November Men 's Health
& Wellness
Hormonal
imbalance and prostate related disorders are common topics related to
men health. Our November news letter contains information on topics
like: Hormonal Imbalance in men and its affects on the body, BPH, Non
Infection related Prostatitis (Prostate Gland Inflammation), and
Prostate Cancer. At this issue you will find how and which natural
medicines are suitable for each condition, plus the featured top quality
recommended supplements for men in this month.
Prostate
Cancer remains the most serious prostate condition. While It is still
the most common cancer in men in western countries, many studies support
the importance of epigenetic factors in triggering or stopping the
responsible genes for the disease. Nutrition, Lifestyle, Hormonal
Change, Stress, Chronic inflammation, Environmental pollutions, and many
others are considered epigenetic factors.
Hormonal
imbalance in Men
Many of the changes in the in body composition, energy levels,libido, memory, and stress tolerance are affected by
hormonal imbalance. Hormonal changes are influenced by several factors like
lifestyle habits, nutrition, genetic, and oxidative stress associated with
aging.
The effects of declining Testosterone
Reduced
testosterone levels results in increased amount of specific
testosterone binding protein; therefore; ultimately levels of
bioavailable "free" testosterone to be used by the muscles, bones and
heart will be lower. Lower amount of free testosterone is also affecting
mood and cognitive health.
Men with declined testosterone may develop
increased levels of estrogen and/or a reduced ratio of testosterone metabolites
to estrogen metabolites. In men via the activity of an enzyme called aromatase, testosterone transforms into estradiol
(Estrogen). Aging men sometimes have too much aromatase activity
causing their testosterone to convert to excess estradiol. This results
in depletion of
vital testosterone while spiking estradiol
to unsafe ranges. Plus, due to aging, production of testosterone decreases as
well.1,2
A
healthy balance of testosterone and estrogen and their metabolites in men
contributes to colon health, prostate health, healthy sexual
function, healthy blood lipid metabolism, and overall cardiovascular
health.
Natural Support that may keep testosterone levels in
balance
Tribulus (Tribulus Terrestris) Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera),
and Cowage (Mucuna pruriens) Seed Extract; support the proper testosterone
producing function of the gonad, and maintaining
healthy gonadotrophic hormone production. In a proper ratio and formula these
herbal extracts provide support for healthy male sexual
function, libido, and vitality. SGS (Sulforaphane) from brocoli seed, Green
Tea Extract (EGCG), Lycopene, Zinc, Selenium,
and Turmeric ; contain phytonutrients known
to inhibit aromatase- an enzyme that converts androgen to estrogen. These
neutraceuticals also inhibit the conversion of testosterone to DHT (dihydrotestosterone-
which its increased amount is associated with enlarged prostate and male hair
loss). Furthermore, their powerful antioxidant protection supports the health
of hormone-sensitive tissues.5,6
Prostate health
Is a major concern for all men, especially as they get older. Many men suffer from prostate conditions that negatively affect their quality of life. These prostate conditions include an enlarged prostate (BPH), prostatitis and prostate cancer.
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)
Is a non-cancerous swelling of the prostate gland, leading to discomfort, nocturia or midnight bathroom urgency, frequent and sudden urges to urinate,and incomplete urinating. BHP affects men in late middle age.
Natural support that may provide relief and also may reduce the risk of
future prostate problems
Lycopene , zinc, SGS from broccoli
extract, selenium , and green tea extract (EgCG) which are known to protect
against unhealthy cellular growth and differentiation. 5,6. Saw palmetto, pygeum, beta–sitosterol, stingingnettle, and Vitamin B6 offer support for healthy
urinary function, in part by maintaining healthy hormone metabolism and enzyme
activities.
Other Prostate Health Concerns
Other than BPH
prostate related concerns include chronic prostatitis (CP) and prostatodynia. Both are non bacterial inflammation of the prostate gland being
common among men of a wide age range. Urologists suggest the symptoms could be
due to problem with the nerves supplying the prostate gland and chronically tightened muscles inside the pelvic
floor.
Natural Support
that may reduce prostate inflammation and its related symptoms
Studies have found that defined pollen extract can be helpful in chronic prostatitis
and prostatodynia, and there is also hope that it could potentially protect
against more serious prostate problems.3,4. Defined pollen extract is not bee pollen. Raw bee pollen is actually hard to assimilate by human
because it is covered by a microscopic husk. Defined pollen extract is made up
of isolated key fractions of primarily
rye pollen in a specific ratio processed
under low temperature. Studies reported that men
using defined pollen extract experience significant reductions in the volume of
the prostate in the cases of BHP and Prostatitis as measured by ultrasound. 3,4
Prostate cancer
Is the most common cancer as
well as the second leading cause of cancer related deaths in men in Western
countries. The good news is that there are many natural products that can help
to reduce the symptoms of prostate problems, as well as reduce the risk of
developing them in the first place. As current and ongoing research continues to explore
improvements in prostate health and various methods of detecting disease, it is
impotent to be proactive following simple but effective strategies to support
prostate health and to prevent the disease.
Plant-based
food to lower prostate cancer risk
Men with prostate cancer who
consumed green tea prior to undergoing prostate removal
had less inflammation, U.S. researchers say.1,2. Men with the highest total intake of flavonoids had a 25
percent lower risk for aggressive prostate cancer compared with those men with
the lowest flavonoid intake. U.S. researchers say.1,2 Prevention begins with a healthy
diet of many varied foods. Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties found
in coffee, green tea, flax seed, fish, broccoli, leafy greens and pomegranate
are extra good. Limiting red meat, eggs, cold cuts, milk and sugary foods also
help.
Keep up with annual physicals and don't skip the PSA test and find out
family history. Some supplements, such as selenium, Lycopene, SGS, ECGC, ...
might reduce prostate cancer risk. Before starting any supplement or medication regimen, discuss it with
your physician and health care practitioner to find the right product and dosage
that is right for you.
Articles and products featured by Health Palace are collected from a
variety of sources and are provided as a service by Health Palace. These
newsletters, while of potential interest to readers, do not necessarily
represent the opinions nor constitute the advice of Health Palace. Presented
materials are only for information purposes and do not intent to treat, cure,
or prevent any disease.
References:
1-Researches from School of
Medicine at the University of California, presented at the annual American
Association for Cancer Research International Conference on Frontiers in Cancer
Prevention Research, provides new insights into the mechanisms by which green
tea consumption may reduce inflammation, PSA, and the risk of prostate cancer.
2-Researches from Arnold School
of Public Health at the University of South Carolina, presented at the annual
American Association for Cancer Research International Conference on Frontiers
in Cancer Prevention Research, suggests Incorporating more flavonoidsform plant-based foods and beverages, such as
fruits, vegetables, herbs and tea, into the diet may offer some protection
against aggressive prostate cancer.
3-Andriole
GL, McCullum-Hill C, Sandhu GS, Crawford ED, Barry MJ, Cantor A; CAMUS Study
Group. The effect of increasing doses of saw palmetto fruit extract on serum
prostate specific antigen: analysis of the CAMUS randomized trial.
4-J
Urol. 2013 Feb;189(2):486-92.Becker H, Ebeling L. Phytotherapy of BPH with
cernilton N – results of a controlled prospective study. Urologe (B) 1991;31:
113-6.
5-Ansari
MS et al. Lycopene: a novel drug therapy in hormone refractory metastatic
prostate cancer. Urologic Onclogy: Seminars and Original Investigations. 2004;
22: 145-420.
6-Brooks,
JD., Paton, VG., Vidanes, G. Potent induction of phase 2 enzymes in human
prostate cells by sulfurophane. Cancer epidemiology, biomarkers &
prevention. 2001, vol 10;949-954.