Every year 37000 men in the UK are diagnosed with prostate cancer and the disease kills around 10000 a year. For those who undergo treatment the side effects can be pretty devastating with urinary incontinence and impotence being common. However a new treatment has been shown in trial to give hope to those with the disease. For more information on this new treatment have a look at this report on the BBC http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-17726979
The good news is that by using nutrients that help support the health of the prostate gland you may be able to protect yourself from getting the disease in the first place. The prostate is a small gland, the size of a walnut that surrounds the urethra. This is the tube that takes urine from the bladder to the penis and carries semen during ejaculation. During puberty this gland grows due to the increase in testosterone and then doesn’t change until after the age of 40, where it starts to grow again. In some cases it does not stop growing and the result can be one of three prostate diseases.
Since the rise is testosterone is linked to the enlargement of the prostate gland, keeping hormones under control is a key element of a preventative plan. Oestrogen works together with testosterone to keep the balance correct. Consuming a diet rich in phyto-oestrogens, such as soy food can help to prevent the over enlargement of the gland by keeping testosterone in check. Plant sterols have been found to improve urinary flow and symptoms of an enlarged prostate. In particular, Beta sitosterol found in rice bran, wheat germ, corn oils and soybeans have an anti-inflammatory effect on the prostate gland helping alleviate symptoms of difficulty with urination.
Lycopene is an antioxidant that been linked to the protection against prostate cancer. Lycopene is found in tomatoes so a diet high in the consumption of tomatoes and tomato based foods (even ketch up) can offer a good protection against prostate cancer.
Other foods that have been linked to the protection against prostate disease include green tea, walnuts, the spice turmeric and the peel of citrus fruits.
In order to give added protection against diseases like this Spring Nutrition recommends the following supplement for men nearing or over 40.
Nutri – Men’s Multi Essentials (one a day) – code 3253 £29.50 for 60 capsules (less than 50p a day)
Order from The Natural Dispensary and quote Julie Clark as your Practitioner.