FREE MONTHLY LECTURE

GENERAL NUTRITION:
QUESTION & ANSWER SESSION

Date & Time: Wednesday, October 29, 2008
7:00 - 8:30 p.m.
Location: Gelco Spine & Sports Center
1629 West Avenue J, Suite 101
Lancaster, California

Speaker:
Wallace B. Sconiers, Ph.D., Hom, CN

• Doctor of Nutrition and Homeopathy
• Health & Wellness Educator
• Motivational Coach

Dr. Sconiers will discuss the benefits of specific health promoting foods, nutrients and herbs such as whole grains, beans and legumes, garlic, cruciferous vegetables, beta carotene foods and fibers. He will also add insight into the relationship between dietary habits, lifestyles and disease states.
ALL QUESTIONS AND HEALTH CONCERNS
ARE WELCOME.

SEATING IS LIMITED.
Call (661) 729-4533 now to reserve a seat.
Email: DrWallaceSays@aol.com

Monthly Article

STATE OF THE PROSTATE
WHAT IS THE PROSTATE?

Definition: The prostate is a walnut size, dual lobed structure that is composed of muscular and glandular tissue and is located just below the bladder. At this junction, the base of the bladder and the urethra meet. It is at this point that the prostate fits around the bladder neck like a collar. It is also at this very point where the urethra passes from the bladder into the penis where urine is secreted from the bladder and semen is passed down from the seminal vesicles. Unfortunately, the prostate is the most common site of complaints or disorders found in the male genitourinary system.

WHAT DOES THE PROSTATE DO?

The prostate’s primary function is to secrete seminal fluid which is used to nourish and transport sperm through the urethra during ejaculation. This is achieved by contractions from the muscular portion of the prostate.

POSSIBLE PROSTATE CONCERNS

PROSTATITIS is a catch-all term that is used to describe various infections or inflammation found in the prostate gland of men from the ages of 30 to 50. The infection may or may not be sexually transmitted. The condition can be acute, lasting for only a few days, or chronic lasting for many years. The infection can be of bacterial origin or non bacterial. If the infection is of bacterial origin, it can stem from infection originating from the urethra, or other locations elsewhere in the body. The inflammation can cause a partial or total blockage of the flow of urine from the bladder, resulting in urine retention. This can cause the bladder to become distended, weak, tender and susceptible to infection from bacteria buildup in stagnate urine. The urine becomes stagnate when it is not completely emptied from the urinary bladder. Other symptoms include painful urination, an increase in the frequency of urination, discharge from the penis, pain in the abdomen, rectum, and lower back. There may possibly be fever. Such infection must be closely watched to avoid the spread up to the kidneys via the ureters (nephritis).

BENIGN PROSTATIC HYPERTROPHY (BPH) is the enlargement of the prostate gland and occurs in half of all men over the age of 50 and three-fourths of all men over 70, and is due largely to hormonal changes. It is a progressive condition. Although the condition is not cancerous, it can be debilitating and cause serious damage if left unattended. If the prostate is allowed to become too large, it may compress or squeeze against the urethral canal. This action will hinder the normal flow of urine causing a backup into the kidneys. As a result, the kidneys become damaged from back pressure of the urine and/or contaminated urine. This may result in possible kidney infection or nephritis. It is also likely that a bladder infection may occur (cystitis). Often, surgical resection is performed on the area obstructing the urethra. An estimated 350,000 such surgeries are performed for BPH. A cause of BPH is a decrease in the production of the male hormone testosterone after age 40, followed by an increase of prolactin and estradiol levels. Symptoms of BPH include a frequent urge to urinate during the night (nocturia), increased frequency over time, pain, burning, reduced urine force/flow, difficulty in starting and stopping urine flow.

PROSTATE CANCER is the second most frequently occurring malignancy in men following lung cancer. It rarely occurs in men under 60 years of age. Because symptoms are vague, nearly 90% of prostate cancers go undetected until it has spread beyond the most easily treated stage. Symptoms are similar to BPH. Symptoms include blood in the urine, reddish or pink urine, difficulty in voiding the bladder, increasing night urges, burning pain during urination, chronic back, pelvic or suprapubic discomfort. In some cases there may be no symptoms at all. A history of venereal disease and repeated prostatitis have been suspected as a possible link to prostate cancer. Family history does not seem to play a strong role in prostate cancer occurrence. However, diet and environmental factors appear to play a major role in prostate cancer. A cancerous prostate does not feel soft, spongy or rubbery but feels hard and woody or ruff around the edges when examined by hand (digital examination). A doctor must confirm a cancer diagnosis. All men over the age of 45 should have a thorough prostate exam every three years. Some researchers conclude that 80% of all prostate cancers occur in men over 65. The American Cancer Society reported 244,000 new cases with 40,400 deaths in 1995.

WHAT TO DO DIET WISE

The United States Department of Agriculture, The National Cancer Institute, The Surgeon General’s Office, and The Department of Health and Human Services have all agreed that we as Americans must improve our diet and lifestyle in order to combat cancer, heart disease and other degenerative diseases. They suggest we do this by exercising, eating less junk food, eating more fruits and vegetables, and eating nutritious whole grain foods that are high in vitamins, minerals, and fiber. They suggest we eat less of the refined foods that are laded with sugar, sodium, fat and white flour. The prostate is negatively affected by saturated fat, caffeine, alcohol, bacterial infections and fried foods. It is important to drink plenty of water daily.

PROSTATE SUPPORTING NUTRIENTS

Vitamin A (from fish oil): This fat soluble vitamin has a wonderful ability to combat infection, is an anti-inflammatory and aids in strengthening and healing of mucosal and other tissues. Food sources are fish liver oil, liver, carrots, dark-green and yellow leafy vegetables, and yellow fruit. (Eggs, milk and dairy products as a source should be avoided).

Vitamin C with bioflavonoids is essential for the protection, integrity and healing of mucosal and soft tissue. It inhibits histamine release, promotes vasodilation, acts as an anti-inflammatory, protects the vascular system, helps prevent hemorrhage and assists in the formation of connective tissue and serves as a free radical scavenger. Food sources are fresh fruits and all berries, cantaloupe, bell peppers, broccoli, dark-green vegetables, kiwi, citrus fruits, and tomatoes.

Vitamin E is a fatty acid booster and protects the vascular system, enhances circulation, is a strong free radical fighter, has anti-inflammatory properties and supports the immune system. Food sources are whole grains, raw nuts and seeds, wheat germ, blue green algae and sea vegetables.

Zinc acts as an antioxidant, participates in wound healing and tissue repair, supports the immune system and prostate gland, and improves insulin action. Food sources are pumpkin seeds, seafood, soy foods, eggs and meat.

Essential fatty acids (Omega-3's or Omega-6's) supply raw material for proper nervous system formation, assist in the transmission of nerve impulses and are necessary for normal brain function, are vital for proper cellular activity and well-being, offer anti-inflammatory capabilities, and are important for cardiovascular health. EFAs are considered food for the brain. Flax meal and borage oil are the best for adding to protein shakes. Take one tablespoon daily with or without food.

PROSTATE SUPPORTING HERBS

Saw Palmetto: This herb has a history of protecting the prostate gland from enlargement and to prevent or reduce frequent episodes of nocturnal urination. It also supports the male hormonal system and has strong anti-inflammatory properties.

Stinging nettle has been used for centuries to treat allergic nasal symptoms and respiratory problems such as hay fever and asthma and is known to promote healthy urine flow.

Pygeum: This native of Africa has a wonderful reputation for working well to shrink enlarged prostates and to aid in relieving other urinary problems. Works best when combined with saw palmetto and stinging nettles.

Buchu/Cornsilk: These herbs are fine natural diuretics that can assist in voiding the urinary bladder and provide an excellent antiseptic factor for the entire urinary tract.

WHAT TO DO ABOUT CANCER?

As with any cancer concern there must be a comprehensive and wholistic approach that must include diet, family, and personal medical history, genetics, social and lifestyle choices, medications, vocational and profession factors and emotional state. This would be combined with the below immune supporting nutrients and phytochemicals while working closely with your medical doctor/oncologist and qualified nutritionist.

A FEW IMMUNE/ANTI-TUMOR ITEMS

Coenzyme Q10
Vitamin C-1000 milligrams with citrus bioflavonoids
Selenium
Vitamin B-12
B-Complex Vitamins
Vitamin E, 400 IU
Vitamin D
Zinc
Grape Seed/Pine bark
N-Acetylcysteine
Flax Seed Oil
Green Foods (alfalfa, barley green, wheat grass, & spirulina)

Prostate Booklist
Prostate Health in 90 Days..................Larry Clapp, Ph.D., J.D.
Prostate and Cancer.............................Sheldon Marks, M.D.
Prostate Problems................................Jeremy Hamand
Beating Cancer With Nutrition .....Patrick Quillin, Ph.D., RD., CNS
Definitive Guide to Cancer..........Diamond, Cowden and Goldberg
Taber’s Cyclopedic Medical Dictionary....F. A. Davis Company
Alternative Medicine, The Definitive Guide.....Burton Goldberg Group
The American Medical Association Encyclopedia of Medicine..........
Charles B. Clayman, M.D.

Wallace B. Sconiers, Ph.D., Hom, CN
Email: DrWallaceSays@aol.com

For more information and to schedule an
appointment with Dr. Wallace,
please call (661) 729-4533.
Services & Fees: www.drwallacesconiers.net