So why all the horror associated with it?

Prostate cancer is relatively common amongst older men.  In fact about 80% of men that live beyond 80 will usually have some form of prostate disesase.  Often though, many of these men have never suffered with symptoms of the disease and prostate cancer itself will not always increase mortality risk. 

Risk of Prostate disease will increase after the age of 50.
Symptoms to look out for would include:

• painful urination or ejaculation,
• frequent urges to urinate,
• low back pain,
• a weak stream of urine,
• small amoutns of blood in your urine,
• when you have finished urinating having the sense that you still need to go, but cant

Testing for prostate disease:

There are two diagnostic tests currently in use: the Digital Rectal Examination (where a physician inserts a finger up the anus to physically examine the prostate gland) or a blood test looking for Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA). 

Ways to improve prostate health:

There are a number of ways to improve the health of your prostate, here are 5.

1. Increase your intake of Italian tomato sauces.  Lycopene:  the substance that gives tomatoes and watermelon their red colour is powerfully protective for both prevention and treatment of prostate cancer.  Lycopene is best absorbed when immersed in oil rather than water, hence eating it as tomato sauces rather than just eating more raw tomatoes.
2. Eat more broccoli and cauliflower.  Studies show a reduction in risk of prostate cancer in men who ate cruciferous vegetables more than once a week. 
3. Eat more vegetable protein especially soya.  Soya contains isoflavones which have been found to be protective against cancer.
4. Get out in the sunshine for at least 20 minutes mid morning.  Deficiencies in vitamin D have been linked with increased risks of cancer especially prostate cancer in men.
5. Consider Supplementation.  The following supplements have been found to be effective in both prevention and treatment of prostate cancer: saw palmetto, zinc, selenium, B vitamins especially B6 and antioxidants such as vitamin C and E.

Go on, be proactive, take good care of your prostate!

Please feel free to email us any questions you may have!