Questions And Answers About Pomegranate
The pomegranate is a fruit grown in Asia and in the Mediterranean, East Indies, Africa, and the United States. Pomegranate has been used as medicine for hundreds of years.
The pomegranate is made up of the following:
Pomegranate fruit and juice may be taken as food, drink, or a dietary supplement.
See the Laboratory/Animal/Preclinical Studies section of the health professional version of Prostate Cancer, Nutrition, and Dietary Supplements for information on laboratory and animal studies done using pomegranate.
In a 2015 study, 183 men with recurrentprostate cancer were randomly assigned to receive either pomegranate juice, pomegranate extract, or a placebo. The study found no difference in how fast the prostate-specific antigen level rose between the 3 groups. There is not enough evidence to know whether pomegranate can prevent or treat prostate cancer.
No serious side effects have been reported from the use of pomegranate.
Vitamin D And Prostate Cancer
Richard Martin and his team observed association between vitamin D and more aggressive cancers, which indicates the potential role for vitamin D manipulation to control the progression of prostate cancer
- Topic:Prostate cancer
Association of circulating vitamin D metabolite levels with incidence and progression of screen-detected prostate cancer.
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PDQ® Integrative, Alternative, and Complementary Therapies Editorial Board. PDQ Prostate Cancer, Nutrition, and Dietary Supplements. Bethesda, MD: National Cancer Institute. Updated < MM/DD/YYYY> . Available at: . Accessed < MM/DD/YYYY> .
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Questions And Answers About Vitamin E
Vitamin E is an antioxidant that may help protect cells from damage. Vitamin E also affects how signals are sent within cells and how the cell makes RNA and proteins.
There are eight forms of vitamin E: four tocopherols and four tocotrienols . Alpha-tocopherol, the form of vitamin E used in dietary supplements, is found in greater amounts in the body and is the most active form of vitamin E. Most vitamin E in the diet comes from gamma-tocopherol. Food sources of vitamin E include vegetable oils, nuts, and egg yolks.
- Vitamin E and selenium.
- Two placebos.
SELECT results published in 2011 showed that men taking vitamin E alone had a 17% increase in prostate cancer risk compared with men who did not take vitamin E.
Several factors may have affected study results, including the dose of vitamin E.
Clinical trials
In the Physicians Health Study II and the Alpha-Tocopherol, Beta Carotene Cancer Prevention Study Group, there was a higher number of strokes caused by a broken blood vessel in the brain in men who took vitamin E than in men who took a placebo.
Side Effects Of Supplements Promoting Prostate Health
Since most prostate supplements claim to have all-natural ingredients, there should be no significant side effects in most people. However, in some cases, people might complain of symptoms such as nausea, constipation, vomiting, diarrhea, etc.
In the absence of comprehensive studies analyzing the ill effects of prostate supplements on our health, we must consider possible side effects from commonly-used ingredients like saw palmetto and pygeum.
Some reversible side effects of saw palmetto include headache, fatigue, reduced sex drive, vertigo, diarrhea, vomiting, etc .
More problematic ones include long-term issues like liver damage, pancreatitis, or even bleeding in the brain. Only isolated cases have reported death, and it isnât clearly established what dosage of saw palmetto is considered dangerous , , , .
Similarly, with pygeum, some people might experience gastric and digestive issues, nausea, constipation, etc. Pygeum is also not safe for children, pregnant women, or those breastfeeding.
The bottom line is that you must independently verify the claims that all companies and product manufacturers make. Remember, there is no sure-shot formula for good health, and you must exercise caution before taking any supplement unsupervised.
This is particularly true if you have existing health conditions, are pregnant or lactating, or have a unique medical history.
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Exercise And Lose Weight
Exercising and losing weight are some of the best things you can do to promote prostate health. Many studies show that moderate or vigorous exercise reduces risk of BPH and urinary tract symptoms and helps with prostatitis as well. Exercise also benefits your cardiovascular health and can help prevent other health and sexual problems such as erectile dysfunction.
If you are overweight, losing weight is one of the most important natural changes you can make in improving your prostate health, whether your concerns are cancer, BPH or prostatitis. A study published in the Journal of Urology found that overweight men, especially men with a high amount of abdominal fat, have an increased risk of BPH. If you are looking to shrink the prostate, losing weight can help you reduce your prostate size and help relieve annoying and frustrating urinary symptoms. On top of that, weight loss can reduce your risk for prostate cancer and help relieve prostatitis, too.
Prostate Cancer Nutrition And Dietary Supplements Health Professional Version
On This Page
This cancer information summary provides an overview of the use of various foods and dietary supplements for reducing the risk of developing prostate cancer or for treating prostate cancer. This summary includes the history of research, reviews of laboratory and animal studies, and results of clinical trials on the following foods or dietary supplements:
Each type of dietary supplement or food will have a dedicated section in the summary, and new topics will be added over time. Note: A separate PDQ summary on PC-SPES is also available.
Prostate cancer is the most common noncutaneous cancer affecting men in the United States. On the basis of data from 2014 to 2016, it is estimated that 11.6% of U.S. men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during their lifetimes.
Many studies suggest that complementary and alternative medicine use is common among prostate cancer patients, and the use of vitamins, supplements, and specific foods is frequently reported by these patients. For example, the Prostate CAncer Therapy Selection study was a prospective study that investigated mens decision-making processes about treatment following a diagnosis of local-stage prostate cancer. As part of this study, patients completed surveys regarding CAM use, and more than half of the respondents reported using one or more CAM therapies, with mind-body modalities and biologically based treatments being the most commonly used.
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Purpose Of This Summary
This PDQ cancer information summary has current information about the use of nutrition and dietary supplements for reducing the risk of developing prostate cancer or for treating prostate cancer. It is meant to inform and help patients, families, and caregivers. It does not give formal guidelines or recommendations for making decisions about health care.
The Best Vitamins And Supplements To Support Prostate Health
For something so small and hidden inside a males body, about the size of a walnut and tucked below the bladder and in front of the rectum, the prostate gland sure packs a big wallop. It is part of the male reproductive system and surrounds a portion of the urethra, which is the tube inside the penis that transports urine away form the bladder, per webmd.com.
So, what exactly is the purpose of the prostate what does it do? It acts as a valve directing the flow of urine and sperm, per newsmax.com. Also, the prostate contributes to the production of fluid within the semen that carries sperm produced by the testicles at the time of ejaculation. As men grow older, the size of the prostate increases, typically approximating the size of an apricot by age 40 and a lemon by age 60.
Because of its location relative to the urethra, the enlarged prostate can press against the tube carrying urine, thus inhibiting a mans ability to produce a strong stream when urinating. Such problems when it comes to peeing doesnt usually show up, if at all, until a man is in his 50s, but it can occur earlier. Health professionals often call this condition BPH, which stands for benign prostatic hyperplasia.
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The Top 12 Prostate Health Supplements
Not all prostate health support supplements work as they claim. While you may find it challenging to identify an excellent prostate health supplement, we have taken the responsibility of helping you separate the wheat from the chaff. Below are the 12 best prostate supplements we find worthy of being among our top 12 rankings:
- ProstateMD
- Super Beta Prostate
How To Add More Fish To Your Diet
Adding more omega-3s to your diet can be as easy as cracking open a can of sardines or tuna. Not everyone is so enthusiastic about fish, though. Plus, it can also be expensive.
If you havent enjoyed fish in the past, try a different type. Each one has a unique flavor. The flavor is also milder if the fish is fresh, so you may enjoy fish more if you buy it from a fish counter and make it that day.
Cod, flounder, and trout have milder flavors. Try topping your fish with a lemon sauce or adding it to another prostate-friendly food. For example, you could try baked cod in a tomato sauce.
To stretch your dollar, you can also add fish to dishes like pasta, soup, salad, or sandwiches. That way you wont need as much fish to make a complete meal.
You can also ask your healthcare provider about taking omega-3 supplements.
Summary
Fatty fish, such as salmon and mackerel, contain healthful omega-3 fatty acids. These compounds may help keep the prostate healthy, though more studies are needed.
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Best Vegetarian Prostate Supplement: Nuzena Prostate Support +
With red meat gaining a bad reputation, many are turning to vegetarianism for a better lifestyle and dietary choices. Nuzenaâs Prostate Support + is a vegetarian prostate health supplement for those who do not eat meat or seafood food products.
About Prostate Support +
Nuzena is an LA-based natural supplement manufacturing firm, which has a line of incredible health products. The company is different from many others as it gives the option of having a free personal health specialist at your disposal for any advice on a particular supplement or other health matters.
Prostate Support + comes packed with a bevy of ingredients that have stellar credentials to nourish the prostate. It has all the elements you find in many major brands, and then some more.
In addition to Saw Palmetto and Pygeum, Prostate Support + has Uva Ursi and Juniper berries in the form of a special proprietary blend. Uva Ursi has natural astringent properties, which shrinks and firms the mucous membrane in the body and helps reduce inflammation of the prostate.
Similarly, Juniper berries also have excellent antioxidant and ant-bacterial properties, which are beneficial for the prostate glandâs overall health.
Made with natural and sustainably-sourced ingredients, this vegetarian prostate supplement has a non-GMO and gluten-free formula.
What it Contains:
Some important components of each serving of Prostate Support + are:
The Pros:
- Suitable for vegetarians
- No gluten or GMO
The Truth About Herbal Supplements And Your Prostate Health
Whether you have already been diagnosed with prostate cancer or youre trying to take preventive measures to avoid it, its tempting to turn to alternative or complementary medical therapy. Were here to set the record straight about how vitamins and herbal supplements affect your prostate health.
But before we go any further, lets say this: we know that coping with any form of cancer is never simple. Sometimes traditional treatments arent as effective as youd like them to be or what you expected. One of the biggest alternatives is over-the-counter supplements and herbs. You should always check with your Pittston urologist before you start taking any kind of new medications. Lets take a look at some of the most common alternative remedies, potential side effects, issues, etc.
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It May Boost Sports Performance And Energy
Maca root powder is a popular supplement among bodybuilders and athletes.
It has been claimed to help gain muscle, increase strength, boost energy, and improve exercise performance.
Also, some animal studies indicate that it enhances endurance performance .
Moreover, one small pilot study in eight male cyclists found that they improved the time it took them to complete a nearly 25-mile bike ride after 14 days of supplementing with maca extract .
Currently, there is no scientific evidence to confirm that maca offers any benefits for muscle mass or strength.
Summary
Supplementing with maca may improve exercise performance, particularly during endurance events. However, its effects on muscle mass and strength have yet to be studied.
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Lifestyle Tips For Managing Bph
Lifestyle tips that may help someone manage the symptoms of an enlarged prostate include the following:
- Attempt to urinate at least once before leaving home to avoid urinary leakage or other incidents in public that can be very stressful and embarrassing.
- Double void by trying to urinate again a few minutes after urinating the first time, to drain the bladder as much as possible during bathroom visits.
- Try not to drink fluids in the 2 hours before bedtime to avoid going to sleep with a full bladder.
- Try to stay hydrated by drinking at least 2 liters of water daily.
- Try maintaining a healthy body weight as much as possible.
- Exercise regularly and as often as possible.
- Try not to drink too much at one time.
- Try to reduce or avoid stress to reduce the urge for urination.
- Avoid or limit products that cause dehydration, such as cold medications and decongestants
- Use absorbent urinary pads or pants to absorb urine leaks and decrease wetness and discomfort.
- Use urinary sheaths, which are condom-shaped and fit over the penis to drain urine into a small bag strapped to the leg.
- Use urethral massage, after urinating, by gently pressing the fingers upwards from the base of the scrotum to try to squeeze out any urine left in the urethra and prevent any leakage later.
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What Is The Prostate
The prostate is a small gland that plays an essential role in the male reproductive system .
The gland rests beneath your bladder and in front of your rectum. A healthy prostate gland is about the size of a walnut.
Why does your prostate affect the way you pee? Well, your prostate gland surrounds part of the urethra, which is the tube in your penis that carries pee from your bladder. As your prostate gets larger , it puts pressure on your urinary tract.
What Are Some Other Ways To Improve Prostate Health
As more men continue to be diagnosed with prostate problems, it is vital to care for the organ. Eating a well-balanced and high-fiber diet, maintaining an active lifestyle, and timely identifying symptoms of a disease are the best ways to prevent a prostate health issue.
Some foods such as tomatoes, broccoli, and green tea are also known to help improve prostate health , , .
Similarly, certain foods, like dairy and folates, and omega-3 may increase the chances of prostate-related health challenges , , .
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General Information And History
Calcium, the most abundant mineral in the body, is found in some foods, added to others, available as a dietary supplement, and present in some medicines . Calcium is required for vascular contraction and vasodilation, muscle function, nerve transmission, intracellular signaling, and hormonal secretion, although less than 1% of total body calcium is needed to support these critical metabolic functions. Serum calcium is very tightly regulated and does not fluctuate with changes in dietary intake the body uses bone tissue as a reservoir for, and source of, calcium to maintain constant concentrations of calcium in blood, muscle, and intercellular fluids.
To evaluate the association between calcium intake and prostate cancer mortality and morbidity, it may be important to assess objective, biological of calcium, include data that account for nutritional and supplemental calcium intake, and control for other confounding factors. However, studies of the association between calcium and prostate cancer have been limited to nutritional sources of calcium, such as dairy products. Although more than half of the U.S. population uses vitamin and mineral supplements , few studies include supplement use in the association of disease risk, including prostate cancer or mortality rates.