Numerous studies have shown that immigration to developed nations increases the risk of prostate cancer. This finding implies that environmental factors, diet, or physical activity have a significant impact on prostate cancer.
Prostate cancer is more frequent in black men than white men. Screening is recommended for men over age 45 years with a family history of prostate cancer and/or who are African American.
Endocrine Disruptors such as pesticides can increase hormonal stimulation of the prostate. High fat diets, diabetes and smoking are also risk factors.
It is often asymptomatic at the early stage but may present with blood in the urine, an enlarged prostate, or by palpable nodules on the prostate. It may be detected by high PSA levels. Prostate cancer is slow growing and may require minimal or even no treatment (it has an indolent course). Herbal treatment may be sufficient. The surrounding bones should be checked as this is a frequent site for metastasis. Check with your medical doctor.
An enlarged prostate can cause stagnation of fluids in the bladder. From an Ayurvedic standpoint, Prostate conditions are generally associated with Kapha stagnation of fluids in the pelvic floor. We note a high correlation between prostate cancer and history of heart attack (also a stagnation condition) in the Joyful Belly database. High kapha thickens the blood plasma, making fluids and lymph difficult to circulate. We conjecture that this causes buildup of impurities (ama) in the prostate. Individual pathogenesis may vary.
Flavonoids and isoflavones in fruits and vegetables have a cancer reducing effect. Crucifers or Brassica vegetables (broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, cabbage, and turnips) are a associated with a strong reduced prostate cancer risk. Legumes (such as soy) are high in isoflavones, a plant sterol that binds to estrogen sites. The antioxidants in green tea and purple or red berries have an anticancer effect. Tomatoes (due to lycopene) may have a positive effect. Individual cases may vary.
Vitamin D deficiency (due to reduced sunlight exposure) increases risk, as does a high calcium diet. Selenium reduces cancer risk. Avoid consuming foods from containers lined with BPA.
Cancer is a serious condition. The information on this page is for educational purposes only and should not be used to treat a medical condition. It is not a substitute for medical care. Please check with your doctor before making any changes to your health and wellness routine.
Disclaimer: 'Prostate Cancer' could be serious and should be checked by a medical doctor.
If you have symptoms in this category it means your imbalances have overwhelmed your body's resistance causing a full-fledged disease. Once imbalance reaches this stage it is more likely to cause acute or chronic conditions. You might be tempted to focus your attention on fighting symptoms in this category, but dismiss earlier warning signs of imbalance - i.e. symptoms in the stage 1 category. It is ideal to find and address the root causes weakening your system and remove them first. This ensures you are not adding fuel to the fire of disease. Once the root causes are removed, you can work on addressing the disease head on along with strengthening your body. This typically yields a quicker recovery and prevents recurrence. Ayurveda's preventative approach suggests you pay careful attention to every stage of disease development.
Symptoms Tell A Story
The first step to healing is learning patterns from your symptoms. Symptoms are clues that reveal underlying imbalances. Symptoms show you where your body is weakened. Ultimately, all disease has a root in tissues too weak to defend itself. Ayurveda describes these patterns of weakness using doshas & biocharacteristics. If you notice a biocharacteristic or dosha appears next to many of your symptoms, it helps you establish a pattern that may be systemic.BIOCHARACTERISTIC | DO YOU HAVE THIS IMBALANCE? |
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KAPHA | FIND OUT Status UnknownTake these quizzes to find out if you have an imbalance of 'Kapha' dosha. |
GOOEY | FIND OUT Status UnknownTake these quizzes to find out if you have an imbalance of 'Gooey' guna. |
TOXIC | FIND OUT Status UnknownTake these quizzes to find out if you have an imbalance of 'Toxic' guna. |
OILY | FIND OUT Status UnknownTake these quizzes to find out if you have an imbalance of 'Oily' guna. |
To learn more about the symbols above, click on them. See a complete list of all biocharacteristics.
About the Author
John Immel, the founder of Joyful Belly, teaches people how to have a healthy diet and lifestyle with Ayurveda biocharacteristics. His approach to Ayurveda is clinical, yet exudes an ease which many find enjoyable and insightful. John also directs Joyful Belly's School of Ayurveda, offering professional clinical training in Ayurveda for over 15 years.John's interest in Ayurveda and specialization in digestive tract pathology was inspired by a complex digestive disorder acquired from years of international travel, as well as public service work in South Asia. John's commitment to the detailed study of digestive disorders reflects his zeal to get down to the roots of the problem. His hope and belief in the capacity of each & every client to improve their quality of life is nothing short of a personal passion. John's creativity in the kitchen and delight in cooking for others comes from his family oriented upbringing. In addition to his certification in Ayurveda, John holds a bachelor's degree in mathematics from Harvard University.
John enjoys sharing Ayurveda within the context of his Catholic roots, and finds Ayurveda gives him an opportunity to participate in the healing mission of the Church. Jesus expressed God's love by feeding and healing the sick. That kindness is the fundamental ministry of Ayurveda as well. Outside of work, John enjoys spending time with his wife and 6 kids, and pursuing his love of theology, philosophy, and language.