Thursday, April 03, 2003

April 2003 Newsletter

FHN Complementary Medicine Monthly Newsletter April 2003

Prostate Health

One out of five men over fifty have cancer cells in their prostate, 3 out of 4 have palpable inflammation. By age 75, 3 out of 5 men have active prostate cancer. There are some steps that can be taken to reduce those risks and reduce the hyperplasia ( and all of its complications, like nocturnal urinary frequency).

1. Vit E (400iu of natural d-alpha and mixed tocopherols), selenium(200mcg) and zinc (30 mg) are all protective.

2. Omega 3 oils like those in flax, salmon, and walnuts.

3. Lycopenes, like those found in tomatoes are prostate supportive

4. DHT ( the bad testosterone) can be kept low by taking herbs such as saw palmetto and nettles (use a standardized extract)

5. Saw palmetto and nettles also inhibit conversion of androgens to estrogens. DIM from broccoli also helps here.

6. Exposure to outside estrogens can be kept down by drinking pure drinking water.

7. Exercise has been shown to decrease risk of prostate cancer by 25 percent.

8. Over fifty years of age have a yearly DRE and PSA.

On another subject: Many patients have to pay out of pocket for the services at complementary medicine. That is true for those on assisted care who might benefit by some of our therapies. With the partners in giving drive coming we would ask those who might be inclined to designate their gift to benefit Complementary Medicine so we can in turn help some patients who can't afford to come here.

Thank you

Drs Glenn and Julie Smith

Complementary Medicine