Movember

Movember- the hairiest month for men’s health, is the world’s largest movement for men’s health. It is an annual event involving the growing of moustaches during the month of November to raise awareness of various cancers, such as prostate cancer and testicular cancer….and also of mental health issues like depression. We need to know that more men die from prostate cancer than women from breast cancer. Sadly 1 in 8 min will be diagnosed with prostate cancer at some point in their lives. We need to create awareness about this and also help men live longer, healthier and happier lives.

Prostate Gland Issues :-

The prostate gland is the male reproductive organ, the size of a walnut. The main function of the prostate gland is to help with the production of semen ( the fluid that transports sperm). It produces a thick, white fluid that is liquefied by a special protein known as prostate-specific-antigen (PSA). The fluid is mixed with sperm, produced by the testicles, to create semen.

Three main conditions can affect the prostate gland:

- Prostate Enlargement:
It is a very common condition associated with aging. 1/3rd of men over the age of 50 will have symptoms of prostate enlargement. If the prostate becomes enlarged it can place pressure on the urethra. This makes it harder for the bladder to empty.
An enlarged prostate can cause the following symptoms :-

a) Make it difficult for you to start urinating
b) Weaken the flow of urine or cause ' stopping and starting'
c) Cause you to strain to pass urine
d) Cause you to urinate more frequently, making you get up frequently at night

- Prostatitis ( inflammation of the prostate) :
In this often misunderstood condition, the tissues of the prostate get inflamed, i.e. red and swollen.
Symptoms of prostatitis include :-

a) Pelvic pain
b) Testicular pain
c) Pain while ejaculating
d) Pain in the perineum ( the area between the anus and the back of the scrotum), which worsens with sitting

-Prostate Cancer :
It is the most common type of cancer in men. Most cases of prostate cancer occur in men who are 70 years old or over. This type of cancer progresses very slowly. In fact, men can live many years without any symptoms or treatment; rather, they die with it, instead of from it.
Symptoms of prostate cancer ( often very identical to prostate enlargement) :-

a) An urge to urinate more often ( especially at night)
b) Need to run to the washroom
c) Straining or taking a very long time to urinate
d) Weak urinary outflow
e) Feeling that your bladder has not emptied completely

-Food and diet :
- Eat foods rich in phyto-estrogens like soy beans, tofu, chickpeas, lentils, peas, garlic and flax seeds.
- Lycopenes found in tomatoes have a protective effect against prostate cancer.
- Zinc found in fish, shellfish, seeds and eggs
- Fibre-rich foods
- Fennel (saunf)

Remedies
Make a mix of 2 tbsp curry leaf powder, 1 tbsp amchur, 1 tbsp pomegranate seed powder, 6 tbsp fennel, 1 tbsp dried basil, 1 tbsp dried thyme and 1 tbsp mace. Eat 1 tsp of this mix every morning.

Stay blessed with good health .…always !!!

Warm regards,

Charmaine D’Souza