Protect your prostate and avoid the worst

Maintaining prostate health as we age can be challenging. Prostate conditions can be indistinct and difficult to diagnose. Signs are often vague and their significance may vary between individuals.

A chronic condition very common in men as we age is benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH), when the prostate gland becomes enlarged. BPH causes mild to moderate symptoms such as urinary frequency, slower stream, and frequent trips to the bathroom at night. Although not a cancerous condition, the latest thinking links the underlying factors that promote BPH to the development of prostate cancer; including metabolic syndrome, high lipids and triglycerides, hormonal imbalances, toxic body burden, heavy metal exposure and nutritional imbalances, among others.

To confuse matters, prostate cancer may be present without any symptoms. Recent controversies over the use of PSA tests to monitor for prostate cancer leave men feeling uncertain about how best to take steps to maintain a healthy prostate.

Maximum intervention, naturally

One of the principles of my approach to prostate health is “maximum diagnosis and minimum intervention.” Men often don’t see a health care provider until they have symptoms, but I recommend a much more proactive approach to fostering long term prostate health. My approach is two-fold: first — get your regular check-ups and; second — take an active role in keeping your prostate in good shape.

As an integrative practitioner, my approach takes a broad look at the individual. I want to find out what is going on in the internal environment of the person that can be influencing the health of their prostate. After gathering and considering all of the relevant information, my second principle is “maximum natural intervention.” My aim is to guide each individual in the strategic application of natural therapies that enhance health while simultaneously addressing the prostate specifically.

New findings on superfoods

Results from a groundbreaking six-month clinical trial in Great Britain show that a supplement containing pomegranate, turmeric, broccoli and green tea extract reduced PSA levels (a protein indicator of prostate health) by 63% compared to controls. These superfoods are known for their abilities to balance hormones, promote detoxification and support overall wellness, particularly for prostate health. This research confirms that foods and herbs rich in compounds such as polyphenols can be successful in addressing prostate health directly.

Other supplement research

In addition to the study from Great Britain, research over the past several years has demonstrated that a number of herbal and botanical ingredients, such as saw palmetto berry, grape skin, quercetin, pumpkin seed, pygeum bark and medicinal mushrooms, can have a positive impact on prostate health through multiple mechanisms of action.

Published studies showed that ecoNugenics ProstaCaid^® formula, which contains 33 natural ingredients to promote prostate health, may offer significant benefits.*

• A 2010 in vitro study demonstrated that ProstaCaid actively supported prostate cellular health*
• A 2011 in vitro study also demonstrated ProstaCaid’s benefits for prostate cellular health*
• A 2012 in vivo study found similar results with ProstaCaid, including increased expression of genes that support prostate cellular health*
• A 2012 in vitro study showed that when combined with PectaSol-C^® Modified Citrus Pectin, the benefits of ProstaCaid were synergistically increased by up to 40%*

Dietary approaches

A diet emphasizing plant foods, and high in cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower and kale, may be the best dietary approach for prostate health. Cruciferous vegetables contain indole-3-carbinol, a natural substance that converts to the active DIM (3, 3’-Diindolylmethane), helping to metabolize hormones and address prostate health via additional mechanisms.

Use every tool for prostate health

One of the guiding principles of integrative prostate care is to incorporate strategies from a range of approaches. The goal is to help balance hormones, support immunity, detoxify the body and actively promote prostate health via multiple mechanisms — while simultaneously promoting the person’s overall health.

Regular physical activity is an essential component of prostate health: be sure to incorporate a daily walk, bike ride, fitness routine, or swim. Take frequent breaks from sitting at a desk. Finally, it’s important to include the use of mind-body exercises for issues such as stress and fatigue.

By adopting such a multifaceted, integrative approach, we can address the underlying factors in prostate health and work strategically — using leading advancements in the field to effectively promote long-term wellness and vitality.