Prostate Health

IBD and Prostate Cancer Linked, Says New Study

The prostate gland is a small organ that’s shaped like a walnut. This gland is responsible for producing seminal fluid, the liquid that transports sperm within a man’s body. This small but crucial gland is the site of one of the most common forms of cancer to afflict men — prostate cancer. When prostate cancer remains confined to the prostate gland, it usually causes little trouble. In fact, it’s not always necessary to treat this type of cancer, and when treatment is pursued, it involves minimally invasive techniques. A problem can arise, however, when the cancer starts to spread beyond the prostate gland. In these cases, more aggressive forms of treatment are required.

Recently, new research has identified a strong correlation between IBD (inflammatory bowel disease) and prostate cancer. As men age and face this risk, prostate health becomes a larger concern.

Prostate Cancer Symptoms and Treatment

All men should be able to identify the common symptoms of prostate cancer. If one or more of the following symptoms are experienced, consult a doctor as soon as possible to rule out a serious cause:

difficulty urinating
decrease in the force of the urine stream
blood mixed with semen
bone pain or discomfort around the pelvic region
erectile dysfunction

One of the most common ways to treat prostate cancer is to remove the gland and some of the surrounding tissue. During the procedure, the surgeon will likely remove a few lymph nodes in the area as well, so the risk of a recurrence is minimized. Alternative methods of treatment include radiation and chemotherapy. Once the cancer is either removed or destroyed, the doctor may prescribe hormone therapy to block the release of testosterone. The prostate gland relies on testosterone to function, which is why prostate cancer cells can be affected by the absence of the hormone. Without testosterone, any lingering cancer cells will grow at a slower rate and may ultimately die.

There are many more treatment options available. If you do develop prostate cancer, discuss your options with your doctor. He may recommend multiple approaches to ensure the cancer is eliminated. Certain treatments can also reduce your risk of getting prostate cancer again.

New Study Links IBD and Prostate Cancer

While we know that age, diet, race and genetics play a part in raising the risks of developing this form of cancer, new research has also discovered that IBD may also play a part. IBD affects the gastrointestinal system, causing symptoms such as diarrhea, cramps and bloating. Both men and women can develop IBD and, as the CDC reports, more than three million people suffer from it annually. While it has been known that IBD raises the risk of cancer growing in the gastrointestinal tract, the link between IBD and prostate cancer had not been previously studied. A team at Chicago’s Northwestern Medicine sought to change that with a new research project.

The idea of a link between IBD and prostate cancer was already suggested in the way prostate cancer is diagnosed: Doctors use prostate specific antigens (PSA) to determine the presence of cancer. Since PSA levels are normally low, a spike indicates that cancer may be present. The problem is that men suffering from IBD also have a high PSA count. Doctors attribute this to the chronic inflammation that characterizes IBD.

To learn more about if and how the two conditions are related, the researchers compared 1,033 men with IBD against a control group of 9,306 men without the disease. As the project began, the men had an average age of 53; the two groups were studied for 18 years. By the end of the project, the researchers discovered a startling correlation between IBD and prostate cancer. Those men with IBD were five times more likely to develop prostate cancer than their healthier counterparts.

While more research may uncover evidence to explain this correlation, the research team has a theory. They believe the medication used to treat IBD may be the culprit. The body’s immune system seeks out and destroys cancer cells before they can grow, but IBD medication inhibits the immune system. It has also been suggested that IBD and prostate cancer share genetic links, which may also explain the correlation.

Keeping Your Prostate Healthy Naturally

It’s never too early to adjust your diet and lifestyle to take prostate health into consideration. There are a number of natural ways to protect prostate health:

Eat More Foods Rich in Flavonoids

Flavonoids are miracle compounds that deliver powerful antioxidants to the body. Flavonoids possess anti-carcinogenic and anti-inflammatory properties, which may be why people who ingest flavonoid-rich foods and drinks are less likely to develop cancer. Studies have found that flavonoids may prevent prostate cancer, while killing prostate cancer cells that have started to grow. Green tea, fruits, vegetables and whole grains are rich in flavonoids.

Consume More Soy

Soy and soy byproducts are rich in phytoestrogens, which are a type of phytohormone found in plant-based foods. While not as strong as estrogen, phytoestrogens may be able to counteract the effect of testosterone in the prostate gland. In Japan, where soy is most commonly consumed, the men have a significantly lower rate of prostate cancer.

Eat More Tomatoes

Regardless of how they’re prepared, tomatoes are believed to prevent a range of cancers from developing. The presence of a compound called lycopene gets the credit for this. Studies suggest it’s especially effective in preventing prostate, stomach and lung cancer.

Drink More Coffee

The rush of antioxidants that coffee delivers to the blood stream is believed to prevent many types of cancer, including prostate cancer. Those antioxidants attack the free radicals in the body that are responsible for cancer cells. Adding more antioxidants to your diet may be one of the best ways to prevent some forms of cancer.

There are some risk factors that simply can’t be altered, when it comes to prostate cancer. For instance, older men and black males are far more likely to develop prostate cancer. That doesn’t mean you can’t act to decrease your risk of developing the disease. Paying closer attention to your food choices and being wary of the symptoms may help you lower your risks and identify problems earlier.

Phytoestrogens for Men Support Healthy Hormones, Prostate, Heart and More

Dec 12 by Ewcopywriting Leave a Comment

Phytoestrogens for men? According to numerous scientists and medical professionals, phytoestrogens—plant compounds that mimic the female hormone estrogen in the body—may play an important role in men’s health. This article describes phytoestrogens, the benefits men might reap from incorporating them into their health regiment and attempts to dispel misconceptions about certain side effects men might experience resulting from exposure to phytoestrogens.

What Are Phytoestrogens?

Phytoestrogens are a subgrouping of what is medically referred to as phytohormones. Typically, these substances are produced by and found in plants, most notably in many of the fruits and vegetables people consume as part of their diets. Examples include produce like garlic, parsley, soybeans and soy products, carrots, kale, broccoli, potatoes, dates, cherries, apples, pomegranates, sunflower seeds, sesame seeds, grain products and coffee beans. Among the two most studied and well-known types of phytoestrogens are isoflavones and lignans.

Though phytoestrogens are not thought to be as potent as the hormone estrogen, which is among the chief female reproductive hormones, those in the medical community have expressed confidence in their ability to precipitate many positive dietary and overall bodily health impacts. What is of even greater significance is that phytoestrogens are also believed to offer men many important health benefits.

Phytoestrogens for Men May Reduce the Risk of Prostate Cancer

Isoflavones, the phytoestrogens commonly found in soy and soy byproducts, may help reduce a man’s chances of being stricken with prostate and other hormone-related malignancies. No place has this fact been more evident than in Japan where the incidence of the disease is five times less likely than in the United States and other Western nations. Testosterone, the main male reproductive hormone, is known to serve as fuel for prostatic cancer cells and cause this specific type of cancer to grow and spread. Several therapeutic regiments are geared towards limiting or, in more severe cases, eliminating a man’s ability to produce testosterone. Scientific research has also shown soy might be effective in prohibiting the growth of prostate cells in men suffering from prostate cancer. Researchers think the correlation might be related to the diet of the average Japanese man, which is much higher in soy than of men in the United States and other western nations.

Exploring Additional Health Benefits of Phytoestrogens for Men

It is suggested that isoflavones may play a part in helping men maintain healthy levels of LDL, aka “bad” cholesterol in their bloodstreams. This type of cholesterol is responsible for precipitating cardiovascular problems such as coronary artery disease, strokes and peripheral artery afflictions. Studies conducted on Asian men, all of whom consume diets rich in soy products, revealed they experienced less incidence of heart disease. Prominent American health organizations, such as the Food and Drug Administration and the American Heart Association, have stamped soy as a heart-healthy product and recommends men include more edible items containing the nutrient in their diets.

Scientists and nutritionists have discovered many men, especially those of advanced ages, consume diets lacking protein. For the most part, foods rich in soy are thought to be healthy but also contain enough protein to help those deficient in the critical dietary component meet—at a minimum—the nutrient’s recommended daily allowances.

Lignans: The Other Phytoestrogen for Men’s Health

Like isoflavones, the phytoestrogens known as lignans are thought to provide added protection in the fight against various forms of cancer, as well as aid in the reduction of cholesterol levels. However, scientists believe these chemicals possess several health-boosting attributes, including:

Preventing Hair Loss

Lignans are said to block the body’s ability to synthesize testosterone into the hormone called dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT collects in the hair follicles and can contribute to male hair loss or possibly even complete baldness.

Strengthening the Immune System

Lignans contain numerous antioxidants. Antioxidants are substances that prevent or lessen inflammation in the body’s cells and tissues. The reduction and/or elimination of inflammation boosts the body’s immune system.

Helping to Maintain Healthy Hormone Balance

The similarity of phytoestrogenic lignans to sex hormones enables them to dock at certain hormone receptor sites, enabling them to contribute to promoting a healthy balance of hormones, especially during andropause.

Contrary to the belief of some, phytoestrogens in men do not cause feminization or bring about certain physiological changes. In the recent past, rumors have circulated that consuming a diet plentiful in phytoestrogens, particularly those containing soy, can lead to men developing excess breast tissue (a medical condition known as gynecomastia). That said, there are many in the scientific community who believe this theory is more of an “old wives tale” with little factual evidence. Studies conducted have shown that, if eaten in moderation and as part of an otherwise balanced diet, soy-based phytoestrogens like isoflavones will not result in a man developing breasts or experience any other form of “feminization.”

While research is still ongoing, the studies that have been completed suggest phytoestrogens may play a role in men improving their overall health and quality of life.

Ten Effective Natural Supplements for Andropause

Oct 07 by Ewcopywriting Leave a Comment

Most people have heard of menopause, the time at the end of a woman’s reproductive life during which hormone levels dip considerably. However, many don’t realize that men undergo a similar process. As men age, levels of androgens (male hormones) decrease, often contributing to a variety of health problems. This time period is called andropause, but is also known as men’s change of life or “manopause.” In addition, during this time many men deal with physical changes such as hyperplasia in their prostate and other new health concerns.

The effects of gradually-decreasing levels of testosterone and other male hormones can affect almost every part of your health and your life. Men often report a lower libido, fatigue, depression and weight gain. In addition, they may experience more subtle effects such as a higher risk of diabetes. Unlike menopause, andropause happens slowly and subtly over decades, which means many men never realize that they are going through it and don’t seek out the treatment that they need. The good news is there are many natural ingredients and supplements for andropause that can support your body in optimal health as you go through this natural transition.

Changing Needs Over a Lifetime

From birth through old age, our bodies are constantly changing and undergoing different processes. As a result, we have unique health needs in each stage of life. For example, infants need a diet rich in fats and cholesterol to support rapid growth in their brains. Children have higher calcium needs because their bones are growing quickly. Gender also plays a role; women of childbearing age need extra folic acid because this is so important to fetal development.

Like all people, men in andropause and beyond have a special set of health needs. They benefit from B vitamins to provide energy, vitamins E and C which function as healthy building blocks and other natural ingredients that can support healthy androgen levels without harming their prostate or their heart. While this may seem like a tall order, there are a variety of natural supplements for andropause that promote good health in aging men.

Supplements for Andropause

Our bodies are designed to experience declining levels of sex hormones as we age and our fertile years wane. However, there are several supplements for andropause that can offer support during this adjustment. These include:

L-arginine

L-arginine is a natural amino acid that encourages healthy blood flow and supports cardiovascular health. It accomplishes this by supporting healthy levels of nitric oxide, a natural blood vessel and muscle relaxant.

L-taurine

This amino acid functions in the human body as a “membrane stabilizer.” L-taurine has been found to help maintain muscle strength and proper nerve transmission.

Saw Palmetto

Saw palmetto has been found to help protect against prostate problems that often occur as men age. Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is one of the most common health problems in older men and can cause a variety of unpleasant symptoms such as urinary retention and frequent urination.

Ginkgo Biloba

Ginkgo promotes normal cognitive function, supporting healthy memory and attention span. These are both major concerns for many aging men.

Lignans

Lignans are a class of plant phenols that act as powerful antioxidants in the human body. Supplying the body with sufficient levels of antioxidants can help protect against some of the deleterious effects of aging and specifically support cardiovascular and cellular health.

Tribulus Terrestris

Tribulus is a derivative of the terrestris or puncture vine plant that works to naturally support healthy testosterone levels in men.

Piperine

Piperine is a black pepper derivative that has been found to have a wide range of health benefits, including helping to soothe minor pain.

B Vitamins

B vitamins act as vital co-factors to help boost energy and support a healthy metabolism.

Vitamin E

Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant vitamin that helps your body to resist the biochemical stressors it encounters on a daily basis over the years.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is an essential vitamin for the creation and repair of connective tissue. The breakdown of connective tissue and the collagen that supports it is the main culprit behind wrinkles and other visible signs of aging.

There are many natural, affordable and side-effect free supplements that can help you to age more gracefully and enjoy better health along the way. If or someone you love is a man approaching the golden years, research supplements for andropause and the difference that these can make in your quality of life.

Exploring the Connection Between Selenium Deficiency and Liver Health

Sep 12 by Ewcopywriting Leave a Comment

Selenium is a non-metal chemical element that the human body requires in very small amounts. There are 13 to 20 milligrams of this mineral present in your body at any given moment. Selenium plays a role in immune health, reproductive health, DNA synthesis, thyroid hormones and more. The most notable food sources of selenium include Brazil nuts, mushrooms and organ meats. It’s also present in smaller amounts in other animal products and grain. However, the selenium content of food can vary widely depending on the food’s geographical origin, as some soils have a higher selenium content than others.

It’s important to get enough selenium. Adults over the age of 14 should get 55 micrograms daily. Pregnant women should get 60 micrograms of selenium daily,and lactating women should get 70. Taking a dietary supplement containing this nutrient can have health benefits, especially if you’re at risk for low selenium. You might be at risk for low selenium if you’re undergoing long-term hemodialysis, smoke cigarettes, drink alcohol, take birth control pills, or have a medical condition that causes malabsorption (such as Crohn’s disease, Celiac disease, ulcerative colitis, or HIV). New research indicates that there is a direct link between selenium deficiency and liver cancer.

The Link Between Selenium Deficiency and Liver Cancer

One of the most recently-discovered health benefits of selenium is that having enough in your body may help protect against liver cancer. Previous studies have already proven the antioxidant properties of selenium, which is amplified when selenium is combined with vitamin E. Possessing antioxidant properties means that this nutrient helps to protect against cell damage caused by uncharged molecules known as free radicals, which is a type of cell damage well-associated with the development of cancer.

A new study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition suggests that there is a relationship between selenium deficiency and liver cancer risk. These findings also extended to other biliary tract cancers, including cancers of the pancreas, gallbladder and bile ducts. According to the American Cancer Society, more than 21,000 Americans die from these cancers every year.

In the study, researchers analyzed data from about 477,000 adults over a period of a decade. Over 260 of these people developed liver cancer and other biliary tract cancers over this time span. It was found that the people who developed these types of cancer had significantly lower levels of selenium than everyone else. Compared to those with the highest selenium levels, people in the study with the lowest selenium levels were up to 10 times more likely to develop liver cancer.

Additional Health Benefits of Selenium

Having low selenium levels not only increases your risk of liver cancer, but it also increases your risk of death by any type of cancer. Scientists have also observed that selenium-rich geographical regions have lower cancer rates on average. Not very much research has been done yet on specific cancers as they relate to selenium intake. One study done in the Netherlands found that men with higher selenium levels have a lower risk of prostate cancer. Two studies to date also suggest that consuming lots of selenium can help protect against colorectal cancer.

Besides the link between selenium deficiency and liver cancer, getting enough selenium has many other health benefits. Selenium is needed for optimal reproductive health, as it contributes to sperm motility. If a man isn’t getting enough selenium, he may suffer from infertility. Selenium is also important for women’s reproductive health. There have been studies that showed that low selenium levels can decrease female fertility, affect fetal growth and possibly cause miscarriage.

Another one of the most notable health benefits of selenium is its benefits for cardiovascular health. Low selenium levels are common among heart attack patients, and severe selenium deficiency can cause heart failure. Another benefit that selenium has for heart health is that when combined with vitamin E and beta-carotene, it can help normalize cholesterol levels.

Selenium is also needed by the thyroid gland. The element is present in enzymes that activate and deactivate the various thyroid hormones. Therefore, getting enough of this nutrient is important for proper thyroid function. Studies have shown that taking a selenium supplement reduces inflammation in those with autoimmune thyroiditis as well as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis.

Finally, studies have found that selenium levels decline as you get older. Low selenium can contribute to cognitive decline in seniors, as shown by a considerably large study that looked at nearly 1,400 people over a period of nine years. It is believed that this effect is due to the fact that selenium reduces oxidative stress (cell damage caused by free radicals), a factor that contributes to cognitive decline.

Benefits of Astaxanthin: The Carotenoid With Powerful Protective Properties

Aug 07 by Ewcopywriting Leave a Comment

Aging affects all of us eventually, both inside and out. Our skin begins to sag and fine lines appear; our arteries and joints degenerate in ways that affect mobility and disease risk. Eyesight begins to decline along with memory and cognitive function. What if there were a natural way to help protect against some of these deleterious effects of time? According to new research, the colorful carotenoid astaxanthin may be the key.

How Do We Age?

Scientific studies have indicated that damage from free radicals are responsible for many of the changes that we associate with aging. Oxygen is necessary for us to live, but it also can have a negative effect on cells. Oxygen is inhaled as a bonded molecule made of two oxygen atoms, which is why it is referred to as O2. However, it is split into two oxygen atoms as part of cell metabolism. This process creates oxygen radicals, which are destructive to many components of our cells, especially DNA.

Our bodies make an enzyme called superoxide dismutase that removes oxygen free radicals, binding them to other molecules so they cannot cause damage. As we age, our bodies do not create this important enzyme as effectively. The result is that our cells suffer small amounts of damage that lead to the physical symptoms and increased health risks associated with growing old. For centuries, ancient explorers searched fruitlessly for the “Fountain of Youth,” but we are still left with no real way to slow down aging, let alone prevent or reverse it.

What Is Astaxanthin?

Astaxanthin is a carotenoid, aka substances that typically have a red-orange tint. It is found in a variety of plant and animal foods, including select plants and algae, as well as certain marine fish such as salmon. It is present in high amounts in krill oil as well. While this compound is plentiful throughout nature, most people who live in the United States and Western Europe need to take a supplement to get the health benefits of astaxanthin. Our diets simply do not contain many foods that are rich in this super-vitamin.

Astaxanthin was recently discovered to have powerful antioxidant properties, potentially protecting against some of the external and internal changes associated with aging. Not only may it protect against the visible symptoms of aging, such as fine lines and wrinkles, but other benefits of astaxanthin include helping to maintain healthy vision, cardiovascular health and a variety of other positive effects. Astaxanthin appears to work by influencing the amount of free radicals in our cells, in effect helping to protect against some of the damage associated with aging.

The Health Benefits of Astaxanthin

Several studies have found positive effects from taking astaxanthin as a daily supplement. Astaxanthin helps protect against the oxidation of fatty acids, which may benefit cardiovascular health and help maintain good health in other parts of your body. Astaxanthin has also been found to support brain health, helping to maintain healthy cognition and brain function by helping to protect against oxidative damage to the delicate tissues of the brain. It can also help maintain healthy vision, which is not surprising considering it is very similar on a molecular level to the sight-protecting nutrient beta carotene. Some other benefits of astaxanthin include supporting healthy fertility and decreasing recovery time after strenuous exercise.

Astaxanthin helps protect against a diverse range of health concerns and helps promote healthy aging by protecting against the root cause: free radicals. While it has not been studied long enough to know if it has long-term benefits or side effects, astaxanthin is likely a safe way to support healthy aging. While it is important to speak with your physician before beginning any new supplement, the health benefits of astaxanthin may make it the top healthy aging supplement of our time.