4505 Fair Meadow Lane
(919) 571-4399/(919)
571-7627 (fax)
E-mail – mcclure@urolmd.com
Web page – http://www.urolmd.com.
Diplomate of the American Board of Urology and
American Board of Holisitic Medicine
“Smart Medicine for a Healthy Prostate”
DUKE CENTER FOR INTEGRATIVE
MEDICINE
Educational Series
Durham , NC
At one time or another, most men will be affected by
at least one of the following prostate problems. Prostate cancer – the leading cause
of cancer in men – begins as early as puberty and affects nearly every man if
he lives long enough. Prostate enlargement
(BPH), another common condition, affects half the men over the age of sixty,
one third of whom need treatment.
Finally, prostatitis accounts for more than two million doctor
visits yearly. In fact, prostatitis is
the most frequent reason that men under the age of fifty see a urologist. Fortunately, it is often possible these
prostate diseases – naturally.
How to Prevent Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy
How to Prevent Prostate
Cancer
Every year over 200,000 men are
newly diagnosed with prostate cancer.
That makes prostate cancer the leading cause of cancer in men. Although most of these men won’t die as a
result of their prostate cancer, prostate cancer still claims the lives of
almost 30,000 men every year. This trend
can be reversed.
To begin with, prostate cancer
can be prevented. Scientists theorize
that prostate cancer is a complex interplay between dietary, lifestyle,
environmental, and genetic factors. The
first three of these influences are under our control. Even though the last factor – our genetic
make-up - can’t be changed, we can change the expression of our
genes. For instance, even though there
may be an increased genetic risk of developing prostate cancer (due to a strong
family history of prostate cancer), this risk can be decreased by making
healthy dietary, lifestyle, and environmental choices. In the following pages, I’ll list healthy
choices within each of these three areas – choices that can dramatically
decrease the risk of developing prostate cancer.
In addition, these
recommendations also apply to men who’ve already been diagnosed with or treated
for prostate cancer. Scientific
research suggests that healthy dietary, lifestyle, and environmental choices
may prevent prostate cancer recurrence and/or spread.[1]
Finally, curing cancer requires
more than just surgically removing the tumor or treating it with radiation.
Curing cancer requires a holistic approach that treats the whole person - body,
mind and spirit. Even when cancer can’t
be cured, a holistic approach can significantly improve the quality of life and
survival of men with prostate cancer. In
the following pages, I’ll share some of these simple techniques with you.
Prevention
Cancer
doesn’t occur overnight - it’s a dynamic process. Therefore, it’s is potentially
reversible. Cancer cells originate from
normal cells that have been altered because of dietary, lifestyle, genetic, and
environmental influences. Since cancer
cells (like normal cells) continually adapt to changes in their local environment,
it may be possible to slow down or even reverse cancer by altering these risk
factors.[2]
Dietary Changes
Establishing
healthy eating habits is one of the best ways to prevent prostate cancer. You can immediately start lowering your risk
of prostate cancer by adopting the suggestions made in each of the following
categories:
· Eliminate Fat. Follow a low fat diet (20% or less of total calories from fat) by making the following changes:
1. Eliminate saturated fats by cutting down or eliminating red meat (men who eat red meat have twice the risk of prostate cancer[3] - replace red meat and poultry with cold water fish and soy protein), unskinned poultry, whole milk and whole milk products (since dairy products are high in saturated fat, they also increase the risk of prostate cancer) [4], creamy salad dressings, butter, partially hydrogenated oils (margarine, vegetable shortening), and all products made from tropical oils (palm and coconut oils). (read about the arachidonic acid cascade on page 4 to learn how saturated fat increases the risk for prostate cancer)
2. Eliminate polyunsaturated vegetable oils (safflower, sunflower, corn, soy, peanut, and cottonseed).
3. Reduce total fat by eliminating deep-fried and fast foods.
4. Reduce or eliminate consumption of chips, nuts, avocados, butter, cheese and other high-fat foods.
5. Read labels and look for fat content of different foods. Don’t be confused by high fat foods camouflaged under the label of “no cholesterol”. Focus on low fat health food brands.
6. Increase consumption of omega-3 fatty acids by eating deep-water fish (yellow-fin tuna, cod or haddock). The type of fatty acid found in fish protects against prostate cancer.[5] (read more about fatty acids starting on page 4)
7. Use extra -virgin olive oil as your principal fat.
· Eliminate white sugar. Although not directly related to prostate cancer, refined sugar depresses the immune system, elevates insulin levels, and stimulates tumor growth (by increasing arachidonic acid)[6] Use the natural sweetener stevia (available in health food stores) in place of artificial sweeteners.
· Eat soy protein such as tofu, tempeh and soy milk. Rich in cancer- fighting substances called isoflavones (most notably genistein), soy protein dramatically inhibits the growth of prostate cancer cells.[7] Eat two helping daily (one cup of tofu, two 8 oz. Glasses of soy milk, or one half package of tempeh).
· Increase fiber in your diet by eating oatmeal, bran and legumes. Eliminate white flour - substitute whole grain products instead. Thirty grams of fiber a day is recommended (read package labels or consult a cookbook for the fiber content of different foods).
· Eat fruits and vegetables. Packed with cancer-fighting vitamins, minerals and fiber, fruits and vegetables decrease the risk of prostate cancer.[8] The National Cancer Institute recommends eating at least five (or better yet, nine) daily servings of fruits and vegetables.
· Eat organic foods whenever possible. Regular produce is often contaminated with pesticides and other chemicals. They heighten the risk of prostate cancer by causing DNA damage and altering hormone metabolism. [9] Finally, in addition to being high in fat, dairy and beef products are often contaminated with toxic pesticide and hormone residues.[10]
· Eat garlic - one to two cloves daily. Although the precise mechanism is unknown, garlic prevents prostate cancer by helping the liver get rid of toxins and blocking the conversion of arachidonic acid to inflammatory leucotrienes. [11] ,[12]
· Eat tomatoes. Harvard researchers found that eating tomatoes at least four times a week lowers the risk of prostate cancer by twenty percent. Eating ten weekly helpings of tomatoes lowers the risk by forty-five percent.[13]
Vitamins, minerals and
trace elements
Supplementing your diet with certain vitamins
can also decrease the risk of prostate cancer.
Research suggests that vitamins can decrease carcinogen formation,
improve detoxification of harmful substances, decrease cancer cell growth,
improve cellular communication, and control cellular differentiation and the
expression of cancer.[14]
Antioxidants work better in combination.
Therefore, I recommend taking a high potency multivitamin.[15]
·
Take a high
potency multivitamin that is rich in
antioxidants, trace elements and minerals every day with meals. (Brands such as one-a-day brand or Centrum
silver do not contain sufficient amounts of the necessary vitamins, minerals
and trace elements.) High potency
vitamins are available in any health food store. If your multivitamin doesn’t contain 400 I.U.
of vitamin E and 200 micrograms of the trace mineral selenium, supplement your
multivitamin so that your daily intake equals this amount. (read more about
antioxidants on page 5)
ŢVitamin E 400 I.U. - A number
of studies have shown that vitamin E decreases prostate cancer incidence and
mortality.[16] In fact, taking as little as 50 I.U. daily
cuts the risk of prostate by a third.
ŢYeast-selenium 200 micrograms - Men who supplement their diet with 200 micrograms
of selenium reduce their risk of prostate cancer by two thirds. Selenium also decreased the promotion and
progression of prostate cancer.[17]
Supplements
·
Green Tea (Camillia sinensis). Researchers
at the
·
Lycopene.
For those men who can’t
tolerate eating tomatoes, or tomato-based food products, they can still obtain
the cancer-preventive benefits of tomatoes by taking supplemental lycopene.
According to one study, men with prostate cancer who supplemented with thirty
milligrams of lycopene daily, for three weeks prior to having their prostate
removed, slowed the growth of their cancer cells.[21]
Take a ten milligram, oil-based lycopene supplement, twice daily with meals for
prevention, and three times daily, if there is a family history of prostate
cancer, or if prostate cancer is present.
Life Style Changes
·
Lose
weight.. Overweight men are
two and a half times more likely to develop prostate cancer and three and a
half times more likely to die as a result of their cancer.[22] Shedding even a few pounds lowers the
risk.
·
Stop
Smoking. Male smokers
have a one third greater chance of developing prostate cancer. [23] They’re also more likely to die from prostate
cancer since smoking induces a more aggressive form of prostate cancer. [24]
·
Exercise. According to
one study, regular exercise reduces the risk of prostate cancer by forty
percent.[25] Other
investigators report that men (under the age of sixty) with the highest
cardiovascular fitness were four times less likely to develop prostate cancer
than those least fit.[26]
·
Reduce
stress. Although acute stress
can enhance immune function, chronic stress has the opposite effect.
Reduce stress by doing the following:
a. Eliminate caffeine.
b. Avoid violent movies, books, television programs, etc.
c. Go on a “news fast” by not reading the paper, listening to the radio or watching the news on TV for a week. Then try extending this for a longer period of time.
d. Exercise regularly.
e. Associate with calm people.
f. Practice yoga and meditation daily.
g. Learn biofeedback and guided visualization techniques.
h. Try natural relaxants such as the herbs kava kava, chamomile, or passionflower.
i. Try using Bach flower remedies such as rescue formula (available in health food stores).
j. Get at least 7 hours of deep sleep daily. Try taking valerian, skullcap, or kava kava either individually or in combination if insomnia is a problem.
k. Practice forgiveness and understanding, starting with yourself. Release any grudges.
l. Rectify any existing relationship problems.
m. Beautify your environment. Plant flowers. Appreciate nature.
n. Slow down and smell the roses!
o. Tell yourself you love and appreciate yourself. Learn to mean it. If you can’t, get help understanding why.
p. Tell others you love them.
q. Take time to really listen to others.
r. Find a purpose in life. Volunteer. Do something good for others. Practice random acts of kindness and senseless acts of joy.
s. Practice saying positive affirmations daily. Subscribe to The Daily Word, a treasure trove of positive affirmations, by calling 1-800-669-0282.
t. Make a list every day of ten things you are truly grateful for.
u. Listen to uplifting music. Skip music with depressing lyrics.
v. Cultivate your inner life through reading quality literature, reflecting on it, and keeping a journal of your higher thoughts.
w. Control your thoughts and speech. Speech and the thoughts and attitudes you hold are energies. The dominant ones become the main energies you communicate to your body. Negative energies such as habitual dissatisfaction, depression, despair, ill-will, resentment, hatred, and aggression disrupt the body’s harmony and depress the immune system. Positive energies such as truth, gratitude, patience, harmlessness, generosity, respect, honesty, and peace restore the body’s energy, promote harmony, and strengthen the immune system.
x. Try the following breathing exercise at least 4 times a day. (Adapted from Dr. Andrew Weil):
Place
the tip of your tongue just behind your upper front teeth and keep it there throughout the entire
exercise. 1) Exhale completely
through your mouth (with your lips pursed), making a whoosh sound. 2) Next close
your mouth and inhale quietly through your nose to a mental count of four. 3) Hold your breath for a count
of seven. 4) Exhale completely through your mouth,
making a sound to the count of eight. The absolute time spent on each phase is not
as important as the ratio of 4:7:8.
Repeat the process for a total of five times, at least twice a day and
anytime you feel under stress.
The following information is excerpted from Smart Medicine for a
Healthy Prostate (NY:Avery Publishing Group, 2001).
Arachidonic Acid Cascade
Arachidonic
acid, an omega-6 fatty acid (see the
insert on fatty acids), is a double-edged sword. On one hand, our health depends on
arachidonic acid. Arachidonic acid is
essential to the nervous and immune system.
On the other hand, too much arachidonic acid can be deadly.
Unfortunately, Americans suffer from an overabundance, not a lack, of
arachidonic acid. Excess arachidonic
acid has been linked to the current epidemic of heart disease, degenerative
diseases, and cancer in this country.
Inside
the body, arachidonic is converted to powerful hormone-like molecules called eicosanoids.
Two types of eicosanoids - called prostaglandins and leucotrienes
- are derived from arachidonic acid. (Prostaglandins were first discovered in
prostatic fluid.) Eicosanoids can either
be inflammatory or anti-inflammatory.
The types of eicosanoids that are found in fish (prostaglandin E3)
are anti-inflammatory. The eicosanoids that are derived from arachidonic acid (prostaglandin
E2 and series four leucotrienes) are inflammatory. Arthritic joint
pain and the throbbing pain of a headache are caused by inflammatory
prostaglandins.
Arachidonic
acid-derived eicosanoids cause more problems than inflammation. To begin with,
PGE2 eicosanoids enable prostate cancer cells to evade the immune system. PGE2 inactivates natural killer cells and
cytotoxic T cells (cells that attach themselves to prostate cancer cells, and
kill them). This is particularly scary,
since prostate cancer cells produce ten times as much PGE2 as normal prostate
cells.
Series
four leucotrienes, the other class of arachidonic-derived eicosanoids, are just
as dangerous as PGE2. Series four
leucotrienes by the name of 12-HETE allow prostate cancer cells to form
new blood vessels and invade surrounding tissues. Another class of series four leucotrienes,
called 5-HETE, stimulates prostate cancer growth, and prevents prostate
cancer cells from dying by preventing them from committing suicide.
Fortunately,
the harmful effects of arachidonic acid can be blocked. A combination of nutritional, herbal, and
pharmaceutical agents can interrupt the arachidonic acid cascade at three
critical points by blocking the following enzymes:
ęPhospholipase
A2 enzyme. This enzyme allows arachidonic acid to be
mobilized from phospholipids (fats) in cell membranes. This conversion can be blocked by:
Quercetin
, vitamin E, licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra),
tumeric (Curcumin longa), and
prescription corticosteroids (cortisone).
ę5 and
12-lipoxygenase enzymes. This enzyme enables arachidonic acid to be
converted to series four leucotrienes (5-HETE and 12-HETE). This conversion can be blocked by:
Quercetin,
Vitamin E, fish oil, tumeric, red and yellow onions (Allium cepa), garlic (Allium
satinum), and boswellia (Boswellia
serrata).
ęCyclooxygenase 1 and 2 enzymes. These enzymes
convert arachidonic acid to PGE2 eicosanoids.
This conversion can be blocked by:
Fish
oil, ginger (Zingiber officinale),
tumeric, black willow (Saslix nigra),
wintergreen (Gaultheria procumbens),
and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (aspirin and ibuprofen).
Celebrex®, and Vioxx® are two new anti-inflammatory
prescription drugs that selectively block cyclooxygenase-2. COX-2 inhibition can suppress angiogenesis
and prostate cancer cell growth.
Meet
The Fatty Acid Family
Fatty acids are a family of fats that are composed
of carbon atoms. Like cars in a train, these carbon atoms are arranged in a
row, with a carboxyl group at one end, and a methyl group at the other
end. Although closely related, fatty
acids can trace their heritage to either the saturated or the unsaturated
branch of the family.
An unsaturated
family member can be identified by a double bond that appears between the
carbon atoms (monounsaturated means one double bond; polyunsaturated
means more than one double bond).
Olive oil is a monounsaturated fatty acid, whereas corn oil is a
polyunsaturated fatty acid. Saturated fatty acids are from the other side of
the family – they lack any double bonds.
Animal fat is rich in saturated fatty acids.
Giving unsaturated fatty acids an additional name
(based on the location of their double bond) helps differentiate one family
member from another. For instance, if
their double bond is located on the third carbon atom from the methyl (omega) end, they’re called omega-3 fatty acids. Family members from this clan include fish,
flax seed, and walnuts. If their double bond is six carbon atoms from the end,
they’re called omega-6 fatty acids.
Family members of the omega-6 fatty acid clan include most plant oils (for
instance, oils that are made from corn, safflower, and soy). If their double
bond is nine carbon atoms from the end, they’re called omega-9 fatty acids. Olive
oil is proud member of the omega-9 fatty acid family.
Finally, Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids have an
added distinction. They’re called essential fatty acids because our bodies
can’t manufacture them. Therefore, they
must be come from the diet.
Now that you’ve met the family members, let’s see
what they make of themselves. In the
process of digestion, fatty acids are converted to offspring called prostaglandins.
Prostaglandins are hormone-like molecules that regulate vital bodily functions
such as heart function, kidney function, blood pressure, blood clotting
ability, and inflammation. Here’s where the story gets interesting.
Another ‘relative’ comes into play. An enzyme called delta-6 desaturase
determines the fate of Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids. If the enzyme is working properly, these
fatty acids are preferentially converted into offspring that suppress
inflammation. These anti-inflammatory
offspring are called series one (PGE1) and series three (PGE3)
prostaglandins.
On the other hand, if the delta-6 desaturase enzyme
isn’t functioning properly or is in short supply, omega-3 (e.g., flax seed) and
omega-6 (e.g., corn oil) essential fatty acids are shunted into the arachidonic
acid cascade (see the insert on arachidonic acid). Arachidonic acid, another member of the
omega-6 fatty acid family, can cause serious problems at a family reunion.
Overcrowding by the omega – six branch of the family
is one way that the delta-6 desaturase enzyme can become depleted. For instance, in other parts of the world,
there are two omega-6 relatives for every omega-3 family member. In the
The Good, The Bad, And The Ugly – Antioxidants, Oxidants, And Free
Radicals
Antioxidants are ‘anti’
or against oxidants. Oxidants are
formed anytime a substance combines with oxygen. Although essential for life, oxygen can be
dangerous to our existence. When a
substance combines with oxygen, it becomes oxidized. Rust is caused by oxidation. Oxidation also causes oils to become rancid
and apples to turn brown when they are sliced and exposed to air.
Normally electrons are paired or balanced. During the oxidation process, a molecule
loses an energy particle called an electron. Whenever a molecule loses an electron, it
becomes unbalanced. These unbalanced
molecules are called free radicals.
Free radicals are dangerous. If they don’t get an electron in a hurry,
they go haywire and damage nearby tissue.
Consequently, these highly reactive particles become electron-thirsty
predators. They immediately rip an
electron from the first molecule they encounter. The unwitting electron donor,
now shy an electron, turns mean and starts an electron scavenger hunt of its
own.
If left unchecked, within the blink of an eye, this
electron free-for-all can cause a lot of damage. For instance, free radicals
can pulverize cell membranes, poison mitochondria (the power generator within
our cells), inactivate enzymes, and break DNA molecules.
Fortunately, antioxidants come to the rescue.
Antioxidants stop the deadly game of hot potato by donating an electron. Although the donor antioxidant momentarily
become a free radical itself, another antioxidant jumps in and recycles the
spent antioxidant by donating an electron, and so forth.
Antioxidants (such as glutathione peroxidase,
catalase, and superoxide dismutase) are generated within every
cell of the body. Antioxidants, in the
form of vitamins and minerals, also come from food, or are ingested as dietary
supplements. The excess supply of
antioxidants is deposited into a health savings account. Withdrawals are made every time an
antioxidant is used to balance a free radical.
Although plentiful, the supply of antioxidants isn’t
endless. If withdrawals exceed deposits,
deficit spending occurs. The cost of
deficit spending includes fatigue, tissue damage, and the accumulation of toxic
byproducts. If deficit spending
continues unchecked, the bank account is drained dry. The resulting bankruptcy exacts a heavy toll
of premature aging, degenerative diseases, and cancer.
Establish a healthy bank account (and even earn
interest) by maintaining a healthy life style, eating a nutritious
well-balanced diet, and taking a high potency multivitamin daily.
Prevent side effects
of androgenwithdrawal
therapies for prostate cancer
Hot flashes and osteoporosis are
two common side effects of androgen-deprivation therapy (male hormone
withdrawal). Men treated in this
fashion often complain that these two conditions make their lives miserable. Fortunately, prescription drugs and a
variety of natural remedies can reduce the incidence and severity of these
common side effects.
Natural therapies can also
prevent liver damage, particularly hepatitis (liver inflammation) – a rare but
potentially fatal complication of androgen-deprivation therapy.
Natural Remedies For Hot Flashes –
When male hormone is removed, most men experience
hot flashes. Similar to the hot flashes
women experience during menopause, men experience sudden skin flushing
accompanied by profuse sweating.
Although anecdotal (based on experience), I have
found that the following natural remedies may reduce or eliminate hot
flashes:
Taking Herbs. Take a dropper full (forty drops) of a
standardized liquid extract or one capsule of dried extract of the following
herbs twice daily:
- Chasteberry (Vitex Agnus-Castus)
- Dong quai (Angelica
sinensis)
- Damiana (Turnera diffusa)
Eating Soy Protein – Phytoestrogens
in soy can reduce hot flashes. Eat at
least two servings daily.
Exercising. Regular exercise improves hormone balance.
Eliminating Bad Habits.
Smoking cigarettes, consuming caffeinated beverages, and drinking alcohol can
make hot flashes worse.
Taking Vitamins. The following vitamins may reduce hot
flashes:
- Vitamin E. Take four hundred I.U. twice daily.
- Vitamin B complex (a combination of B
vitamins in a single capsule) Take fifty milligrams, twice daily.
Acupuncture. Although the mechanism is unclear,
acupuncture can eliminate hot flashes in men.[27]
Natural
Remedies For Osteoporosis –
The moment men are started on androgen deprivation
therapy they begin losing bone mass. [28] Complications of bone loss include bone pain
and a greater risk of bone fractures. In addition to prescription drugs, the
following natural remedies can forestall osteoporosis:
Exercising. Aerobic and resistance-type
exercises prevent osteoporosis (see page ___).
Changing Your Diet. Eliminating junk food, colas, refined sugar,
red meat, dairy, caffeine, alcohol, and excess salt reduces the risk of
osteoporosis. (These food items increase
calcium loss.)
Eating
Soy protein. Adding soy protein to the diet
also prevents osteoporosis. Eat two
servings daily. Ipriflavone, a
commercially available soy derived isoflavone, is used to treat and prevent of
osteoporosis.[29] Take two hundred milligrams twice daily.
Eliminating Tobacco
Products.
Taking Vitamins And Minerals. Bones need vitamins and minerals to
grow. Take a high potency multivitamin
and supplement the vitamin with an additional nighttime dose of
calcium-magnesium citrate (containing one thousand milligrams of calcium and
five hundred to a thousand milligrams of magnesium).
Natural Remedies To Prevent
Medication-Induced Liver Damage
Most drugs are metabolized
in the liver. This includes flutamide
(brand name Eulexin®) and bicalutamide (brand name Casodex®) – two
anti-androgen drugs that are frequently used to treat men with prostate
cancer. Hepatitis is a rare but
dangerous side effect of oral anti-androgen therapy. Men taking these two drugs should avoid
substances that can impair liver function (such as alcoholic beverages and
acetaminophen). In addition, the
following natural therapies may prevent drug-induced liver damage:
Alpha-lipoic Acid. This coenzyme
(a substance that helps other enzymes) is vital to cellular energy production. It also works with an antioxidant called
glutathione to protect the liver.
Alpha-lipoic acid can even help a damaged liver repair itself.[30] Take one, two hundred fifty to five hundred
milligrams twice daily.[31]
N-acetyl-L-cysteine. This antioxidant amino acid
restores and maintains glutathione levels in the liver. N-acetyl-L-cysteine is
used to treat patients with acetaminophen liver toxicity, and hepatitis induced
liver failure.[32],[33]
Take one six hundred milligram capsule of N-Acetyl-L-cysteine three times
daily.
High Potency Multivitamin. A variety of vitamins, minerals, and trace
elements are required for effective liver detoxification of drugs.[34] Follow the directions on the bottle.
Vitamin E. This versatile antioxidant
is also used to treat hepatitis.[35] Take four hundred milligrams twice daily
(allowing for the amount in your multivitamin).
Vitamin
C. Vitamin C also protects liver function.[36] Take at least one gram twice daily.
Milk Thistle (Silybum marianum). Rich in antioxidants, milk thistle promotes
healthy liver function.[37] Take one hundred to two hundred milligrams
three times daily of a standardized extract that contains seventy percent
silymarin.[38]
Pycnogenol® (Pinus pinaster). Derived from pine bark,
pycnogenol® contains bioflavonoids (antioxidants) that support liver function.[39],[40]
Take fifty milligrams daily.
Fruits And
Vegetables. Garlic,
onions, cabbage, and cruciferous vegetables (broccoli and cauliflower, for
instance) protect the liver.[41] Add them to your daily diet.
Prevent side effects of
Radiation Therapy:
How to Prevent Bladder
Cancer
Radiation
therapy and chemotherapy can damage the genetic information (DNA) in normal
cells. Consequently, these cancer
therapies can actually cause
cancer.
Even
though the structures around the prostate (such as the bladder and rectum) are
shielded against the harmful effects of radiation, they are still caught in the
crossfire of radiation beams. Although the radiation-induced changes aren’t
immediately apparent, cancer can develop years later. Bladder cancer is the most common type of
cancer that develops following external beam irradiation to the prostate. [42] Fortunately, scientific research has shown
that the following measures reduce the risk of bladder cancer:
Taking vitamins. According to researchers from the
·
Forty thousand I.U. of vitamin A
·
One hundred milligrams of vitamin B6
·
Two thousand milligrams of vitamin C
·
Four hundred I.U. of vitamin E
·
Ninety milligrams of zinc
Taking supplements. Researchers
have determined that the following supplements can prevent bladder cancer:
·
Selenium. Although not specific for bladder cancer prevention, selenium
prevents secondary tumors induced by both CT and RT (take two hundred
micrograms daily).[44]
·
Green Tea (Camillia
sinensis). According to Japanese
investigators, green tea decreases the incidence of bladder cancer. Take an extract containing five hundred milligrams
twice daily.[45]
·
Lactobacillus casei. Japanese researchers
discovered that these friendly bacteria can decrease the risk of bladder
cancer.[46]
(See page ___ for further details on Lactobacillus.)
Drinking water. According to scientific research, drinking at
least six, eight-ounce glasses of water daily can prevent bladder cancer. [47] Water flushes away toxins. (Avoid chlorinated water, though, since it
may increase the risk of bladder cancer. Drink filtered or bottled water
instead.) [48]
Eating Plenty Of Fruits And Vegetables. Researchers have shown that a diet that is rich in
fruits, vegetables, and cereals decreases the risk of bladder cancer.[49]
Avoiding harmful substances. Toxins found
in tobacco products, caffeinated beverages, and artificial sweeteners may
increase the risk of bladder cancer.[50]
Avoid them.
Androgen Insensitive Prostate Cancer
When prostate cancer cells
are deprived of androgen (male hormone made by the testicles and adrenal
glands), the majority of the cells stop
growing and commit suicide. Cancer cells
that continue to grow despite a reduction in the concentration of androgen are
called androgen insensitive. The
following natural therapies are useful for men with androgen insensitive
prostate cancer:
Milk Thistle (Silybum marianum). Rich in antioxidant
flavonoids known as silymarin, an extract of milk thistle seeds has been shown
to inhibit prostate cancer initiation, promotion, and progression. Researchers report that milk thistle works by
altering signaling molecules and adaptor proteins affecting epidermal growth
factor receptor (a potent stimulus of cell growth). As a result, prostate
cancer cells, even androgen-resistant prostate cancer cells (the most
dangerous kind), stop growing.[51] Since the protective effect of milk thistle
is dose dependent,[52]
I recommend taking two hundred fifty milligrams, four times daily with food.
Buy a standardized extract that contains seventy percent silymarin
complex. There are no known
contraindications, drug interactions, or side effects.[53]
PC SPES. PC
SPES (‘PC’ stands for prostate cancer, and ‘SPES’ is Latin for
hope) contains eight different Chinese herbs. PC SPES stops prostate cancer
cell growth by inducing apoptosis and causing differentiation (reduction or
reversal of cancer activity).[54] Scientific research has shown that PC-SPES
kills prostate cancer cells in men with hormone-sensitive and hormone-resistant
prostate cancer. Although effective, PC SPES should only be taken by men with
biopsy-proven prostate cancer who are under the supervision of a urologist or
oncologist.
Melatonin. Melatonin, a hormone made in the brain by the pineal
gland, directly and indirectly inhibits the growth of prostate cancer
cells. It does this by decreasing the
production of prolactin and IGF-1, stimulating the anti-tumor immune system,
and causing differentiation of cancer cells.According to one study, over half
of the patients with hormone-resistant prostate cancer taking melatonin (twenty
milligrams at bedtime) had their hormone sensitivity restored![55] (Taking supplemental melatonin doesn’t
interfere with the brain’s normal production of melatonin.)[56] Research has also shown that melatonin can
enhance chemotherapy effectiveness.[57]Patients
with androgen-resistant prostate cancer may wish to consider taking twenty
milligrams of melatonin one hour before bedtime.
Note:
Although melatonin doesn’t cause any serious side effects, it can cause
drowsiness.
Reduce the amount of
androgen receptor made by prostate cancer cells
Prostate
cancer cells contain docking stations for androgen molecules called receptor
sites. Under certain circumstances,
prostate cancer cells develop an increased number of receptor sites, which
allows the prostate cancer cells to grow at extremely low androgen
concentrations. In this situation, androgen mutations (genetic abnormalities)
can develop and allow anti-androgens such as Eulexinâ to cause prostate cancer cells to actually grow
instead of being killed. The
following natural therapies can help prevent this scenario by reducing the
amount of androgen receptors made by prostate cancer cells.[58]
Green Tea (Camillia sinensis). According to
researchers at the
Researchers theorize that green tea prevents cancer
by preventing DNA strand breaks, inhibiting cell proliferation, decreasing the
contact of carcinogens with cells, blocking cancer initiation, and slowing
cancer progression.[62]
Since
the protective benefit of green tea is dose dependent,[63]
I recommend taking five hundred milligrams of an herbal extract (standardized
to contain eighty percent total polyphenol and fifty-five percent EGCG) once
daily for prevention, and twice daily for men with prostate cancer.[64]
Quercetin: Quercetin
Quercetin, a naturally occurring
plant flavonoid, dramatically increases the effectiveness of radaiation and it
alaso reduces the amount of androgen receptors in prostate cancer cells. (Flavonoids are plant pigments that give
fruits and vegetables their bright colors.
So far, over four thousand flavonoid compounds have been identified.)[65]
Quercetin
is naturally available in foods. Onions,
parsley, sage, tomatoes, and citrus fruits are rich sources of quercetin. Although quercetin is also available as a
supplement, naturally occurring quercetin is better absorbed than supplemental
forms. One way to improve the absorption
of supplemental quercetin is to take supplemental bromelian (see page ____) at
the same time. The recommended dosage
for quercetin is two hundred to four hundred milligrams twenty minutes before
meals three times daily with an equivalent amount of bromelain. Quercetin is safe when taken as directed.[66]
Resveratrol: An oxidant found in grapes
and wine, and commercially available in certain nutritional supplements,
resveratrol can block androgen receptor production and function in prostate
cancer cells.
Stinging nettle (Urtica
dioica). Stinging nettle root may prevent prostate cancer by
inhibiting the binding of sex hormone binding globulin (abbreviated SHBG)
to the prostate cell membrane. SHBG is a
protein that has two main functions - it binds to male and female hormones in
the blood and (when it’s not bound to sex hormones) it binds to the prostate
cell membrane.
If estradiol (female hormone) binds to SHBG when
it’s attached to the prostate cell membrane, the SHBG-estradiol complex mimics
dihydrotestosterone and releases a message telling prostate cells (both benign
and malignant) to start growing. (The prostate is one of several sites where
males generate female hormones.) The
SHBG-estradiol complex also stimulates prostate cells to make extra IGF-1, an
action that is blocked by nettles. [67] IGF-1 sends a powerful message to prostate
cancer cells telling them not to commit suicide. It also alters protein phosporylation, which
increases the risk of androgen receptor mutations.
In addition, nettles prevent prostate cancer by
blocking the conversion of androgens to estrogens (a process known as
aromatization), and by inhibiting the biosynthesis of arachidonic acid
metabolites that stimulate prostate cancer cell growth and progression.[68],[69],[70]
The normal daily dose is three
to six grams, taken as a tablet or capsule containing six hundred to twelve
hundred milligrams of a five to one dry extract, or one hundred twenty
milligrams twice daily of a ten to one extract (standardized for amino acid
content)[71],
[72]
There are no known contraindications, drug interactions, or significant side
effects.[73] (See page ___ for more information.)
Celebrex. Celebrex is a selective COX
2 inhibitor. As such it decreases the
formation of harmful arachidonic acid metabolites. It also blocks Akt function (an intracellular
protein that inhibits prostate cancer cell apoptosis) and therefore induces
prostate cancer cell death.
Indol 3-carbinol. Cabbage, brocolli,
cauliflower, kale, collard greens, and other members of the cruciferous
vegetable family can reverse the effect of Bcl-2, a protein that blocks
prostate cancer cell apoptosis.
Brief Overview of Nutritional Supplements
Government sponsored studies
have shown that fifty percent of the
Vitamins and
Minerals
Vitamins are essential organic compounds that our bodies use
for normal metabolic function. (The
Latin word ‘vita’ means life.)
Vitamins are called essential because bodies can’t manufacture
most of them. They’re also called micronutrients
because they’re only needed in small amounts.
Before vitamins can be utilized, though, the body must first convert
them into another substance called a co-enzyme. Coenzymes make enzymes work better. Enzymes are substances that catalyze chemical
reactions in the body.
Like vitamins, minerals are
micronutrients that are essential for proper health. Eighteen different minerals play a role in
human physiology. Minerals are also needed for proper bone growth, muscle
contractions, and nerve function.
Vitamins and minerals form a buddy system - as coenzymes, they help each
other initiate or facilitate biochemical reactions, which explains why
multivitamins contain a mixture of both products.
Types
Vitamins are either water-soluble or fat-soluble. As their name implies, water-soluble vitamins
dissolve in water. The B-vitamins and
vitamin C make up the family of water-soluble vitamins. Water-soluble vitamins can’t be stored
(they’re excreted in the urine over a period of one to four days). Therefore, water-soluble vitamins must be
taken daily. As a rule, since water-soluble vitamins don’t accumulate in the
body, they have a wide safety range and are rarely toxic.
On the other hand, fat-soluble vitamins (which include vitamins D, E,
A, and K) are stored in adipose tissue (body fat) and the liver. Therefore, it’s possible to get an overdose
of fat-soluble vitamins. Just the same,
if taken as directed, fat-soluble vitamins rarely cause serious side effects;
or if they occur, most are reversible once the vitamins are stopped.
Although vitamins are available in a variety of shapes, sizes, and
formulations, they’re all well absorbed and utilized as long as they’re made by
a reputable company (see the discussion below) and taken as directed. (As a
general rule, vitamins should be taken with food.)
In natural foods, vitamins are bound to proteins, lipids (fat),
carbohydrates, and bioflavonoids (compounds that are found in green
plants). Vitamins that are derived from
natural foods are called natural vitamins. In contrast, synthetic
vitamins are made in the laboratory from isolated chemicals that mirror natural
vitamins. However the difference between
the two types of vitamins only matters if the natural form is better absorbed
or utilized than the synthetic form. With the exception of vitamin E, natural
and synthetic vitamins work equally well.
According to scientific research, the body is able to utilize natural
vitamin E more effectively than the synthetic variety. Natural vitamin E is designated by the
prefix ‘dextro’ or simply ‘d’
( ‘dextro’, which is Latin for right, refers to the way the molecule is
turned). Food contains a mixture of
natural vitamin E isomers (subtypes), most notably d- alpha and d-gamma
tocopherols (another name for vitamin E).
That’s why most experts suggest taking a mixture of natural vitamin E
isomers called “mixed tocopherols”.
Nevertheless, most commercial multivitamins simply contain dl-alpha
tocopherol, which is a combination of the natural (‘d’) and
synthetic (‘l ‘ or levo’, which is Latin for left) forms of alpha
tocopherol.
Minerals are divided into two groups: major minerals and minor (trace)
minerals. The body needs at least one
hundred milligrams (one milligram equals one-thousandth of
a gram) of the major minerals (calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium, and
phosphorus) daily. In contrast, the body
only needs microgram (one microgram equals one-millionth
of a gram) amounts of trace elements (such as zinc and selenium) daily.
The best way to ensure that you get a sufficient amount of minerals is
to eat plenty of fresh vegetables. Just
the same, the following factors influence mineral intake: Individual dietary habits; mineral content of
the soil; degree of intestinal absorption; and influence of other
minerals. Binding minerals to a protein
in the middle of a larger molecule, a process called chelation, enhances
mineral absorption. For example, zinc
picolinate, one of the best-absorbed zinc supplements, is formulated by
chelating zinc to an organic salt called ‘picolinate’.
As a rule, minerals are also better absorbed when they are taken with
food. There are exceptions to the rule,
though. For instance, fiber supplements
decrease mineral absorption; hence, they should not be taken together. In addition to fiber, calcium absorption is
impaired by excess dietary fat, caffeine, and alcohol. (Try taking calcium is at bedtime since it’s
not only better absorbed; it also promotes sleep.) Finally, too much calcium
adversely affects magnesium absorption; therefore choose a calcium supplement
is balanced in a one-to-one or two-to-one ratio with magnesium.
Safety
Contrary to popular belief, vitamins have a wide safety
range. Scientific studies have shown
that high doses of individual vitamins, particularly water-soluble vitamins,
can be safely given to prevent or treat certain conditions without any
associated serious side effects.
Nevertheless, vitamins and minerals can affect the absorption or action
of prescription medication, and high doses of fat-soluble vitamins (in excess
of the amount contained in a multivitamin) can cause harmful side effects.
Although minerals also have a wide safety range, when taken in
excessive amounts, they too can cause harmful side effects. For instance, taking more than 100mg. of zinc
daily can cause a copper deficiency, and taking more than 900mg. of selenium
daily can be toxic. Furthermore, minerals
can interfere with the absorption of certain antibiotics and other medications. For instance, zinc and calcium adversely
affect the absorption of quinilone antibiotics.
Therefore, if you take prescription medication, check with your
physician before taking supplemental minerals or vitamins.
How To Read A
Vitamin Label
As a final measure, let me teach you how to read a vitamin label. Items in bold type are discussed in further
detail.
Dietary Supplement
Serving Size: six capsules
Six capsules
contain: %DV
Vitamin C . . . . .
. . . . . . . 1200mg 1333%
Vitamin E . . . . .
. . . . . . . 400IU 1818%
Selenium . . . . .
. . . . . . . . 200mcg 363%
Vanadium . . . . . . . . . . .
. 50mcg *
Bromelain . . . . . . . . . . . .
25mg *
L-Cysteine . . . . . . . . . . . .
200mg *
__________________________________________
*Daily Value
not established
Other
ingredients: cellulose, and
magnesium stearate.
Best if used by: January 2002.
___________________________________________
·
Serving size is the unit of measure (number of capsules, in this case) that must be
taken to yield the daily amount specified on the label.
·
DV stands
for ‘Daily Value’ or the recommended daily amount.
·
1333% indicates
that the 1200mg of vitamin C contained in a serving (six tablets) is 13.33
times the recommended daily amount of vitamin C (ninety milligrams for
non-smoking men). Although high potency
multivitamins contain vitamins concentrations that are hundreds or even
thousands of times greater than the DV, don’t be alarmed, they’re safe to take.
The DV was established to prevent nutritional disease, not promote optimal
health.
·
The abbreviation ‘mg’ stands for milligram.
·
The abbreviation ‘mcg’ stands for microgram.
·
The statement ‘Daily Value not established’ is
self-explanatory. Many vitamin
supplements contain ingredients that don’t have an established daily
requirement. These items include certain
trace elements(such as Vanadium), digestive enzymes, and amino
acids. Digestive enzymes (chemicals that
promote digestion) are identified by their word endings: Words that end in ‘ain’
(such as bromelain- a digestive enzyme made from pineapple), or ‘ase’
(such as lipase – a digestive pancreatic enzyme) are digestive enzymes. (The bottle should state whether the enzymes
are derived from plant or animal sources.)
Amino acids (the building blocks of proteins) are identified by a ‘L’
or ‘DL’ before their name, for example L-cysteine.
·
Other ingredients: Read this section
carefully. Supplements often contain
other ingredients that are best avoided such as artificial coloring,
preservatives, flavorings, corn, soy protein, wheat gluten, sugar, yeast, and
dairy products. These ‘fillers’ can
cause an allergic reaction in susceptible individuals.
Best if used
by: Signifies the expiration date.
Recommended
Brands
I recommend protecting yourself by purchasing vitamins from companies
that conform to good manufacturing practices. This is, give your business to a company that
lists all of the ingredients on the bottle label or package insert; assays
their products for purity and batch-to-batch consistency; doesn’t make false
claims; lists an expiration date on their products; conforms to industry
standards of excellence; and provides a certificate of analysis upon request.
Based upon my
research and experience, I have become familiar with the following companies,
which manufacture over-the-counter brands that I trust: Enzymatic Therapies, Nutricology, Ethical
Nutrients, Solgar, Jarrow Formulas, Solaray, Nature’s Way, Nature’s Plus,
Source Naturals, Life Extension Foundation, and Twin Labs.
Similarly, companies that manufacture ‘professional
brands only’(available only through pharmacies or health professionals)
that I trust include: PhytoPharmica,
Metagenics, Biotics Research, Tyler Encapsulations, CVR/Ecological Formulas,
Thorne Research, ARG/Allergy Research Group, Pure Encapsulations, Murdock
Madaus Schwabe (MMS ProÔ), Douglas Laboratories,
Priority One, and American Biotics.
Brief Overview Of Herbal Supplements
Herbs have been used for millennia to promote wellness
and treat disease. Although herbs may
appear confusing at first glance, this brief overview should help you separate
‘the wheat from the chaff’. For
additional resources see page XXX.
Before
we begin, I’d like to say a few words about self-diagnosis and treatment. As a rule, I tell patients that it’s safe to
experiment with an herbal remedy for a mild complaint, such as a runny nose or
an upset stomach. However, self-diagnosis
based on symptoms (complaints) can be risky business. Therefore, if the symptoms are severe; if
they get worse despite simple measures; or if the symptoms linger for more than
a few days, see a doctor.
Differences Between
Herbal and Prescription Medication.
Although drugs can trace their ‘roots’ to herbs, there are fundamental
differences between the two ‘branches’ of the family. For instance, herbal remedies are
significantly less expensive than prescription medication. They’re also less likely to cause side
effects; or if they do, the side effects are usually mild and disappear once
the herb is stopped. That’s because
herbal therapies work differently than prescription drugs: Herbs can take as long as four to six weeks
to reach peak effectiveness, whereas prescription drugs work within minutes
(however potent drugs can also cause side effects just as quickly). Although
herbs are generally safe, they can interact with prescription medication. Therefore, if you take prescription
medication, check with your physician before taking an herbal supplement.
How To Tell If
An Herb Is “Working”.
Herbs contain hundreds, or even thousands of ingredients that work
together to promote health by supporting the body’s own healing abilities. As a result, herbs have a subtle effect on
the body that is often difficult to measure.
Nevertheless, if symptoms remain unchanged after taking an herb for two
to four weeks, or if there is any doubt, stop taking the herb and see if the
symptoms recur. Bear in mind though,
that a lack of improvement may not be the herb’s fault. The blame can often be traced to an inferior
herbal product (which was bought because it’s cheaper), failure to take the
herb as directed, an improper diagnosis, or choosing the wrong herb in the
first place. Which lead us to the next
topic.
How To Select A
Quality Herbal Product.
Dr. Andrew Weil, a noted authority on herbal medicine, suggests the
following guidelines:
·
Become knowledgeable by doing your homework. For instance, read a reputable book on herbs,
talk with your doctor, consult a medical herbalist (experts in herbal medicine;
contact the American Herbalists Guild, http://www.healthy.net/herbalists
to find one in your area). Watchdog
organizations also provide free information about nutritional and herbal supplements
(www.consumerlabs.com).
·
Select the most effective form by choosing a standardized herbal product if
one is available (see below).
Standardized products are assayed (checked in a laboratory) to make sure
that they contain a specified amount of a particular ingredient. However, be advised that standardization
doesn’t guarantee potency or quality. A
product is only as good as the raw ingredients and the quality of the
manufacturing process. Bulk herbs that
are stored in open bins quickly lose their potency, and powdered herbs are
subject to adulteration (addition of a substance other than the desired
herb). Although adulterants usually
consist of the wrong part of the plant or the wrong herb, they can also include
heavy metals such as Mercury and Lead, toxic pesticides, and bacterial or
fungal contaminants. With regard to
cost, liquid and solid herbal extracts offer the best buy for the money. Finally, it’s generally better to select a
product that contains a single herb, instead of one that tries to cover all the
bases with a shopping list of herbal ingredients. On the other hand, herbalists can get away
with mixing and matching herbs since they know which ones work best
together.
·
Buy From Reputable Companies. I recommend
purchasing herbs from companies that have an established reputation (not to be
confused with companies that advertise the most). Select a company that adheres to “good
manufacturing practices” . Companies that I trust include all of the
companies listed in the overview of nutritional supplements plus the Eclectic
Institute, herbalist & Alchemist, Inc., and GAIA Herbs, Inc.
How To Read An Herbal Supplement Label.
The following information is
typically listed on an herbal supplement label. Items in bold type are discussed in further
detail.
Supplement Facts
Serving Size: two 160mg.
softgels
______________________________________________________________________
Amount per serving (two soft
gels) %Dv*
_______________________________________________________________________
Saw palmetto (Serenoa repens) Extract (10:1) 320
mg.
Extracted from saw palmetto berries
Standardized to yield 85-95% fatty acids and sterols
Other ingredients:
gelatin, glycerin, and water
* Daily Value Not Established
________________________________________________________________________
Saw palmetto helps maintain proper urine flow†
Usage: Take two
softgels daily, or as directed by your qualified health consultant.
________________________________________________________________________
†This statement has not been authorized by the Food
and Drug Administration. This product is
not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
________________________________________________________________________
Serving size specifies the number of capsules that must be taken
to yield the recommended daily amount.
Saw
palmetto (Serenoa repens): Herbs are identified by a
common name, which comes first (Saw palmetto), followed by a botanical name
that is enclosed in parentheses and italicized (Serenoa repens). The part of the herb that was used to make
the formulation (saw palmetto berries) is also identified.
Extract. A solvent, usually water or
alcohol, is used to ‘extract’ (withdraw) a herb’s active
ingredients. Water extracts
water-soluble ingredients, whereas alcohol extracts fat-soluble items such as
fatty acids, sterols, and other substances that are water-insoluble. Extracts are categorized by the concentration
of herb relative to the amount of solvent.
Herbal infusions (a fancy name for tea) and tinctures
contain more solvent than herb, while the reverse is true for liquid and
solid extracts. Most popular
herbal liquid tinctures contain one part herb to five or ten parts
solvent (written as 1:5 or
Standardization. Whenever the active
ingredient is known, it’s possible to standardize a product that
contains a specified percentage of active ingredient(s), for instance, 85-95%
fatty acids and sterols. An active
ingredient is the chemical that presumably accounts for an herb’s healing
properties. Products can also be
standardized to contain a certain concentration of herbal ingredients, for
example a standardized 10:1 herbal extract.
Other
Ingredients: Anything that is contained
in the product other that the pure herb should be listed in this section. Unless stated otherwise, gelatin vitamin
capsules are derived from processed animal collagen (for instance, animal
hoofs). “Vegicaps” on the other hand are
made from vegetable protein and glycerine (a fat derivative).
Daily
Value. Unlike vitamins and
minerals, herbs don’t have a recommended daily value (amount).
Structure/Function
Statement: The Food and Drug
Administration permits manufacturers to describe how an herb affects the body’s
structure or function - for example, they can state that saw palmetto “helps
maintain proper urine flow” - as long as they also include the disclaimer
listed above†.
Usage: The recommended dosage may vary depending on a
person’s weight, medical condition, other medications, and the nature of the
condition being treated. For instance,
if a man weighs over two hundred pounds, I recommend taking three instead of
two 160mg saw palmetto softgels daily.
Note: Liquid herbal preparations are measured in “cc”
(cubic centimeter) or “ml” (milliliter) amounts (the two measurements
are equivalent). Common liquid
measurements include: One teaspoon
equals 5ccs, one tablespoon equals fifteen ccs, one ounce equals thirty ccs. Liquid herbal tinctures or extracts are also
dispensed by the drop (one dropper full equals approximately forty drops).
Dried herbs, on the other hand, are dispensed by weight. One heaping teaspoon of dried herb averages
between one to four and half grams (flowers average one gram, bark averages
four and a half grams, and the remaining herbal parts weigh somewhere in
between).
Resources
Organizations:
- National Center for
Complementary And Alternative Medicine Clearing House, P. O. Box 8218,
Silver Springs, MD 20907-8218, (888) 644-6226, web site: http://nccam.nih.gov
- American College of
Advancement in Medicine, 23121 Verdugo Drive, Suite 204, Laguna Hills, CA,
92653 (800) 532-3688, web site: http://www.acam.org
·
American Urological Association,Inc.1120 N. Charles St., Baltimore, MD,
21201-5559, (410) 727-1100, web site: http://www.auanet.org
·
American Foundation for Urologic Disease (AFUD), 300 W. Pratt St.,
Suite 401, Baltimore, MD, 21201, (800) 242-2383, web site: http://www.afud.org/
·
CaP Cure,
·
Patients Advocates for Advanced Cancer Treatments (PAACT),
·
Prostate Cancer Research Institute, 5777 W. Century Boulevard, Suite
885, Los Angeles, CA, 90045, (310) 743-2116, web site: http://www.prostate-cancer.org
·
US-TOO Prostate Cancer Survivor Support Groups, 930 N. York Rd., Suite
50, Hinsdale, IL, 60521-2993, (630) 323-1002, web site: http://www.ustoo.com
·
National Association for Continence,
Books
and Booklets
·
Nutrition & Prostate Cancer: A Monograph
from the CaP CURE Nutrition Project, CaP Cure, 1250 Fourth St., Suite 360, Santa Monica,
CA, 90401, (310) 458-2873
·
Prostate Cancer and Bone Metastases, CaP Cure, 1250 Fourth St.,
Suite 360, Santa Monica, CA, 90401, (310) 458-2873
·
Prostate Cancer Resource Guide,
American Foundation for Urologic Disease (AFUD),
·
Charles E. “Snuffy” Myers, Jr., Sara Sgarlat Steck, and Rose Sgarlat
Myers,
Eating Your Way To Better Health (
Internet
Websites
·
·
CancerNet @ http://cancernet.nci.nih.gov/
·
Gary Huckabay’s Prostate Pointers @ http://www.prostatepointers.org/
·
Prostate Forum @ http://www.prostateforum.com/
·
·
FDA Guide to Choosing Medical Treatments @ http://www.fda.gov//oashi/aids/fdaguide.html
·
Internet Resources on Cancer@ http://cpmcnet.columbia.edu/dept/rosenthal/Guide6.html
Newsletters
·
Prostate Forum,
·
PCRInsights, Prostate Cancer Research Institute, 5777 W. Century
Boulevard,
·
Cancer Communications Newsletter, Patients Advocates for Advanced
Cancer Treatments (PAACT), P.O. Box 141695, Grand Rapids, MI, 49514-1695, (616)
453-147
·
US TOO Prostate Cancer Communicator, US-TOO Prostate Cancer
Survivor Support Groups, 930 N. York Rd., Suite 50, Hinsdale, IL, 60521-2993,
(630) 323-1002
Books:
- Michael Lerner, Choices
in Healing (Cambridge, MA: MIT Press, 1994).
- John Boik, Cancer
& Natural Medicine, A Textbook of Basic Science and Clinical
Research (Princeton, MN: Oregon Medical Press, 1995).
- Ralph W. Moss, Herbs
Against Cancer (NY: Brooklyn, NY: Equinox Press, 1998).
- Charles B. Simone, Cancer
& Nutrition (Garden City Park, NY: Avery Publishing Group, Inc.,
1994).
- Kedar N. Prasad, Vitamins
in Cancer Prevention and Treatment (Rochester, VT: Healing Arts Press,
1994).