hungry for health

MEN AND

Prostate Health

Jackie McNamaraNutrition Therapistjackie@h4hnutrition.com(440) 552-8824www.h4hnutrition.com

V I TA M I N B 6 - S u p p o r t s t h e absorption of Zinc and supports the immune system.

HERBAL REMEDIESNETTLE ROOT- 5-alpha reductase inhibitor; increases sex hormone binding globulin (preventing too much free testosterone). *

S A W PA L M E T T O - 5 - a l p h a reductase inhibitor; blocks DHT f r o m b i n d i n g t o a n d r o g e n receptors. Studies have shown that saw palmetto significantly decreases men’s symptoms of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia.*

AFRICAN PYGEUM- This herbal m e d i c i n e h a s m a n y h e a l t h benefits, one being treatment in prostatic disorders. It contains i n g r e d i e n t s t h a t r e d u c e inflammation, particularly in the prostate, and lowers cholesterol levels (one possible factor in prostate enlargement.)

NUTRITIONAL SUPPLEMENTS

ZINC- an antioxidant and 5-alpha reductase inhibitor, it plays a crucial role in men’s health. It c a n b e f o u n d i n o y s t e r s , c h i c k p e a s , b a k e d b e a n s , pumpkin seeds and muesli.

SELENIUM- a 5-alpha reductase i n h i b i t o r a n d a n t i o x i d a n t . P r e v e n t s p r o s t a t e c a n c e r growth. Low levels are linked directly with prostate cancer.

VITAMIN E- The premier fat-soluble vitamin for prostate cancer prevent ion, and an antioxidant. Consult your doctor before using.

MULTIVITAMIN- Your easiest and safest source of Vitamin D, a m u l t i v i t a m i n e n s u r e s supplementation for nutrients you may be missing.

THE ROLE OF TESTOSTERONE & DHT IN PROSTATE CANCERResponsible for a man’s “virility”, testosterone has secondary sex characteristics such as body hair and a deep voice. The testicles make 95% of a man’s testosterone. Once in the prostate, testosterone has little effect. To be stimulated, it is converted to DHT, the active form of testosterone. DHT, the most powerful male hormone, attaches to the androgen nuclear receptor deep in the cell. This increases the growth of prostate cells.

*5 alpha reductase- an enzyme involved in steroid metabolism.

hungry for health

Is prostate cancer a nutritional disease?

Nutrition plays an extremely important part in prostate cancer. In fact, evidence shows that it is the reason that men in China have 90% less prostate cancer than in America. And genetics has nothing to do with it. Because when men who migrated from the Far East to the United States were studied, evidence showed that their risk of prostate cancer went up as they moved away from China.The problem? Exposure to a Western Diet.

What is the Western Diet? It contains higher intake of fat, particularly animal fat, more dairy, less whole grains, less fruit and less vegetables. It is also more saturated fat, refined carbohydrates and preservatives.

Foods have highly specific effects on the p r o s t a t e g l a n d . T h e y a r e n a t u r a l pharmaceuticals with highly specific effects on every pathway of our body. In foods, specific active ingredients may cut down on damage done to genetic material. Food may decrease the risk of metastasis in some, and may help prevent a recurrence in others. Food can be used to protect men against prostate cancer, and it may also be used as an alternative strategy in patients with prostate cancer. Diet empowers individuals to hold their own health in their own hands.

Finally, one of the biggest problems with our Standard american Diet is that it stresses the body. In addition to other foods outside of diet, our bodies are continually faced with fatigue and disease. Stress contributes to nutrition depletion, which can be fixed with good nutrition and regular cardiovascular exercise.

CARBOHYDRATES- minimize simple sugar intake, as it is associated with cancer growth. This includes refined flour, white pasta, soda, candy, baked goods and processed foods. Focus on complex carbohydrates which do help fight cancer. Good sources are fruits, vegetables and legumes, whole grain cereals, pastas and breads.

FATS- While a high fat diet does correlated with prostate cancer, it is the trans fats that put you at risk. They are used in foods for s tab i l i ty and preservation. Your diet should consist of about 20% healthy fats from sources such as fish, nuts, seeds, avocados and olive oil. Omega 3 fatty acids are particularly beneficial.

PROTEINS- Animal proteins should always be organic, as environmental toxins are more likely to accumulate in conventionally raised animals. Good sources of healthy proteins include raw milk, nuts, beans, fish, soybeans, tofu, edamame, quinoa, artichokes, beets, broccoli, brussels sprouts, cabbage, kale and cauliflower.

T O M A T O E S - D e c r e a s e t h e occurrence of prostate cancer, increase apoptosis (programmed cell death that prevents cancer growth), inhibits tumor growth, and contains Lycopene

which is an antioxidant and promotes healthy cell communication.

CRUCIFEROUS VEGETABLES- Promotes healthy metabol ism of estrogens, blocks cancer growth and supports detoxification. Cruciferous v e g e t a b l e s i n c l u d e b r o c c o l i , cauliflower, brussels sprouts, cabbage and kale. Steam these and eat 1 cup a day for prostate health.

SOY- Slows the growth of the prostate c a n c e r c e l l c y c l e , a c t s a s a n antioxidant and lowers cholesterol and inflammation. Sources include miso, soybeans, tempeh and tofu.

VITAMIN D- patients with higher vitamin D have lower rates of prostate cancer. Spend 15 minutes in the sun daily! And get your calcium to help with absorption.

FIBER- lowers plasma levels of sex hormones by increasing the excretion of these hormones in men’s feces. Sources include oats, vegetables, apples, oranges and dried fruit.

GREEN TEA- a great antioxidant, it contains polyphenols, which is related to fewer cancers.

*avoid flax seed oil, starches and simple sugars, as they can stimulate prostate cancer growth.

FOODS THAT BENEFIT PROSTATE HEALTH

FOR MORE INFORMATION:• http://www.webmd.com/prostate-

cancer/is-there-prostate-cancer-diet• The Prostate Cancer Protection Plan

by Dr. Bob Arnot• What Your Doctor May Not Tell You

About Prostate Cancer by Glenn J. Bubbley, M.D.

• Super Nutrition for Men by Ann Louise Gittleman, Ms. CNS.