-By Aliyah N. A.

We can’t talk about men’s reproductive health without mentioning the wonderful prostate gland. A healthy functioning prostate gland is responsible for producing fluid that helps to make up semen and is useful in transporting sperm during ejaculation. The prostate gland is located right below the bladder. It’s relatively small and about the size of a walnut when healthy. Commonly, the prostate gland may become enlarged, or develop into prostate cancer. These prostate issues, including prostate cancer, are on the rise among American adult men. In fact, the American Cancer Society predicts 268,490 new prostate cancer diagnoses in 2022. Other common issues related to prostate health include prostatitis (inflammation of the prostate) and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

Prostate-related issues like cancer and BPH don’t happen overnight. They usually start as mild to moderate symptoms like:

Weak urine stream

Frequent urination

Dripping after urination has stopped

Weak ejaculation, premature ejaculation

Lower back pain

Frequent kidney and/or bladder infections

Or more severe symptoms including:

Pain between rectum and scrotum

Pain, burning, and/or difficulty with starting/stopping urination

Blood in urine

If you’re experiencing symptoms, it’s important to be proactive with your health. Consider requesting an appointment with your primary care physician to establish an appropriate treatment plan.

Another way to be proactive in protecting prostate health is by establishing positive lifestyle habits. One of the easiest ways is by making specific dietary changes.

Because a leading cause in the development of prostate issues is related to hormonal imbalances among men, eating a balanced diet to promote the right production of hormones is ideal. Essential nutrients for prostate health include

Zinc

Manganese

Vitamin A

Vitamin C

Calcium

Magnesium

Vitamin E

These are all vitamins and minerals that can easily be consumed by eating a balanced diet without the need for extra supplementation. For instance, vitamin C is an antioxidant that is abundantly rich in fresh cantaloupe, berries, citrus fruits, and bell peppers. Zinc is found in red meat (like beef). However, consuming large amounts of red meat is associated with developing type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and sometimes colorectal cancer because of the high amounts of saturated fat, cholesterol, and sodium. Healthier options for zinc are nuts, seeds, lentils, and beans. These items have great amounts of zinc without the unhealthy fat, cholesterol, and sodium.

Herbs are known for their medicinal properties, and some of them are especially helpful for the prostate gland. These include

Nettle

Anti-inflammatory herbs like ginger, turmeric, and cat’s claw

Pumpkin seeds/oil

Echinacea

Juniper berries (urine discomfort)

There are also hormone-balancing herbs for men, like ginseng, maca, and ashwagandha. Herbs are available in a tea, tincture, or capsule. Check out our verified resource list for herbal supplements here.

Stress-related hormonal imbalances can wreak havoc on prostate health. Learning positive ways to manage stress like meditation, breathing techniques, and exercise help to alleviate symptoms of stress. When possible, eliminating stressful triggers will help too.

Not only is it beneficial to include powerful plant sources of nutrients, but it’s also important to avoid or strictly limit foods that are associated with poor prostate health.

Sugar

Fried foods

Meat

Alcohol

Vinegar

Dairy/soy (excess estrogen)

Junk foods (processed foods)

Knowing these top 7 lifestyle and dietary factors that contribute to the onset of new prostate diagnosis, and aggravate existing ones means you have the tools to begin making changes today.

When you’re used to living a certain way, making diet and lifestyle changes can seem challenging or even impossible. A nutritionist is someone who can help you make positive dietary changes, learn healthy recipes, and develop meal plans for you that promote prostate and overall health.

At The Concierge Practice, we offer convenient and top-quality family medicine and nutrition services to give you the best 1:1 support for balancing your health. Learn more about our services here or request an appointment to become a new patient with us.

Questions or concerns on the topic? Please reach out to

theconciergepractice@gmail.com

-By Aliyah N.A.

Our bodies are consistently working to filter toxins through a carefully designed natural detoxification process. This process involves several organs including the liver, kidneys, and even our skin. As we move through life, exposure to stress, environmental toxins, pesticides, and processed substances in our food begin to accumulate. Though our bodies do a great job at clearing out these harmful substances naturally, overconsumption of toxins can wreak havoc on our primary detox organs. This results in an inability of our body to filter toxins efficiently. From this, we begin to see symptoms including sluggish digestion, an increase in food sensitivities, worsening eyesight, low energy or chronic fatigue, poor mood, emotional dysregulation, diseases, acne, skin rashes, and chronic pain.

Fortunately, if you’re experiencing some of these, it doesn’t mean your natural detoxification system is broken, it just means it may need a tune-up or a little extra help. A carefully designed herbal detox combined with eating a cleansing diet and other holistic practices which encourage toxin release can do wonders for your body.

What is an herbal detox?

An herbal detox is a carefully blended mixture of herbs by an experienced health practitioner. Depending on the herbs in the blend, they can target specific organs. Usually, these organs include your liver, kidneys, colon/digestive tract, skin, and or lungs. Some herbal detoxes also help to purify your blood and cleanse your lymphatic system. Herbal detoxes can be taken in the form of teas, tinctures, or capsules.

How can an herbal detox help to rebalance my natural detoxification system?

During an herbal detox, herbs are taken in therapeutic doses for a period pre-determined by your health practitioner. The consistent intake of herbs means their healing properties are increased. Ways herbs can help balance your detoxification system include repairing damaged tissue repair, increasing bile production, improving circulation, inducing sweating, and expelling mucus. These are all important parts of an herbal detox treatment.

What result can I expect?

Of course, there are several factors that matter when it comes to the results of detoxification. This includes body composition, level of toxins, and the amount of commitment. Still, some of the benefits you may experience from detoxification are:

Improved skin (acne, rashes, eczema, etc.)

Better brain function/mental clarity

Healthier digestion

Increase in overall energy

Decrease in chronic pain and inflammation

What can I do daily to help reduce toxic buildup?

Detoxification isn’t just a one-time fix. Your body works every day to eliminate toxins that accumulate in your system from the environment. Because of this, detoxification is a lifestyle change that requires daily maintenance. Does this mean that an extensive herbal detox and diet are needed every day? No. However, simple dietary and lifestyle changes can work to keep your system balanced

5 Healthy daily detox practices to adopt in your lifestyle

CRUCIFEROUS VEGETABLES - cruciferous vegetables increase bile production naturally. This is great for both your liver and digestive system. Cruciferous vegetables include foods like broccoli, Brussel sprouts, and cauliflower.

HERBS - ginger, turmeric, and dandelion are just some of the bitter herbs which help to regulate digestion and stimulate liver function. Try adding some to salad, soups, or enjoying it as an herbal tea.

WATER - at minimum, drinking half your body weight in water is a recommended practice to provide your body with the right amount of liquid it needs to function properly. If this sounds like a daunting task, gradually increase the amount of water you consume over time

EXERCISE - at least 45 minutes of daily exercise encourages detoxification through sweating. Exercises also encourage blood circulation and oxygen intake. Try working out in the sun for an added health boost

CUT OUT PROCESSED, FATTY AND SUGARY FOODS - These foods are associated with high levels of toxins that can raise blood pressure, blood sugar, inflammation, and cholesterol. Consuming these foods, even in moderation, can compromise your natural detoxification system.

MANAGE STRESS - elevated stress levels cause an imbalance within your central nervous system and hormones. Even chronic low-grade stress can cause your system to get out of balance. Try some healthy alternative ways for managing stress like deep breathing, journaling, stretching to release tension, or talking out problems with a loved one.

What other ways are there to detox?

Herbal detoxes and dietary cleansing aren’t the only ways of detoxification. There are raw food fasts, liquid fasts, and specific holistic practices like yin yoga to help identify and release stuck emotions. In all, detoxification isn’t limited to what you eat and drink. It also includes how you feel, what you watch, what you listen to, and the products you use for your hair, skin, and body.

Questions or concerns on the topic? Please reach out to

theconciergepractice@gmail.com