Prostate

The fact that prostate cancer is the most common cancer among Canadian men, and affects 1 in 6 men, and is a greater threat for those with a family history of the disease is alarming. With heredity factors, prostate cancer can also develop with dietary and environmental factors.

The anatomy of the prostate is divided into three internal zones: the peripheral zone, the transition zone and the central zone.

The peripheral zone is located in the back part of the prostate near the rectum. It contains the majority of the glands in the prostate and is the region where most prostate cancers develop. In younger men, the peripheral zone makes up over half of the prostate.

The transition zone, next to the urethra, is the zone that enlarges with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate. Beginning around age 40, the transition zone begins to increase in size and eventually becomes the largest zone of the prostate.
The central zone is involved in the connection of seminal vesicles to the prostate and contains most of the rest of the organs glands.

The prostate has three functions. It produces fluid for semen, which helps move sperm during orgasm; it makes prostate specific antigen (PSA); and it controls urine flow.

Natural Preventative Care

Garlic: Men who eat more foods in the garlic family - especially garlic, scallions, leeks and onions - have significant reduction in the risk of developing prostate cancer.

Green Tea: The flavonoids, or polyphenols in green tea are very powerful anti-oxidants that help prevent cell damage. People who drink green tea regularly have less cancer, including prostate cancer.

Maitake mushroom: The maitake D-fraction was tested in a laboratory against hormone refractory prostate cancer (also known as androgen independent prostate cancer). When prostate cancer progresses to this stage, conventional therapy has been ineffective. There was almost complete cell death when the cancer cells were treated with maitake D-fraction.

Milk thistle: Although milk thistle is an important herb for the whole range of liver disease, it may also turn out to be an anti-cancer herb. Silibinin, a component of milk thistle, has been shown to be a strong fighter of prostate cancer cells in test tubes.

Soy: High levels of genestein, an important anti-cancer compound in soy, are associated with low incidence of prostate cancer. This isoflavone in particular, is a strong anti-oxidant that protects cells against damage and inhibit tumor growth.

Turmeric: Turmeric is not only a valuable anti-inflammatory. It also has shown potential value and promise against prostate cancer. This powerful anti-oxidant starves tumor growth and kills cancer cells without harming healthy noncancerous cells around them.

These are some herbs that can contribute to preventative care and maybe even treatment. Always consult a practitioner prior to taking herbs. Another preventative measure is to get the prostate checked annually. Also, with eating a healthy clean diet rich in mostly fresh fruits and vegetables, fibre and essential fatty acids (both omega-3 and omega-6) and protein. Exercises and stretching to relax and loosen the pelvic area is also helpful.

"The greatest wealth is health." -Virgil