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How to Have a Healthy and Happy Prostate

by Mark J Kaylor

The initial version of this article focused much more on a lot of technical and physiological bits of information. This one, however, for two reasons, doesn’t. First, what I think most of us really care about more is what works, rather than the ins and outs of how it works. I know for me, as a practitioner, it is nice to know the physiology, but most important for my clients is the efficacy of the protocols. Second, there really is so much we don’t know about cause and effect with regards to prostate diseases that it can easily become so confusing.

Let me offer one case in point that exemplifies both circumstances. DHT (dihydrotestosterone), a metabolite of testosterone, is widely thought of as a, or the primary cause of BPH (benign prostatic hyperplasia or hypertrophy), a far too common condition of an enlarged prostate. But guess what? There is clinical work where DHT was administered and it actually significantly reduced prostate size. Not caused or worsened the condition, but alleviated swelling.

So to avoid complications and confusion, this article is going to focus on what works, how to have a happy and healthy prostate rather than the reasons why.

So, why do I need to worry about my prostate? Well, the reason is that the numbers are quite disturbing. According to the statistics, the vast majority of us will, some time in our lifetime, be confronted with some sort of prostate difficulty, whether it is prostatitis (inflammation), benign prostatic hyperplasia (enlarged noncancerous) or prostate cancer.

Now, don’t get to worked-up about this. Instead, become more aware and educated about how to keep your prostate healthy and happy. While many in conventional medicine, the pharmaceutical industry and statistics would have you believe that prostate problems are inevitable; this is simply not the case. There is so much you can do with diet, lifestyle, and supplement changes to prevent and even treat prostate disease.

The Simple Truth

And now for the tips no one wants to hear about, that is, diet and lifestyle changes are the most important and effective paths to maintaining prostate health, as well as essential components in treating already existing conditions. These changes are effective even if there is a genetic proclivity for developing prostate difficulties. Remember, your genes are NOT your destiny. The good news is that we are not talking about anything too difficult or extreme.

Mom was right. The number one prostate dietary tip, eat your vegetables. Increase not only the variety of veggies that you eat but eat a wider range of colors. The second important category of foods is berries, especially red raspberries. Berries, a true superfood, contain natural antioxidants and are anti-inflammatory. Red raspberries in particular are rich in ellagic acid, a substance shown to inhibit prostate cancer growth and kill prostate cancer cells. It may also aid in the detoxification process by helping remove cancer-causing chemicals.

Next, maintaining proper and balanced Essential Fatty Acids (EFA) is key. Focus on eating or supplementing with Omega 3 fatty acids, fish, flax (high lignan type) or, my favorite, cod liver oil. This can help improve symptoms and keep cells functioning optimally. Lastly, eat a “make-your-prostate-happy” food, Pumpkin seeds or Pumpkin seed oil, rich in Zinc, key amino aids, and healthy fats.

And make sure to purchase these foods from organic producers; for there is evidence that suggests exposure to chemical pesticides and fertilizers contributes to prostate ill health.

One dietary No-no needs special mention; significant research suggests a direct relation between consumption of dairy products and increased risk for prostate imbalances.

Mother Nature to the Rescue

There are numerous herbal allies that help maintain a healthy prostate and may significantly improve symptoms, including Saw Palmetto (prostate herb #1), Pygeum bark, Nettles root and Flower Pollen. All are amazing, effective and safe remedies and talked about in virtually every prostate article.

Here, I would like to introduce you to another; possibly the most neglected and overlooked herbal remedy in the West, Turmeric, which has demonstrated benefits with aging, cardiovascular diseases, inflammation, Alzheimer’s to name but a few. Long-term use of Turmeric can reduce the free radical damage, inflammation and fat imbalances that over time wear down the health and functioning of the prostate.

The body, being made up of dependent and interdependent parts, functions optimally when all is working in balance and at full energy. This makes these two remedies useful partners in maximizing our health and preventing elements of our body from going astray.

Cordyceps increase Qi (life force) and strengthens the urinary and reproductive tracts while boosting immune function and minimizing the damage caused by stress. Maitake helps keep the endocrine system fine-tuned and in balance among its many gifts. This “tonic” approach is different from the usual allopathic/western methods that wait until thing break to fix rather than enhancing and strengthening so all of you works at its optimal radiant self.

There are many nutrients that need mentioning, Zinc, Lycopene, Beta-sitosterol, Calcium D-glucarate, Selenium and Vitamin E, all which are helpful and essential to keeping the prostate healthy. And don’t neglect the number one lifestyle health tip, exercise. The combination of cardiovascular and resistance training is a truly powerful health and healing modality that has specific prostate aiding actions.

The Big C

With prostate cancer being a leading cause of death among men, there are a few vital tips to follow as well. True with all cancers, but especially so with prostrate, prevention is essential and the strongest and safest path. The reason for this is that prostate cancer can be thought of as a “hidden” disorder. It is quite possible to have it and show no overt symptoms.

Key to cancer prevention is maintaining healthy immune function with remedies such as D-fraction from Maitake, Astragalus and other tonic herbs. As important, is reducing the big immune suppressors, i.e. refined sugars and carbohydrates and chronic stress levels.

A new kid on the block, Resveratrol, has shown in preliminary research to reduce the risk for developing prostate tumors by a whopping 87%. Adding to its usefulness are anti-inflammatory and free radical quenching actions. Lastly, there is an impressive and growing body of research suggesting that Vitamin D and Green tea are successful in significantly lowering prostate cancer risk.

Ripe vs. Overripe

In his excellent book, Total Wellness, Joseph Pizzorno, N.D. writes: “There’s not much point in living to a rip old age if we are, well overripe.” He makes the point that extending lifespan doesn’t do us much good if we aren’t healthy enough to enjoy the “extra” time.

So please, pay attention to your health, don’t ignore your prostate, and act to create radiant health rather than just symptom suppression. It’s your life, it’s your health and it’s your prostate.

mjk

Mark J. Kaylor has been exploring holistic health and healing for close to four decades. He is the founder and director of the not-for-profit Radiant Health Project. Mark welcomes you comments and questions and can be contacted at his website: www.RadiantHealthProject.com or on facebook at www.facebook.com/RadiantHealthProject

Disclaimer: All information and results stated here is for educational and entertainment purposes only. The information mentioned here is not specific medical advice for any individual and is not intended to be used for self-diagnosis or treatment. This content should not substitute medical advice from a health professional. Always consult your health practitioner regarding any health or medical conditions.