Selenium...Omega 3 ...Zinc...Healthy thyroid function...                               Prostate Health   What's in this Article What you need to know Research study on new testing for prostate screening A good nutraceutical profile for prostate health The role of omega 3 fatty acids in prostate health Minerals to promote prostate health What you need to know: The area of interest is cancer research, especially prostate cancer. There are two types of prostate cancer, aggressive and non-aggressive. Regardless of how you decide to proceed with your own health, please pay close attention to this:  In the event that you are diagnosed with a prostate issue and you decide to accept Radiation Treatment, you make sure that each and every year after, you go for a colonoscopy.  Do not miss a single year.  It is no big deal to go through the procedure, it is a big deal if you miss.  According to Rueters Health, 2005, radiation therapy increases your chances of colon cancer by 70%. There is always a risk of injury to your colon because of the proximity of your prostate to the colon and the precision of the radiation rays.  While I am not a man, I can tell you this, I would be the first to make sure the colonoscopy appointments were booked upon completion of the treatments.  You make sure, too. And speaking of Prostate health and the psa test, let's talk about alternatives to that test and what you might want to think about in protecting your own healthy prostate.   New Testing for Screening: A study conducted by Veterans Affairs and Yale University uncovered some interesting information on the both the reliability of the PSA test, early detection and positive outcomes of survival. The results of the study diminish both the reliability of the test regarding false positives readings along with some unhappy results of aggresive treatment. Unhappy because surgery can result in incontinence and loss of libido and sexual fulfillment. According to one of the Physicians I love and admire, Dr. J. Wright MD, there are other tests that can be early predictors and when you read about management and protocols, you will see there are ways to protect your prostate health. Testing: Two different tests should be incorporated into prostate screening One is the estrogen quotient(EQ)test.  This test is used to measure the amount of estrogen in the male body. It is no surprise or it should not be a surprise that the female body produces testosterone clearly in much smaller amounts than the male body and the male body produces estrogen in smaller amounts.  The male body converts testosterone into estrogen by a process called aromatization.  Unfortunately, as the men get older and probably no surprise, the process can speed up.  The end result is an enlarged prostate and possible prostate cancer. The second one is called the 2/16 ratio test.  This test can determine if there is too much circulating estrogen.  Both these test are non-invasive. They involve collecting a 24 hour urine sample.  Please do yourself the honour of learning about these tests.  Success follows knowledge.  When you go to your Physician to request these tests, bring with the information she/he can read, just in case he/she is not familiar.  Our only concern is your good prostate health, not whether your Physician is up to snuff on alternative ways of testing and treatment. So, start early. If you are concerned about bypassing the PSA test, then don't.  Sometimes there is comfort in covering all the basis.  But while you are doing the PSA, request these tests as well.  If you are in the USA, you are in a wonderful position because you can involve the services of such esteemed labs like Great Smokies. If you live in Canada, and your Physician is less than stellar about the possibility of ordering these tests, you have two options: Make the call to Great Smokies Lab.  Talk to the resident Physician and arrange for the tests.  It is simple. Call me and I will either walk you through it or make the request for you. Along with that, we will work together for your dietary needs, what foods promote a healthy prostate, what foods directly impact your prostate health in a very negative way and a nutraceutical profile that can also promote prostate health.  In fact you will read some that shortly as your peruse through my article.  Please go to Menopausal Transition to read how these same tests will help those beloved woman in your life. Dr. J - Posted March 23, 2006   There are excellent herbal formulations and dietary approaches for men who are interested in prostate health.  A prostate support is important to all men over the age of 40.    A good profile looks like this:  Silymarin Saw Palmetto - standardized to a minimum 85% Fatty Acids Dandelion Extract Pygeum Africanum Extract  Cranberry Extract Grapeseed Extract or Alpha Lipoic Acid  Zinc  Lycopene Other essential nutrients:   Selenium – 200mcg. daily   EPA/DHA fatty acids - DHA/EPA are derivatives of the omega 3 fatty acid family. EPA and is most useful against inflammation, especially series 3    prostaglandins, with their highly anti inflammatory properties. Fish oils and deep sea fish are good dietary sources of DHA/EPA.  Additional supplementation is also recommended. Fatty acids from this DHA/EPA are also especially helpful for the membrane of the eyes and brain.   Salmon is another excellent source of DHA/EPA fatty acids. DHA/EPA is found in Hemp Hearts and deep sea fish as well.     Omega 3 fatty acids in the form of ground flax seed. As I continue my research, I am often amazed, especially when I look back at some of my early articles.  I remember when I use to think that capsules were the way to go because of the concentration of fatty acids.  Today, after much more research, I recommend ground flax seed and hemp hearts, along with deep sea fish, as a wonderful source of those precious omega 3 oils with their DHA/EPA derivatives. In fact ground flax has fiber and antioxidants, otherwise not available in capsules. Hemp hearts has protein and fiber other wise not found in the oil.  Use the oil, I am not saying don't, but use it in salad dressings or the like as opposed to your only source of omega 3 fatty acids.      Broad Spectrum Digestive Enzymes- 2 with each meal Remember, prostate health is no different from any health concern.  Prevention is better than reaction.  Maintain the health of your prostate by taking steps in your 20’s and 30’s. The next best time is Right Now. Recent research information from Dr. Charles Myers MD also shows compelling reasons to discontinue Chondroitin Sulphate supplements if you are at risk or have been diagnosed with PC.  Because of the high levels of chondroitin sulphate in the prostate cancer cell, the addition of the supplement seems to encourage cell proliferation.    Brazil nuts (in the shell) offer the richest food source of selenium.  Selenium is very protective against cancer.  Individuals, men and women, should eat 4-6 brazil nuts daily to derive 200 – 300 mcg. of selenium. Remember to keep all your precious oils and food with precious oils in them, in the freezer or at least the fridge.   Tuna is also an excellent source of selenium as well as healthy marine fats. Choose albacore tuna.   Saw Palmetto is one of the most well researched herbs specific to BPH and PC. The most understood and accepted theory on benign prostate hyperplasia and prostate cancer is linked to testosterone.  The conversion of testosterone to DHT  or dihydrotestosterone is believed to cause an overproduction of cells, thereby causing prostate enlargement or cellular change.  The metabolism is initiated by the enzyme 5-alpha reductase.  Research indicates the fatty acids in saw palmetto can dramatically inhibit the 5-alpha reductase enzyme, minimizing the conversion and prevent or control cell proliferation and prostate enlargement. Good digestive ability is pivotal to absorbing the necessary nutrient molecules.  Supplemental digestive enzymes can be pivotal to good digestion and nutrient absorption.  Generally women over age 40 begin to diminish their gastric ability to produce HCI or hydrochloric acid. Men typically over 60 years of age begin to loose the ability.  HCI activates the enzyme pepsinogen to pepsin to start the digestion of protein.  Good gastric acid levels are imperative to the absorption of calcium and B12. This may help explain why some elderly individuals require ongoing B12 shots to combat fatigue.  Improving hydrochloric acid levels may provide better absorption. HCI is also a first line of defense against unwelcome viruses or bacteria entering the digestive tract via food eaten. Low hydrochloric acid often mimics and is mistaken for hyperacidity.  Common signs of low HCI are a burning sensation after meals, fatigue after eating.  A sensation that food is not being  digested or sitting in the stomach is another indicator.   I routinely supplement my clients with broad spectrum digestive enzymes.  Enzymes that include pepsin and protease are excellent choices.  This formulation also works best with patients who suffer gastric ulcers or hiatus hernias.  Those individuals need to be advised against supplementing with betaine hydrochloride.  The herb gentian also stimulates the parietal cells to produce more HCI. And as a side bar, broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, brussel sprouts, the crucifous family of vegetables are truly super foods.  They contain indole 3 carbinols, protective against hormone related cancer, like prostate, breast cancer and other cancers.  They also contain sulforaphane which activates Phase ll enzymes which are potent free radical neutralizers and protective against DNA damage. This family of vegetables also contains goitetrons which is believed to be a thyroid inhibitor.  Simple steaming of the vegetable will neutralize this compound rendering it harmless.