Prostate treatment and maintenance of prostate health are often challenging. Located deep in the pelvis, surrounded by muscles and nerves, the prostate can be difficult to reach surgically. In addition, its close proximity to the urethra, bladder and important nerves increases the chance of collateral damage from biopsy, surgery or radiation. To complicate matters, prostate conditions can be indistinct and difficult to diagnose: Symptoms are often vague and their significance may vary from patient to patient. Furthermore, the prostate is influenced by a number of shifting factors such as hormonal profiles, toxic body burden, heavy metal exposure and nutritional imbalances, among others.
In a previous article on prostate health, I discussed some of the many issues that arise in the testing, diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer and related issues such as prostatitis and benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH). I also discussed a series of complementary tests that your doctor can order to help determine your best course of treatment for prostate health.
In this article, however, I want to share some new findings on the use of targeted natural therapies that address prostate health and prostate cancer from multiple angles. And since this is National Men’s Health Week, it’s a perfect time to discuss these important issues.
According to the American Cancer Society, about 240,000 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer this year. More than 28,000 will die of the disease. Other conditions, such as prostatitis and BPH, cause pain and discomfort and reduce quality of life.
Maximum Intervention, Naturally
One of the principles of my approach to prostate cancer is “maximum diagnosis and minimum intervention.” However, this axiom is most appropriate when discussing conventional diagnostic procedures and treatments, such as biopsy, hormone deprivation therapy, chemo and surgery. My approach takes a much broader look at the individual rather than focusing on the disease alone. I want to find out not only the characteristics of the cancer itself, but what is going in the internal environment of the person that can be contributing to the disease.
After gathering and considering all of the relevant information about the individual, my second principle is “maximum natural intervention.” This is a highly proactive approach on the part of the patient, rather than “watch and wait,” which has been the more conventional directive. Strategic application of natural therapies that enhance health while simultaneously fighting a prostate condition is an excellent long-term strategy, free of side effects.
New Findings On Superfoods
Results from a groundbreaking six-month clinical trial in Britain show that a supplement containing pomegranate, turmeric, broccoli and green tea extract reduced PSA levels (a protein indicator of prostate cancer growth) by 63 percent compared to controls. These superfoods are known for their abilities to fight cancer, balance hormones, promote detoxification and support overall health, particularly in prostate cancer patients. This research confirms that foods and herbs rich in therapeutic compounds such as polyphenols can be successful in fighting prostate cancer.
Blocking An Active Biomarker
An important new disease biomarker called galectin-3 can help clarify the prognosis of prostate conditions and further refine treatment strategies. Research has shown that elevated galectin-3 levels promote and indicate a number of disease conditions, including cardiovascular disease and cancer.
Because galectin-3 aggressively fuels chronic inflammation, it can also serve as an active marker for prostatitis and BPH. These conditions reduce quality of life and also put patients at greater risk for prostate cancer.
A study published in 2009 in The American Journal of Pathology showed that reducing levels of galectin-3 inhibited prostate cancer metastasis.
Modified Citrus Pectin
The top proven natural agent for blocking the pro-cancer, pro-inflammatory effects of galectin-3 is modified citrus pectin (MCP).
A number of studies have found that MCP inhibits cancer cell aggregation, angiogenesis and metastasis, and promotes apoptosis (cancer cell death), particularly in prostate cancer.
- A 1995 animal study, published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, found that MCP blocked prostate cancer adhesion to endothelial cells, reducing lung metastasis by 50 percent.
- A 1999 clinical study, presented at the International Conference on Diet and Prevention of Cancer in Finland, found that prostate cancer patients who received MCP significantly increased their PSA doubling time, indicating a significant reduction in the rate of cancer growth.
- A 2003 phase II clinical study published in Prostate Cancer and Prostatic Diseases analyzed the effects of MCP in men with biochemical relapse of prostate cancer after local therapy. Results showed that 5 grams of MCP three times per day for one year more than multiplied PSA doubling by a factor of two in 70 percent of subjects.
- A 2007 clinical study published in Clinical Medicine: Oncology found that cancer patients with advanced solid tumors who were treated with MCP stabilized and experienced improved quality of life.
Other Supplement Research
In addition to the recent study from Britain, research over the past several years has demonstrated that a number of herbal and botanical ingredients, such as saw palmetto berry, grape skin, quercetin, pumpkin seed, pygeum bark and medicinal mushrooms, can have a positive impact on prostate health through multiple mechanisms of action.
Published studies showed that a botanical prostate formula containing these and other prostate-specific herbs, including those used in the recent Britain study, may have significant anti-cancer effects in aggressive, androgen-independent prostate cancer.
- A 2010 Columbia University in vitro study published in Integrative Cancer Therapies demonstrated that this botanical prostate formula increased apoptosis and inhibited cancer cell proliferation in androgen-independent prostate cancer cells.
- A 2011 Indiana University in vitro study published in the International Journal of Oncology on the same formula showed that it suppressed invasive prostate cancer behavior.
- A 2012 in vivo study published in the International Journal of Oncology found that the formula reduced aggressive human prostate cancer tumors in mice. In addition to significantly reducing tumor volume, the formula inhibited several oncogenes (IGF2, NRNF2 and PLAU/uPA) that modulate aggressive tumor growth as well as metastasis.
- A 2012 in vitro study published in Integrative Cancer Therapies showed that when combined with Modified Citrus Pectin, the anti-cancer effects of the botanical prostate formula were synergistically increased by up to 40 percent.
The Western diet, high in pro-inflammatory foods and low in fruits and vegetables, has been implicated in cardiovascular disease, diabetes and cancer. For example, a study published in the Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics found a direct correlation between diet and cancer. Diets low in fat and high in vegetables and fiber may reduce the incidence of prostate cancer. A 2006 review published in the journal Expert Opinion on Therapeutic Patents links the accumulation of lifetime exposure to oxidative stress as a contributing factor to prostate cancer. This lends further support to the importance of a plant-based diet that is naturally high in antioxidant nutrients as well as phytochemicals with powerful antioxidant effects.
A plant-based diet high in cruciferous vegetables, such as broccoli, cauliflower and kale, may be the best dietary approach for prostate health. These vegetables contain indole-3-carbinol, a natural substance that converts to the active dimer DIM (3, 3’-Diindolylmethane), helping to metabolize hormones and address BPH, prostatitis and prostate cancer via additional mechanisms.
Use Every Tool
One of the guiding principles of integrative prostate care is to incorporate therapies from a broad range of clinical traditions. The goal is to help modulate hormones, boost immunity, reduce inflammation and actively fight the condition via multiple mechanisms — while simultaneously supporting the patient’s overall health. Finally, it’s important to include the use of mind-body medicine to address underlying factors and help the person heal himself holistically. By adopting such a multifaceted, integrative approach, we can treat the underlying causes of prostate conditions and work strategically — using leading advancements in the field to effectively restore health.
For more health and wellness information, visit www.dreliaz.org
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