How Total PSA, Free PSA and PSA Velocity in Prostate Cancer Works
PSA in urology stands for Prostate Specific Antigen and is an enzyme from a group of proteins called kallikreins. There are several human kallikreins in the prostate: hk2, hk3 and hk4. Human Kallikrein 3 (hk3) is the molecule we refer to as PSA and the most commonly used in blood…
Late Night Meals May Promote Prostate Cancer
I spend much of my clinical time talking to patients about nutrition and helping them choose what to eat. Lately, he conversation on eating has shifted a bit not only on what to eat but also on when to eat. Here’s the deal; it turns out that the earlier you eat your last meal, the less likely you will…
High PSA? 10 Things to Do Before Getting a Prostate Biopsy
10 Things To Know Before Getting A Prostate Biopsy after a High PSA reading You’re not crazy for not wanting a prostate biopsy. Prostate biopsies are painful and uncomfortable weeks after the procedure. Despite that, you may still need one. A prostate biopsy can cause erectile dysfunction (ED) in some…
The Science Supports a Mostly Plant-Based Diet for Prostate Cancer
A systemic-review study shows a plant-based diet's protective benefits for prostate cancer. What's the difference between a Systemic Review and a Meta-Analysis You have heard me highlight meta-analysis and systemic review studies in the past. The difference between the two is the following: A systemic review is an overview of most, if…
Natural and Lifestyle Methods for a Big Prostate – Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) or an enlarged prostate seem to occur in most men as they age. I've never met a 25-year-old with an enlarged prostate. The problem with having BPH is not that the prostate is enlarged, as a big prostate does not predispose you to prostate cancer, the…
Prescriptive Physical Exercise for Prostate Cancer
Overview of Exercise & Prostate Cancer Physical exercise is medicine for cancer; everyone needs a daily dose for prevention and co-treatment. For prostate cancer, we know that physical exercise of three or more hours a week with vigorous-intensity lowers the risk of prostate cancer death by 61%. Prescribed exercise is essential…
Is Hemoglobin A1c Important for Prostate Cancer?
As a functional medicine doctor, I am always looking for biomarkers that provide prognostic value aside from PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen). I think Hemoglobin A1c is one of them. What is Hemoglobin A1c? Hemoglobin A1c (HgA1c) is a biomarker clinically tested for blood sugar abnormalities like diabetes. A level higher than…
High PSA for Non-Cancer Reasons
The Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) test is a biomarker for the prostate that brings significant anxiety to men on every blood draw. In fact, a high PSA brings more stress to men than high cholesterol in my experience. While there are some good reasons for angst from this prostate antigen, here…
Advanced Prostate Cancer and Lutetium-177 Therapy
A recent study shows that a novel treatment for advanced prostate cancer called Lutetium-177-PSMA-617 may be helpful. OVERVIEW on PSMA Prostate Specific Membrane Antigen (PSMA) is found on the surface of prostate cancer cells and in lower amounts in some normal cells. About 10% of prostate cancer cells do not…
Is Soy Good for Prostate Cancer?
Soy what? Can this popular meat substitute protect against prostate cancer? Nowadays, soy is synonymous with health. So many labeled healthy foods are made from the popular Asian-native soybean, like tofu and soymilk. Soy is also a popular meat substitute, especially for burgers, hot dogs, and meatballs. Fermented soy is…