Sunday, February 28, 2010

Tomatoes for Prostate Health

More and more medical studies indicate that the antioxidants in vegetables, particularly tomatoes and broccoli, can lower prostate cancer risk, while foods with animal fats increase risk. While ongoing studies are still assessing the value of antioxidant supplements, food scientists say they are already comfortable advocating that men eat a more vegetable-based diet to lower their risk of prostate cancer, not to mention heart disease and colon cancer.

There is also growing observational evidence that both tomato and broccoli consumption helps reduce risk of prostate cancer. In the tomato products, attention has focused on nutrients called carotenoids, particularly lycopene. Lycopene is the major red carotenoid pigment found in tomatoes. In broccoli, a number of sulfur compounds are thought to detoxify carcinogens. Both of these are thought to benefit prostate health. Nutritionist familiar with prostate health recommend seven to ten servings of tomatoes and tomato based products a week, which is still only one serving a day. When counting tomato juices and raw tomatoes and ever popular pasta products, that is not difficult to reach this level. In fact, most men get more than one serving when they consume pasta or even pizza. It’s that easy.

Preparation matters! Carotenoids are very poorly absorbed from raw foods, so some heating really helps bring out the benefits. Consumption with a little healthy fat helps, too. For example take beta-carotene from carrots. Eating a carrot raw leads to 1 or 2 percent beta-carotene absorption. Steaming those carrots a little bit and add a little bit of oil in there, you'll get much more absorption of the beneficial carotenoids. The same is true for tomatoes. By overcooking tomatoes, for example, by simmering a tomato sauce for hours, you’ll begin to break down the lycopene. Everything in moderation please!

Nutrients in foods can lower risk of prostate cancer. In observational studies and clinical trials there are suggestions that higher consumption of vitamin E and selenium lower prostate cancer risk. Vitamin E is found in basic plant foods, including nuts, vegetables, vegetable oils, as well as egg yolks. Vitamin E is also in most breakfast cereals because it is added when manufacturers fortify it. The metallic trace element selenium comes into plants from the soil, so it's in grains such as wheat, barley, hops, and rice. There is also some selenium from animal foods products, because the food animals also consume these grain.

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Antioxidant levels key to prostate cancer risk in some men

Greater levels of selenium, vitamin E and the tomato carotenoid lycopene have been shown to reduce prostate cancer in one out of every four Caucasian males, or those who inherit a specific genetic variation that is particularly sensitive to oxidative stress, say US researchers.

Conversely, if carriers of this genetic variant have low levels of these vitamins and minerals, their risk of aggressive prostate increases substantially, as great as 10-fold, over those who maintain higher levels of these nutrients, they write in today’s issue of Cancer Research.

"This large prospective study provides further evidence that oxidative stress may be one of the important mechanisms for prostate cancer development and progression, and adequate intake of antioxidants, such as selenium, lycopene and vitamin E, may help prevent prostate cancer," said Dr Haojie Li, a researcher at the Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School.

The new findings are based on an analysis of 567 men diagnosed with prostate cancer between 1982 and 1995, and 764 cancer-free men from the Physicians Health Study.

The initial goal of this study was to assess the effect of aspirin and beta-carotene on men's health. Li’s team decided to check for variants of the gene that codes for manganese superoxide dismutatase (MnSOD), an important enzyme that works as an antioxidant in human cells to defend against disease.

The MnSOD gene is passed from parents to offspring in one of three forms: VV, VA or AA.

"Compared with men with the MnSOD VV or VA genotype, people with the AA genotype seem to be more sensitive to the antioxidant status," said Li. "Men with the AA genotype are more susceptible to prostate cancer if their antioxidant levels are low."

The study's results found that a quarter of the men in the study carried the MnSOD AA genotype, half carried the VA genotype, and the remaining quarter carried the VV genotype.

The results indicated that the VA and VV men were at equivalent risk for developing prostate cancer across all levels of antioxidants in their blood.

But compared to MnSOD VV or VA carriers in the lowest quartile of selenium levels, MnSOD AA males had an 89 per cent greater risk for developing aggressive prostate cancer if they had low blood levels of the mineral.

On the other hand, MnSOD AA carriers with high selenium – those men in the highest quartile – had a 65 per cent lower risk than the MnSOD VV or VA males who maintained low levels of selenium.

"The levels of selenium in the highest quartile of these men are not abnormally high," Li said. "Our range is neither extremely high nor extremely low."

While similar trends were observed for lycopene and vitamin E when tested independently, the contrast in relative risk was most pronounced for the men who had high blood levels for all three antioxidants combined, said the researchers.

"Among men with the MnSOD AA genotype, we observed a 10-fold difference in risk for aggressive prostate cancer, when comparing men with high versus low levels of antioxidants combined,"said Li. "In contrast, among men with the VV or VA genotype, the prostate cancer risk was only weakly altered by these antioxidant levels."

"Our study, as well as many other epidemiological studies, encourages dietary intake of nutrients such as lycopene from tomato products, or supplements for vitamin E and selenium to reduce risk of prostate cancer," said Li.

Prostate cancer is one of the biggest cancer killers in industrial countries and affects more than 500,000 men worldwide every year. This number is expected to increase with the ageing population.

Similar interactions between dietary antioxidants and the variations in the MnSOD gene have previously been linked to risk for breast cancer.

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Saturday, February 27, 2010

Feeding the Prostate

Ideally, people would get all the nutrients and vitamins they need from food. Unfortunately many people start with a nutrient deficit because our food- products are designed to produce good-looking items that don’t spoil on the way to the consumer instead of nutrient-packed, healthful foods. That’s why most people must turn to supplements. Liquid and natural supplements are much easier for our bodies to process, and are more easily absorbed. Supplements that specifically benefit the prostate include zinc, kelp, nettles, green teas, pygeum, saw palmetto, and avena sativa. Zinc: This mineral is a major component of ejaculate. Zinc strengthens the immune system, is vital for strong bones and reproduction, and regulates both sugar and blood cholesterol. Kelp: A seaweed rich in minerals and iodine that help to prevent and treat prostate cancer. Nettles: Contain iron, vitamin C, and other nutrients that can strengthen the prostate. It can be taken in a variety of forms. Green tea: Catechins found in green tea may help the prostate, although it is not yet proven. Pygeum: This herb has been used to treat diseases of the prostate and urinary tract in Europe for many years. It has been shown to shrink enlarged prostates in many studies. Saw palmetto: This herb is believed to shrink enlarged prostates and to lower PSA. Avena sativa: Rich in calcium mucin and silicic acid, avena sativa tones the nervous system Dietary recommendations for the prostate are to eat lots of fresh vegetables and fruits, legumes (peas, beans, and lentils) and fresh fish. Fish contains essential fatty acids the body uses to produce prostaglandins, which keep the immune system strong. Eat whole grain in moderation, rather than refined, and choose organically grown foods whenever it’s possible. Avoid fatty meats, since high-fat diets have been linked to prostate cancer, other cancers, heart disease, and numerous other medical problems. Stay away from refined sugars, salt, hydrogenated oils, canned, packaged, or otherwise processed foods. Skip sodas, alcohol, black teas, and coffee. Stop consumption of dairy foods, since these products is closely linked in the US to prostate cancer. Lastly, reduce stress, particularly chronic stress, since it is especially hard on the prostate. Stress can restrict the flow of blood and energy. This stress related damage sets the stage for enlargement of the prostate and possibly cancer. General lifestyle also contributes to the health of the prostate. Exercise promotes circulation and relieves tension in the body, which enhances the odds of a healthy prostate.

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Protecting the Male Prostate

The prostate gland is an important part of the male reproductive system. The prostate creates a fluid that mixes with sperm and other fluids during ejaculation. These fluids nourish and transport sperm during the process of semen ejaculation during sexual excitement. A normal prostate gland is around the size of a walnut.

Prostate Enlargement is common as a man ages and matures. Medical doctors call this condition of enlarged prostate BPH or "benign prostatic hyperplasia". As the prostate enlarges, the layer of tissue surrounding it stops it from expanding, causing the prostate gland to press inward against the urethra and restricting the flow, narrowing the space for urine to pass. The bladder wall also becomes thicker and irritable. The bladder starts to contract even when it contains even small amounts of urine, causing more frequent urination by the male. Eventually, the bladder weakens and loses the ability to completely empty itself and urine remains in the bladder. The narrowing of the urethra and partial emptying of the bladder cause a large number of the problems associated with an enlarged prostate. A doctor can determine an enlarged prostate during the dreaded finger prostate exam.

The symptoms of an enlarged prostate can vary, but the most common ones involve changes or problems with urination, such as a hesitant, interrupted, weak stream, urgency and leaking or dribbling, more frequent urination, especially at night. This is often called nocturia. Men who have symptoms of prostate obstruction are much more likely to develop chronic kidney disease. These are troubling and dangerous problems if not found and corrected in time.

Enlarged prostate treatments vary. Numerous effective pharmaceutical drugs are available to improve symptoms of prostate enlargement. There are also effective natural therapies including the use of time-tested herbal products. Some commonly used herbs for enlarged prostate gland include rye pollen, stinging nettle, saw palmetto, and pygeum, Plant extracts that have also been investigated include beta sitosterol, quercetin, rosaminic acid, genistein, daidzein and lycopene. In addition to herbs and mainstream medications, there is also some basic, common sense, behavioral changes that can help combat prostate symptoms. Among these changes are reducing fluid intake, limiting or ending alcohol and caffeine consumption, especially in the evening, and not passing up a chance to use the bathroom, even when your bladder doesn't feel full. These simple steps can help reduce the impact of an enlarged prostate on a man’s life.

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Prostate Cancer Risk Factors

A risk factor is anything that may increase a person's chance of developing a disease. It may be an activity, such as smoking, diet, family history, or many other things. Different diseases, including cancers, have different risk factors. In general, all men are at risk for prostate cancer. However, there are specific risk factors that increase the likelihood that certain men will develop the disease, including the following:

Age is a risk factor for prostate cancer, especially men age 50 and older. More than 80 percent of all prostate cancers are diagnosed in men over the age of 65. Race: Prostate cancer is nearly twice as common among African-American men than it is among Caucasian-American men. Japanese and Chinese men native to their country have the lowest rates of prostate cancer.

Diet: Data suggests that the diet consumed in Western industrialized countries may be one of the most important contributory factors for developing prostate cancer. The following information regarding diet and its effect on the risk for prostate cancer include men who eat a high-fat diet may have a greater chance of developing prostate cancer. Dietary fiber intake may decrease the progression of prostate cancer. Soy protein lowers fat intake, and the isoflavones in soy have been found to inhibit the growth of prostate cancer. Vitamin E and selenium Vitamin E, an antioxidant, combined with selenium, has been shown to inhibit tumor growth in laboratory animals. Carotenoids Carotenoids containing lycopenes have been shown to inhibit the growth of human prostate cancer cells in tissue cultures. The primary source of lycopenes is processed tomatoes in tomato juice and tomato paste. Obesity Obesity not only contributes to diabetes and high cholesterol, but has also been associated with some common cancers including prostate cancer.

Vasectomy, BPH (benign prostatic hyperplasia), or STD (sexually transmitted disease) Researchers have looked at whether men who have had a vasectomy, BPH, or those who have had exposure to STD’s are at increased risk for prostate cancer. Some studies suggest a link, while others don’t. Family history of prostate cancer. A father or brother with prostate cancer doubles a man's risk of developing prostate cancer. The risk is even higher for men with several affected relatives. Geneticists divide families into three groups, depending upon the number of men with prostate cancer and their ages of onset, including the following: Sporadic - a family with prostate cancer present in one man, at a typical age of onset. Familial - a family with prostate cancer present in more than one person, but with no definitive pattern of inheritance and usually an older age of onset. Hereditary - Five to 10 percent of prostate cancer cases are considered hereditary. Genetic Approximately 9 percent of all prostate cancers and 45 percent of cases in men younger than age 55 can be attributed to a cancer susceptibility gene that is inherited as a dominant trait (from parent to child).

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Prostate Cancer Prevention

Knowledge is your best weapon for good prostate health and avoiding prostate cancer. Some lifestyles, eating habits, and dietary supplements are thought to lead to lower levels of prostate cancer, as well as other cancers. Nobody can guarantee prostate cancer prevention through behavior, diet, treatment, or medicine, but there things you can do to improve your odds.

There is some evidence that links exercise to better prostate health. Exercise improves overall physical and mental health, so most medical professionals recommend at least a half an hour of exercise per week. Some studies indicate that regular exercise increases oxygen flow to the soft tissues of the body and helps to control glucose levels in the bloodstream. High levels of glucose may help fuel prostate cancer cells.

A healthy prostate diet is worth considering. High-fat and low-fiber diets and obesity seem to contribute to a higher risk of prostate cancer, Researchers theorize that high levels of body fat can stimulate the production of male hormones which encourage prostate cell production. Some researchers believe that cancerous prostate cells can feed on fat, especially fats found in red meat and dairy products. Omega 3 fatty acid, found in fish, soy, and flaxseed is known as the “heart-healthy” fats. Omega-3 fatty acids help decease fats found in the body. Countries whose diets are based on fish proteins rather than red meat have much lower rates of prostate cancer. Soy products can decease how cancerous cells move to other parts of the body. Soy products include tofu, soymilk, soy creamers, soy yogurts, soy ice creams, and tofu burgers and sausages often stocked in grocery stores today. Silken tofu or soy powder can be added to baked goods or drinks to receive the benefits of soy. Red grapes, grape juice, green teas, and red wine contain anti-oxidants that can neutralize cancer-causing agents within the body. Lycopene found in tomatoes, and beta-carotene may be beneficial in helping to protect the body from the risk of prostate cancer. Eating a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables may help boost the body’s cancer fighting abilities and over-all health.

Prostate Health Supplements such as vitamin E and selenium have been linked to a drastically decreased risk of prostate cancer. Studies of vitamin E and selenium seem to benefit those who were deficient in either, or who were ex-smokers. Studies have also linked a daily regimen of aspirin or ibuprofen to lower risks of prostate cancer. As always, talk to your doctor before starting any prolonged use of supplements or aspirin.

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Friday, February 26, 2010

What is Prostacet?

Prostacet provides a blend of vitamins, minerals, and standardized herbal extracts designed to help support healthy prostate function. Protacet's proprietary formulation contains proven ingredients that have been shown to help reduce prostate size, while promoting prostate health.

Prostacet prostate is a very safe formula and a natural supplement that will ensure you a healthy solution for you prostate health. Prostacet is made of potent ingredients such and Saw Palmetto, Lycopene, and Vitamin E that supports bladder health and allows normal flow of urine.