By Kay Leaman, Health Architect, Certified Nutrition Advisor, HealthyDay HealthyLife
This article covers the basics regarding function, statistics and contributors related to prostate cancer, the second-leading cause of cancer death in men after lung cancer and the leading cause in non-smokers. Only 10% of men have a close relative diagnosed with prostate cancer, which points to the main causes of cancer being high amounts of oxidative stress, obesity, inflammation and unhealthy lifestyle habits. This information is also beneficial for cancer prevention in general.
The prostate’s main function is associated with procreation. It also helps keep urine inside the bladder. The most common condition men experience as they age is benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), or an enlarged prostate. Signs of BPH include a slower or weaker urine stream, urinating more often or waking at night to urinate, feeling like the bladder isn’t empty, or experiencing an intermittent stream. BPH and prostatitis (inflammation caused by an infection) are not thought to increase the risk of prostate cancer, but they can increase PSA test levels by a small amount.
Men 45 and older should consider getting a yearly PSA (prostate-specific antigen) test. In addition to this test, it is recommended that men also evaluate their health habits. This doesn’t mean you have to give up what you love, but it does mean your choices affect your health and the quality of life you will have as you age.
There are 10 stages of cancer development. DNA damage, inflammation, cellular disruption and angiogenesis are a few of these stages. I have an extensive article on the subject of cancer (prostate as well as other types) written by a doctor who has researched and treated those with cancer. It includes his personal story of treating his dad, who was diagnosed with stage 4 prostate cancer that had metastasized. His protocol gave his dad another 10 years of a life well lived versus the eight months his doctor predicted. You can request this article by email (please put CANCER in the subject line).
Healthy lifestyle choices include:
- A healthy, balanced diet (Mediterranean diet)
- Staying hydrated
- Regular exercise, including pelvic floor exercises
- Managing stress
- Yearly exams and PSA testing
- Limiting alcohol and not smoking
- Being aware of your body and noting any changes
- Taking high-quality, broad-spectrum, bioavailable nutritional supplements
Knowing what to take for better health is very important. For instance, take vitamin E as an example. If you are taking the wrong form, it can actually increase the risk of cancer, diabetes and heart disease. Many products have well-crafted ads and attractive pricing but fall short when it comes to the science of how they affect the body. I found a trusted website about prostate health that warned against vitamin E. This is due to a lack of understanding regarding the different forms of this nutrient. This can become a rabbit hole that frustrates many of us—who do we believe? It’s about finding a source we can trust, and even that can be daunting.
Our quality of life is in our hands. This doesn’t mean we won’t ever experience a diagnosis or other setbacks. However, if we treat our bodies well, they will be equipped to fight and repair the way God intended.
Here’s to health!
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