
at suggested doses. Occasionally, an herb at the prescribed dose causes stomach
upset or headache. This may reflect the purity of the preparation or added
ingredients, such as synthetic binders or fillers. For this reason, it is
recommended that only high-quality products be used. As with all medications,
more is not better and overdosing can lead to serious illness and death.
These herbs may be used to treat BPH:
- Saw palmetto (Serenoa repens)— Inhibits the conversion
of testosterone to DHT in the prostate, has an antiestrogenic effect,
and helps improve all symptoms of BPH. Recommended dosage is 320
mg of extract (standardized to contain approximately 85% fatty acids
and sterols) daily.
- Pygeum (Pygeum africanum)— Reduces BPH symptoms.
Recommended dosage is 100-200 mg of extract (standardized to 14%
triterpenes) 2 times daily.
- Stinging nettles (Urtica dioica)— The concentrated
extract reduces symptoms. Recommended dosage is 120 mg daily.
Alternative prostate Treatments
Alternative prostate treatments are being utilized by millions of patients,
either as sole therapy, or as an adjunct to traditional therapies.
Follow this alternative prostate treatment link to read a recent news
story on this trend. Patients are seeking alternative prostate treatments
at just about every stage of their disease, from initial diagnosis
to late stage illness. Several proposed alternative prostate treatment
protocols are presented on this site.
Despite research expenditures approaching 4 billion dollars annually,
during the last 30 years increases in the survivability of the major
cancers, including breast cancer, colon cancer, lung cancer and prostate
cancer can be measured in just a few percentage points. Treatments,
though somewhat less toxic than in the past, can be miserable ordeals.
So what about alternative cancer treatments? In our experience, the
success of these treatments is either overstated (by the alternative
cancer treatment community), or understated (by the traditional cancer
treatment community). One thing is clear...the most promising programs
are integrating traditional and non-traditional approaches. Practitioners
trained and licensed in traditional medicine, but also possessing experience
with alternative cancer treatments and non-traditional therapies are,
in our opinion, making the greatest progress in the fight against cancer.
The best of these practitioners design individualized programs for
each patient.
The purpose of this website is to direct you integrative cancer treatment
resources, alternative cancer treatment protocols, useful books and
relevant alternative cancer treatment links. Read more about us at
this link. If you are looking for resources that offer immediate benefit
go to cancer resources. If you have a question, please contact me.
I try to respond to the web form within 24 hours, usually less. I've
written some articles on the following cancers that might be helpful,
especially if you've just been diagnosed.
THE PROSTATE is the source of most problems with the male genitourinary
system. Nearly every man over tile age of forty-five will have some
enlargement of tile prostate, which is a result of hormonal changes
and is a normal part of tile aging process. Most prostate enlargements
don't become really troublesome until a man reaches the age of sixty.
Surgery is one route to take with a problem prostate but there are
natural means that can be used to control its enlargement and perhaps
avoid surgery altogether.
The prostate is a walnut-sized organ situated at the neck of the bladder.
It provides the fluid that carries sperm. If the prostate becomes enlarged
it can press against the urethral canal and thus interfere with urination.
Most men experience this as a more frequent need to urinate, especially
at night, as well as pain and burning upon urination and difficulty
in starting and stopping. Most men look upon this enlargement of the
prostate and the accompanying symptoms as a nuisance. But any symptoms
of difficulty in urination should be investigated by a urologist because,
while most enlargements of the prostate are mainly a nuisance, there
could be a possibility of infection or even cancer. I therefore suggest
that if you have burning or difficult urination, you consult a urologist.
The urologist will give you a diagnosis and, using a gloved finger,
will massage the prostate. In a case of simple prostate enlargement,
this often brings temporary relief.
Once you know that your problem is a simple inflammation or enlargement
(called benign prostatic hypertrophy, or BPH), you still should not
ignore it. The ultimate treatment for severely enlarged prostate is
surgery. Whereas most men are able to avoid this, they continue to
live with discomfort for years. Although you certainly can live a relatively
healthy life with BPH, you can also develop kidney infections or damage
as the urine backs up in the kidneys due to the blockage of tile enlarged
prostate. Bladder infections are also likely to occur.
Natural treatments for prostate problems have been very helpful in
relieving the symptoms, and reducing the enlargement. One of my patients,
who reduced his prostate with supplements, told me that he no longer
has to get up three or four times a night to urinate. Perhaps his success
with supplements will help him avoid future prostate cancer; in any
case, he's far more comfortable right now and sleeping better, too.
The first line of defense is to maintain low cholesterol levels by
avoiding a high-fat diet. It seems that the amount of fat, particularly
saturated fat, in the diet affects hormone levels, which in turn cause
prostate problems. Of course many men are watching their cholesterol
levels these days; this is all to the good in controlling an enlarged
prostate.
The mineral zinc is the backbone of my treatment for men with prostate
problems. Men with BPH have low levels of zinc in prostatic fluids,
and supplementation can raise these levels and reduce the enlargement.
In one study, fourteen out of nineteen patients treated with zinc supplements
had shrinkage of the prostate after two months.
Essential fatty acids are also helpful in relieving an enlarged prostate.
Researchers postulate that essential fatty acids work by influencing
prostaglandin production; prostaglandin deficiency may be a cause of
BPH. The best common sources of essential fatty acids are flaxseed
oil, sunflower oil, and soy oil.
There is a botanical that has given my patients relief and many studies
have found it clinically effective for relieving BPH. It's called Serenod
repem or, more commonly, saw palmetto. Taken in extract form, it relieves
prostate irritation. You can get saw palmetto in health food stores.
It's important to limit the amount of alcohol you consume, particularly
beer. One of the hormones that contribute to prostate problems is increased
by the consumption of beer and other alcoholic drinks.
Sometimes there is a connection between hidden food sensitivities
and prostate problems. If the prostate doesn't seem to be inflamed,
frequent urination could be caused by a food. If you find that you
have frequent urination on some nights but on other nights you're not
having a problem, it could be that something you're eating is the cause
(in many cases, spicy foods are the culprits). You have to pay attention
to what you eat the day or night before you experience frequent urination.
For more information on this see Food Allergy. Finally, some men who
develop BPH young in life, and even some older men, are suffering ill
part from years of ineffective voiding technique. Many men rush to
relieve themselves, only partly emptying their bladder and never fully
relaxing the muscles in the pelvic floor. To help prevent BPH and to
relieve its progression, it's important to void whenever you feel the
urge; if at all possible, don't hold it. In addition and most important,
you should fully relax the muscles in the pelvic floor when voiding
and keep them relaxed until the bladder is empty.
NATURAL PRESCRIPTION FOR PROSTATE PROBLEMS:
Follow a low-fat diet and try to keep your cholesterol below 220,
Avoid margarine, hydrogenated vegetable oils, and fried foods, as they
can interfere with prostaglandin metabolism.
Cut down on alcohol consumption, particularly beer,
If your frequent urination is irregular, you could be reacting to a
particular food. Look to the food allergy section of this website for
more information on this.
Be sure you void properly. Go when you feel the urge, fully relax the
muscles in the pelvic floor; empty your bladder completely.
IN ADDITION TO YOUR DAILY SUPPLEMENTS, TAKE:
Flaxseed oil: one to two teaspoons per day of cold pressed flaxseed
oil for several months. In addition, add sunflower oil or soy oil to
your diet.
Vitamin E: 400 mg. Daily.
Zinc: 60 mg. Daily.
The botanical Sereona repens (saw palmetto) in doses of 160 mg. Twice
daily. You can find it in health food stores.
Prostate Cancer Risk Factors
As with any cancer, prevention is the best approach. Of course before
we can pursue prevention, we must know contributing factors. Let’s
look at some of the risk factors with prostate cancer.
The first risk factor is something we can do nothing about: age. Prostate
cancer is extremely rare in men under the age of 50 and rates increase
exponentially after that. In 1992, the rate per 100,000 was as follows.
Genetics play some role in risk of prostate cancer. Specifically,
around 9% of prostate cancers appear to be familial.
The male hormone, testosterone, and its analogues are definitely involved
in the pathogenesis of prostate cancer. The National Cancer Institute
lists the following as support for the role of male sex hormones in
prostate cancer.
Neither benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH) nor prostate cancer have
been reported in men castrated prior to puberty.
Many studies have shown that populations with higher levels of testosterone
and most importantly dihydrotestosterone have higher incidences of prostate
cancer. For example the highest levels are found in blacks males, intermediate
levels in white males, and lowest levels in native Japanese. The incidence
of prostate cancer parallels the levels.
Deprivation of androgens (males sex hormones) leads to decreased levels of
PSA, and death of prostate cancer cells.
Dietary fat appears to play a role in prostate cancer but studies
are conflicting. If dietary fat is a risk factor, it appears that saturated
fat from animal origins is a greater risk factor than unsaturated fat
from vegetable origin. The mechanism by which fat may be involved in
prostate cancer has been hypothesized. First, dietary fat increases
serum levels of male sex hormones (androgens). Some studies indicate
that omega 3 oils (fish oil, flaxseed oil) may actually prevent prostate
cancer.. Finally, many studies have found that there is a relationship
between the amount of fat eaten by the mother during pregnancy and
the later development of prostate cancer in her male offspring.
Previous articles have outlined the benefits of eating a Mediterranean
style diet, consisting of plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, fish,
and olive oil. This type of diet has benefits for cardiovascular health,
and appears to be advisable for prevention of cancers of all types.
Finally, there is some evidence that exposure to pesticides and heavy
metals may be a risk factor for prostate cancer. Specifically there
may be a relationship between dioxin (a contaminant of herbicides)
and prostate cancer. Likewise, the metal cadmium found in NiCad batteries
is suspect. Workers in plants that manufacture or recycle these batteries
should take extreme precautions to prevent exposure
Prostate disease - benign and malignant (cancerous)--is very common,
particularly in older men. The prostate is a walnut-sized organ that
surrounds the urethra; it produces a fluid that becomes part of semen.
According to the National Cancer Institute, more than half of the
men in the United States between the ages of 60 and 70, and as many
as ninety percent between the ages of 70 and 90 have symptoms of benign
prostatic hyperplasia (BPH.) Although this condition is seldom a threat
to life, it may require treatment to relieve symptoms, which include
difficulty urinating and frequency of urination, especially at night.
The American Cancer Society estimates that 198,100 new cases of prostate
cancer were diagnosed in 2001. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC)
report that fewer than ten percent of men with prostate cancer die
of the disease within 5 years of diagnosis.
Scientists are doing studies to determine whether BPH or a sexually
transmitted virus increases the risk for prostate cancer. At this time,
they do not have clear evidence of increased risk in either case.
Physicians commonly use two methods for detecting prostate cancer:
Digital rectal examination (DRE) has been used for years as a screening
test, but its ability to detect prostate cancer is limited. Tumors
often form in areas of the prostate that cannot be reached by a DRE.
Clinicians also can have difficulty distinguishing between benign abnormalities
and prostate cancer.
The prostate-specific antigen (PSA) measurement is a blood test used
by many doctors use. PSA is an enzyme measured in the blood that can
rise naturally as men age or if prostate abnormalities are present.
However, the PSA test cannot distinguish prostate cancer from benign
growth or other conditions, such as prostatitis (inflammation of the
prostate). PSA testing also fails to detect some prostate cancers.
At Cancer Treatment Centers of America, we use many tools to help
you fight prostate cancer on all fronts. A powerful combination of
traditional and new, innovative therapies are provided by cancer experts
who work with you to determine the appropriate combination of therapies,
which may include:
High Dose Rate (HDR) Brachytherapy for internal radiotherapy. This
method of precisely delivering radiation from the inside out spares
surrounding healthy tissue and organs and may reduce the need for surgery.
Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) for the most advanced
form of conformal radiotherapy. IMRT employs a powerful, advanced computer
program that plans a precise dose of radiation in three dimensions
based on individual tumor size, shape and location. IMRT allows for
higher radiation doses than traditional radiotherapy methods, while
sparing more of the surrounding healthy tissue.
Fractionated Dose Chemotherapy divides a powerful dose of drugs into
smaller doses, given over several days. This approach exposes cancer
cells to the drugs for a longer period of time, while also seeking
to reduce the unpleasant side effects often experienced with larger
doses.
Prostate cancer can be especially devastating to a man. In addition
to the therapies described above, CTCA enriches your treatment by offering
complementary and alternative therapies such as naturopathic medicine,
nutritional therapy, mind-body medicine, image enhancement and spiritual
counseling. CTCA is with you every step of the way in what truly is
the fight of your life.
Complementary and alternative medicine encompasses a broad range of healing
philosophies, approaches and therapies. At Cancer Treatment Centers of
America, complementary and alternative medicines complement conventional
cancer therapies such as surgery, radiation and chemotherapy. The following
list contains only some of the complementary and alternative prostate cancer
treatment options available at Cancer Treatment Centers of America.
To Learn More About This Topic: Chat with Us | Email Us
According to the National Cancer Institute, about one-third of all cancer
deaths are related to malnutrition. For cancer patients, optimal nutrition
is important. Cancer can deplete your body's nutrients and cause weight
loss. Cancer and cancer treatment can also have a negative effect on
your appetite, and your body's ability to digest foods. These factors
may leave you in a vulnerable condition - high nutrient need, and low
nutrient intake.
At Cancer Treatment Centers of America, we believe that nutrition plays
an important role in the treatment of cancer. That's why each patient who
comes to us for help receives a nutrition assessment and an individualized
plan designed to prevent malnutrition, reduce side effects and enhance
his or her overall well being.
Our Mission
The CTCA nutrition program provides quality care for you through assessment,
education, supplementation and support. This mission is achieved through
the assessment of your risk for malnutrition, and the implementation
of an individualized nutrition plan.
Assessment
The first step in the development of your individualized nutrition plan
is assessment. The assessment may include:
Laboratory analysis of the blood - this determines status of your immune
system (immunocompetence) and protein stores.
Medical history and nutrition interview - this offers the nutritional team
insight into your appetite, food preferences, the status of your digestive
system, and any existing or potential complications.
Computerized diet profile - a three-day nutrient intake analysis completed
by you.
Nutrition anthropometrics - body measurements are made to determine your
percent of body fat and loss of lean tissue.
Following admission to a CTCA facility, additional tests may be performed:
Indirect calorimetry - a simple breathing test to measure your calorie
requirements.
Nitrogen balance - measurement of protein loss to determine if protein
is being utilized properly by your body.
Diet
You are encouraged to eat foods that provide optimal nutritional benefit.
A registered dietitian consults with you to develop an individualized meal
plan. Selections include fish, poultry, legumes, low-fat yogurt, fruits
and vegetables, whole grains and cereals, and other healthy food choices.
Click here for nutritional recipe cards.
Supplementation
Vitamin and mineral supplements help provide nutrients that your diet may
not, and offer a boost where illness may have depleted your body. The
CTCA supplementation plan includes nutrients that may support your immune
system and may reduce toxic side effects. A physician will recommend
daily dosages of various nutrients, including:
Beta carotene
Selenium
Vitamin C
Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)
Vitamin E
Others as appropriate
Nutritional Support
If you are unable to eat or digest food, nutrition may be provided parenterally
(through a vein) or enterally (through a feeding tube). The nutrition/metabolic
support team -- comprised of a physician, nutrition specialist, nurse and
pharmacist -- works closely with you, should you require nutrition support.
Education
Registered dietitians are available for consultation during your time with
us. Programs and classes on nutrition and cancer, and cooking demonstrations
are presented regularly. Books, articles and other publications on cancer
and nutrition are also available.
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