NATURAL, PERSONALIZED PROSTATE PROTECTION

To support your prostate health, I will start with the power of vitamin D: Vitamin D protects against prostate cancer.

In one study involving 1,029 men with prostate cancer, researchers analyzed the men's blood looking for several factors including levels of vitamin D. They found that the men with the highest levels of vitamin D had significantly lower overall risk (45 percent) of prostate cancer, including aggressive prostate cancer. Generally, dosages of Vitamin D at 5,000 IU a day are needed for older men when they are not getting a lot of sun exposure.

I also urge men to keep some pumpkin seeds on their desks at home or at the office. Why? Pumpkin seeds offer iron, zinc, B vitamins, magnesium, omega-3 fatty acids and protein. They also contain a high concentration of the amino acid tryptophan, a natural tranquilizer that helps lower anxiety when you're under stress.

Pumpkins seeds are rich in a form of antioxidant known as carotenoids, a special plant derivative that helps boost body immunity and fight diseases.

But for men, pumpkin seeds are a must-have because they contain beta-sitosterol, a phytosterol that blocks the conversion of testosterone into a metabolite — helping to prevent prostate enlargement and cancer. A palm full or two, already shelled and well chewed usually suffices. Larger does of pumpkin seed oil may be recommended with more bothersome prostate enlargement symptoms, like frequent night urination with "urgency", "dribbling", and / or "start /stop" from incomplete voiding.

And don’t forget lycopene, the carotenoid phytonutrient anti-oxidant responsible for the red color of tomatoes, pink grapefruit and watermelon. Lycopene studies to support treatment of prostate cancer studies have used 15 mg twice daily to decrease the growth rate of prostate cancer. For prostate cancer prevention, epidemiologic studies have suggested that 6 mg/day is beneficial. Most Americans attain this consumption level through their diet. Low sodium V-8 is an easy way to add lycopene to the diet.

Of interest, the same dietary health habits that are good for the prostate appear to help protect breast health, too.

If you suffer from benign prostate hypertrophy (enlarged prostate) or are trying to keep your PSA down in a “watch and wait” prostate cancer strategy I highly suggest you call me. This is no “on size fits all”, “cookbook” or “try this, try that” approach. As with all my patients who request it, I will do a Nutritional Response Testing Analysis (NRT) and set you up on a Personally Designed Diet and Supplement program. ( https://valleycenterchiropractic.com/nutritional-response-testing )