New test sheds light on wisdom of taking natural steps to safeguard health of key organ.

On September 22, researchers announced that they have found a new biological marker that indicates early signs of poor prostate health. In fact, this new test may prove to be more accurate than the standard measurement of PSA levels. “Using PSA testing alone results in millions of dollars being spent on prostate biopsies due to false positive results,” said Dr. S. Srivastava, director of the Early Detection Research Network of the National Cancer Institute, which funded the study. He adds: “There could be a major cost saving by decreasing the number of prostate biopsies performed each year” (Wang, 2005).

Dr. Thomas Stamey, Professor of Urology at Stanford University, seems to agree that the era of PSA test may be over. This may be seen as a curious statement, considering that Dr. Stamey invented the PSA test. For years, PSA levels were used as the main indicator of prostate challenges. But now Dr. Stamey questions “whether a man should even use the PSA test…anymore.” Dr. Stamey says that he is concerned that men are being advised to undergo radiation and surgical removal of the prostate gland, which may be an overreaction to a negative PSA test.

Whether or not the PSA test ultimately is thrown out, the discovery of a new biomarker reminds men of the need to consciously monitor and maintain their prostate health. Such conscious awareness—which includes consuming a diet low in saturated fat, performing regular exercise and taking specific prostate-health supplements—can keep many problems at bay.

Making Better Detections

The new prostate biomarker test analyzes a collection of antibodies that seem to be produced when prostate problems are present. Recent studies have shown that the body sometimes responds to prostate challenges by stimulating the immune system. This encourages the body to make new antibodies to fight enlargement, infection and unhealthy cells.

If doctors can learn which antibodies are made to fight a particular type of problem, they might be able to detect serious prostate cell changes earlier simply by testing the blood for those antibodies. This is a relatively new area of prostate research that belongs to a broader family of study known as “immunomics” (Yahoo! Health, 2005).

Since poor prostate health is a leading complaint among men over the age of 40, this new test comes at a perfect time. It may become a supplement to, or as Dr. Srivastava and his colleagues suspect, even replace the PSA blood test. It may help men and their physicians to make more accurate decisions about whether to have a prostate biopsy, a painful and expensive procedure. Doctors hope that new markers and tests will be better at predicting whether a man has serious prostate issues, while sparing other men from unnecessary biopsies.

What Men Can Do Now

While doctors and scientists continue to evaluate the discovery of this new biomarker test, stories like this help to emphasize the need for prostate-health awareness. Fortunately, men now have several options at their disposal to help safeguard the health of their prostate. Several supplemental nutrients are now available that help fortify this important organ, while others may actually provide limited relief from signs associated with an enlarged prostate gland.

For example, researchers recently have been encouraged by studies involved a nutrient called quercetin. This compound is a concentrated extract from certain types of citrus fruits and seems to have a positive effect on many of the body’s cells, including prostate cells. Just a few months ago, a study published in the Journal of Cancer Research and Clinical Oncology reported new findings about quercetin. According to the study authors, quercetin may affect the specific cell cycle regulators that tell cells how long to live. When quercetin comes in contact with problematic cells, it seems to limit their ability to grow (Vijayababu, 2005).

Prostate-Friendly Compounds

Another antioxidant nutrient from fruit, called lycopene, may likewise impact the ability of unhealthy cells to function. Researchers at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA recently reviewed several studies on various food-derived nutrients, including lycopene. They concluded that lycopene may exert “a protective effect in the prostate” (Sonn, 2005).

Meanwhile, many men swear by the use of supplements that contain various plant and herb concentrates. One of the most popular is the herb Serenoa repens (Saw palmetto), which is a nutrient taken from a native American berry. Dozens of studies attest to Serenoa’s ability to enhance urinary flow, especially if it has been compromised by an enlarged prostate gland. A 2002 research study published in Advanced Therapeutics reported that supplementing the diet with Serenoa repens significantly improved urinary flow and comfort, while also affecting prostate size (Pytel, 2002).

Many botanical compounds are extremely effective when used together. Such may be the case with Urtica dioica (nettles) and Curcubita pepo (pumpkin seed). A research team at the VA Center for Chronic Diseases Outcomes Research reported that both herbs, when used in conjunction with other botanicals such as Serenoa, may have benefit for those who deal with issues related to an enlarged prostate (Wilt, 2000).

Stay Vigilant for Yourself

While science continues to make strides in devising newer and more precise ways of detecting potential health problems, the truth is—no matter how proactive your health professional seems to be—you bear most of the responsibility for the health of your prostate. Even though some men choose not to take this responsibility seriously, I hope you do. As a man in his 40s—and as a health consultant that has had to personally counsel many men about poor prostate health—I can attest to the fact that doing something now about prostate health will likely save you a lot of misery in the future.

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5 Ways to Keep Your Prostate Healthy

1. Stay active. Regular activity, like walking for 30 minutes a day, can have a positive effect on your prostate. Exercise keeps your vital organs functioning properly and supports healthy blood flow.
2. Limit alcohol and caffeine. If possible, eliminate both from your diet completely, because alcohol and caffeine can negatively impact your prostate. Also, watch out for caffeine hidden in foods like chocolate, tea and even some over-the-counter medications.
3. Enjoy more fish. Studies suggest that fish (especially sardines, salmon, and mackerel), which are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, may lower your risk for prostate problems by 50%. If you want to avoid the high mercury levels in some fish, try a dietary supplement of omega-3 fatty acids.
4. Don’t forget the veggies. Many of the leafy green vegetables like broccoli, cabbage, Brussels sprouts and kale contain a rare but powerful compound called I3C, which may have a profound effect on prostate cells.
5. Consider a prostate supplement. When used in conjunction with a diet low in saturated fat and consistent physical activity, a supplement with nutrients such as quercetin and lycopene can offer additional protective benefits for the prostate.

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References:Gordon, A.E. & Shaughnessy, A.F. (2003). Saw palmetto for prostate disorders. American Family Physician, 67(6), 1281–1283.

Pytel, Y.A. et al. (2002). Long-term clinical and biological effects of the lipidosterolic extract of Serenoa repens in patients with symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia. Advanced Therapeutics, 19(6), 297–306.

Sonn, G.A. et al. (2005). Impact of diet on prostate cancer: A review. Prostate Cancer and Prostatic Disorders, August 30. [Epub ahead of print.]

Vijayababu, M.R. et al. (2005). Quercetin-induced growth inhibition and cell death in prostatic carcinoma cells (PC-3) are associated with increase in p21 and hypophosphorylated retinoblastoma proteins expression. Journal of Cancer Research and Clinical Oncology, 131(11), 765–771.

Wang, X. et al. (2005). Autoantibody signatures in prostate cancer. New England Journal of Medicine, 353(12), 1224–1235.

Wilt, 2000 et al. (2000). Phytotherapy for benign prostatic hyperplasia. Public Health and Nutrition, 3(4A), 459–472.

Yahoo! Health. (2005). Possible new biomarker for prostate cancer found. October 6. Retrieved November 7, 2005 at http://health.yahoo.com/news/125005;_ylt=AttaO74Kif2Jhet.cF2.OEpAg7MF.