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.

Advanced Omega 3 Support
http://thoughtfulhealth.mysiselpro.com/v1/Products/nutritionals/supraomega3.aspx

Milk: A Different White Lie Part I

The dairy industry has garnered a windfall from it's advertising campaign with it's widely known "Milk. It does a body good" slogan. Does milk do a body good? Evidence that milk is only intended for unweaned creatures, including humans, has been mounting for years. With all the television and print commercials along with huge government subsidies you wouldn't know it. Milk, without doubt, has issues as it relates to the human body. We have been told to drink milk for its nutrient packed goodness especially as it pertains to calcium but a closer look is needed to assist in making an informed decision.

The calcium content of milk as long been the trumpet sounded by the dairy industry as to why we should consume their products. We, the consumer, have obediently danced to the sound of their music in order to sustain growth, especially in children, and maintain strong, healthy bones. Rarely, if ever, are the biological mechanisms of calcium absorption discussed. For calcium to be absorbed it must be found in a 2:1 ratio with magnesium. That is to say for every 2 parts of calcium consumed there must be at least 1 part of magnesium present to make the calcium available for use in the body. Milk is calcium rich but magnesium poor. In fact the calcium/magnesium ratio in milk is 10:1! That makes the excess calcium in milk unavailable to the body. Why, do you ask? Calcium from milk must be converted into a usable form by magnesium which also helps to solidify calcium into bone. A person would have to take a magnesium supplement with milk to absorb all the calcium or risk creating a magnesium imbalance in the rest of the body as magnesium is diverted from other functions to attend to the excess calcium floating around. Consuming cheese for its calcium content is even worse when you consider the calcium/magnesium ratio is 28:1. A study involving 120,000 U.S. women printed in the American Journal of Public Health, 1997 had some startling results. The 12 year study found that women who consumed 2 or more glasses of milk per day had a 45% higher risk of hip fractures and 5% increase in forearm fractures than women who drank less. The study director, Diane Feskanich, advises not to rely on milk for prevention of osteoporosis. Good sources of calcium and magnesium can be found in dark green leafy vegetables, almonds and figs.

Next week the discussion will focus on a seldom discussed but udderly (cheesy pun...wow a pun in a pun!) important hormone called insulin-like growth factor or IGF for short.