July 31, 2008

How To Prevent Prostate Cancer Or Reduce Your Prostate Cancer Risk

Many thousands of men die each year from prostate cancer and yet the number of deaths could be substantially reduced with just a few simple preventative measures.

It would be nice to think that there was some simple routine that you could follow, or diet that you could adopt, or pill that you could take to give you a one hundred percent guarantee that you would not develop prostate cancer.

Unfortunately no such routine, diet or pill exists today and, despite our best efforts, some of us will inevitable contract prostate cancer. There are, however, many things that you can do by way of prevention and it is certainly possible to lower your risk of developing the disease.

The first thing that you must do is to simply recognize that there is indeed a risk of contracting prostate cancer and that this risk will vary from person to person.

For example, if you have a family history of prostate cancer with perhaps a grandfather, father or brother dying from the disease then you are twice as likely to contract the disease as somebody without any family history. One difficulty here is that, because prostate cancer often strikes quite late in life and can sometimes be very slow to develop, many men die as a result of some other condition before their prostate cancer has developed to any great extent. So, if a member of your family has always been assumed to have died from a heart attack, that doesn't mean that he didn't suffer from prostate cancer and it's worth checking your family history closely to see if you are at higher than average risk.

Other risk factors include such things as race with African Americans, for example, at higher risk than Hispanic men who, in turn, are at higher risk than Caucasian men. People living in Western society are also at greater risk because of the nature of the diet followed by many in the West.

Whatever your level of risk, all men are at some risk of developing the disease and it is most likely to strike once you pass the age of 40. So what can be done to reduce the risk?

The two main areas to consider are your diet and the use of dietary supplements.

When it comes to diet the main culprit within the normal western diet would appear to be animal fat which, with the high level of meat in many western diets, is understandable. The solution here is simply to reduce the amount of meat in your diet and, when using meat, to stick to meats containing low levels of fat or to choose leaner cuts of high-fat meat.

When it comes to dietary supplements we enter something of a minefield, as opinions vary widely and are also often driven more by profit in this highly lucrative market than by any real medical evidence.

The list of possible dietary supplements for consideration in preventing prostate cancer is far too long for this short article and ranges from vitamins, such as vitamin E, and minerals, such as Selenium, to estrogen and green tea extract. It is also necessary, when looking at dietary supplements, to view the wider picture of your overall health and to consider these not simply in terms of preventing prostate cancer.

It is also an excellent idea when considering supplements to look first at your diet itself and the need for virtually all supplements can be eliminated if you simply ensure that the required vitamins and minerals are included within a properly balanced diet including a wide variety of such things as fresh fruit and vegetables.

Although many thousands of men will die this year from prostate cancerFeature Articles, a large proportion of these deaths will have been unnecessary and a combination of early prostate cancer screening and some simple preventative measures could have prevented thousands of unnecessary deaths.

For more information on how to prevent prostate cancer and what to look out for when it comes to enlarged prostate symptoms please visit ProstateCancerExplained.com

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July 30, 2008

Should I Have Prostate Surgery?

The majority of men will experience some degree of prostate difficulty in later life and many will be faced with the question of whether or not to undergo prostate surgery. This article looks at some things to consider when making your choice.

For a few men the arrival of middle age brings with it increasing urinary difficulty caused by an enlargement of the prostate gland. Instances of urinary difficulty increase with age so that by the time that most men reach retirement there's a better than 50/50 change they'll be experiencing difficulties and, if they're lucky enough to reach the age of 80, then they'll almost certainly run into difficulty as prostate problems affect about 90% of the male population by this age.

While enlargement of the prostate is extremely common it is also a benign condition that is confined to the prostate gland and for many men it will develop very slowly over a period of years. There are a variety of symptoms, almost all associated with problems in passing water, and these can range from the quite mild which are really not too bothersome and which you can certainly live with as just another sign of the ageing process, to more severe symptoms which are sufficiently annoying to warrant treatment.

In addition to the common problem of an enlarged prostate, which will affect almost all men at some point, a significant number of men will also develop prostate cancer which, while it starts life in the prostate gland, can eventually spread throughout the body and is an extremely dangerous condition and the second most common form of cancer death in the United States today.

An enlarged prostate and prostate cancer are two quite separate conditions and, despite what you may have heard, an enlarged prostate does not cause prostate cancer. The two conditions can however exist side-by-side and one problem with prostate cancer is that the symptoms of an enlarged prostate can mask the presence of a growing cancer.

The first step therefore is to call in and see your doctor as soon as you start to experience any sort of problems passing water and get him to establish the root of the problem.

If you consult your doctor at the first sign of trouble and he diagnoses prostate cancer then it is very likely to be at early stage of development and confined to the prostate gland, in which case your doctor will almost certainly suggest prostate surgery. In this particular case, unless there is a very good reason why you should not have surgery (such as the presence of other medical conditions that you place you at risk from surgery) then the answer to whether or not you should have prostate surgery is invariably going to be "yes".

There can be no question that the best way to deal with cancer is to remove it altogether and, when it is confined to the prostate gland, the easiest and best way to do that is to have it surgically removed.

If, however, your doctor diagnoses nothing more than an enlarged prostate the question of whether or not you should have surgery become a bit more complicated and you will need to discuss your options with your doctor.

There are a range of treatments available for an enlarged prostate including drug therapy and non-surgical treatments, as well as several different surgical treatments and each has its own advantages, disadvantage and risks.

The major difference in the case of an enlarged prostate is that the vast majority of treatments are not designed to cure the problem but are aimed at reducing symptoms so that it does not unduly interfere with your quality of life.

The question of whether or not you should have prostate surgery is very much dependent upon the cause of your problems. If you have prostate cancer and prostate surgery is the recommended option then, unless there is a good reason for deciding otherwise, you should almost certainly accept your doctor's recommendation. If, however, prostate surgery is being considered for an enlarged prostate, then there will be a range of other options open to you and you will need to make a very personal decision, in consultation with your doctorFind Article, about whether or not prostate surgery is the choice you feel would be most appropriate.

Please visit ProstateCancerExplained.com for more information on prostate surgery and other prostate cancer treatments.

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Precisely What Is The Prostate Gland And What Are The Signs Of Developing Prostate Problems?

A lot of men are still not aware of exactly what the prostate gland is and of how important it is to consult your doctor once they begin to experience the signs and symptoms of a developing prostate problem. It may seem odd but for years men knew little about their prostate and it is only in recent years as prostate cancer has become such a prominent issue that men are beginning to ask just what the prostate is and what it does.

The prostate is a crucial part of a man's reproductive system that manufactures the clear fluid that makes up a significant portion of male seminal fluid. Sperm is carried from the testicles up to the prostate where it is mixed with prostatic fluid and proteins to make semen.A normal prostate is roughly the size of a walnut, weighs about one ounce and sits just under the bladder and in front of the rectum. It is also often described as being shaped something like a donut and partly wraps around the urethra, which carrying urine from the bladder and out of the body.

Through a man's life the prostate continues to grow, although from about the age of twenty until the mid-forties growth is extremely slow and is all but undetectable. Once a man passes approximately forty-five however it is extremely common for the growth of the prostate to speed up and most men will start to experience the symptoms of an enlarging gland during their forties or fifties.In many cases an enlarging gland leads to little more than some mild discomfort that a lot of men simply learn to live with. In other instances however the prostate may become so enlarged that it squeezes the urethra enough to produce various symptoms that need treatment or persuade a man to ask for treatment to ease his discomfort.

Mere growth of the prostate at this point in a man's life is simply a normal part of aging and is referred to as benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BHP.However, the biggest danger with an enlarged prostate is that this may be something more than a simple case of enlargement and may be effectively masking an underlying cancer.As the prostate begins to grow it also begins to put pressure on the urethra and to narrow it so that the first signs of a developing problem are normally seen when it comes to urinating.

In particular you might experience difficulty in urinating and need to 'strain' to start the process. You may also suffer from a weak urine flow and a flow that tends to stop and start. As time goes on you will also find that you need to visit the bathroom more frequently, particularly during the night, and that you feel as if you need to visit the bathroom even just after you have just done so.As you can imagine this can become more than a little bit of a nuisance but, nevertheless, a lot of men are content to simply see it as one of the problems of aging and learn to live with it.

Now there is nothing wrong with this but the mistake which all too man men make is not to consult their doctor at this stage to ensure that the problem is only BPH and that it is unlikely to lead to other problems in their particular case.Aside from the obvious risk of their being an underlying cancerScience Articles, BPH can also cause other problems such as kidney disease or bladder infection.Should you begin to encounter symptoms that are suggestive of a developing prostate problem then talk to your doctor so that the problem can be diagnosed.

ProstateProblemCenter.com provides information on various prostate problems and also provides advice on having a prostate exam.

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July 24, 2008

Is There Any Alternative Treatment For Prostate Disease?

Prostate diseases are very common to happen, especially among men over the age of fifty. There are many available treatments nowadays, but some people prefer to use alternative treatments for their prostate condition. This article will explore several common prostate treatment alternatives.

Important consideration before choosing alternative treatment

Some people mentioned that herbal medicine can be used as an alternative cure. From previous cases, this medicine is considered as an effective cure for prostate disease. Unfortunately, there are some unscrupulous companies entered the market only to make quick bucks. They imitate the leading brands of herbal medicine product and circulate bogus products for their own benefit.

Therefore, it is important to be extra careful when you choose a herbal medicine to ensure that you get the real one. This is important for two reasons, first you want to protect yourself from any potential harm that a bogus product might cause you and secondly you can experience the true capability of the natural cure through the original product that you use.

If you decide to use herbal medicine for your prostate condition, you should consult with your doctor first. His/her endorsement is necessary before you use any alternative or herbal medicine. You should also carry out all necessary tests before you start with any treatment because the treatment may suppress the test result and thus you will never know the problem that is affecting your prostate. This is an important detail because any treatment will interfere with the test result and thus can show a negative result even though you may have a prostate cancer.

Prostate herbs

In relation with prostate herbs, many nutritionists and naturopaths have indicated that your body needs a sufficient amount of vitamins in order to combat diseases, such as prostate cancer. Vitamin C, which is considered as an anti-oxidizing agent, Vitamin A, E, and K along with several types of mineral like Zinc and Selenium, are essential for your body to fight diseases.

All these substances can be obtained in a raw form and thus with proper diet you are increasing your chance to stay healthy for a very long time. Healthy diet combined with the right prostate herbs can work wonders. There are various products in the market that combine vitamins, minerals, and prostate herbs, which are very useful to prevent or fight prostate cancer. However, you should know that these prostate herbs will not be able to stop or reverse the condition when it has reached the third stage.

Obviously you should not start any self-treatment without consulting your doctor. Your life is in stake and the condition can be unpredictable when you experiment with various prostate herbs. If you want to increase the chances of success, you should let your doctor know that you use naturopathy treatment. Herbal cures and treatments can become an effective solution, but you should be extra careful with many false products that circulate in the market. Select the well-known brands or other local brands that have proven track records to ensure that you can get benefits from them.

Super prostate formula

A super prostate formula is perhaps the solution that every man over the age of forty needs. Prostate gland usually starts having problems when a man reaches this age and these problems can vary significantly from only discomforting to very serious. The most common problem is enlarged prostate and a super prostate formula can bring benefits to men who are suffering from this condition. This super prostate formula contains various ingredients and before you use it, you should consult with your doctor first. It is essential to find out about its effectiveness and also ask suggestions about the best available product in the market.

A super prostate formula normally contains zinc, selenium, and beta-sitosterol, although it can also contain many other substances. There are many discussions concerning the effectiveness of this product because the ingredients can differ significantly between one product and another. It is interesting to see that some products seem to give effective results although they do not contain common ingredients used by other products. The price of each super prostate formula product is varied and thus you may want to check the price at different outlets to find the best offer.

Cindy Heller is a professional writer. Visit Male Prostate Pain to learn more about robotic prostate surgery and other super prostate formula.
Article Source:
http://www.freearticles.co.za/mens-issues/there-any-alternative-treatment-prostate-disease.html

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July 17, 2008

Men’s Health: Preventing Prostate Cancer

Stanley complained that by his early 70’s he needed to get up to urinate 4 to 5 times a night (nocturia). As is typical for men of his age, he hadn’t been sexually active for several years, and his prostate had begun to swell (benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BPH).

The prostate sits immediately above the bladder, and its increased size put pressure on the bladder, causing a need to urinate more frequently and a sense of urgency when the bladder fills -- a common problem affecting older men’s health. When he went to the doctor, Stanley’s PSA (prostate specific antigen) test was elevated, showing that he had some cancerous changes already taking place.

Although prostate cancer is now the most common malignant cancer in men, this is of less concern than cancer in other parts of the body, since the prostate is uniquely enclosed by a protective sheath. Most cancers in the prostate will not easily spread while sequestered within this sheath. A man can have prostate cancer for decades and not know it.

Stanley’s physician practiced whole medicine. Given Stanley’s symptoms, the doctor prescribed saw palmetto extract, vitamin E, selenium and lycopene. The doctor also wanted to continue to monitor his PSA for any changes.

Doc also suggested that Stanley would benefit from a low-carbohydrate diet, and recommended that he see a chiropractor regularly to assist the nerves from the low back control the bladder and prostate.

The saw palmetto plant is a short palm tree that grows in the West Indies and in Florida. The berry-like fruit of the palm is used, usually as an extract in herbal remedies for the prostate gland and urinary dysfunction. Unlike the drugs which treat similar symptoms, saw palmetto has few if any side effects, and contains numerous compounds that work together synergistically -- phytosterols, free fatty acids, monoglycerides, and fatty acid alcohols.

It can take weeks or even months to see dramatic effects from saw palmetto use, but there are numerous studies on its effect on men’s health, which show it to be highly effective in relieving symptoms. The first study was performed in Germany in 1996 and showed a 73% improvement for nocturia, with 54% of the patients having less frequent daytime urination as well. An analysis of eighteen separate trials, involving almost 3000 men, showed the usefulness of saw palmetto.

Lower insulin levels from a diet low in carbohydrates also seems to slow the growth rate of prostate tumors. Other studies showed that the incidence of prostate cancer was 32% lower in men taking vitamin E, and their death rates 41% lower. Men who ate the most tomato products, which contain lycopene, also had lower rates of cancer.

What happened with Stanley? With three months, his nocturia was down to once a night, and within ten months, his PSA levels had returned to normal. His cancer seemed to have disappeared! He was pleased with the results of this natural approach to restoring men’s health.

Dr. Christopher Lyden contributes articles on men’s health for Feelgoodforlife.com. More information on men’s health and other topics can be found at http://www.feelgoodforlife.com.

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Enlarged Prostate Gland Treatment

If you have found you have a large prostate, how is it treated? An enlarged prostate gland, also called BPH (Benign prostatic hypertrophy/hyperplasia), can be treated in various ways depending on the amount of growth and. The prostate gland is the male gland that produces the fluid that carries sperm. The prostate gland lies around the tube that passes the urine out of the body, the urethra. An enlarged prostate is a natural ailment the often occurs as a man ages, but it can be quite irritating as it interferes with normal daily function. As the gland grows larger, it puts pressure on the urethra, which causes urination issues. Generally, the condition is found when the patient thinks he has a urology issue and finally consults a doctor.

There are several types of treatments for an enlarged prostate gland. The doctors you consult will help you choose the treatment based on how advanced your symptoms are, you how old you are, and your how healthy you are in general. You may be able to change your lifestyle and just wait it out. Other options include medication or radiation therapy to shrink the gland and prostatectomy, a surgery to completely remove the gland. Herbal treatments can be a part of a lifestyle change to alleviate urinary symptoms. Saw palmetto helps to reduce night time need to urinate and improve urine flow. Prescribed medications can also do this. Since herbal supplements are not regulated, some patients may feel more comfortable with the prescription rather than an over the counter product.

If the gland is overly large, external beam radiotherapy may be used to reduce its size. An x-ray type machine delivers controlled amounts of radiation to a specific target--in this case the prostate gland. Various forms range from photon to proton radiotherapy. "Seeding" is another form of radiation treatment in which radioactive "seeds" are implanting inside the gland. These are radical treatments for more severe cases that may be leaning toward cancer. Another treatment includes prostatectomy, or surgery to remove the prostate gland altogether. This will require the longest recovery of any of the treatments. Using laparoscopic technology, the surgeon can go in and remove the gland with very small holes instead of a long incision. However, it still takes weeks to return to feeling natural again.

Men 60 years old or more are at greater risk of having an enlarged prostate gland, but it can start happening to 40 years old. Note, however, that many men have no symptoms or only mild symptoms. If you catch it early using natural, herbal at-home self-care steps that the doctor can recommend is often plenty to alleviate the symptoms. More radical treatments, such as the radiotherapy and surgery, will be needed only if the symptoms interfere with your daily functions. Once you have a diagnosis of an enlarged prostate gland, it is a good idea to have a yearly physical exam to keep an eye on the progression of your symptoms. If they get worse, you may need to switch to the stronger choices of enlarged prostate treatments.

Read more about treatment After Prostate Cancer and prostate health facts at =>http://www.afterprostatecancersurgery.com

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July 13, 2008

How Do I Get Prostate Cancer?

From the desk of Dr Magne, author of Cancer Free For Life

The cause of prostate cancer is unknown. However, it is known that the growth of cancer cells in the prostate, like that of normal prostate cells, is stimulated by male hormones, especially testosterone. Testosterone is produced almost entirely by the testes (about 95%), with only a small percentage (about 5%) being produced by the adrenal glands (small glands that sit above each kidney).

Compared with other types of cancer, generally, prostate cancer is relatively slow growing. A man with prostate cancer may live for many years without ever having the cancer discovered. In fact, many men with prostate cancer will not die from it but with it. As a man gets older, his risk of developing prostate cancer increases. More than 70% of prostate cancers are diagnosed in men over 65 years of age.

As the cancer grows, it may eventually squeeze the urethra, which is surrounded by the prostate. Then, symptoms such as difficulty in urinating may develop. This is usually the first clinical symptom of prostate cancer. (It is important to note, however, that difficulty in urinating can be caused by other, noncancerous conditions of the prostate and does not always mean that prostate cancer is present.) With or without symptoms, a growing prostate cancer can also attack cells close to the prostate.

Cells can break off from the cancer and spread. Sites where prostate cancer tends to spread are the lymph nodes, various bones (especially the bones of the hip and lower back), lungs, and occasionally the brain. Cancer cells that have spread to other areas of the body can form tumors that can expand and squeeze other body parts. For example, when prostate cancer spreads to the bones, the most common symptom is bone pain.

Risk Factors for Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer is the most common non-skin cancer in America ; 1 in 6 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer. Only 1 in 10,000 under age 40 will be diagnosed. In fact, about 65% of all prostate cancers are diagnosed in men over the age of 65.

Race and family history are important as well. African American men are 56% more likely to develop prostate cancer compared with Caucasian men, and are nearly 2.5 times as likely to die from the disease. Men with a single relative with a history of prostate cancer are twice as likely to develop the disease, while those with two or more relatives are nearly four times as likely to be diagnosed.

Social and environmental factors, particularly diet and lifestyle, likely have an effect. The exact relationship between obesity and prostate cancer remains unclear, but there is no doubt that obesity can have a negative effect on outcomes. Research has shown that prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test results in obese men can be lower despite the presence of disease, potentially leading to a delay in diagnosis and treatment; recovery from surgery tends to be longer and more difficult; and the risk of dying from prostate cancer can be higher.

To stop cancer from ever returning, you must completely stop cancer at its source. Cancer is foremost a psychological disease and its appearance in your body is a sign that at a deep level, your life is not working. Unless you approach and treat ALL the areas of your life, cancer is likely to re-occur.

I have been researching the origins and causes of cancer. I am a reputed expert in the field of spontaneous remission. Learn more about this disease and how you can stop it from ever returning to your life. www.cancer-free-for-life.com/prostate/articles-index.html. Visit www.cancer-free-for-life.com to receive a FREE report on The 10 Ways to Cure Cancer Immediately.

This article is available for reprint for your website and newsletter, provided that you maintain its copyright integrity and include the signature.
About the Author
I am a reputed expert in the field of spontaneous remission. Learn more about this disease and how you can stop it from ever returning to your life. http://www.cancer-free-for-life.com/prostate/articles-index.html. Visit http://www.cancer-free-for-life.com to receive a FREE report on The 10 Ways to Cure Cancer

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Prostate Specific Antigen And Prostate PSA Levels

Prostate cancer is the most common type of cancer in men in the U.S.A. This cancer can only occur in men, because the prostate is part of the male reproductive tract. Men over the age of 50 are at the highest risk to develop this cancer and prostate cancer is responsible for more male deaths of any other cancer except lung cancer.

Discovering prostate cancer most often happens during a physical examination. Another way the cancer is found is through blood tests, such as the PSA. PSA is an acronym for prostate specific antigen. PSA is an enzyme produced exclusively by prostate cells. A small amount of PSA is continuously leaked into the bloodstream by prostate cells. This allows for the measurement of a PSA blood test.

For men 60 and younger, the normal PSA level is up to 2.5 ng/ml. For men older than 60, the range is 4.0 ng/ml, because the prostate usually enlarges and makes more PSA with age. A prostate cancer cell can produce 10 times more PSA than a normal cell. As the cancer cells multiple, more PSA is released into the bloodstream, causing the PSA blood test to have a result above the averages within a man’s age bracket.

Average Prostate Specific Antigen of Men with Prostate Cancer:

The average prostate specific antigen is 7.2 ng/ml, however there is a wide variation. Men can be treated for cancer with a PSA as low as 0.3 ngl/ml and as high as 430 ngl/ml. Fifteen percent of men have a PSA below the “normal” range of 4.0 ng/ml. Men can be classified into four PSA groups based on his PSA.

- Group 1: Up to 4.0 ng/ml
- Group 2: 4.1 ng/ml - 10.0 ng/ml
- Group 3: 10.1 ngl/ml - 20.0 ng/ml
- Group 4: Above 20.0 ng/ml

Example: I am a 64 year old with a PSA of 6.3 ng/ml:

In general the amount prostate PSA levels in the blood are an indicator of the amount of cancer present in a man. More PSA usually means more cancer. A PSA of 6.3 ng/ml places this man in a PSA group of 4.1 - 10.0 ng/ml. This prostate specific antigen level would suggest this man has slightly less cancer than the average prostate cancer patient.

Connection between PSA and the Amount of Cancer Present:

Some prostate cancers will not produce a lot of PSA. These instances are called low PSA producing cancers. Low PSA cancers can fool doctors. Some of the most advanced cancers are low PSA. For this reason a PSA blood test cannot be used as the only indicator of if a man has cancer. The PSA is a good indicator of the amount of cancer that is present, but the test is not perfect. Your doctor should be conducting other tests and also determining your Gleason score to better determine if cancer is present and if so, how severe it is.

The most important information in this article is to become educated about prostate cancer. Once you have learned about the cancer you will be better prepared to make a decision about treatment and your doctor. It is not difficult to learn about this type of cancer and about the treatments performed by each type of doctor. There are many different ways to treat prostate cancer, so it is critical you spend time to learn about all of them. With limited exceptions there is only one shot at being cured, so take the time to make an informed decision.
About the Author
John Critz helps inform men about prostate cancer treatment options. His company, RCOG helps educate males about prostate PSA levels, low PSA producing cancers and prostate specific antigen information.

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Enlarged Prostate Benefits From Saw Palmetto To Promote Prostate Health

Europe has been using Saw Palmetto to promote prostate health for years. Enlarged prostate or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and the herb saw palmetto has been studied in European labs for it's effectiveness in treating the disorder. American labs lag far behind in their research of enlarged prostate and herbs to treat it. Modern medicine in America frequently relies on pharmaceuticals sometimes to the detriment of natural herbal remedies. For instance, Doctors usually proscribe Proscar (T) and other prostate drugs which take time to become effective, unlike the Saw Palmetto herb which will kick in within 30 days.

The medicinal part of 'Serenoa Repens' or the Saw Palmetto is derived from the partially dried ripe fruit of the plant. The Saw Palmetto herb is indigenous to Southeastern United States but is most prevalent in Florida. It is the sterols and the fatty acids that are found in the berry that are the active ingredients. In Germany ninety percent of treatments for BPH use the saw palmetto herb, while in Italy it is fifty percent. Their successes have been many since BPH is nearly universal in the aging process of men.

A Study done in Russia tested 150 men with an enlarged prostate who had been diagnosed with BPH and other prostatic problems. Their findings concluded that Permixon, a European brand of standardized saw palmetto herb extract, had a long term efficacy and acceptability as therapy for BPH. The test was conducted over a period of 24 months and it was found that the quality of life from the base line study improved dramatically. The men had decreased prostate size, better urinary flow and increased sexual activity. The saw palmetto herb works by protecting the gland from irritating testosterone levels and will promote it to shrink.

Even better news about the herb saw palmetto, is that when used to combat enlarged prostate its side effects are almost none and it is non-toxic. Some men complained of gastrointestinal disorders but these were relieved when the herb was taken with food. There were some concerns in the early stages of study that the saw palmetto herb would mask prostate cancer by lowering the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels. After much more study this was found not to be true.

Many studies show that you must buy a brand that is 'standardized with at least 85-95 percent fatty acids' with 320 grams of the herb. In a few cases when large amounts where used it caused diarrhea in some patients. Studies have shown that the saw palmetto extract is effective in 90% of the men in clinical trials in over a four to six week period. Pharmaceutical drugs have been shown to need up to a year for significant improvement. Another benefit is that saw palmetto extracts are about one quarter of the price of pharmaceutical drugs.

There have been other herbs that have be cited as beneficial to enlarged prostate such as, stinging nettle, pumpkin seed, zinc, green tea, South African star grass and melatonin. None are as effective or show the promise of the saw palmetto herb.

In conclusion the benefits of the Saw Palmetto herb for an enlarged prostate are many. It will reduce symptoms of BPH, with occasional mild gastrointestinal distress but this is infrequent. The herbal remedy will not interfere with a prostate cancer diagnosis and it has no known drug interactions. The dosage has widely been agreed on by scientists as 320 grams per day and will cost you significantly less then a prescription drug.

If you have an enlarged prostate and you are looking for an herbal remedy speak to your Doctor about taking the saw palmetto herb to relieve your symptoms. Always speak to your Doctor before adding any medicines to your regime whether they are natural herbs, vitamins or supplements.

Copyright © Mary Hanna, All Rights Reserved.

This article may be distributed freely on your website and in your ezines, as long as this entire article, copyright notice, links and the resource box are unchanged.
About the Author
Mary Hanna is an aspiring herbalist who lives in Central Florida. Mary has also published articles on Cruising, Gardening and Cooking for more information on these subjects visit http://www.GardeningHerb.com http://www.CruiseTravelDirectory.com and http://www.ContainerGardeningSecrets.com

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July 11, 2008

To Men Who Want To Avoid Prostate Cancer!

Whether you are part of an at risk demographic or you are simply concerned about someone who might be. Thinking about the best food for prostate health is something that can be enormously beneficial.

More and more, doctors are beginning to recognize prostate health as a matter of nutrition and it is becoming clear that by taking an active interest in your prostate health, looking at the diet that contributes to it, and changing that diet where it needs it, people are dodging some very risky bullets!

When you are concerned about your prostate health, you are not only looking after your own health needs but eating in a way that encourages your own prostate health is good for your whole family.

One great way that you can contribute to your health is to start eating whole foods. Whole foods, that is, foods that have undergone the bare minimum of processing and have avoided preserving additives ensure that your body is getting all of the nutrients from the food that you are eating.

It is clear that whether you are concerned about the health of a young toddler, a growing teen, or a beloved spouse that eating well can benefit you and your whole family.

When you take steps to ensure your own prostate health, you are setting an excellent example for your family.

If you have children, you already know that children learn best through imitation and that without a good example, they'll be quite impressionable and open to plenty of bad ideas!

Sit down and speak with your children about their health and how to maintain it. If you find that your children have health concerns or suffer from chronic conditions like asthma, tell them the whys and wherefores of their condition and help them think about the best ways to handle them.

When you encourage your children to be pro active about their health and inquisitive about how their bodies function, you are helping them establish a lifetime of healthy habits.

Remember that the sooner you yourself take an interest in your own health, the better off you'll be. Especially if problems with the prostate run in your family, you need to be self-aware.

The earlier you get started, the more likely it is that you'll be able to have a large effect on your prostate health, so make sure that you take an interest soon.

Remember than an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, and that eating in a health-conscious way can give you plenty of other benefits.

Feeding you and your family the best food for prostrate health will pay you back one hundred fold in great health and long life.

Join us at the authors website; healthfood-guide.com/bestfoodforprostatehealth.aspx where the discussion continues and the best foods for prostate health are revealed and talked about.

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Why You Should Worry About Prostate Problems

There are plenty of things to worry about in the world today but of all the things to worry about the most important is your health and your prostate gland is something to be aware of and the more you understand about it the better placed you are to avoid potentially life threatening problems with it.

It never ceases to surprise me that so few male collegues know anything about their prostate. Some would say that the prostate and prostate cancer are the male equivelent of breast cancer for women and women are generally very aware about that. Yet, for some reason men seem blissfully unaware of proste cancer and other prostate problems.

Why men choose to ignore this subject I do not know but it would be better if they did. Discussion of potential problems would encourage more men to get checks and would no doubt save many lives that might otherwise be lost.

They say that ignorance is no defence and that certainly applies to prostate health problems. Ignoring it will not make it all go away and being ignorant of possible symptoms leaves you open to the chances of far greater health problems later. Learning about your prostate and possible symptoms of prostate related health issues can help you together with your doctor in overcoming those difficulties.

The prosate is not normally a problem for men until they reach middle age. Typically problems are most likely to appear once a man gets over fifty. The most common problem is that the prostate grows in size over time and this can lead to pressure on the parts of the body that are located next to it.

There is a one in six chance of a man developing prostate cancer in his lifetime in the US. Treatment is usually effective and the success rate following early diagnosis is very high. This clearly shows that early diagnosis is very important and men should be aware of the risks.

Since early diagnosis can make such an important difference to the effectiveness of treatment you should consult with your doctor and ask about regular examinations and checks. Early treatment is said to be around 99% effective so it is clear that regular checkups can make an important difference.

Read more about the prostate health problem visit www.theprostateproblem.com

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July 4, 2008

Brachytherapy Showing Promise For More Than Prostate Cancer

Brachytherapy has shown promise for a few different forms of cancer and even for arteries which were unplugged from angioplasty. Low-dose rate (LDR) prostate brachytherapy is generally well tolerated in patients with a history of inflammatory bowel disease. Episcleral plaque brachytherapy is a complex procedure and should only be undertaken in specialized medical centers with expertise in this sophisticated treatment program. It is not yet known whether interstitial (within the tissue) brachytherapy is more effective with or without external-beam radiation therapy in treating prostate cancer.

The most common uses of this form of treatment involves the planting of radioactive seeds through 18 gauge needles into the prostate via a perineal template with rectal ultrasound guidance. High dose rate (HDR) brachytherapy is one of the latest advances in this type of treatment method as it's very effective for treatment of cervical cancer as an alternative to surgical removal of the cervix and uterus. Additionally, HDR brachytherapy is used to reduce the risk of recurrence of soft tissue sarcoma following surgery.

Permanent prostate brachytherapy is a form of low dose chemical implants (up to 120) rice-sized radioactive seeds into the prostate with guidance from ultrasound and X-rays. Low-dose rate treatment is also used in the treatment of coronary artery disease to prevent restenosis after angioplasty. High-dose rate (HDR) is usually an outpatient procedure.

Breast brachytherapy is a more localized means of treatment than standard external beam radiotherapy, so there is a lesser dose to undamaged tissue of the breast, heart, lung, muscle, skin and ribs. LDR (low dose) brachytherapy is the most commonly used of the two. LDR and HDR Brachytherapy is performed under anesthesia, and radioactive "seeds" are each placed in needles that are inserted into the target through the perineum (the area between the legs, scrotum and anus).

LDR brachytherapy makes use of iodine-125 and palladium-103 stored in titanium cases usually referred to as the "seeds". A big advantage of HDR brachytherapy is that the final doses are known before any radiation treatment is given.

Presently, at Wake Forest Baptist in North Carolina, cancers of the prostate, breast, lung, cervix and nasopharynx are being successfully treated with HDR brachytherapy. Endobronchial brachytherapy is an outpatient procedure again using radioactive sources placed within a bronchus (airway) to treat patients suffering from airway obstruction due to lung cancer and other tumors.

The utilization of brachytherapy is highly dependent on the experience of the physician and the available resources although, the flexibility of the HDR system allows it to be used for a wide range of malignancies.

HDR brachytherapy is most commonly used with cancers located near the outside of the body but with MRI assisted techniques, it's possible to adjust the isodose dissemination by taking into account tumor size and features as well as the topography of the risked organs.

Though it's true that HDR brachytherapy is currently used for the treatment of cervix cancer in the UK, most of the techniques are based on standard triple applicator procedures. While brachytherapy is not commonly used for the treatment of vulval cancer in the UK, there are some options for the management of these rare patients with small vulval or vaginal situations which are not surgical candidates.

Before the development of this type of treatment, surgery was the only option but now prostate brachytherapy is an alternative to traditional external beam radiation or surgery for men who have early stage prostate cancer (cancer that has not spread outside the prostate gland). The most common hindrance preventing brachytherapy is when there is benign prostatic hypertrophy and the long term prognosis for retaining erectile function after brachytherapy is similar to or slightly better than with surgery or external beam radiation.

Proton brachytherapy is considered the method of choice as opposed to neutron brachytherapy for treating small tumors for the fact that protons don't relocatd as far as neutrons. HDR treatment is given over the course of several minutes, but the entire procedure typically takes a few hours. Once a course of HDR is started, the treatment plan and computer guided isodose calculations are finished within 24 to 36 hours.

As always it's wise to discuss any new treatment options with your trusted doctor and/or cardiologist with experience in radiation therapy to see if brachytherapy is just what the doctor ordered for your unique situation.

Get more details on medical options open for prostate cancer sufferers at: T1C prostate cancer.

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