by Clare Wabz
Perhaps prostate cancer has never occurred to you, even though you’re in the right age demographic. On the other hand, perhaps you are one of the growing number of men who take prostate vitamins by the handful ” anything rather than see your family doctor for that dreaded examination. Either way, you might want to check the internet ” but be prepared for surprising contradictions about the benefits of vitamins as a cancer preventive.
There are even headlines proclaiming that prostate vitamins cause cancer, quoting data from a major 2006-2007 study.
Where to turn for the simple truth?
The media wants to capture your interest. Reporters are going to hit you with the most eye-popping headlines they can manufacture. If you take the time to check the actual data behind the stories, a simple truth emerges: a small percentage of men taking prostate vitamins did show increased incidence of prostate cancer, but there seems to be a very solid reason for the increase ” one which you can easily avoid.
The Actual Study Results Tell You What Really Counts
Karla A. Lawson, who directed the study, concluded that “the relationship between multivitamin use and prostate cancer is unclear”, minimizing a connection between vitamins and early prostate cancer. However, she did amend that by documenting the suspicious rise in aggressive cancer among those males who overused supplements and vitamins.
If you fear prostate cancer, either because of your age and symptoms, or perhaps because of a family history, you may be tempted to take massive (or even as little as double) doses of prostate vitamins as a ‘preventive’ measure. Lawsons results strongly suggest this may not be wise.
Those most likely to use high amounts of vitamins and multivitamins fall into two groups: men whose families show a history of prostate cancer, and men who are proactively health-conscious. The study leaves both groups with a clear warning.
The best way to prevent prostate cancer may not be exciting to hear, and its certainly not rocket science. But it could easily mean your life.
# Eat the optimum diet for your health conditions. Guidelines are easy enough to research, these days.
* Even if its only a walk in the morning and some simple stretches, make sure you regularly participate in some form of exercise
# Get lots of rest
# Focus on the positives in life ” what you want in your life, not what you don’t want.
# And yes ” you can take prostate vitamins ” but don’t overdo it by a single capsule!
* And that last, important tip ” if you are over 50, do get your prostate gland checked out by your family physician regularly. Its a simple examination ” and it may save more than your life!