How to Maintain Prostate or Ovary Health Naturally with Herbs *

Cancer is an unfortunate reality for many people. Although there's no known "cure" for prostate or ovarian cancer in modern Western Medicine, it is believed that you can boost your body's ability to fight disease naturally by making positive lifestyle changes. This year, the American Cancer Society estimates that 21,900 new cases of ovarian cancer will occur, along with approximately 15,460 related deaths. The American Cancer Society also estimates that 240,890 new cases of prostate cancer will surface, as well as 33,720 related deaths. Read on for some simple, yet important, health tips. *

Early Detection of Ovarian Health is Key

According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine (NLM), ovarian cancer begins in the ovaries, the female reproductive organs that produce eggs. However, the tumor often remains undetected until it has spread within the pelvis and abdomen. Some symptoms can be vague, and many are also common in women who don't have cancer. Still, women should talk with their doctor if they have:

• Bloating on a daily basis
• Difficulty eating or feeling full quickly on a daily basis
• Constant pelvic or abdominal pain
• Abnormal menstrual cycles
• Digestive symptoms like constipation, indigestion, nausea, etc.

For a full list of symptoms, visit the NLM website.

Prostate Cancer is Common, but There are Things You Can do to Stay Healthy

Prostate cancer begins in the prostate gland, a small structure that is part of the male reproductive system. While the U.S. National Library of Medicine cites this disease as the third most common cause of cancer-related death in men, there are healthy lifestyle choices you can make to increase your chances of staying healthy.* But first, here are some symptoms to watch out for:

• Delayed or slowed start of urinary stream
• Leakage of urine after urinating
• Incomplete emptying of bladder
• Bone pain or tenderness in the lower back and pelvic bones

For a full list of symptoms, visit the NLM website.

Prostate and Ovarian Health: An Eastern Medicine Point of View

Gentlemen - do you have problems urinating or have to get up several times a night to urinate? These could be the symptoms of BPH (benign prostatic hyperplasia). Ladies - do you have problems with ovarian cysts (polycystic ovarian disease)? In The Natural Way to Keep the Prostate and Ovaries Healthy, Dr. Graeme Shaw explains that all cells need a certain combination of nutrition, oxygen/water and detoxification to sustain life. When any of these commodities are interrupted, the cells work less efficiently. To compensate for this lowered function, the body responds with adaptive changes. In relation to the health of the prostate and ovaries, there are a number of factors that can induce these changes such as nutritional deficiencies, nicotine, physiologic or psychological stress reactions and more. *

Taste the (Healthy) Rainbow…Natural Support for our Bodies!

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) touts the benefits of eating fruits and vegetables because these natural foods are packed with essential vitamins and minerals to help fuel our bodies and protect us from disease. The CDC notes that people who eat generous amounts of fruits and veggies are more likely to have reduced risk of chronic diseases, including stroke, cardiovascular disease and certain cancers. In fact, the National Library of Medicine states that, "Following a vegetarian, low-fat diet or one that is similar to the traditional Japanese diet may lower your risk. This would include foods high in omega-3 fatty acids." Want to get more of these natural nutrients in, but don't know where to start? Adopt some of these ideas:

• Grab a banana instead of a granola bar as your go-to snack
• Roast vegetables with a small amount of coconut oil and spices to kick up the flavor
• Prepare fresh fruit salad at night and munch on it throughout the next morning
• Prepare multiple salads (in BPA free plastic or glass containers) in advance using organic ingredients like mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, carrots, and whatever other veggies suit your taste buds
• Note: healthy dressings often include healthy oils like olive or grapeseed with lemon or some type of your favorite vinegar
• Visit a local juice bar and try a new combination like carrot/apple/beet/ginger
• Use cucumber slices or strips of bell pepper as "chips" for salsa, hummus or other dips
• Always have washed, ready-to-eat fruits and veggies in your kitchen

Try These Complementary Therapies

The National Ovarian Cancer Coalition notes that "Some women with ovarian cancer turn toward the whole-body approach of complementary therapy to enhance their fight against the disease…Many women have tried and benefited from the following complementary therapies." These alternative methods have also helped men cope with prostate cancer too:

• Acupuncture
• Aromatherapy
• Herbal supplements
• Massage
• Meditation
• Qi Gong
• Yoga, Tai Chi

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