Well, here I am in 2011 alive and well with a PSA of less than 1. But I did have radiation treatments a year ago. I continue to follow the regimen as outlined in all my earlier blogs. I have probably become less rigid about their application but still follow diet, exercise, meditation, supplements, massage therapy etc. I feel very well with no known impediments to a healthy and happy life.

ON A PERSONAL NOTE:

I have returned to my blog after much difficulty in getting access to publishing blogs. I think I have it figured out now.

I am 5 years and 8 months out from diagnosis and in very good health. I have still had no conventional treatment but follow a rigorous regimen of diet, exercise, supplements, and meditation as outlined in this blog below.

I continue to be monitored every 6 months with DRE and PSA test.

RESEARCH ON PROSTATE CANCER>

Metabolic syndrome increases risk for prostate and other cancers and it also
inhibits PSA levels which have to be interpreted in a different way, with lower
levels of PSA indicating possible disease in men with this syndrome.

PSA screening may cause psychological harms, and its benefits are uncertain.

Stress-related psychological factors may increase cancer rates and cancer death
rates, and decrease survival times.

Certain interpersonal styles, specifically interpersonal sensitivity may complicate
the recovery of sexual function after radical prostatectomy for prostate cancer.

To improve the experience of prostate cancer care for patients, health care
providers should identify and respond to each individual’s information needs and
preferences regarding decision-making.

There was some preventive benefit for the men taking soy protein in this study.

Soy protein isolate reduces androgen expression in the prostate, which may help
prevent prostate cancer.

Soy protein supplementation may benefit men at risk of developing advanced
prostate cancer.

Long-term vitamin E supplementation may reduce risk of advanced prostate
cancer.

A ‘male lumpectomy’ can successfully treat some prostate cancers, while
preserving urinary continence and sexual potency.

Prostate cancer patients treatments choices are determined by physician specialty
rather than patient preference.

Men who have had EBRT end up with a higher incidence of urinary and
gastrointestinal symptoms than other men of the same age.

From.........Inspire Health Research Summaries, Vancouver, B.C.

This report summarizes the scientific evidence, translated in easy to
understand language, following is important information
for men with prostate cancer to know to optimally support their
health:


Active surveillance is an underused treatment option that should be carefully
considered by eligible men with early-stage prostate cancer.

Active surveillance is a safe option for some men with early-stage prostate cancer.

Acupuncture may help reduce urinary side effects in men treated with radical
prostatectomy for prostate cancer.

Although alcohol increases the risk of other types of cancer, it does not appear to
increase the risk of developing prostate cancer.

Overweight/obesity and high C-peptide concentrations both increase risk prostate
cancer and the likelihood of dying from prostate cancer. Patients with both have
the worst outcome.

Men with high blood calcium levels are at increased risk of fatal prostate cancer.

If you are already taking statins it is possible they may lower your risk of
advanced prostate cancer.

Men with low blood cholesterol levels have a reduced risk of aggressive prostate
cancer.

Resistance exercise is beneficial for men undergoing androgen deprivation therapy
for prostate cancer; it does not impact testosterone suppression and can increase
physical fitness.

Longer and more intense exercise is needed to decrease risk of prostate cancer.

High blood levels of IGF-1 moderately increase risk of prostate cancer.

Telephone-based diet counseling decreases fat intake, and significantly increases
vegetable intake and blood levels of carotenoids in men with prostate cancer.

Plant-based diets may slow PSA increase in men with recurrent prostate cancer
through weight loss and by improving hormone levels in the body.

From.........Inspire Health Research Summaries, Vancouver, B.C.

Six Reasons to Eat Blueberries

Any way you buy them - fresh, frozen or dried - blueberries are packed with nutritional power.

If you need any reason other than their taste to snack on blueberries, keep these nutritional vignettes in mind:
Anthocyanins – the pigments that make blueberries blue - are potent antioxidants: A half cup of blueberries provides the antioxidant power of five servings of peas, carrots, apples, squash or broccoli.
Berries are a healthy, low glycemic-index carbohydrate, an especially good choice for diabetics.
Blueberries are a source of vitamin C, important for a healthy immune system.
Blueberries offer two grams of fiber per one-half cup serving.
Blueberries have shown promise in addressing the effects of aging: animal studies have shown improved motor skills and a reversal of age-related short-term memory loss.
Blueberries may have health benefits ranging from preventing cancer and defending against urinary tract infections to protecting the brain from stroke damage and reducing heart disease risks.

Look for organic blueberries at your local produce stand, and toss some in a salad, on cereal, as a snack, or make a blueberry pie. If fresh organic blueberries are cost prohibitive, substitute with frozen or dried blueberries - all three forms provide health-protective benefits. Keep in mind that dried blueberries are a concentrated source of sugar, so enjoy them in moderation.

....from Dr. Weil website

Posh pomegranate

Article By: Cynthia Ross Cravit

Packed with antioxidants, this ruby red fruit could help to prevent heart disease and prostate cancer.

The pomegranate, popular in Greek mythology, is enjoying a surge in popularity. New products featuring this versatile fruit – foods, beverages, and cosmetics – are popping up everywhere. In fact, in the US, 258 new pomegranate products were introduced last year, up from 19 in 2002, according to Datamonitor's Productscan Online which tracks new products.

From the Oscars' Red Carpet Martinis (vodka, Grand Marnier and pomegranate juice, garnished with a gold leaf) to pomegranate chewing gum, lip gloss and shaving cream just to name a few, pomegranate seems to be the ingredient of choice. But the juiciest part is that in this case, trendy also means healthy.

Pomegranate, which has been used for centuries for medicinal purposes, has proven to have a variety of modern health benefits, according to a report
in The Seattle Times.

Vitamin D for Longer Life

Taking vitamin D supplements could help you live longer. That’s the latest word from a French analysis of 18 studies looking at the effects of taking vitamin D. More than 57,000 individuals took part in the 18 trials. All told, the investigators found a seven percent reduction in all causes of death among the study participants who had taken vitamin D over an average follow-up period of 5.7 years. The doses taken varied widely, from 300 to 2,000 IU daily, but averaged 528 IU. The researchers said that they don’t know why people who took vitamin D in these studies had a lower risk of death than those who didn’t supplement, but vitamin D deficiencies are associated with illness such as cancer, heart disease and diabetes, and improving vitamin D status may have reduced the risk of developing those life-threatening diseases. The study was published in the September 10, 2007 issue of the Archives of Internal Medicine


...from Dr. Weil website

GETTING RID OD INFLAMMATORY FOODS.

An important first step in creating a healthy kitchen is to read and understand food labels. When you begin restocking your pantry, food labels are your best resource to assess what to keep and what to toss. This practice will also give you an overview of your choices in the supermarket, and is a good starting point to modify your shopping habits. Use the list below to determine what items to discard. Many of these ingredients are considered pro-inflammatory and therefore unfavorable to healthy aging. If the list of ingredients contains one or more of these undesirables, toss and don't buy again!

Animal fat, such as lard
Artificial sweeteners or non-nutritive sweeteners
Coconut oil
Corn oil
Cottonseed oil
Fractionated oil
High fructose corn syrup (HFCS)
Hydrogenated oil or vegetable shortening
Margarine
Palm or palm kernel oil
Partially hydrogenated oil (source of trans-fat)
Blended vegetable oils
Safflower oil
Soybean oil
Sunflower oil


....from Dr. Weil website

FOODS AND CANCER

A healthy diet can help the body in its efforts to heal itself, and in some cases, particular foods can strengthen the immune system and lessen the risks of serious illness. To help reduce your risk of some types of cancer, try the following:

Avoid polyunsaturated vegetable oils, margarine, vegetable shortening, all partially hydrogenated oils, and all foods that might contain trans-fatty acids (such as deep-fried foods).

Increase omega-3 fatty acids by eating more cold water oily fish, freshly ground flaxseeds, and walnuts.

Reduce consumption of animal foods and try to replace them with vegetable proteins such as whole soy products.

Use hormone-free, organically produced products whenever possible.

Eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables.

Eat shiitake, enokitake, maitake, and oyster mushrooms frequently.

Drink green tea daily.


...from Dr. Weil website

Testosterone linked to cancers

BY SHARON KIRKEYCanwest News Service

H o r m o n e s u p p l e m e n t s , already shown to be harmful to women, may pose an “ urgent” h e a l t h r i s k t o m e n , s o m e researchers are warning.

Doctors who treated two men who developed unusually aggressive and fatal prostate cancer within months of them taking the same over- the- counter supplement for stronger muscles and “ enhanced sexual performance” say testosterone supplements may promote the growth of prostate cancer and stop anticancer drugs from working.

“ Given that testosterone supplements are in high demand, there is significant concern that HHDS ( herbal/ hormonal dietary supplements) other than the one evaluated in the current study may pose an urgent h u m a n health risk,” University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center researchers report in the journal, Clinical Cancer Research.
F o r l e g a l r e a s o n s t h e researchers won’t name the supplement, which was removed from the market, and say they have no direct proof that it caused the prostate cancers.
But a leading Canadian urologist warns that men who take nutritional supplements advertised as having male hormones are “ really playing with fire.”

“ Many men are on androgen replacement therapy or some kind of male hormone replacement and there’s always been a concern this may stimulate the growth of prostate cancer cells,” says Dr. Laurence Klotz, chief of the division of urology at Toronto’s Sunnybrook Health Science Centre.
“ It’s a very controversial question and the answer is still not clear.”

...from Vancouver Sun

Three Reasons You Should Take Supplements

While there is ongoing debate over optimal use of supplements and their effectiveness, and while supplements cannot take the place of a healthy diet, Dr. Weil recommends them for a variety of reasons:

1. A good daily multivitamin/multi-mineral supplement can work as insurance against gaps in the diet - for example, to cover those days when you are on the road and simply can't get the fruits and vegetables you need.

2. The more regularly we supply our bodies with antioxidants and phytonutrients, the better our nutritional requirements will be met on a daily basis, and the better our overall health will be.

3. Supplements can provide natural therapeutic agents in optimal dosages that may be difficult to obtain from diet alone, and that may help prevent and address age-related diseases


...from Dr. Weil website.

Vitamin D - the sunshine vitamin - may be a potent defense against cancer.

Vitamin D has long been linked with the body's ability to maintain healthy bones and prevent the onset of osteoporosis. And now yet another study adds to the body of evidence that says the “sunshine vitamin” may also help to cut the risk of cancer.

The four-year study, conducted at Creighton University in Nebraska, found that people who took calcium and vitamin D and had higher levels in their blood were 77 per cent less likely to develop cancer after the first year, compared to those who took placebos or only calcium. The study involved 1,024 women over the age of 55.

Based on this finding, the Canadian Cancer Society now recommends that adults take vitamin D – but with caution. After consulting a doctor or healthcare provider, the society suggests that Adults living in Canada
consider taking vitamin D supplementation of 1,000 international units (IU) a day during the fall and winter.

• Adults at higher risk of having lower vitamin D levels should consider taking Vitamin D supplementation of 1,000 IU/day all year round. This includes people who are older, have dark skin and don't go outside often or wear clothing that covers most of their skin.

“We're recommending 1,000 IUs daily because the current evidence suggests this amount will help reduce cancer risk with the least potential for harm,” says Heather Logan, Director, Cancer Control Policy, Canadian Cancer Society. “More research is needed to clearly define the amount of Vitamin D that will maximize health benefits.”

....from MSN Health website.

MORE ON VITAMIN D

Vitamin D is essential for strong bones, and a growing body of evidence suggests that it also protects against some types of cancer and multiple sclerosis. Now comes word that a deficiency of “D” raises the risk of heart attack. This finding comes from the famed Framingham Heart Study and was published in the Jan. 7, 2008 rapid access journal report of Circulation: Journal of the American Heart Association. Researchers looked at 1,739 offspring (average age 59) of the participants of the Framingham study and found that those with blood levels of vitamin D below 15 nanograms per milliliter (ng/mL) had twice the risk of heart attack, heart failure or stroke in the next five years compared with those with higher levels of “D.” They also found an increase in cardiovascular risk with each level of vitamin D deficiency and noted that in many areas of the United States 20 to 30 percent of the population has moderate to severe vitamin D deficiency, due to lack of sun exposure, dark skin that prevents absorption of the sun’s rays (which triggers vitamin D production in the body), and a diet lacking in vitamin D enriched foods.

...from Dr. Weil website

PERSONAL UPDATE.

It is now 4 years and 7 months since I was diagnosed with prostate cancer. I have had no conventional treatments but continue a disciplined regimen of exercise, diet, supplements and a spiritual quest. My condition is stable and my PSA is 6.6.

FRUIT - VEGETABLES CITED IN PROSTATE RESEARCH.

Low fat, plant based diets may help prevent or slow the progression of prostate cancer, according to a new research review. A number of studies, though not all, have suggested that eating plenty of fruits and vegetables may help ward off prostate cancer, while "Western" style diets heavy in animal fat and dairy products may increase a man's risk of developing the disease. In the current study, researchers reviewed 25 previously published studies that examined the effects of plant-based diets on prostate cancer development or progression.

....from Vancouver Sun, September, 2007.

Vitamin D increases life expectancy, study finds

Updated Mon. Sep. 10 2007 4:12 PM ET
Angela Mulholland, CTV.ca News

An intriguing new study finds that those who take vitamin D supplements can increase their life expectancies by one to two years.
The study, published in the Archives of Internal Medicine, is just the latest to add to the growing body of evidence that "the sunshine vitamin" is not just good for strengthening bones but also appears to increase survival.
Past studies have suggested that vitamin D deficiencies might be associated with a higher risk of death from cancer, heart disease and diabetes -- illnesses that account for 60 to 70 per cent of deaths in high-income nations.
This study finds that taking extra vitamin D brings health benefits, even in the short term.
This study looked at the results of 18 previously published studies involving a total of 57,311 participants.
Dr. Philippe Autier, of the International Agency for Research on Cancer, Lyon, France, and Sara Gandini, of the European Institute of Oncology, Milano, Italy, analyzed the studies and evaluated doses of vitamin D ranging from 300 to 2,000 international units, with an average dose of 528 international units.
Most commercially available supplements contain between 400 and 1,000 international units.
After an average of 5.7 years, those participants who took vitamin D had a seven per cent lower risk of death than those who did not.
"We had a reduction in all-cause mortality after a follow-up of about six years. So it means that may represent something like an increase of two to three years of your life expectancy," Autier told CTV News.
"With vitamin D, you could say yes, finally, if there is one supplement to take, with all the evidence so far, the best is to take vitamin D -- ordinary doses of vitamin D, not high doses."
The editorial that accompanies the article points out that the study did not consider specific causes of death. The studies were generally short, so the impact of vitamin D was seen on diseases that express themselves in a shorter period of time. For chronic diseases that have a long period of time to develop, the impact of vitamin D would be underestimated by this analysis.
The authors note that it's not clear how vitamin D supplementation lowers death risk. They say it could be that the vitamin inhibits some mechanisms by which cancer cells multiply and grow. Or, it may boost the function of blood vessels or the immune system, they note.
Where the sun don't shine
The editorial notes that vitamin D supplements may simply be compensating for a deficiency that many people appear to have.
"In recent years, an increasing number of researchers from various fields have been arriving at the conclusion that the levels of vitamin D in many people are inadequate for optimal health," the editorial reads.
Heather Chappell of the Canadian Cancer Society says this latest study supports the growing body of evidence of the health benefits of vitamin D. It also supports their recommendations, issued earlier this year, that the entire adult population of Canada begin taking vitamin D supplementation.
"We want to remind Canadians that in Canada, the sun is not strong enough in the fall and winter to produce enough vitamin D. So the Cancer Society recommends that adults start talking 1,000 IU of vitamin D daily.
"The sun's rays become less strong as we move into the fall, so people should start taking a supplement in the fall and winter... probably near the end of September."
Toronto physician, Dr. Linda Rapson says she finds that many of her patients with chronic pain and other ailments are also deficient in vitamin D.
"I have seen people with levels so low that their muscles are weak and they can't get out of a chair easily. After a couple of weeks of taking vitamin D, there is a huge change," she says.
"I think people should be aware vitamin D is essential, that you have to take it. And you don't just take it for a while and you are fine; you have to keep taking it."

.

...With a report from CTV medical specialist Avis Favaro and producer Elizabeth St. Philip

Six Simple Tips for Prostate Health

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a noncancerous enlargement of the prostate gland, common in American and European men over the age of 50. While the actual cause is not completely understood, experts believe it is closely linked to hormone levels. Try the following to help reduce the risk of BPH:

Eat a diet low in saturated and trans-fats, focusing instead on the healthier monounsaturated and omega-3 fats.

Eat more whole soy foods. Asian men have a lower risk of BPH and some researchers believe it is related to their intake of soy foods.

Avoid symptom triggers such as caffeine and alcohol, which increase the need to urinate and may irritate the bladder.

Avoid constipation by increasing fiber in your diet. The pressure from constipation may make the symptoms of BPH worse.

Have regular check-ups. The National Institute on Aging recommends that men get regular medical checkups including a prostate exam.

Try Saw palmetto (Serenoa repens). If symptoms of BPH do occur, try managing them with saw palmetto. The best form to use is an extract standardized to 85-95% total fatty acids. Use 160 mg twice a day. Although saw palmetto does not shrink the size of the prostate, it often helps promote healthy function and decreases symptoms.

Consider herbs and nutrients such as green tea extract, stinging nettle root, ginger, rosemary, zinc, lycopene, and selenium. All have been shown to help maintain and promote normal prostate health.

Keep in mind that it may take at least eight weeks of using these supplements before you see a positive change in your symptoms. Be sure to consult your physician and discuss any medications you are taking - including supplements - to avoid interactions.

.

.

....from Dr. Weil website

Pomegranate Juice Fights Prostate Cancer

Pomegranate juice seems to be appearing on more and more store shelves these days, and it is a fortuitous trend. The delicious, deep-red juice is high in health-protective antioxidants and ellagic acid, a potent anti-carcinogen. Good news on the pomegranate front can be found in a UCLA study published in the July 1, 2006, issue of Clinical Cancer Research. The three-year clinical trial concluded that drinking an eight-ounce glass of the juice daily quadrupuled the period in which prostate-specific antigens (PSA) levels in men treated for prostate cancer remained stable.
The study involved 50 men who had undergone surgery or radiation but who quickly exhibited increases in PSA, a sign that their cancers were progressing again. The UCLA team saw positive changes in the average doubling time (increasing from 15 to 54 months) in the men who drank juice.
This makes perfect sense to me. The healing power of deep-colored fruits and vegetables is being confirmed in laboratories around the world. Black raspberries are being shown to have similar action against some cancers; read about it here. Foods that inhibit or in some cases even heal tumors in cancer patients offer lowered risk of cancer for the rest of us, and everyone should eat - or drink - them regularly.

.

...from Dr. Weil website

LINK BETWEEN CRUCIFEROUS VEGETABLES AND PROSTATE CANCER.

Canadian research led by Cancer Care Ontario has found a link between a diet rich in cruciferous vegetables and lower rates of aggressive prostate cancer.

.
The study examined the eating habits and cancer severity of 1,338 men living with the disease and found that:
Fruit and vegetable consumption was not related to prostate cancer risk overall

.
Risk of aggressive prostate cancer (stage III or IV) decreased with increased vegetable intake

.
The most prostate-healthy vegetables were cruciferous vegetables, especially broccoli and cauliflower

.
Past studies have looked at the link between vegetable intake and prostate cancer risk but findings have been inconsistent and the data on advanced prostate cancer (stage III or IV) is limited.

.
The current study is part of a larger long-term prospective randomized screening trial (the Prostate, Lung, Colorectal and Ovarian Cancer Screening Trial). It is published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute.

.

.

...from Prostate Cancer Research Foundation of Canada.

FINDING MAY END UNECESSARY PROSTATE SURGERIES.

.

Scientists have found a new way to identify a particularly deadly form of prostate cancer in a breakthrough that could save tens of thousands of men from undergoing uncessary surgery each year.

.

In contrast to many cancers, only certain prostate tumours require treatment. Many are slow-growing and pose little threat to health. But separating the "tigers" from the "pussycats" - as oncologists dub them - is tricky.

.

Now that is set to change with research published on Monday showing how a genetic variation within tumour cells can signal if a patient has a potentially fatal form of the disease.

.

"This will provide an extra degree of certainty as to whether a cancer is going to be aggressive or indolent, and that's really what we want to know," Colin Cooper professor of molecular biology at Britain's Institute of Cancer Research, says.

.

"Many people get treated radically but probably two-thirds of them never needed treating," he added.

.

.

...from The Vancouver Sun, July 17, 2007.

A PERSONAL UPDATE.

I was diagnosed with prostate cancer in May, four years ago. My Gleason score was 6 and my PSA was 4.4. I have had no conventional treatment, but have a disciplined regimen of diet, exercise, and lifestyle change. (see website for details). I report to the Cancer Clinic every six months for a DRE and a PSA review. I have just had my most recent visit. My PSA is 5.8, and on examination, I am "stable." Overall, my health is excellent. I am thankful!

DR. WEIL ON LYCOPENE RESEARCH.

What do you think of the study showing that eating tomatoes offers no protection against prostate cancer and that, in fact, consumption of large amounts of beta carotene may increase the incidence of aggressive prostate cancer?
.
Answer (Published 6/18/2007)
The study you're talking about got a lot of publicity, but I wouldn't rush to dismiss the cancer-protective effect of lycopene found in tomatoes on the basis of these findings.
.
Here's what happened: researchers from the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle selected men already enrolled in the Prostate, Lung, Colorectal and Ovarian Screening Trial sponsored by the National Cancer Institute. A total of 28,243 people between the ages of 55 and 74 participated in the study. None of the male participants had a history of prostate cancer when they signed up. Over eight years, 692 of the men developed prostate cancer and were matched to 844 men in the study who did not. The investigators found no significant difference in blood levels of lycopene between the men who developed cancer and those who didn't. Lycopene is the red carotenoid pigment in tomatoes believed to account for lower prostate cancer risk in men who eat more tomato products. The investigators also saw an increased risk of aggressive prostate cancer (disease that has spread beyond the gland) among men whose blood levels of beta carotene was higher than it was among other men in the study. (Beta-carotene is a related pigment in the carotenoid family, found in many brightly colored fruits and vegetables, including tomatoes.)
.
While this study was widely touted as including more than 28,000 men, the conclusion was based on data from just over 1,500. Instead of carefully following diets for eight years and then comparing consumption of lycopene-rich food to the development of prostate cancer, they selected those who had already developed prostate cancer and tried to make assumptions from blood levels of carotenoids. And while these investigators concluded that on the basis of their retrospective analytical methods lycopene and other carotenoids had no effect on prostate cancer, we have very good evidence from other studies that lycopene does in fact lower the risk.
.
The FDA scrutinized this evidence very carefully before deciding in 2005 that tomato-based products could carry the claim that they may reduce the risks of prostate, gastric, ovarian, and pancreatic cancers. I don't think this latest study makes a compelling case against the findings of earlier trials, many of which were actually designed to look at the lycopene/cancer-risk connection, rather than draw conclusions after cancer developed.
.
....from DR. Weil website

BOOK: A GUIDE TO PROSTATE HEALTH.

.

I have read extensively about prostate cancer and I must tell you that the book noted below is the best! It is a sound discussion of conventional and alternatives approaches. It is informing and very helpful. It is practical....a doable regimen. It is current in its discussion of treatment, nutrition and exercise etc. AND it is written by an MD!

.

Name of Book: DR. KATZ'S GUIDE TO PROSTATE HEALTH: From Conventional to Holistic Therapies.

.

Author: AARON E. KATZ, M.D. (Director of the Center For Holistic Urology, Columbia University Medical Center).

.

Publisher: FREEDOM PRESS, 1801 Chart Trail, Topanga, California. 90290.

(info@freedompressonline.com).

.

Published in 2006.

Landmark Health Study Suggests Taking Vitamin D Supplements

May Prevent Thousands of Cancer Cases in Canada Each Year

“The most important cancer prevention study ever published” says InspireHealth

MEDIA RELEASE
VANCOUVER, BC (June 8, 2007) – Vancouver-based InspireHealth – Canada’s leader in
integrated cancer care and prevention - today announced that a newly-released U.S. study,
which provides evidence that Vitamin D substantially reduces the risk of cancer development, is
the most important cancer prevention study ever published.

The study released today by researchers from Creighton University in Nebraska is a doubleblind,
randomized placebo-controlled trial – the highest standard in medical research, and is
being published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.

“The study shows that in women over 55, Vitamin D supplementation may be able to reduce
cancer incidence by 60 per cent. That’s a staggering finding,” said Dr. Hal Gunn, M.D.,
Co-Founder and CEO of InspireHealth. “Translated into numbers, more than 35,000 Canadian
women could be saved from getting cancer each year. If Vitamin D is helpful for younger
women and men as well - which seems likely based on other evidence - the numbers are even
greater. This is remarkable for something as simple as Vitamin D supplementation.”

Physicians at InspireHealth, aware of the growing body of research supporting the use of
Vitamin D in recent years, have been prescribing Vitamin D for cancer prevention and
treatment for the last 10 years since InspireHealth’s founding in 1997. “Over the last 15 years,
there has been a growing body of research showing that Vitamin D plays a very important role
in the prevention of cancer of the colon, breast, prostate, lung, stomach, bladder, pancreas,
uterus and ovary,” said Dr. Gunn. “This new study proves that link, and demonstrates that
Vitamin D supplementation may provide a simple means to prevent the majority of cancer
cases.”

“In short, this study clearly indicates for the first time, we may have a simple and effective
means to prevent the majority of cancer cases, and put an end to the cancer epidemic that has
plagued the western world for the last century,” said Dr. Gunn. “The Vitamin D study is a
landmark study in cancer prevention.”

PROSTATE HEALTH.

Yesterday we discussed diet and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) as part of Men's Health Month; today's Daily Tip discusses nutritional supplements for prostate health. The following have been shown to have a positive effect on the prostate, and may help to prevent or lessen the risk of BPH and other prostate-related conditions:

Saw palmetto (Serenoa repens). If symptoms of BPH do occur, try managing them with saw palmetto. The best form to use is a standard extract of 160 mg twice a day. Although saw palmetto does not shrink the size of the prostate, it often helps promote healthy function and decreases symptoms.

Herbs and nutrients such as green tea extract, stinging nettle root, ginger, rosemary, zinc, lycopene, and selenium have been shown to help maintain and promote normal prostate health.
Keep in mind that it may take at least eight weeks of using these supplements before you see an improvement of your symptoms. Be sure to consult your physician and discuss any medications you are taking - including supplements - to avoid interactions.

...from Dr. Weil website

BPH.

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a common, noncancerous enlargement of the prostate gland, common in American and European men over the age of 50. While the actual cause is not completely understood, experts believe it is closely linked to hormone levels. Try the following to help reduce the risk of BPH:

Eat a diet low in saturated and trans-fats, focusing instead on the healthier monounsaturated and omega-3 fats.

Eat more whole soy foods. Asian men have a lower risk of BPH and some researchers believe it is related to their intake of soy foods.

Avoid symptom triggers such as caffeine and alcohol, which increase the need to urinate and may irritate the bladder. Avoid constipation by increasing fiber in your diet. The pressure from constipation may make the symptoms of BPH worse.

Have regular check-ups. The National Institute on Aging recommends that men get regular medical checkups including a prostate exam.
.
...from Dr. Weil website

Vitamin D dramatically cuts cancer risk: study

Updated Thu. Jun. 7 2007 6:26 PM ET
CTV.ca News Staff

A landmark new study is raising the tantalizing spectre that a simple and cheap vitamin supplement may offer a highly effective way of preventing cancer.

The research, published in the online edition of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, finds that a combination of vitamin D3 and calcium has a substantially marked effect on reducing cancer incidence.

The four-year study out of Creighton University in Nebraska found that women who regularly took vitamin D3 had a 60 per cent reduction in cancer infections compared to a group taking placebos.

The study followed 1,179 healthy, women 55 years and older from rural eastern Nebraska between 2000 and 2005. Participants were randomly assigned to receive 1400-1500 mg of calcium alone, or supplemental calcium plus 1,100 IU vitamin D3, or placebo.

The researchers studied only vitamin D3, which comes from animal sources and seems to be more active than vitamin D2, which is derived from plant sources.

Among the 288 women taking placebo, 20 developed breast, colon, lung or another form of cancer. Among the 445 women taking just calcium, 17 developed cancer. But among the largest group -- the 446 women taking vitamin D daily -- just 13 developed cancer.

"What we found is that a vitamin D supplement decreased the cancer incidence in postmenopausal women by about 60 per cent," lead investigator Joan Lappe, an associate professor of both medicine and nursing at Creighton University, told CTV News.

On the premise that some of the women who did develop cancer may have entered the study with undiagnosed cancers, researchers then eliminated the first-year results and looked at the last three years of the study. When they did that, the results became even more dramatic with the calcium/vitamin D3 group showing a startling 77 per cent cancer-risk reduction.

"The findings are very exciting. They confirm what a number of vitamin D proponents have suspected for some time but that, until now, have not been substantiated through clinical trial," said Lappe.

"Vitamin D is a critical tool in fighting cancer as well as many other diseases."
While the study was open to all ethnic groups, all participants were Caucasian, she noted. Lappe said further studies are needed to determine whether the results apply to different ethnic groups, to men, and to women of all ages.

This is not the first time that researchers have noted the health benefits of vitamin D. In February, two studies found that the vitamin was linked to lower rates of breast cancer and colorectal cancer. The "sunshine vitamin," as it's sometimes called, has also been shown to kill some cancer cells in laboratory experiments.

"There's a lot of evidence out there that populations in first world countries are deficient in vitamin D and if you give them more, we can prevent cancers and other diseases that have been reported to be prevented with vitamin D," said Lappe.

Humans can absorb vitamin D when ultraviolet rays from the sun trigger vitamin D synthesis in our skin. But because of our short summers in Canada and our latitude, most Canadians don't get anywhere near enough of it all year long.

That's why Dr. Reinhold Vieth, who has conducted numerous studies of vitamin D at Toronto's Mount Sinai Hospital, believes every Canadian could benefit from taking a vitamin D supplement.

"The vitamin D story is what I call a 'no-lose' proposition. Take it. You can only win," he told CTV News.

Four Tips to a Healthy Immune System

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Your immune system is your interface with the environment. A healthy immune system is the cornerstone of good health - it allows you to come in contact with germs, allergens and carcinogens, helping to avoid infections, allergic reactions and cancer.

Immune deficiency can be avoided with preventive measures:
Maintain good oral hygiene (gum infections can use up a lot of the body's immune resources).
Use antibiotics only when absolutely necessary and avoid immunosuppressive drugs unless there are no other alternatives left to consider.
Cut back on sugar and stop eating polyunsaturated vegetable oils and artificially hardened fats - instead use olive oil and eat fresh fruits when craving something sweet.
Don't forget moderate exercise - it can raise the level of your body's natural killer cells.

...from Dr. Weil website

FISH OIL SUPPLEMENTS.

We all need essential fatty acids for optimum health, but most Americans are eating too many omega-6 fatty acids (mainly from vegetable oils), and not enough omega-3 fatty acids (found in oily fish, walnuts and freshly ground flaxseed). This imbalance can lead to an increased risk of heart disease, inflammatory conditions, cancer and other health concerns. While eating several servings of oily fish (Dr. Weil prefers wild Alaskan salmon and sardines) per week is a start, you may want to take fish oil supplements, especially if you don't enjoy fish. Available in liquid or capsule forms, fish oil is effective at helping to reduce blood pressure, is beneficial to the nervous system, can help treat mild to moderate depression, and more. Look for capsules or oil that are certified free of contaminants, and begin with small daily doses, building up to the recommended amount.
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from....Dr. Weil website

CENTER FOR INTEGRATED HEALING CHANGES NAME.

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Welcome - A New Name, New Identity & Ten Year Anniversary
The Centre for Integrated Healing has a new name - InspireHealth. Our new identity reflects our vision and belief that personal empowerment and engagement in health through nutrition, exercise and emotional and spiritual support are vitally important foundations to optimal cancer care, prevention, health and healing.
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With 10 years of experience, our programs have become the new standard in integrative cancer care – at the forefront of a patient-driven movement to engage in health while undergoing cancer treatment. Our physicians guide patients in optimally supporting their health and creating a personalized cancer care plan integrated with their conventional treatments. This integrative approach, which engages mind, body and spirit, optimally supports health and there is growing evidence that it is of vital importance in the treatment of cancer.
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Check them out at www.inspirehealth.ca.

A Diet to Protect Against Cancer

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A healthy diet can help the body in its efforts to heal itself, and in some cases, particular foods can strengthen the immune system and lessen the risks of serious illness. To help reduce your risk of some types of cancer, try the following:
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Avoid polyunsaturated vegetable oils, margarine, vegetable shortening, all partially hydrogenated oils, and all foods that might contain trans-fatty acids (such as deep-fried foods).
Increase omega-3 fatty acids by eating more cold water oily fish, freshly ground flaxseeds, and walnuts.
Reduce consumption of animal foods and try to replace them with vegetable proteins such as whole soy products.
Use hormone-free, organically produced products whenever possible.
Eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables.
Eat shiitake, enokidake, maitake, and oyster mushrooms frequently.
Drink green tea daily.
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from....Dr. Weil website

PROMISING CANCER RESEARCH.

A new class of compounds developed by two university of Kentucky researchers shows promise as a nontoxic treatment of some cancers previously treated with toxic chemotherapy.

In a study published in the academic journal Chemistry and Biology, researchers describe a compound that acts directly on LMP2, a component of the immune proteasome variant that has been identified as abundantly expressed in certain types of tumours, including some prostate cancers.

The compound dubbed UK-101, inhibits LMP2 while not attacking normal cells, indicating that it could be an effective cancer treatment that does not produce the kinds of unpleasant side effects repoted by many patients currently treated with broadly acting proteasome inhibitors and chemotherapeutics.

NUTS.

Nuts, especially Brazil nuts, contain high levels of antioxidants such as quercetin and kampferol and the mineral selenium - all helping suppress cancer activity.

SPICY VEGETABLES.

Spicy vegetables such as chili peppers and jalapenos contain capsaican that helps neutralize cancer - causing nitosamines.