One Tiny Gland, One Big Problem - Prostate Health Part 2

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The prostate is considered to be the gate way into a male’s body via the sex organs and, as such, serves as the first line of defense to prevent long term damage by pathogens. With such an important function the necessity to maintain a healthy prostate becomes that much clearer. In order to facilitate great prostate health we must discuss the specific risk factors associated with poor prostate health so as to encourage a proper lifestyle.

Recurring prostate infections are a sure sign of potential long term problems in the future. Due to the routine life encounters of most men we tend to be exposed to environmental toxins and nutritional deficiencies that leave the prostate depleted and vulnerable. One of the most important minerals found in the prostate is zinc which is found in abundance in the fluid of the prostate gland. Zinc is well known for its anti-pathogen powers and is one of the most important nutrients to supplement for great prostate health forestalling recurring infections.

Animal fats, especially from non-organic sources, are a major vector for contamination and toxicity. The diet of the average American male is very high in animal fat from non-organic sources. These fats generally contain residual environmental toxins such as pesticides, herbicides and fungicides not to mention the excess hormones and antibiotics that find their way into the flesh and fats of the animal. In addition, cows and bulls (red meat) are feed grain diets instead of grass. Since bulls and cows are naturally vegetarian feeding them grains causes free radical production resulting in inflammatory responses. These inflammatory substances get trapped in the fats of the animal which we consume. These substances are either captured by cholesterol in our body or migrate to fatty tissues and organs, such as the prostate, where they do significant damage over time. Also, for some of the same reasons listed above, a high intake of dairy will produce the same risks to the prostate.

Individuals with a history of venereal diseases are also at risk of poor prostate health. Unmanaged, poorly managed or constant exposure to venereal diseases drains the resources of the body and more specifically the prostate gland. Steps should be taken to mitigate, correct or eliminate exposure to these diseases.

Finally, the use of testosterone, especially in the treatment for impotence, has been linked to an increased risk of prostate cancer. It is recommended that men use transdermal DHEA and androstenedione since these substances can be converted by the body into testosterone with fewer side effects.

If you find that you or someone you know fit into the above risk factor criteria or is currently suffering from prostatitis do not be dismayed. Nutritional and dietary therapies can prove extremely beneficial and will be discussed in the next article.

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Eating the King's Food

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Chronic illness and inflammation is rampant in our society. We spend a lot of money on highly processed foods and fast foods to fill our collective stomachs all to the detriment of our collective health. Insurance premiums have sky-rocketed along with the cost of hospital stays and prescription drug prices have followed suit just the same. It would seem that we are destined to have a medical model that is doomed to failure. What is needed is a more common sense approach to addressing chronic illness before it begins. If we can head our illnesses off "at the pass" we could avoid continued failed health. I would like to share with you something that I have found that is a significant first step in taking back our health.

The Book of Daniel gives us an ancient clue that is well researched and time tested. Chapter 1 reads in part:

"8 But Daniel resolved not to defile himself with the royal food and wine, and he asked the chief official for permission not to defile himself this way."

It continues,

"11 Daniel then said to the guard whom the chief official had appointed over Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah, 12 “Please test your servants for ten days: Give us nothing but vegetables to eat and water to drink. 13 Then compare our appearance with that of the young men who eat the royal food, and treat your servants in accordance with what you see.” 14 So he agreed to this and tested them for ten days. 15 At the end of the ten days they looked healthier and better nourished than any of the young men who ate the royal food. 16 So the guard took away their choice food and the wine they were to drink and gave them vegetables instead."

The "royal food" was the "King's food" (as it reads in other versions of the bible). What made up the King's food? King Nebuchadnezzar ate sumptuously by the standard of the day. Because he was king he had the resources to afford meat and much wine. The average citizen of Babylon could hardly afford to eat the way the king did but we can (and do) in our daily lives. We consume more meat today as a society than in any other time period. Many chronic and inflammatory conditions (e.g. gout, high cholesterol, atherosclerosis) can be laid right at the feet of increased meat consumption especially red meat.

Daniel asked to be tested so he might prove that a diet consisting of vegetables and water would be superior to the royal food eaten. Note that it only took 10 days to see a noticeable difference. That is a testament to just how resilient our bodies can be if we give it a chance and provide it the tools necessary for healing. When Daniel made his observations he was a young servant along with his fellow colleagues. Surely if the young ones benefit from a wholesome diet and also perish with a diet that is less than stellar, as illustrated in the passage, how much more important would it be for us older folks?

Let us strive together to reduce the burden on our bodies by reducing the amount of meat we consume. Vegetarianism is not necessarily the goal here but surely we can learn from this ancient text much about how we should eat. We, too, like Daniel should resolve to not defile our bodies.

Provide your heart and energy production the spark it needs!

The Protein Fallacy and How Best to Utilize Protein in Your Diet

Is there a such thing as too much protein? If you ask most people the answers would range from "I don't know" to "no". The reason for this is because of how protein is presented to us in our everyday lives. There are many products and diet trends that emphasis protein pushed through various mediums relentlessly. So, for the sake of clarity let's take a closer look at protein.

Increased Acidity

Protein is comprised of 25 amino acids which are the building blocks of the body. Protein also serves as an important transporter of materials and is used in the production of antibodies, enzymes and hormones. Protein, in other words, is very important to the body but over-consumption can have detrimental effects on the body. All protein metabolizing increases blood acidity. Increased blood acidity from protein is generally not a problem when it is consumed moderately. When consumed in excess the uric acid produced is high enough to lead to inflammation. If you are already predisposed to pain the increased acidity will only exacerbate it. In addition to increased inflammation and pain, higher blood acidity must be balanced by the body (since the body requires blood to be slightly alkaline for proper functioning). The two ways this is accomplished is through sodium and calcium. Once sodium stores are consumed the body removes calcium from the bones in order to bring blood pH to proper levels. Considering the average mineral and vitamin deficient diets of today the stores of sodium and calcium are depleted quickly. Overtime, bone calcium that has been depleted and not replaced leads to the condition of osteoporosis.

Digestion

Protein, especially animal protein, is notoriously difficult to digest. The primary cause of this difficulty is based on our nutrient deficient diets. Without the proper amount of B Vitamins and Zinc the body is heavily taxed to breakdown proteins its amino acid components and utilize them into efficiently.

Building Muscle

If you have been to a gym or health food store lately you undoubtedly saw many protein products most of which is aimed at people who want to build muscle. You know the ones in huge containers just waiting for pre and post workout consumption. Athletes and body builders have chased protein dreams of greatness mostly unaware of basic biological facts. Consider this point as illustrated in "The New Optimum Nutrition Bible": The body requires less than 2 lbs. of protein per year to gain 9 lbs. of muscle (muscle is approximately 22% protein). That averages to about 2.5 g of protein per day. You can get that much protein from just a few almonds. The inability to build muscle is seldom due to a lack of protein. Most often the lack of essential vitamins and minerals such as B3, B6 and Zinc are to blame.

How Much Protein

The recommended amount of protein consumption is approximately 15% of total calories consumed during the day. That's about 35 g for most people. Another point to consider is the quality of the protein. Quality proteins are more easily digested and assimilated into the body. Typically, protein of higher quality can be found in vegetables, nuts, and legumes. Animal products are not an ideal source of protein due to how taxing uptake can be as mentioned earlier.

Final Thought

The American (and Western) diet is heavily meat oriented. Very often most people exceed the recommended amount of protein on the daily basis. It's no wonder acidosis is becoming more prevalent with each passing day. Have you seen the commercials for a new drug called Uloric? Uloric is a drug a person can take to assist in ridding the body of uric acid which can often result in gout, a painful type of arthritis, and other conditions. It's just one more pill to correct what a well thought out meal plan could help avoid.