By Ban Wong, L.Ac.
The American Cancer Society classifies prostate cancer as the most common form
of cancer among U.S. men. According to recent projections, of the 232,090 new
cases to be diagnosed, about 30,350 men will die from prostate cancer. If you
are a man over the age of 40 and prostate cancer runs in your family, it is
extremely advisable to monitor your Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) levels. A
PSA blood test measures the level of a protein released by prostate cells.
Recent experts state that if a PSA level is 2.5 or higher, it reveals the
possibility of prostate growth (hyperplasia), but it does not always mean that
cancer is present. Since PSA levels may fluctuate with infection and lab errors,
usually more than one test over a period of time is done to confirm your PSA
level. Digital Rectal Exam (DRE) and ultrasound are other ways to evaluate the
prostate. However, only biopsies can truly determine whether the growth in the
prostate is benign or malignant.
The prostate gland lies at the base of the bladder surrounding the urethra
(urinary tract from bladder to penis). During ejaculation, the prostate secretes
a fluid that combines with the seminal fluid in order to prevent infection in
the urethra while protecting and invigorating sperm. Due to the aging process,
the prostate naturally enlarges as hormones change and weaken after the age of
40. The swelling of the prostate puts pressure against the bladder and urethra,
thereby affecting the smooth flow of urine. Abnormal patterns of urination such
as higher frequency at night, burning sensation, difficulty, blockage and
dribbling are common symptoms and signs of prostate enlargement.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Approach to Prostate
TCM associates hyperplasia of the prostate with damp heat and kidney deficiency.
After the age of 40, one's vital energy in the kidney system decreases,
resulting in the disturbance of sex hormones. This process also decreases one's
sexual energy, which affects the function of the prostate and the circulation in
this region. Throughout the ages, in order to compensate for the decline of
prostate function, men in China have used regular acupuncture treatments to
improve the circulation and energy in the prostate. To enhance the effect of
acupuncture, they have also used Chinese herbs such as He Shou Wu, in
traditional, custom herbal formulas to replenish the kidney essence. Kidney essence nurtures
the prostate. As the prostate is revitalized, it is now capable of
self-regulating toward normal functioning and maintaining a balance of growth
and non-growth. This is the balancing properties of Chinese medicine.
Diet and Lifestyle Recommendations
TCM nutrition encourages men to eat more nuts, seeds, pumpkin, mushroom and
berries to help nourish their prostates. Managing stress, regular exercise and
massaging the prostate are also vital to help maintain prostate health. Besides
Chinese herbs and western herbs such as saw palmetto, there are many delicious
foods that you can eat to help maintain a healthy prostate. Regular consumption
of foods that contain lycopene (a prostate protective antioxidant) is highly
recommended. The following are foods that contain lycopene: watermelon, pink
grapefruit, guava, papaya, apricot and cooked tomatoes (tomato paste, tomato
soup, tomato juice and marinara sauce). Nutrition experts have expressed concern
that pesticides and herbicides in animal products may trigger cancer growth.
This may be another good reason for you to eat more organic fruits and
vegetables and avoid saturated, high-fat animal products and snacks that contain
hydrogenated or partially-hydrogenated oils. These diet and lifestyle
recommendations may help prevent this pervasive cancer and help invigorate your