Menopause hitting you hard? You know all the other benefits eating fruits and a vegetable provides—fiber, vitamins, minerals—but they also have a range of benefits for your menopausal and post-menopausal body. Plants offer certain chemicals that protect your body’s health and well-being. They are known as phytoestrogens and are similar in structure to estrogen (very familiar female hormones!). Phytoestrogen may trick your body into believing it has more estrogen than it actually does, relieving some of the symptoms of menopause and lowering cholesterol levels. You can take phytoestrogen supplements, or eat a diet rich in these plant estrogens.

In addition to fruits and veggies, you can find phytoestrogens in plant-based foods like soy products, including tofu, soymilk and soybeans. Scientists believe these substances work like a weak form of estrogen in the body, helping to relieve hot flashes, night sweats, and other symptoms of menopause. Moreover, eating a high-soy diet during the first 10 years after menopause has been shown to strengthen bones, which tend to weaken with the lower female hormones (estrogen) levels after menopause.

Although pill or powder phytoestrogen supplements are convenient and easy to take, the isoflavones found in food (a form of phytoestrogen) offer a more complete, nutritious form of these beneficial nutrients, as well as provide other important vitamins and minerals. If you have or recently had estrogen-dependent cancer, be cautious consuming phytoestrogen-rich foods too frequently as there may be a link between phytoestrogens and the growth of estrogen-sensitive cancers. Talk to your doctor about the benefits and risks of phytoestrogens supplements and breast cancer facts.

Today, there are many supplements that can be found for just about everything you may be lacking in, and iodine supplements are no exception. Iodine supplements are not usually necessary, as we generally get the necessary amounts of iodine our bodies need through a regular, healthy diet. However, if there is an iodine deficiency present, or if there is a need for added iodine to help support the thyroid to increase weight loss, then the answer may be yes, you do need them.

Severe iodine deficiency symptoms may be found if a person becomes seriously anemic, is lethargic, tired or drowsy more than normal, has slow or slurred speech or enlargement of the tongue. Skin issues, losing more hair than normal and swelling of the hands and feet are also symptoms of a severe iodine deficiency. Other symptoms can appear and are not limited to just these mentioned. Many illnesses or diseases can result in the body not receiving sufficient amounts of iodine over time.

A deficiency in iodine most commonly affects the thyroid and the way it plays a part in regulating metabolic rates within the body. Hypothyroidism and various illnesses and disorders of the brain can result from a deficiency in iodine, and an individual can also, more obviously, develop goiters. Of course many other illnesses and symptoms can result in an individual’s iodine being insufficient. If you have concerns or are worried that you may be suffering from a deficiency of iodine, consult your doctor. Your doctor may confirm that there is a deficiency and prescribe iodine supplements.

• Your diet after cholecystitis treatment is as important and crucial as the surgery itself because of your body’s weakened system
• It is important to implement a cholecystitis diet to your lifestyle if you have recently had surgery or are experiencing symptoms of chelecystitis
• Acute cholecystitis symptoms can be troublesome, but do not be alarmed. Symptoms can be treated through tweaking a few things in your diet
• Below is a list of some of the best foods to add to your kitchen when implementing a cholecystitis diet

1. Olive Oil

Natural olive oil that is raw and unrefined has been proven effective in the natural remedies of acute cholecystitis. Approximately 30 ml of olive oil should be taken upon waking in the morning. You may choose to immediately follow the olive oil with about 100 ml of lemon juice or grapefruit juice. This morning cocktail should be taken every morning for weeks if necessary to eliminate waste and provide successful cholecystitis treatment. The oil can also lessen the likelihood of symptoms of cholecystitis.

2. Raw Beetroot Juice

Raw beet root juice cleanses the system and is great when a patient has experienced symptoms of cholecystitis. Drinking approximately 100 ml of beet juice twice daily will help to eliminate the possibilities of developing acute cholecystitis. Beet juice provides an effective and natural cholecystitis treatment. Beet juice can be used as a preventive measure as well.

3. Black Seed Oil

Black seed oil is a highly effective natural remedy for cholecystitis treatment. If you experience acute cholecystitis it is recommended that your cholecystitis diet include fibrous material that keeps your digestive tract moving. Black seed oil may cause highly loose stools but if taken in moderation can provide the desired effect and cleansing needed.

4. Hemp

By adding approximately two teaspoons or dessert spoonfuls to your cholecystitis diet you can naturally provide yourself with a highly effective cholecystitis treatment from the comforts of your own home. If you have been diagnosed with or experienced symptoms accompanied with cholecystitis, hemp can be beneficial to add to your diet and reduces the risk of acquiring other problems like acute cholecystitis.

5. Lemon Juice

Lemon juice is a great supplemental food to add to water or squirt on top of fish as part of your cholecystitis diet. The acid in the lemon juice breaks down fatty acids in the bile that is digesting the food.

6. Vinegar

Vinegar is an excellent supplemental food to add to dishes when cooking as a part of your cholecystitis diet. Similar to lemon juice, the acid in the vinegar breaks down fatty acids. Symptoms of cholecystitis can be greatly alleviated by incorporating vinegar and lemon juice.

7. Avocados

Avocados are a great food to add to your cholecystitis diet. They contain essential oils that are natural and are rich in vitamins your body needs.

8. Blackberries

Blackberries are rich in fiber and essential nutrients and vitamins that promote a healthy digestive system. Consuming berries every day will eliminate constipation and keep things moving at a steady rate. Your cholecystitis diet after treatment is important and at least two servings of berries each day can provide your body with important nutrients it requires to function properly.

9. Lecethin Granuals

By adding approximately two teaspoons or dessert spoonfuls of lecithin granules to your cholecystitis diet you can naturally provide yourself with a highly effective cholecystitis treatment from the comforts of your own home.

10. Dandelion

Drinking approximately 125 ml of dandelion juice daily can prevent acute cholecystitis symptoms from occurring. This is a great herb to add to your cholecystitis diet.

• Probiotic therapy controversy: medical vs. alternative
• Class action lawsuit against Dannon, a probiotc product
• Childrens probiotics.
• Additional NCCAM sponsored research

The controversy involving probiotics is the same as with any other natural or alternative therapy: the medical community will not acknowledge or put any priority on any research if there isn’t a monetary gain achieved by someone. Whenever the balance is upset, we experience a plethora of problems: everything from lactose intolerance to infections. Probiotic therapy is the use of the ‘good’ bacteria from natural and supplement sources to balance the body’s internal system. Our bodies have both good and bad bacteria. Scientific understanding of probiotics and their potential for preventing and treating health conditions is at an early stage, but moving ahead. In November 2005, a conference that was co funded by the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) and convened by the American Society for Microbiology explored this topic. Manufacturing companies have more recently used probiotics as a new marketing tool to sell their products. When embracing any alternative therapy, we need to ask ourselves if there are any potential risks and are there any probiotic side effects.

This topic is even more important given a recent class action lawsuit against Danone’s (or Dannon’s) Activia yogurt sparked discussion about health benefits of probiotics. Most yogurt probiotic products contain active cultures anyway, so some people wonder if it’s really worth paying a premium for extra probiotic strains.

Here are the top 10 probiotic side effects:

1. Gas or bloating

Probiotics have been proclaimed to be a therapy to assist in eliminating gas or bloating. In some people, probiotics can have the opposite effect and actually cause gas or bloating.

2. May cause other infections

Probiotics might theoretically cause infections that need to be treated with antibiotics, especially in people with underlying health conditions.

3. Diarrhea and abdominal pain

In some people, probiotics can cause diarrhea and abdominal pain.

4. Unhealthy metabolic activities

They could also cause unhealthy metabolic activities, too much stimulation of the immune system, or gene transfer (insertion of genetic material into a cell).

5. Fungal infections

There have been a few reports of probiotics causing severe fungal infections. People who had this happen found that their immune system was impaired. Thus, it’s important for a person to consult his or her doctor before consuming a probiotic-heavy diet. You don’t want to cause more harm than good.

6. Intestinal Infection

In case of people having an underlying disease or a compromised, probiotics can cause potential health problems. In fact, these individuals are at a higher risk of developing infection after the use of probiotics. Symptoms such as bloody stools, skin rash and fever are indications of intestinal infection. In addition, probiotics may disturb the normal metabolic processes and autoimmune responses of the body. According to medical studies conducted, there is a possibility that probiotics may interact with immunosuppressive drugs, leading to life-threatening conditions. Hence, those who are on immunosuppressive medications should strictly avoid probiotics.

7. Headaches

Some people have reported headaches after they have begun a probiotic regiment. If the practitioner lowers the dosage and this symptom usually goes away.

8. CAM instead of medical treatment

Some people are using probiotics instead of standard medical treatment. If you are thinking about using a probiotic product as CAM (complementary and alternative medicine), consult your health care provider first. No CAM therapy should be used in place of conventional medical care or to delay seeking that care.

9. Governed as food, not drugs

Probiotic products taken by mouth as a dietary supplement are manufactured and regulated as foods, not drugs (for more on this point, see NCCAM’s What’s in the Bottle? An Introduction to Dietary Supplements).

10. Supplements don’t seem to cut it

Studies done on supplements containing probiotics have shown that many do not live up to their claims. There is a difficulty in the studies, as there are many types of probiotics and testing was not done on a one-to-one comparison. Effects from one species or strain of probiotics do not necessarily hold true for others, or even for different preparations of the same species or strain. If you are using a pill supplement – you may be wasting your money. Anything below 1 billion bacteria per gram isn’t really enough to be therapeutic.

More recently, parents are adding a probiotic therapy as part of their kids diet. As with anything, you should consult with your major medical provider before adding childrens probiotics to their diet.

NCCAM-sponsored research on probiotics
Investigators at Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine are developing a clinical trial on the effectiveness of selected probiotic agents to treat diarrhea in undernourished children in a developing country.
At the Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, researchers have been examining probiotics for possibly decreasing the levels of certain substances in the urine that can cause problems such as kidney stones…
A team at Tufts-New England Medical Center is studying probiotics for treating an antibiotic-resistant type of bacteria that causes severe infections in people who are hospitalized, live in nursing homes, or have weakened immune systems.

• Probiotics medical vs. CAM. History of probiotics
• What are probiotics? Top 10 benefits
• Probiotics for children and recent class action lawsuit against Dannon and probiotic yoghurt.
• Marketing or medical

If you have been to the grocery store recently, you will see that the numbers of products on the market that are exclaiming the benefits of probiotics are growing, exponentially. From probiotic yoghurt containers to new studies on probiotics for children, the are everywhere. Probiotics are food or supplements that contain the healthy bacteria that your body needs to function normally. Our bodies are filled with all types of bacteria and microorganisms. We have both good and bad bacterial. Good bacteria can be depleted during certain times in our lives: taking antibiotics, stress and anxiety. As in any alternative therapy, there are two schools of thought. The medical community insists that there needs to be more research, even though there has already been quite a bit of research. The CAM (complementary and alternative medicine) side embraces existing research and results. There are a myriad of different good bacteria, so the question has been comparing the studies on a one-to-one basis. As consumers, we have to examine the information, read the labels and make sure that this isn’t another marketing bandwagon. As consumers, we need to scrutinize exactly what are probiotics and what are the health benefits of probiotics.

Probiotics, which means, “for life” and have been used for centuries in health-promoting foods. The original observation for the positive role of certain bacteria by Russian scientist and Nobel laureate Eli Metchnikoff, who in 1907 suggested that it would be possible to modify the gut flora and to replace harmful microbes by useful microbes. Throughout the 20th century scientists and members of the medical and homeopathic community continued research, finding more beneficial affects of the good bacterial found in the naturally fermenting process of foods.

The integrative approach recommends that intake of probiotics should be through natural sources such as: yogurt, sour cream, pickles, whey and sauerkraut.

The top ten benefits of probiotics appear to be:

1. Studies have found that probiotics may improve nutrient bioavailability for B vitamins, calcium, iron, zinc, copper, magnesium and phosphorous; among others.

2. Probiotics for children: Pediatric studies found that certain strains (such as Lactobacillus GG, found in Culturelle capsules) may aid in significantly decreasing the rate of acute diarrhea and rotavirus shedding. Parents also reported a 25 percent decrease in diaper rash among babies drinking formula containing probiotics.

3. Probiotics and active bacteria culture may improve lactose intolerance. The bacterial strain commonly used in yogurt can produce lactase enzymes. Therefore, people with lactose intolerance and children suffering from intestinal infection can usually tolerate yogurt with an active culture. Probiotic yogurt and yogurt products are the latest craze.

4. Prevent and treat vaginal yeast infections and urinary tract infections. These types of infections are usually due
to a severe imbalance of bacteria and rapid growth of the bad bacteria. Historically treated with antibiotics that kill all bacteria; it is thought that introducing the healthy or good bacteria brings the body back to a balanced format.

5. Some studies have showed that by regulating intestinal transit time, probiotics improve constipation among the elderly.

6. Other studies have shown that probiotics, especially acidophilus, promote the growth of healthy bacteria in the colon and reduce the conversion of bile into carcinogens (cancer-causing substances).

7. Some studies have found that probiotics may enhance immunity by regulating lymphocytes and antibodies.

8. There have been additional studies that have shown probiotics to improve the symptoms and problems of irritable bowel syndrome and ulcerative colitis.

9. Lowering cholesterol is another probiotic benefit. Animal studies have demonstrated the efficacy of a range of LAB to be able to lower serum cholesterol levels. Some, but not all human trials have shown that dairy foods fermented with specific LAB can produce modest reductions in total and LDL cholesterol levels in those with normal levels to begin with, however trials in hyperlipidemic subjects are needed

10. Several small clinical trials have shown that probiotics can result in modest reductions in blood pressure.
Something to note: A recent class action lawsuit against Danone’s (or Dannon’s) Activia yogurt sparked discussion about health benefits of probiotics. Most yogurt products contain active cultures anyway, so some people wonder if it’s really worth paying a premium for extra probiotic strains.

In this article you will learn:

• What are probiotics for dogs?
• Conditions where probiotics are recommended: health benefits of probiotics
• Beneficial properties of probiotics for dogs
• Where you can get probiotic product for dogs
• Cautionary purchase advisement

The new awareness of the health benefits of probiotics for ourselves and probiotics for dogs brings about new questions. The answer to the main question, What are probiotics? Is that probiotics are the good bacteria and yeast, and are used to restore the balance of microflora (bacteria) in the gastrointestinal tract. Probiotics also combat the bad, harmful bacteria that have grown out of proportion due to numerous reasons, such as: disruption of balance by drugs such as antibiotics, or steroids. Dietary change or poor diet. Exposure to a pathogenic virus or bacteria. Exposure to pollutants or allergens, such as pesticides, chemical fertilizers, etc. Inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. Stress due to changes in environment, etc.

Probiotics include a variety of bacteria species, most of which are lactic acid bacteria, such as L. acidophilus, and L. bulgaricus. They act as the body’s first line of defense against other microorganisms that your dog eats or inhales. Thus, having a constant supply of these friendly bacteria in your dog’s gastrointestinal tract can help prevent a wide range of health problems. These friendly bacteria must be present in optimal numbers and ratio (approx. 85% beneficial to 15% non-beneficial).

Your dog has their own sense of imbalance within the GI tract. They will often try to eat grass, which can cause vomiting. This is a clue to you that there is something wrong within their natural balance. An imbalance in the intestinal tract has been known to be associated with: Arthritis, Yeast infection (known as Candida), chronic constipation, asthma, food allergies and intolerance, skin irritations such as psoriasis and eczema
Probiotics for intestinal problems: Arthritis, yeast infection (known as Candida), chronic constipation, asthma, food allergy and intolerance, skin irritations such as psoriasis and eczema.

There are two important times that you should consider probiotics for dogs :

1. Puppy:

When born, the puppy’s intestinal tract is relatively ‘clean and sterile’. It’s an excellent time to fortify the tract with the good bacteria. Probiotics are then beneficial when a puppy starts to wean from mother’s milk. It will help the puppy make the dietary adjustment to puppy food and assist in food digestion and nutrient absorption.

2. After Antibiotic Treatment:

Just as in humans, antibiotics kill all bacteria. If your dog has been placed on a regiment of antibiotics, this will remove all of the good bacteria, as well as the bad. Adding a probiotics product to the diet will replenish the healthy bacteria to assist in returning the balance to the dog’s intestinal tract.

How do we get probiotics? It is always recommended to use live bacteria from naturally fermented products such as yogurt. Natural products have a higher health benefit of probiotics. If you are lucky, your dog will love the taste and gobble it up. If not, there are probiotic supplements you can add to their diet. Little study has been done on the supplement products in dogs, but they have the appearance of being healthy.

Always get your probiotics for dogs from a Veterinarian or a high quality pet store. Use the same cautionary examination of probiotic product labels that you would for yourself. Many of the cheaper products are made out of the country, with less than clean manufacturing environments. This was proven during the 2008 pet food poisoning problem. They may also contain a higher percentage of fillers and additives with labels that mislead you.

• Health benefits of probiotics
• Benefits of probiotics and antibiotics
• Prebiotic and probiotic product sources

Almost everyone has that unusual feeling in your stomach and intestinal area that all is not quite right. Symptoms like bloating, diarrhea, constipation, nausea, ulcers, and other gastrointestinal woes, as well as yeast infections. These disorders can be caused by a number of life situations from taking antibiotic medication (kills all bacteria) to stress and anxiety. What you may not be aware of is that we have a plethora of bacteria and microorganisms in our bodies. Probiotics are the good bacteria that keep everything in balance. Prebiotics are the soluble fibers that keep the probiotics alive and multiplying. Both are needed to have a healthy digestive system. How do probiotics and prebiotics affect our daily lives and gastrointestinal health?

The health benefits of probiotics can help combat illnesses in several ways: They make the intestines less habitable for harmful bacteria by changing the chemistry of the gut; they produce antimicrobial compounds that destroy pathogenic microbes; and they beat the bad bacteria by competing with them for nutrients. According to Mary Ellen Sanders, executive director of the International Scientific Association for Probiotics and Prebiotics, “they also appear to enhance our own immune function. They do this, in part, by stimulating the production of infection-fighting white blood cells.” Probiotics and antibiotics are enemies. Antibiotics remove all bacteria, good and bad.

Probiotics need nourishment. Prebiotics are indigestible ingredients you eat that stimulate the growth of beneficial bacteria by serving as food for them. This is their best benefit to gastrointestinal health. The most common prebiotics are inulin and fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS), types of soluble fiber similar to oat bran, psyllium, and pectin in apples. Prebiotics differ from these soluble fibers, however, in that they specifically encourage the growth of probiotics, especially bifidobacteria and lactobacilli, in the gut. Inulin and FOS also confer some of the same health benefits associated with other types of soluble fiber, such as providing bulk to move waste through the intestines and helping to sweep out potential carcinogens.

Prebiotics encourage the growth of beneficial bacteria and work closely with probiotics to reduce risks of several diseases:

1} Intestinal health
Prebiotics increase fecal bulk, shorten transit time in the intestines, and relieve constipation. They also help treat Crohn’s disease and other inflammatory bowel diseases by reducing inflammation and encouraging the growth of lactobacilli and bifidobacteria.

2} Lower cholesterol
Research suggests that prebiotics enhance the cholesterol-lowering actions of probiotics, and help reduce cholesterol and blood lipids in their own right.

3} Colorectal cancer
Prebiotics may help reduce harmful microbes that can cause inflammation or are producing carcinogens. Also, by binding up carcinogens in the gastrointestinal tract and stimulating peristalsis and elimination, prebiotics may further help prevent and treat colorectal cancer.

4} Immune system
According to Glenn Gibson, Ph.D., professor of food microbiology and head of the Food Biosciences Department at the University of Reading, England, some preliminary studies suggest that prebiotics can improve resistance against infection. They accomplish this by providing food for probiotics, which make the immune system function more efficiently by “training” it to mount a speedy response to pathogens, clear them from the body, and then “calm down” again. Probiotics and prebiotics involve a nice balance of both when it comes to gastrointestinal health.

5} Bone Health
Another health benefit of probiotics is bone health. Inulin in particular appears to enhance the uptake of calcium, probably both by increasing water in the bowel and boosting the volume of fluid in which calcium can dissolve and by acidifying the colon and, thus, raising the concentration of calcium.

So what are the sources of prebiotics and probiotics?

1} You can get prebiotics naturally:
The fiber in oats, oat bran, barley, rice bran, apples, berries, and legumes acts as food for probiotic bacteria. However, microbes vary and so does their diet. Probiotics tend to like soluble fiber, while harmful bacteria don’t.

2} Dietary phenols support friendly flora by inhibiting the growth of harmful bacteria. They’re found in legumes, tea, red wine, fruits, berries, and dark chocolate.

3} Polyunsaturated fatty acids
Some animal studies suggest that polyunsaturated fatty acids may function as prebiotics to a small degree, by inhibiting the growth of pathogens. Examples of food sources include nuts, seeds, several vegetable oils (such as soy, safflower, corn, and sunflower), and fatty fish, like salmon, tuna, and herring.

4} Naturally fermented
The best sources of probiotics are naturally fermented items such as yogurt, pickles, sauerkraut, sour cream and whey.

4} Supplements as a probiotic product
Studies have yet to show any significant benefit from supplement probiotics. The medical community admits that continued studies and research need to be pursued.

The information supplied in this article is not to be considered or used as medical advice and is for educational purposes only. You should always consult with your primary medical provider.

• Studies for correlation between diet for prostate cancer and risk
• Western diet information
• Ten items that will not be on the diet for prostate cancer patients

Studies have been done to indicate that diet plays a major role in the risk factor and development of prostate cancer. The rate of prostate cancer in Japan and Asia is incredibly low. The Western diet is high in fat, meat and sugar and low in fruits, vegetables and fiber. The studies have indicated that there is a strong relationship between the consumption of saturated fat or dairy fat and prostate cancer, while polyunsaturated fats such as Omega-3 fatty acids may help prevent the disease. We see a lot of information about what you should eat to combat prostate cancer, what about the things that you should eliminate from your prostate cancer diet?

1. Dairy Food

According to a study by the Department of Kinesiology, California Polytechnic State University, dairy food intake has been associated with prostate cancer in previous work, but the mechanism by which this occurs is unknown. Almost every resource mentions the elimination of dairy food for the diet for prostate cancer.

2. Fried Foods

Scientists with UCLA’s Jonsson Cancer Center and the UCLA Department of Urology have shown that lowering the intake of the type of fat common in the Western diet helps prevent prostate cancer in mice. The finding is the first of its kind in a mouse model that closely mimics human cancer, researchers said. The study, which appears in the April 15 issue of the peer-reviewed journal Cancer Research, focused on fat from corn oil, which is made up primarily of omega-6 fatty acids — the polyunsaturated fat commonly found in the Western diet. Omega-6 fats are found in high levels in baked and fried goods, said William Aronson, a Jonsson Cancer Center researcher and the study’s senior author. The diet for prostate cancer patients specifically excludes fried foods.

3. Baked Foods

The research that has been done has associated Omega-6 fatty oils (mostly corn) to promote prostate cancer. Many of the baked foods are made with Omega-6 products and should be avoided.

4. Red Meats

Many foods may contribute to the development of prostate cancer, and may even help the disease to progress — red meat in particular can actually increase the risk of developing prostate cancer. Recent studies show that red meat could pose an increase in cancer risk. Some studies have linked consumption of large amounts of red meat with breast cancer, colorectal cancer, stomach cancer, lymphoma, bladder cancer and prostate cancer. There are a lot of substitutions that can be made in the diet for prostate cancer that are healthy and tastey.

5. Excessive preserved food

Preserved foods have been found in some studies to be associated with increased cancer risks. The possible relationship between preserved foods and prostate cancer was investigated in a case-control study in southeast China during 2001-2002 covering 130 histologically confirmed cases and 274 inpatient controls without malignant disease. The total amount of preserved food consumed was positively associated with cancer risk, the adjusted odds ratio being 7.05 (95% CI: 3.12-15.90) for the highest relative to the lowest quartile of intake. In particular, the consumption of pickled vegetables, fermented soy products, salted fish and preserved meats was associated with a significant increase in prostate cancer risk, all with a significant dose-response relationship. Preservatives are, in general, considered unhealthy but should be a high concern in the diet for prostate cancer patients.

6. High salt/sodium foods

Salt is used as a preservative as well as a seasoning. Extensive research has shown that sodium can have a major affect on many areas of health, the most major of which is blood pressure. Restaurant foods in the U.S. have very high sodium levels. Some restaurants are now offering special heart-healthy selections on their menu that is low is salt content. The U.S. is a nation of high sodium additives. The diet for prostate cancer should have a major reduction in any form of salt.

7. High dose zinc supplements

Studies have shown a controversy over the exact amount of zinc to take as a balance for the body. Although several studies have shown that high cellular zinc levels inhibit prostate cancer cell growth, a recent epidemiological study showed an increased risk for prostate cancer in men who took high-dose zinc supplements. Increased cancer risk was seen with very high dose (over 100 mg/day) or long-term (more than 10 years) zinc supplement use. The current tolerable upper intake level for zinc is 40 mg/day, established by the U.S. Institute of Medicine. Thus, it is possible that the subjects in the epidemiological study could have been in the toxic range of zinc intake. As with most therapeutics, higher doses do not always equate with an increase in efficacy.

8. High dose Vitamin E

Take vitamin E, 50 to 100 IU of gamma and d-alpha, only with the approval of your doctor. Some recent studies have raised concerns over serious risks with vitamin E intake. Natural sources include nuts, seeds, olive oil, avocado oil, wheat germ, peas, and nonfat milk.

9. Calorie reduction, in general

Obese men, those with a body mass index (BMI) of over 32.5, are 33 percent more likely to die from prostate cancer if diagnosed. Some studies suggest a relationship between obesity and higher risk, but it is hard to prove a direct link. Consumption of saturated fat and meat may be the determining factor, but the effect of obesity on hormone function may also play a significant role. Further studies are needed to determine the exact relationship between obesity and prostate cancer development.

10. Alcohol

Drink alcohol in moderation. Generally, this means no more than two drinks a day for men. Studies show that regular heavy drinking increases the risk of aggressive prostate cancer.

• Western stats compared to Japan/Asia
• Diet for prostate cancer believed effective
• Best prostate cancer treatment in dietary terms to meet needs to help prevent or battle prostate cancer

Worldwide, prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in men.
According to the November 2007 report by the World Cancer Research Fund, foods containing lycopene and selenium probably protect against prostate cancer. Foods containing calcium are a probably cause of prostate cancer. When you are in the prostate cancer treatment phase you have many symptoms that can cause upset: loss of appetite, feeling tired, taste changes, nausea, sore mouth and throat, diarrhea and constipation. Nutrition is an important factor your diet for prostate cancer, as it keeps your immune system going and to attempt to combat medication affects. Some foods are better at helping you in your cancer battle than others. Make it part of your daily prostate cancer diet mantra to address your nutritional needs as a priority.

Soy – not just for health nuts

Prostate cancer is more prevalent in rare in Japan and Asia. Diet is thought to be a reason for this difference. In a study published in October 2004 by the Urological Sciences Research Foundation found that when Japanese men migrate to the United States and adopt a Western lifestyle, the protection begins to disappear within one generation. The researchers suggested that the western diet containing high animal saturated fats and low soy content may be the contributors to the higher incidences of prostate cancer. Many studies support the role of soy in prevention and possible treatment of prostate cancer. The Louis Warschaw Prostate Cancer Center in California recommends an intake of 35 to 40 grams of soy protein daily. However, it is still not clear whether the benefits are due to its soy protein, or its isoflavones daidzein and genistein, or the combination of them. The best approach is to include soy foods such as tofu, tempeh, soy milk, edamame etc in your diet instead of taking soy isolate supplements. Try to include soy as a portion of your diet for prostate cancer.

Lycopene: Looking at tomatoes a whole new way

Lycopene, is a powerful antioxidant and is found abundant in tomatoes and tomato products. Studies found that lycopene may help reduce some cancer and heart disease. The most compelling evidence so far is the role of lycopene in prostate cancer prevention. In a study of over 40,000 health professionals, Harvard investigators found that men who ate more than 10 servings tomato-based foods daily (like cooked tomatoes and tomato sauce,) had a 35 percent lower risk of developing prostate cancer than those who ate the least amount of these foods. The benefits of lycopene were more pronounced with advanced stages of prostate cancer. Almpost every diet for prostate cancer includes tomatoes.

Selenium: Now that’s more like it

Selenium boosts the body’s antioxidant capacity and is therefore thought to have some ability to control cell damage that may lead to cancer. This is important in the diet for a prostate cancer patient. Selenium may even act in other ways to stop early cancer cells in their development. A recent study also suggested that selenium may enhance immune function, at least in those healthy adults with relatively low blood selenium. So far based on the evidence of animal and epidemiological studies, the role of selenium and cancer is probably the most significant for prostate cancer. In 2004 there were quite a few promising studies published on the potential benefits of selenium in prostate cancer prevention. One particular epidemiological study in the Journal of National Cancer Institute revealed that men with high blood levels of selenium were about half as likely to develop advanced prostate cancer as the men with lower blood selenium. This study had a good sample size (>1000 healthy male) and a long study period of over 13 years. The duration is significant because prostate cancer is a slow growing disease.

Here’s the best part: Enjoy the benefits of selenium! Selenium is found in many foods such as seafood, lean meats, grains, eggs and garlic. It is unknown that how much selenium is enough for men. In addition, we also don’t know if selenium supplements help every man or only some. If you are taking a selenium supplement, the maximum amount from food and supplements considered safe is 400 mcg a day. It’s good to know that you can include some tasty foods as part of your prostate cancer treatment.

Vegetables: Your mother was right

Many types of vegetables can help to prevent cancer and provide protection against cancer. Research has identified many active ingredients found in vegetables and their roles in protection from different types of cancer. The vegetables with the highest anti-cancer activity: garlic, cabbage, soy, ginger; umbelliferous vegetables such as carrots, celery, cilantro, parsley and parsnip. Vegetables with modest anti-cancer activity: onions, flax seed, citrus, cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, Brussels sprouts and cauliflower; solanaceous vegetables such as tomato and peppers.

• Gastro bypass surgery is becoming more and more common as a means of battling severe obesity. With other less invasive surgical procedures for weight loss such as gastric band surgery becoming available people are lining up at the surgical weight loss clinic
• After non surgical weight loss options fail only then should a person consider a gastric weight loss surgery. Gastric bypass complications can occur and even lead to death
• Gastro bypass surgery complications can be drastically reduced by following a strict gastric bypass surgery diet. Below we offer up the top 10 foods of a gastric bypass surgery diet

1.Lean red meat

Lean red meat is rich in protein, relatively low in fat, and has a lot of vitamins and iron. Protein is the essential ingredient needed in a gastric bypass surgery diet because it helps maintain muscle tissue. It also has iron, which can help fight off the common symptom of iron deficiency experienced by gastric band surgery patients.

2.Lean Chicken/Turkey

Lean chicken is also a great source of protein and it has virtually no fat and is low in calories. Turkey is also high in protein and low in fat. It also contains the amino acid tryptophan, which has several health benefits that deal with brain functionality.

3.Multivitamins

Although not a real food it is critical that your body has enough of the essential vitamins and minerals to function properly. Since most surgical procedures for weight loss results in a tiny stomach it is impossible to get all the nutrition needed from whole foods. A good vitamin pack will keep the patient feeling healthy; full of energy, and strong.

4.Protein shakes

An easy, convenient, and delicious way to keep track of calories, vitamins and protein is to have a protein shake. These aren’t just for bodybuilders anymore. The good ones are low in carbs and calories, but have a lot of protein in just one serving. They taste great, are affordable, and convenient to make. They are also a staple for many people pursuing non surgical weight loss.

5.Meal replacement powder

Closely related to the protein shake is the meal replacement powder. These should become a staple in the gastric bypass surgery diet. Not only do they have a lot of protein in them but they are also fortified with most of the essential vitamins and nutrients needed to maintain good health.

6.Fish

Fish is very high in protein and also is rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids cannot be produced by the body and they have been show to promote healthy brain function, decrease heart disease, reduce blood pressure, prevent arthritis, and prevent abnormal heart rhythms.

7.Dairy

Dairy products such as eggs, cheese, and milk are high in calcium which helps maintain strong bones. Extra calcium is needed in the gastric bypass surgery diet because surgical procedures for weight loss cut off the part of the stomach and small intestine where calcium is absorbed. Calcium deficiency is one of the most common gastric bypass complications.

8.Nuts

Many nuts are high in protein and the good kind of fat that helps to maintain muscle tissue and brain function.

9.Fruits

Fruits are rich in vitamins and are a good source of quality carbohydrates that provide energy. They also help keep the body hydrated as this is a common side effect of gastric bypass surgery and gastric band surgery.

10.Vegetables

Low in calories and rich in vitamins and nutrients. Along with protein, vegetables are a staple in the gastric bypass surgery diet.

Gastric weight loss is a life changing experience and can be made more pleasant by following the proper diet. Eat right, exercise and follow physician’s orders so you won’t have to take a trip to the surgical weight loss clinic because of major complications.