The term essential fatty acid refers to a fatty acid, which the body cannot manufacture and must obtain from dietary sources. These essential fatty acids were originally designated as Vitamin F, until it was realized that they must be classified with the fats.³ There are two fatty acids designated as essential fatty acids: linoleic acid and alphalinolenic acid. This does not mean that the other 15 or so fatty acids found in the omega 3, 6 and 9 groups aren’t important, just that a healthy body can manufacture them as long as it gets enough linoleic acid and alpha-linolenic acid. Nevertheless, research demonstrates that there are health benefits to be had by obtaining some of the other non-essential fatty acids directly; more on this later. Now let’s discuss the roles of essential fatty acids (EFAs) in the body, as well as sources of EFAs.

Roles and sources of essential fatty acids
The body uses essential fatty acids (EFAs) for the formation of healthy cell membranes, the proper development and functioning of the brain and nervous system, and for the production of hormone-like substances called eicosanoids (thromboxanes, leukotrienes, prostaglandins). These chemicals regulate numerous body functions including blood pressure, blood viscosity, vasoconstriction, immune and inflammatory responses.⁴

Dietary sources of the omega 6 fatty acids include some leafy vegetables, seeds nuts, grains, vegetable oils and meats. Dietary sources of the omega 3 fatty acids include some vegetable oils, nuts and seeds, shellfish and fish.⁵ Dietary supplement sources of essential fatty acids and nonessential fatty acids include Evening Primrose oil, Borage oil, Flax seed oil and Fish oils (marine lipid concentrate). Now let’s take a look at some of these individual dietary supplement sources of essential fatty acids, and the benefits they have to offer.

Evening Primrose & Borage Oils: Sources of GLA The oils from the Evening Primrose plant and Borage seed are rich in the omega 6 fatty acid, gamma linolenic acid (GLA); as well as EFAs. Although fatty acids are found in significant quantities in a variety of plants, GLA is only found in a few. GLA is a precursor to various natural chemicals found in the body. Among these are prostaglandins, a type of short-term hormone-like substances, which play a variety of roles in the body. Published research on these sources of GLA have demonstrated them to be useful in PMS^{6,7,8,9,10,11}, pregnancy and lactation^12,13, inflammatory conditions^14,15, rheumatoid arthritis^16,17,18, skin conditions^{19,20,21,22,23,24,25,26,27,28,29,20,32,32,33,34}, stress and performance^35,36, as well as migraine headaches.³⁷ Furthermore, the unique balance of GLA to EFAs in any one of these sources may have a distinct benefit over another source depending on the condition in question. For more detailed information on EPO and BO, read the Intelligent Supplementation article, “GLA: Gamma Linolenic Acid from Evening Primrose & Borage Oils.”

Fish Oils: Sources of EPA/DHA Omega 3 fatty acids
Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) are omega 3 fatty acids (O3FA). O3FA supplements are mostly derived from the oils of cold water species of fish like salmon, sardines, herring, and mackerel. There are many therapeutic applications for O3FA, primarily due to its cardiovascular-enhancing and anti-inflammatory benefits. Research has shown that O3FA cardiovascular benefits include reducing the risk of atherosclerosis^{38,39,40,41,42,43,44}, modifying cholesterol levels (i.e., increasing “good” HDL cholesterol, while decreasing “bad” LDL cholesterol) and decreasing triglycerides^{45,46,47,48,49}, and decreasing high blood pressure.60 O3FA have also been shown to block the production of certain inflammatory chemicals in our body. Consequently, studies have demonstrated the ability of O3FA to reduce inflammation in such disorders as rheumatoid arthritis^51,52,53,54, asthma^55,56,57,58, colitis^{59,60,61,62,63}, Crohn’s disease^64,65,66, and Lupus^67,68,69. In addition, O3FA have shown to reduce the symptoms of other disorders including angina^70,71, migraine headaches^72,73,74,75, psoriasis^{76,77,78,79,80}, and tinnitus.^81,82 For more detailed information on O3FA, read the Intelligent Supplementation article “Omega 3 Fatty Acids.”

Flax Seed Oils: Sources of Omega 3, 6 & 9 fatty acids

Flax seed naturally contain a complex of different categories of fatty acids, including alpha-linolenic acid (omega-3), linoleic acid (omega-6), and oleic acid (omega-9). Much of Flax seed’s benefits are a function of its alpha linolenic acid (ALA) content, and the fact that ALA can be converted by the body into EPA—the same omega-3 found in fish oil. As a matter of fact, research has found that supplementation with Flax seed oil can effectively increase EPA concentrations in tissues.⁸³ Lignans, also found in Flax seed, account for various benefits offered by this plant. Studies involving Flax seed have been conducted on its anti-inflammatory properties84, its antilupus properties⁸⁵, and its cardiovascular enhancing properties.^{86,87,88,89,90,91}

Just a quick note to mention that the omega 9 fatty acid, oleic acid, has been shown in research to lower heart attack risk and arteriosclerosis92, and aids in the prevention of breast cancer.⁹³

Conclusion
In addition to the two essential fatty acids, there are other fatty acids whose consumption may have benefits for human health. Both the essential and non-essential fatty acids can be obtained from dietary supplement sources including Evening Primrose oil, Borage oil, Flax seed oil and Fish oils (marine lipid concentrate). Each of these sources has their own potential advantages. Perhaps a combination of all of them may yield the broadest spectrum of both essential and nonessential fatty acids.

References:

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3. Answers to Frequently Asked Questions. USDA Nutrient Data Laboratory, Agricultural Research Service. Last modified July 22, 2005. Accessed on August 18, 2005
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77. Kojima T, et al, Dermatologica 1991; 182:225–30.
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81. Rudin, D., Med Hypotheses 1980; 6(4): 427–30.
82. Rudin, D., Biol Psychiatry 1981; 16(9): 837–50.
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85. Clark WF, et al, Kidney Int 1995; 48:475–80.
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While we enjoy garlic in small quantities as an excellent condiment, ingesting large amounts of fresh garlic to achieve its anti-aging benefits is not for everyone. Garlic’s strong odor lingers on the breath and skin and ingesting large quantities may lead to gastrointestinal problems, including flatulence and diarrhea. Kyolic^TM AGE, (aged garlic extract), an odorless supplement provides the benefits of the fresh bulb without the unpleasant side effects. AGE has been the choice garlic preparation in scientific and medical research on the health effects of garlic and its benefits have been documented in over 700 peer reviewed publications.

Aged Garlic Extract
Kyolic Aged Garlic Extract (AGE), is manufactured by Wakunaga of America, from organically grown garlic by a lengthy procedure of extraction and aging, at room temperature. The process converts harsh unstable substances such as allicin to stable compounds, increasing the antioxidant content of AGE above the levels found in fresh garlic.

AGE is rich in highly bioavailable organosulfur compounds with antioxidant activity, largely water soluble, including S-allyl cysteine and S-allyl mercaptocysteine. Also present are lipid soluble organosulfur compounds, carbohydrates, including fructans which are immune-boosters and micronutrients such as selenium and other antioxidants such as fructosyl arginine and alixin.

AGE had been shown to enhance immunity, reduce inflammation, lower cholesterol and blood pressure and help reduce the risk of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, help maintain bone density as well as prevent cell damage by free radical-producing drugs and radiation, including UV.

Protecting Immunity
Our immune system is the path to good health and longevity. A vigorous immune system protects against infectious bacteria, viruses, fungi and helps fight the development of cancer. Our goal is therefore to maintain a fortified immune system to protect us from colds and flu, fight invading disease-causing microorganisms, prevent cancer growth and combat inflammation, now known to play a critical role in cardiovascular disease as well as in cancer and neurodegenerative diseases. In most cases our immune system can handle an amazing variety of pathogens and microbes and overcome inflammation, but as a battle between a pathogen and the immune response takes place, the result can be sickness, when immunity is weak, or health, when the immune cells are winning.

The immune system is complex. Inflammation is one of the first responses of the immune system to infection and involves the release of prostaglandins and leukotrienes that attract white blood cells (leukocytes), and interferons that has anti-viral effects.

Leukocytes include a wide range of immune cells that include macrophages, neutrophils, that engulf foreign invaders and natural killer cells (NK) that destroy cancer cells and cells infected by viruses.

AGE Enhances Immunity
Aged garlic extract has been shown in a wide range of preclinical and clinical studies to enhance the immune response, mitigate infectious diseases, reduce inflammation and kill cancer cells. AGE intake enhances the phagocytic (cell-killing) activity of macrophages, the activity of the T lymphocytes that direct the immune system to combat invaders, increases the number and activity of natural killer cells (NK) and their anti-cancer action; AGE also was found to, suppress inflammation—related prostaglandins and enhance interferon.

AGE Increases NK Activity
A random double-blind clinical trial showed that AGE administered to patients with inoperable colorectal, liver or pancreatic cancer resulted in a significant increase in the number and activity of the NK cells.

A study in AIDS patients, who are found to have lower levels of NK cells showed that AGE enhanced NK cells and helper T cells. After a 6-week intake of AGE at 1800 mg/day the levels of NK cells rose to that of the healthy individuals. Helper T cells were also increased with patients showing improvement of a variety of conditions, often increased in aging, including herpes infection, yeast infections and diarrhea; when compared to the efficacy of fresh garlic, the investigators found that AGE was a more effective immune-stimulator than fresh garlic, and observed NK activity was up by 140 percent with the fresh preparation and by 160 percent with AGE capsules.

AGE Prevents UV induced Immunosuppression
Ultra violet radiation (UV) has been linked to cancer, largely skin cancer; one of the effects of UV is to decrease immunity. Studies in Australia on human volunteers have shown immunosuppression by exposure to UV irradiation and that this immunosuppression increases the incidence of skin cancer. Men were immunosuppressed by UV doses that were three times lower than those required to immunosuppress women. They concluded that this may be an important cause of the higher skin cancer incidence and mortality observed in men.

In a preclinical study, using contact hypersensitivity as the immune response, Reeve and colleagues found a 58 percent immunosuppression following moderate exposure to UVB radiation, direct DNA damage was reduced to 19 percent by intake of AGE as four percent of the diet. The pre-clinical studies offer the possibility that AGE may also help protect humans against UV induced immunosuppression, and have the potential to reduce the risk of skin cancer a condition that is more prevalent in aging.

AGE Reduces Inflammatory Prostaglandins
Oxidative damage and immune-inflammatory activation play a role in cancer, neurodegenerative disease, cardiovascular disease and in depression. Prostaglanding, are associated with inflammation and release of local pro-inflammatory prostaglandins and cytokines, accompanied by the destruction of tissue. Rahman and colleagues have found that dietary supplementation with AGE for 14 days reduced plasma and urine concentrations of the prostaglandin 8iso-PGF(2 alpha) by up to 37 percent in nonsmokers and up to 48 percent in smokers. Fourteen days after cessation of dietary supplementation, prostaglandin levels returned to similar levels as those before ingestion of AGE, showing that in order to maintain protection a continuous intake of AGE is required.

AGE Protects The Heart And Brain
Aged garlic extract has been shown to modulate cardiovascular risk factors in over 700 scientific and medical publications. The AGE protective action also reduced risk factors for dementia. AGE increases, by 30-40 percent, the production of nitric oxide (NO), a regulator of blood pressure and lowers blood pressure, thus protecting both the heart and the brain. AGE inhibits platelet aggregation and adhesion that play a role in atherosclerotic plaque formation, it lowers LDL and prevents its oxidation, reduces triglycerides and homocysteine. AGE elevates HDL cholesterol (the good cholesterol), and reduces smoking related oxidative damage.

The major effect of AGE in lowering cholesterol is by blocking an enzyme involved in the production of cholesterol (3 hydroxy 3 methylglutaryl CoA) by as much as 41 percent. The effect is additive with statins, the cholesterol lowering medications. Breakthrough clinical studies at the University of California Los Angeles, found that AGE significantly inhibits the progression of coronary artery calcification, a marker for atherosclerosis, thus reducing the risk of plaque formation and a heart attack. The same studies, authored by Dr. Budoff and colleagues also showed that AGE lowers homocysteine triglycerides and LDL cholesterol, and increases HDL.

Protection Of Blood Vessels
One of the age related cardiovascular problems is the narrowing of blood vessels due to calcification of the lining. AGE protects the lining of blood vessels (endothelial cells) from oxidative damage and increases microcirculation; an important factor in cardio-protection, notably in diabetes, where the disease damages microvasculature and the risk of cardiovascular disease and dementia is high.

The Bottom Line
Kyolic aged garlic extract (AGE) is a natural, odorless antioxidant-rich garlic supplement, manufactured by Wakunaga of America from organic garlic. It is the most popular garlic supplement and being the most standardized is the preferred form used in medical and scientific research. AGE has consistently shown an ability to act as an effective health promoting supplement with anti-aging activity, boosting immunity, reducing inflammation, lowering risk factors for cardiovascular disease, dementia and cancer as well as helping maintain bone density, an important consideration in aging as bone fragility increases with age.

References

1. Zeb I, Ahmadi N, Nasir K, Kadakia J, Larijani VN, Flores F, Li D, Budoff MJ, Aged garlic extract and coenzyme Q10 have favorable effect on inflammatory markers and coronary atherosclerosis progression: A randomized clinical trial. J Cardiovasc Dis Res. 2012 :185¡V90.
2. Borek C. Garlic reduces dementia and heart disease risk J Nut. 2006;136:810¡V812.
3. Nasser A. et al Aged garlic extract with supplement is associated with beneficial effects on bone mineral density and predicts lack of progression of atherosclerosis: a prospective double blinded randomized trial 2015; Int J. of Cardiovascular Research 4:3 http://dx.doi.org/10.4172/2324-8602.1000206.
4. Dillon SA, Lowe GM, Billington D, Rahman K. Dietary supplementation with aged garlic extract reduces plasma and urine concentrations of 8-iso prostaglandin F(2alpha). J Nutr. 2002 Feb;132 :168¡V71.
5. Tanaka S, Haruma K, Yoshihara M, Kajiyama G, Kira K, Amagase H, Chayama K. Aged garlic extract has potential suppressive effect on colorectal adenoma in humans. J Nutr. 2006 Mar;136 :821S¡V826S.
6. Ishikawa H, Saeki T, Otani T, Suzuki T, Shimozuma K, Nishino H, Fukuda S, Morimoto K. Aged garlic extract prevents a decline of NK cell number and activity in patients with advanced cancer J Nutr. 2006 Mar;136 :816S-820S.

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In this article, I discuss the aging process in general for men, look at testosterone and hormonal changes, and then focus on maintaining prostate health and sexual function over the later years. And clearly for men, their prostate and sexual function are important to feeling youthful. Those that remain lovingly active, sexually and sensually, often feel better in many other ways as well.

Let me first say a few words about male aging, which I hope to experience, only very slowly with vitality and verve. We each have our genetics and biological clocks. Hopefully, if we play our cards right with healthy habits, understanding our risks and disease potentials, we can outlive our parents and ancestors. And for most issues of genetics and aging, lifestyle can trump our genetics and give us greater health and less disease.

Men need to look at and take action to prevent some of the common diseases that take us out of life too early. The big ones here are the cardiovascular diseases that start with inflammation, rising blood pressure, higher cholesterol, and subsequent atherosclerosis. The other is weight gain with rising blood sugar and insulin resistance of pre and early diabetes that speeds up cardiovascular problems. Lifestyle is so important to all of these common aging issues and helps in preventing, or at least delaying them. The lifestyle keys are focused on diet, exercise, and stress management.

Cancer risk is also a health and longevity threat, and here the colon and prostate are major concerns. These areas can and should be checked with some regularly to pick up any early changes. Colonoscopy, digital rectal exams, and PSA blood tests in men are well accepted for early diagnoses of these common cancers, although PSA tests have more recent controversy (as does mammography in women) because of potential fear and over-treatment that they can cause unnecessarily; also, there is controversy on how many of prostate cancers should be left alone and watched rather than suggesting and using aggressive treatments of surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. Lung cancer is a minimal risk if you don’t or have not smoked. If so, regular chest x-rays are a test to consider.

It is important for men in the aging process to maintain normal weight, blood pressure, blood cholesterol, and blood sugar. Abdominal obesity from excess calories from refined foods, especially flour and sugars products, along with excess alcohol use can cause higher risks for many diseases. In current times, it’s easy to be overweight (or let’s say, harder to stay trim), however, research is showing that health and longevity can be protected with exercise and staying fit even with being somewhat overweight. A sedentary life with overeating and being overweight can create a high risk of disease and a shorter lifespan.

Tips for Healthy Aging

• Avoid Overeating and rich, fatty foods in your diet.
• Minimize Sugar, Flour, And The Many Refined Foods made from them as well as excessive alcohol.
• Maintain Normal Weight.
• Focus Your Diet around fresh vegetables with quality proteins and fresh fruit.
• Get Regular Exercise and avoid a sedentary lifestyle.
• Stretch to stay young and flexible.
• Stay Strong with weight training; muscle mass is important for healthy aging.
• Do Aerobic Exercise to stay fit and maintain endurance.
• Practice Stress Reduction such as meditation, breathing, qigong, tai chi, yoga, or relax out in nature.
• Listen To Your Body, and partner with your healthcare provider to address imbalances or symptoms such as sleep problems, digestive issues, sexual dysfunction, allergies, weight loss or weight gain, and stress issues; find ways that work to resolve these issues.
• Do Your Annual Physical Checkup to catch early signs of pending health problems.
• People Who Live A Long And Healthy Life tend to practice forgiveness, find a good balance between work and relaxation, feel gratitude and joy every day, nurture their creativity, stay connected with their friends and family, make a living doing something they enjoy, and use their talents and gifts to be of service to others. Wow! That’s another whole list.

HORMONAL CHANGES IN MEN

Many things change as we age, and this is true for blood levels of our hormones along with lower functions. For men, the many related hormones could become lower with time. This relates especially to testosterone, but also to thyroid and adrenal hormones, and less so to estrogen and progesterone. DHEA, or dehydoepiandrosterone, is a precursor substance that is produced form cholesterol molecules in the adrenals, and acts as a precursor for testosterone and estradiol. For both men and women, better levels of blood DHEA-S (sulfate) tends to be associated for both men and women with feeling better with a greater sense of well-being as they age.

In my office, I measure several blood levels when assessing men, especially over 40 years old. These include testosterone (often the total and “free” levels), DHEA-S, thyroid, and sometimes estradiol levels; if there’s fatigue I may order a 4-test saliva sample to check cortisol levels throughout the day. You and your doctor need to clarify the difference in test levels between the wide range of normal and more optimal levels.

If testosterone levels are low normal and there are symptoms accordingly, along with the person’s request to experience how they feel with some added body levels of circulating testosterone hormone, I will prescribe a topical hormone cream to apply daily for a couple months. Low male hormone levels can affect energy, mood, strength, sexual function, and vitality. After trying the treatment, we can evaluate the results and see what symptoms may have improved and how that correlates with blood or saliva levels of hormones. Testosterone can also be used as injection in oil, given every two-three weeks on a regular basis.

The use of testosterone replacement or enhancement in aging men is a controversial treatment. Over recent decades, it was thought to be cardio-protective as well as improve stamina and vitality; however, recent reports are suggesting that testosterone adversely affects the cardiovascular system. I don’t believe it as of yet, but it’s wise to review this aspect with your practitioner if you consider testosterone therapy.

PROSTATE PROBLEMS AND PREVENTIONS

It appears that the common disease among men over 50 (and now over 40) involves the prostate sex organ (and the colon, with stagnation and toxicity, diverticulitis and cancer). The Western lifestyle of stress and sitting plus often hours of driving and traffic, working, and TV watching; stuffing food and emotions; eating animal flesh and milk products; consuming sugary foods and caffeine; and using alcohol regularly—sets the stage for chronic, debilitating and degenerative diseases, such as cardiovascular problems, cancer, and arthritis, as well as prostate enlargement (BPH—Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy) and prostate cancer.

The prostate is a fibro-muscular organ, about the size of two walnuts placed together, and it sits at the bottom of the man’s pelvis behind the genitals and in front of the rectum. It can be felt (palpated) with the medical “digital exam” whereby a doctor sticks his gloved and lubricated index finger in through the anus and pushes forward. We should feel the pliable yet firm lobes without any enlargement, swelling, lumps or stony material. And the patient should not feel any pain, however, it could feel uncomfortable with a pressure like you have to urinate. Some symptoms of prostate enlargement or infection may be a pressure or swelling feeling in the perineum, or even more commonly, frequent urination and difficulty in starting or stopping urination. Men often need to get up two or three times at night to pee, which can lead to sleep issues as well. There may also be some change in the urine stream or force behind the urination. The ureter, or tube that passes from the kidneys and through the bladder, also goes through the prostate tissue and then through the penis. Thus, when the prostate is swollen, it may interfere with the urine flow.

A blood test can also be done to measure an antigen that is created by prostate cancer cells. It’s called the PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) and if it’s elevated, that may mean prostate cancer is present. With inflammation or infection, the PSA can also go up; thus, it may need to be double-checked and/or rechecked after a course of antibiotics to treat any potential infection. If the elevation persists, even after any infection is treated, this may require further testing, as I believe it’s always wise to find out what is going on in our body. If it’s bad news, at least we can deal with it from there. Other tests to investigate the prostate further include a prostate ultrasound (sound wave assessment of the prostate tissue), a cat scan or the new body scan (both which utilize x-ray), and a prostate biopsy, which is usually done by an urologist. Luckily, many prostate cancers are slow growing or have not spread; yet they still can cause medical problems and metastasize over time.

The best overall plan, however, is to stay healthy and to maintain a healthy prostate.

As reviewed above, this involves staying young and in shape; maintaining sexual activity; getting regular exercise; managing your stress levels; taking stretch and activity breaks from long periods of sitting and computer work; eating a wholesome diet with lots of fresh veggies and quality proteins plus healthy fats; and avoiding excess substance use, especially of refined sugars, red meats and alcohol, while obtaining adequate essential fatty acids daily, such as two teaspoons of flaxseed oil, as well as adding fish oils and evening primrose oil. These are all ways that may help to prevent prostate problems.

Lycopene found in tomatoes (highest amount), watermelons, pink grapefruits, guava, and papaya is an antioxidant that mops up free radicals and helps protect the body against cancer. Cooked tomato products like tomato sauce allows lycopene to be more readily absorbed by the body. In research studies, two servings of tomato sauce a week are enough to lower the risk of developing prostate cancer.

Cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, bok choy, collards, broccoli sprouts, Chinese broccoli, broccoli raab, kohlrabi, mustard greens, turnip, radish, rocket, watercress, and kale all contain sulforaphane, an anticancer and antimicrobial compound that helps the body repair damages caused by cancer cells while slowing down its growth. Another added benefit of eating these nutrient-rich cruciferous vegetables is the decreased risk for cardiovascular diseases while providing higher levels of vitamins and minerals that are also needed to prevent or fight cancer. The sprouts of these vegetable seeds, especially broccoli sprouts, have been shown to have anti-cancer effects.

Avoid charring meats when cooking (especially in grilling) to reduce the levels of a cancer-causing substance known as PhIP which has been associated to the development of prostate cancer in lab animals. Slow roasting, stewing, and broiling (without charring), are better ways to cook meats.

Zinc, selenium, Coenzyme Q10, vitamins C and E, vitamins K2 and D3, and the B vitamins, particularly B6, are all important for a healthy prostate, as are a number of herbs, which can also be used to treat prostate problems as well. There are two herbs that are specifically useful in preventing and treating prostate diseases, and thus, supporting sexual function. They are Serenoa repens and Pygeum africanum.

Saw palmetto berry (Serenoa repens) has been shown to effectively diminish pain, inflammation and enlargement of the prostate, as well as to reduce urinary urgency. It may work by inhibiting dihydro-testosterone (DHT), thereby reducing its stimulation for cell multiplication. Saw palmetto has been used for centuries and is also thought to have a mild aphrodisiac effect, as well as increasing sperm production and sexual vitality.

Another useful herb comes from an African evergreen tree, Pygeum (Pygeum africanum), and has been shown in research to reduce prostate enlargement and inflammation; it may also help stimulate libido. Pygeum has many natural chemicals that have anti-inflammatory and other positive effects on energy and bodily functions.

Some prostate formulas also may contain other herbs like nettle, or pumpkin seed extract or oil (higher in zinc and supportive of prostate health), and beta-sitosterol, a healthy fat that also supports prostate. Most men over 40-50 can benefit form the regular use of a good prostate health formula to both support this organ and prevent prostate problems.

The herbs and formulas work well and often at less expense and less potential harm or side effects than the popular drugs, such as Proscar or Flomax. These medications are typically prescribed by doctors for men with prostate enlargement or urinary symptoms.

Ultimately, it is conceivable that if we follow the aforementioned lifestyle advice, we can avoid treatment altogether and maintain both a healthy prostate and our sexual health and vigor. Long-term survival rate approaches 100 percent when prostate cancer is detected early. The ACS (American Cancer Society) recommends a PSA blood test and digital rectal examination be offered annually for men starting at age 50, although that is more recently questioned as to whether this test actually helps in saving or prolonging lives. Men in high risk groups, such as African American men, those with family histories of this disease, or with a history of rising PSA levels as well as altered levels of estrogen or testosterone, may begin testing at a younger age (i.e. 40-45 years). Men, who are not at high risk but are between 40 and 50 years old, may want to do both tests every two-three years.

It is far better to pick up any medical problems early, and this certainly applies to the prostate. Stay Healthy!

A good web site to keep abreast of prostate cancer research and treatments is www.ProstateCancerFoundation.org. Check out the latest research and guidelines.

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