Category: Male Cancer and Health

It’s said that men make the worst patients, and that they are prone to ignore their health until forced to confront it head on when they become extremely ill. Whether it’s something inherent in the male psyche, or the result of centuries of social training, this simple axiom does appear to hold up to closer scrutiny.

That being said, this unhappy trend is slowing beginning to change. Today, men are becoming more aware of their health, particularly when it comes to their prostate and the possibility of cancer.

Prostate cancer is the second most common form of cancer affecting men, with 233,000 new diagnoses predicted for 2014. Of those, more than 10% will result in death. The statistics are staggering, so it is all the more important for men of all ages to learn how to protect themselves from this debilitating disease.

So, without further ado, some all natural tips to help men reduce their risks for prostate disease and prostate cancer.

#1 – Eliminate the Negative

The first step to all natural cancer prevention is to eliminate that which makes us vulnerable to the disease. Diet plays a large part in the development of all cancers, and prostate cancer is no exception.

To reduce the risk of developing prostate cancer later in life, men of all ages should eliminate the following from their diets.

• Meat, particularly highly processed meats and meat and poultry fed on chemical feeds and raised on factory farms.
• Most fish and seafood, due to the high levels of mercury and other carcinogenic chemicals.
• Pasteurized dairy products.
• Carbohydrates with a high glycemic index, most notably white bread, pasta, and anything containing high levels of refined sugars.

Once you have cleaned up your diet, it’s time to look at what you can add to your nutritional plan to help prevent prostate cancer.

#2 – Vitamin D

Vitamin D is a powerful ally in the prevention of prostate cancer, and studies have shown that men with high levels of Vitamin D in their blood streams 50% less likely to develop an aggressive form of prostate cancer.

While Vitamin D can be taken as a supplement, and can be obtained through some vegetables, the best source is the sun itself. As little as fifteen minutes a day, basking in the sunshine, can greatly reduce the risk of prostate cancer.

#3 – Selenium

This powerful little mineral is instrumental in the prevention of a number of different types of cancer. Studies have shown that men that include selenium rich foods in their diet are 67% less likely to develop prostate cancer, 58% less likely to develop colon cancer, and 45% less likely to develop lung cancer. Selenium is found in Brazil nuts, broccoli, pumpkin seeds, and garlic.

#4 – Omega -3 Fatty Acids

While most diets recommend that you reduce your intake of fats, there is one that you don’t want to scrimp on. Omega-3 fatty acids lower the levels of free radicals in the body, and augment the power of antioxidants in the blood stream. Omega-3’s have a number of health benefits, including combating heart disease, alleviating asthma symptoms, and fighting depression.

More to the point, however, they help guard against the early stages of prostate cancer. Omega-3’s can be taken as a supplement, but are best obtained through a diet rich in flax seed, hemp seed, pumpkin seed and walnuts.

#5 – Boron

Boron is a mineral found in many foods. It has been shown to inhibit the growth of prostate cancer cells, while encouraging the growth of healthy cells. Recent studies have shown that Boron as a supplement can reduce the risk for prostate cancer by as much as 50%.

Good sources include: almonds, avocados, hazel nuts, Brazil nuts and walnuts.

#6 – Vitamin K

One of the lesser known vitamins, Vitamin K can be found in a variety of vegetables and herbs, most notably collard greens, spring onions, Swiss chard, Brussels sprouts, and asparagus.

In addition to helping to prevent prostate cancer, Vitamin K is essential to maintaining strong bones and a healthy cardiovascular system. Recent studies are also indicating that Vitamin K may help to prevent Alzheimer’s disease.

Whether men are squeamish about talking about their health, embarrassed, or merely stoic, the fact remains that the prevention of prostate cancer should be upper most in their minds. Prostate cancer is all too common, and while highly treatable if caught early, it can still be deadly.

These natural tips for prostate health should help steer men toward a healthier lifestyle and longer life free from cancer. They should also encourage an open and confident assessment of their personal health.

It has long been understood that there is a direct causal link between high blood pressure and a number of chronic health disorders. The links between hypertension and heart disease are particularly well documented. But recent studies in Europe and the United States are revealing that there is a surprising connection between long term high blood pressure and the development of certain cancers. These studies have specifically linked high blood pressure with an increased risk for prostate cancer in men. Even more disturbing, is the apparent link between high blood pressure and mortality rates in men diagnosed with prostate cancer.

Prostate Cancer – Associated Risk Factors

While prostate cancer is the most common form of cancer to affect men, its primary causes remain unclear. Despite years of ongoing studies, researchers are still unable to determine what causes the cells within the prostate gland to become cancerous. Certain general risk factors have been identified, however, such as the individual’s age and family history. Beyond that, little headway has been made over the years in determining the underlying cause of the disease. A recent European study looked into the correlation between certain metabolic risk factors, such as body mass index and high blood pressure, and increased instances of prostate cancer. The results were surprising. Men with a higher body mass index, particularly those who would be classified as clinically obese, had a 36% greater risk of developing prostate cancer. Even more surprising, men within the study group who suffered from long term high blood pressure had a 62% greater risk for developing prostate cancer. Of even greater concern was the increase in mortality rates. The study revealed that men suffering from high blood pressure had a 14% greater risk of dying from the disease than those with a mid-level blood pressure.

Controlling High Blood Pressure Safely

These statistics make it clear that treating high blood pressure should be a priority for men who wish to lower their risk for prostate cancer. However, the choice of treatment methods is critical. Conventional treatments for high blood pressure rely on a variety of prescription drugs that have their own attendant risks. Not only do these high blood pressure medications create an ongoing drug dependency in patients, but the medications themselves have been linked to an increased risk for certain cancers. Treating high blood pressure naturally is the key.

Natural Treatments for High Blood Pressure

Treating high blood pressure naturally begins with making some simple lifestyle changes. Diet is one of the most effective tools in controlling high blood pressure, and transitioning to a wholly vegan diet rich in organic fruits and vegetables can have a powerful impact on a person’s blood pressure. It is also important to eliminate foods that are high in cholesterol and saturated fats, and to add foods to the diet that are rich in magnesium, potassium and calcium. In addition to adopting a healthier diet, exercise is a key factor in lower the blood pressure. Studies have repeatedly shown that people who engage in physical activity on a regular basis greatly reduce their risk for developing high blood pressure. Moreover, people with elevated blood pressure who exercise 30 to 60 minutes three to four times a week can significantly decrease their blood pressure readings.

Stress Management and Deep Breathing Exercises

Stress and anxiety contribute to high blood pressure, and it is important to learn to control these two factors. Deep breathing exercises, for 15 minutes a day every day, can help to reduce stress and lower tension related high blood pressure. These breathing exercises can be combined with regular prayer to further reduce tension and eliminate the daily stresses that can so adversely affect a person’s health.

High blood pressure has often been called the silent killer, due to its association with heart disease and stroke. But new research is showing that there is a direct causal link between high blood pressure and other chronic diseases, not the least of which is cancer. To live better, and longer, it is important for men, and women, to watch their blood pressure and take natural proactive steps to keep it within healthy norms.

The prostate is a small, walnut-sized gland, which is located beneath the bladder. It is a vital component of the male reproductive system which secretes an alkaline fluid that forms 50% to 75% of an average man’s ejaculate. The purpose of this prostatic fluid is to neutralize the acidity of the vaginal tract, thereby safeguarding the sperm’s motility, prolonging its lifespan, and protecting the embedded genetic material within. It is estimated that at least 12% of the male population will experience prostate problems at some stage of their lives, and that percentage rises exponentially as men pass through middle age. Unfortunately, many men ignore their prostate health until confronted with disease or dysfunction. But there are all natural techniques men can employ to ensure the health of their prostate, and in so doing avoid the risks of an enlarged prostate or even prostate cancer.

Signs and Symptoms of Prostate Problems

Many men either fail to recognize the symptoms of prostate problems, or choose to ignore them. Unfortunately, even the simplest prostate health issues, left unchecked, can lead to serious health problems. The most common signs that there is some dysfunction with the prostate gland include trouble urinating, difficulty sustaining an erection, painful ejaculation, blood in the urine, and/or pain in the hips and lower back. These symptoms can indicate anything from an enlarged prostate to the early onset of prostate cancer.

Prostate Health and Lifestyle Changes

Recent studies have shown that dietary changes can have a profound effect on the health of the prostate gland. Transitioning to a vegan diet, with an emphasis on fresh, organically grown fruits and vegetables can greatly reduce the risk of prostate cancer and other prostate disorders. Foods rich in lycopene, such as tomatoes and red grapefruit, can help to support the overall health of the prostate gland. Likewise, vegetables rich in antioxidants, like cabbage and cauliflower, can help reduce the risks of infections and cancerous growths within the prostate. Men should also drink plenty of water in order to flush any toxins or other contaminants from the bladder. This is particularly important if the man is already showing indications of an enlarged prostate. Alcohol, and caffeine rich drinks, should be avoided.

The Role of Supplements in Prostate Health

All natural vitamins and herbal supplements can be added to the diet to help support prostate health. This can be particularly useful for men who find transitioning to a wholly vegan diet difficult. Vitamin E, roughly 600 – 1600 IU daily, should be taken to promote prostate health. Studies have shown that men with high levels of vitamin E in their bloodstream lowered their risk of prostate infections and prostate cancer by half. Plant based omega-3 fatty acids, have also been shown to reduce the risk of prostate cancer by more than 50%. Men should take between 2 and 6 grams of Omega-3 oil daily. Vitamin D is also proving to be a major deterrent where cancer is concerned, and it is currently estimated that 60% of adults are vitamin D deficient. Men seeking to keep their prostate gland healthy, and free from cancer, should also consider taking a vitamin D supplement.

Saw Palmetto Berry can also be taken to maintain prostate health. Saw Palmetto is all natural, and is proven to relieve inflammation and enlargement of the prostate without the harmful side effects of over the counter medication. Saw Palmetto also helps to control the hormones that lead to an enlarged prostate, so it can be taken as a preventative measure.

Exercise and Prostate Health

Excess weight has been linked to higher instances of a number of prostate problems, including cancer. In addition to transitioning to a healthier vegan diet, regular exercise should be taken to help reduce body weight, and to build lean muscle. Kegel exercises can be used to target the prostate specifically. Kegel exercises are performed by tightening and relaxing the muscles around the scrotum and anus. This increases blood circulation to the the surrounding tissues, keeping them healthier and less prone to infections or precancerous growths. The exercise should be repeated ten times, 4 to 5 times a day.

Men may find discussing their prostate health embarrassing. But by making some simple lifestyle changes, and adding some all natural supplements to their diet, men can protect their prostate from infection, enlargement and even cancer. It is important for men to step up and concern themselves with their personal health, if only to protect the ones they love from an unnecessary loss.