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Preserving Your Prostate

  • 3-2-2011
  • Categorized in: Vigour

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At about the same size and shape of a walnut, the prostate gland may be a relatively small organ, but its well-being is a big issue for all men, particularly those over age 40. This year, prostate cancer will affect over 22,000 Canadian men, making it the most common form of cancer among males.

Thankfully, modern scientific research has led to exciting new options that hold promise for the prevention and treatment of this major health issue. We now know that inflammatory "mediators" play a huge role in both prostate cancer and benign prostatic hyperplasia (also known as BPH or enlarged prostate). Prostate cancer cells typically begin to form when men are in their late 20s but are kept in check when inflammation, which is mediated by a specific enzyme known as 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX), stays at low-to-normal levels. When the 5-LOX enzyme becomes elevated and comes into contact with excessive arachidonic acid in the body, it creates another acid called 5-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (5-HETE), which provides essential fuel for the survival of prostate cancer cells. Therefore, decreasing the levels of 5-HETE that is produced can “starve” prostate cancer.

So how can we do this? First, it is important to limit consumption of arachidonic acid-producing foods like meat and dairy, which increase the inflammatory action that leads to the growth of cancer cells. Consuming enough anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids in your diet in the form of fish, chia, flax, etc., is also essential as a counterbalance.  Next, given the impact of increased 5-LOX levels, decreasing 5-LOX activity is a must. Thankfully, nature has provided us with potent 5-LOX modulators that control and reduce this enzyme’s detrimental effects. Some of the most valuable 5-LOX modulators include saw palmetto, stinging nettle and green tea.

Saw palmetto, the most popular and researched prostate-affecting herb, comes from a small palm tree native to the Atlantic seaboard. Studies show that saw palmetto helps to shrink enlarged prostates and reduce inflammation in prostate tissue. However, research published in a German pharmaceutical journal shows that certain extraction processes are better than others. Supercritical fluidextract of saw palmetto appears to be best as it yields a purer, more effective saw palmetto than conventional methods. This method was found to reduce inflammatory arachidonic acid and 5-LOX inflammation. Saw palmetto also contains powerful compounds that interfere with the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Higher levels of DHT in the body are another key factor in the development of enlarged prostate and prostate cancer.

Stinging nettle root is another well-known prostate-supporting herb, particularly in Europe, where it is commonly used to alleviate symptoms of enlarged prostate (such as reduced urine flow, incomplete bladder emptying and a persistent urge to urinate).  Laboratory studies have shown stinging nettle to be comparable to finasteride (a common drug used for BPH) in slowing the growth of certain prostate cells. Stinging nettle root was also found to decrease growth of prostate cancer cells in clinical studies. It’s particularly beneficial when used in conjunction with saw palmetto.

Numerous studies indicate green tea’s preventative role in prostate cancer. One study of high risk individuals found that men who consumed a daily green tea preparation over the course of a year were 10 times less likely to develop prostate cancer than men who did not.

Other valuable modulators of 5-LOX include rosemary, a powerful antioxidant that protects prostate cells; pumpkin seed oil, a known symptom reliever for enlarged prostate; and

ginger, nature’s richest source of 5-LOX modulators and an important anti-inflammatory for general health.

According to a 2001 report in Cancer Metastasis Review, substances that control or modulate 5-LOX may also reduce tumour cell movement, decrease tumour cell growth, and cause cancer cells to die. In other words, 5-LOX modulators not only decrease the growth and spread of cancer, they also help to destroy cancerous cells.  Another major inflammatory enzyme implicated in prostate cancer is cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2).  Certain herbs like turmeric, rosemary, ginger, green tea and baikal skullcap have demonstrated the ability to modulate both 5-LOX and COX-2 related inflammation, making them especially valuable in defending prostate cells.

As usual, the consumption of vitamins, minerals and plant compounds also plays a crucial protective role. Studies show that a diet high in lycopenes (found in vegetables and fruit) and vitamin E and selenium (good sources of which include nuts and seeds) is protective against prostate cancer.  Use of conventional vitamin E and selenium supplements in clinical research has yielded mixed and often disappointing results for prostate cancer prevention, so look for whole-food cultured sources of these nutrients whenever possible.

Zinc is another key nutrient. Prostate zinc levels are decreased during the development and progression of prostate cancer, whereas high dietary intake of zinc is associated with lower prostate cancer-specific mortality after diagnosis.  Zinc has also been found to help shrink the prostate and relieve symptoms of BPH.

With such valuable nutritional and herbal options available, men need not look at prostate problems as inevitable or untreatable. Clearly, the right dietary and supplemental choices can make a world of difference.

 

Jerry Zeifman is the C.E.O. of Advantage Health Matters Inc., a certified organic supplement and superfood company.  He is passionate about whole food nutrition and the vital role it plays in promoting optimal health and longevity. jerry@advantagehealthmatters.com



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