Do Home Remedies for Kidney Stones Work?

At Comprehensive Urology Medical Group, we are proud to support National Kidney Month, a National Kidney Foundation initiative that promotes kidney disease awareness, prevention, and treatment. To show our support for National Kidney Month, we recently published a blog post about recurrent kidney stones. Now, we’d like to focus on home remedies for kidney stones, how these remedies work, and when you should schedule a consultation with a urologist to treat kidney stones.

Kidney stones are small, hard deposits that consist of minerals and salts, and they can cause pain in the abdomen, back, and side, blood in the urine, and other unwanted side effects. As such, people often are willing to try just about anything to treat kidney stones, including home remedies.

Common home remedies for kidney stones include:

• Water: Water helps the body remove waste, maintain a normal temperature, and protect sensitive tissues. Also, research indicates drinking twelve 8-oz. glasses of water daily (96 Oz total) helps prevent or slow the growth of mineral and salt deposits (stones) in the kidneys. This is the single most important measure one can do daily to prevent kidney stones and maintain healthy kidneys.
• Lemon juice: Lemon and lime juice contain a high concentration of citrate, a powerful compound that breaks down calcium deposits in the body and prevents the formation and growth of most kidney stones. Meanwhile, consuming two 5-oz. glasses of lemon juice daily has been shown to help prevent kidney stones.
• Basil: Basil contains compounds that help reduce uric acid that otherwise may cause uric acid kidney stones to form, as well as acetic acid that may help dissolve some kidney stones composed of uric acid. Best of all, even a single teaspoon of basil extract or pure juice daily may help a person treat or prevent kidney stones.
• Avoiding dark green leafy vegetables and nuts: All nuts and most dark green vegetables contain a significant amount of oxalate which is a common cause of kidney stones, they should be used in moderation and not excessively. Strawberries and chocolate also have oxalate.
• Low salt: Avoiding too much salt is helpful in preventing kidney stone formation. Too much sodium intake (e.g. salt) can cause urine calcium to go up and cause stones.
• Dairy and calcium: Contrary to popular belief, and despite calcium stones being the most common type of urinary stones, it is recommended NOT to limit calcium intake as it leads to more stone formation. Patients with kidney stones just like healthy people should be ingesting the recommended daily allowance of calcium (1000-1500 mg for most people).

The aforementioned home remedies for kidney stones can be used by anyone, at any time. Yet there is no guarantee that any of these remedies will help individuals pass kidney stones or prevent kidney stones from developing.

Ultimately, an individual must decide whether to try home remedies for kidney stones. For those who want the best-possible kidney stone treatment, however, it often is beneficial to consult with a urologist.

When Should You See a Urologist for Kidney Stone Treatment?

If someone is experiencing kidney stone symptoms, he or she can schedule an appointment with a urologist for immediate treatment. Together, a patient and urologist can determine the best way to safely remove a kidney stone and alleviate pain associated with the stone.

A urologist is happy to educate an individual about kidney stones, why they happen, and how they can be treated. Additionally, a urologist performs a comprehensive patient evaluation to provide a proper kidney stone diagnosis and develop a personalized treatment plan based on the number, size, and location of the stones.

To diagnose a patient, a urologist initially conducts an in-depth physical examination. Next, a series of tests may be used to help diagnose a kidney stone, including urinalysis and radiographic evaluations such as an ultrasound, X-ray, or computerized tomography (CT) scan. With these tests, a urologist can determine the location and size of a kidney stone. He or she can also determine if a patient is affected by urinary obstruction which has to be treated.

How Are Kidney Stones Treated?

Kidney stone treatment generally varies based on the individual. Typically, a urologist recommends dietary changes to help a patient lower the rate of kidney stone formation. These changes may include increased water intake, a reduction in animal protein consumption or increase in fluid intake or citrate-rich foods like oranges or lemons, and reduction of salt ingestion. Or, in some cases, a urologist recommends medical treatment. A urologist may prescribe alpha blockers (pills such as Flomax®) to facilitate the passage of a kidney stone that is lodged in a patient’s ureter, or other medications may be used to help dissolve some kidney stones or prevent them from forming.

If dietary changes and medications fail to help patients address kidney stones, surgery may be required. A urologist usually recommends surgery for kidney stones in the following instances:

• A kidney stone is increasing in size or causing health issues, despite the fact that dietary changes and medical treatments have already been used to treat the stone.
• A trial of kidney stone passage has been attempted, but the stone has still not passed and continues to cause pain and discomfort.
• A kidney stone is obstructing the urinary tract and may cause kidney damage.
• A kidney stone occurs in the setting of a urinary tract infection (UTI).
• A kidney stone is deemed too large for a patient to pass on his or her own.

There are many surgical treatments designed to address kidney stones, and these include:

• Ureteroscopy and Laser Lithotripsy: Often used to treat kidney stones located in the urinary tract. During the procedure, a surgeon uses a ureteroscope (small fiber optic telescope device) that is passed through the urethra and bladder and placed in the ureter. The ureteroscope then enables a surgeon to visualize and extract the stone with small baskets. The surgeon can also use a laser beam to break the stone into smaller pieces that can easily flow out or removed with a basket.
• Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL): May be performed if the size of a kidney stone exceeds 2 cm or larger. PCNL requires a surgeon to make a small incision in a patient’s back and insert a tube directly into his or her kidney, then breaking the stone with a rapidly vibrating ultrasonic “wand” or laser, and removing the pieces.
• Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL): Uses shock waves to break a kidney stone into smaller pieces and makes it easier and less painful for a patient to pass the stone. To perform ESWL, a surgeon first uses X-rays or an ultrasound to locate a kidney stone and make sure it is in a suitable location, of good size, and acceptable hardness for this procedure. The surgeon then administers shock waves throughout the body; these waves do not damage the skin tissue or muscle and help dissolve the stone. ESWL is performed at an outpatient surgery center, and it requires only about one hour to complete. The ideal candidates for ESWL include patients who are dealing with a kidney stone that blocks urine flow or causes pain, ranges from 4 mm to 1 cm in size, or is located in upper pole or the renal pelvis (outflow tract of the kidney).

A urologist allocates time and resources to explain the appropriate surgical treatments and respond to patients’ surgery concerns and questions. He or she describes the recovery period following surgery and post-treatment guidelines as well. That way, a urologist helps a patient establish realistic expectations for kidney stone surgery.

Set Up an Appointment with the Kidney Stone Experts at Comprehensive Urology Today

Determining the best way to treat kidney stones can be difficult. Sometimes individuals consider home remedies for kidney stones, but these treatments may or may not work. For those who want to achieve long-term kidney stone pain relief, a consultation with an expert urologist may be ideal.

Comprehensive Urology understands the challenges associated with finding the right kidney stone treatment. To help patients address kidney stones, we employ a team of kidney stone experts who are dedicated to their craft. Dr. Arash Akhavein is a fellowship-trained endourologist who subspecializes in kidney stone treatments and minimally invasive surgery. Our urologists learn about kidney stone patients and their symptoms and do everything possible to help patients achieve their desired treatment results. To find out more about how we help patients treat kidney stones, contact us today at (310) 499-2756 to schedule a consultation with one of our courteous, knowledgeable urologists.

 

Sources:

https://www.kidney.org/news/monthly/Focus_KidneyMonth

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/kidney-stones/symptoms-causes/syc-20355755

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/319418.php

https://www.healthline.com/health/kidney-health/home-remedies-for-kidney-stones

https://draxe.com/5-kidney-stone-natural-remedies-fast-relief/

https://www.globalhealingcenter.com/natural-health/remedies-for-kidney-stones/

https://dailyhealthpost.com/home-remedies-for-kidney-stones/

The post Do Home Remedies for Kidney Stones Work? appeared first on Comprehensive Urology.

What Should I Do If I Have Recurrent Kidney Stones?

March marks National Kidney Month, an initiative designed to promote kidney disease awareness, prevention, and treatment. Kidney disease affects millions of individuals, and at Comprehensive Urology Medical Group, we want to educate people about kidney disease and other kidney conditions. As such, to commemorate National Kidney Month, our March blog posts will focus on various kidney problems and how to identify and address these issues.

First, let’s take a look at recurrent kidney stones. Research indicates a person who experiences a kidney stone is more likely than others to form another stone in the future. In fact, kidney stones impact approximately 12% of the population during their lifetime, and kidney stone recurrence rates approach 50% at 10 years, according to the American Urological Association.

Kidney stone prevention is important for men and women of all ages. If people prioritize kidney stone prevention, they could reduce the risk of kidney stones.

Is It Possible to Prevent Kidney Stones?

If a person experiences a kidney stone, the risk that he or she will develop another stone in the future increases. Fortunately, there are many ways to limit the risk that kidney stones will become ongoing problems, such as:

1. Stay hydrated. Strenuous exercise, hot yoga, and other physical activities cause excessive sweating. Meanwhile, the more a person sweats, the less likely it becomes that he or she will urinate, and this ultimately may increase an individual’s susceptibility to kidney stones. Thankfully, staying hydrated while participating in physical activities can help tremendously.
2. Limit alcohol consumption. Drinking alcoholic beverages not only increases water loss in form of urine and may cause some degree of dehydration, it may also cause a person’s uric acid levels in the blood to rise, increasing the likelihood of uric acid kidney stones. Limiting alcohol consumption and drinking water with cocktails enables a person to reduce the risk of developing kidney stones.
3. Eat calcium-rich foods. A low-calcium diet increases a person’s risk of kidney stones and osteoporosis. Those who consume a diet that contains the required daily amounts of calcium (milk, cheese, and other calcium-rich foods) may be better equipped than others to combat calcium oxalate kidney stones. This may sound paradoxical but studies have proven that limiting calcium intake actually increases kidney stone risk.
4. Cut down on animal protein. Beef, poultry, and pork are among the foods with the highest concentrations of animal protein – something that increases urine acidity and may lead to the formation of kidney stones. Limiting or avoiding foods high in animal protein to 6-8 ounces per day may be beneficial, particularly for individuals who want to prevent kidney stones from recurring.
5. Avoid vitamin C supplements. Research indicates high doses of vitamin C supplements may increase an individual’s risk of developing kidney stones. Conversely, vitamin C in food does not carry the same risks. Therefore, individuals should strive to get vitamin C from foods, not supplements.
6. Increase citric acid intake. Lemon and lime juice contain a high concentration of citrate, a powerful compound that breaks down calcium deposits in the body. Consuming two 5-oz. glasses of lemon juice daily has been shown to help prevent kidney stones.

The aforementioned measures have been shown to reduce an individual’s risk of recurrent kidney stones. Yet it is important to note that kidney stones can affect any person, at any time. Despite an individual’s best efforts, a person may experience recurrent kidney stones.

For those who need to address recurrent kidney stones, a consultation with a urologist is ideal. A urologist learns about each patient’s recurrent kidney stones and offers personalized treatment options. By doing so, a urologist helps kidney stone patients achieve long-term relief.

What Options Are Available to Treat Recurrent Kidney Stones?

A urologist allocates significant time and resources to learn about a patient and offer him or her a personalized surgical treatment to address recurrent kidney stones. Initially, urologists may use dietary changes and medical treatments to address recurrent kidney stones. If these treatments fail to deliver the desired results, a urologist then will explore surgical options with a patient.

Common nonsurgical treatments for recurrent kidney stones:

• Dietary Changes: A urologist may recommend dietary changes designed to help an individual reduce the rate of kidney stone formation. Recommended dietary changes vary based on the patient and his or her health, and these changes may include an increase in fluid intake, increase in intake of foods that contain citrate, reduction in salt intake, and reduction in red meat consumption.
• Medical Treatment: Alpha-blockers and other medications have been shown to help facilitate the passage of kidney stones lodged in the ureter. Also, kidney stone medications are available to help individuals dissolve existing kidney stones and prevent kidney stones from developing.

Various surgical treatments are available to help patients eliminate kidney stones. A urologist will learn about a patient’s kidney stones, medical history, and review other health factors to determine if surgical treatment is a viable option.

Common surgical treatments used to eliminate kidney stones:

• Utereroscopy and Laser Lithotripsy: Involves the insertion of a small fiber optic device (ureteroscope) through the urethra and bladder and into the ureter; a surgeon uses this device to visualize the stone(s), then extracts the stone via small baskets. The surgeon also uses a laser beam to fragment the larger kidney stones and then remove the pieces. This treatment requires no incisions, and a surgeon may leave a stent in the ureter following surgery to help a person pass any remaining kidney stone particles.
• Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL): Addresses a kidney stone that exceeds 2 cm or larger or a kidney stone that is lodged in a tough-to-reach location. PCNL involves the use of a small incision in the back to insert a tube into the kidney. Next, a surgeon uses several instruments to treat a kidney stone.
• Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL): Uses shock waves to dissolve a kidney stone into smaller pieces. ESWL is a simple, quick, and effective treatment, and it generally takes about one hour to perform. During the procedure, a patient first lies down on a water-filled cushion, and a surgeon uses X-rays or ultrasound tests to determine the location of a kidney stone. After a surgeon finds the kidney stone, he or she sends high-energy sound waves through a patient’s body. The sound waves do not harm the muscle or skin tissue; instead, they break the kidney stone into smaller pieces that can pass.

Prior to administering any of the aforementioned surgical treatments, a urologist will discuss each procedure with a patient and respond to any concerns or questions. Following surgical treatment, a urologist will provide a patient with a series of recovery guidelines. The urologist may recommend dietary changes and medications to further reduce a patient’s risk of recurrent kidney stones and provide kidney stone prevention tips as well.

Schedule a Consultation with the Kidney Stone Experts at Comprehensive Urology in Los Angeles

Recurrent kidney stones are problematic, yet many individuals fail to properly address these issues. Without proper diagnosis and treatment, kidney stones may linger for an extended period of time. Perhaps worst of all, individuals who fail to receive effective long-term kidney stone treatments may experience kidney stones time and time again.

Comprehensive Urology in Los Angeles is a leading provider of kidney stone treatments, including dietary recommendations, medications, and surgeries. Our team of expert urologists is happy to meet with kidney stone patients and help them achieve long-lasting pain relief. Dr. Arash Akhavein is a fellowship-trained endourologist who subspecializes in all kidney stone treatments and minimally invasive surgery. To find out more, please contact us today at (310) 499-2756 to schedule a kidney stone treatment consultation with one of our friendly urologists.

 

Sources:

https://www.kidneyatlas.org/dissolve-kidney-stones/

https://www.kidney.org/atoz/content/kidneystones

https://www.uwhealth.org/urology/how-common-are-kidney-stones/11208

https://kidneystone.com/recurrence/

The post What Should I Do If I Have Recurrent Kidney Stones? appeared first on Comprehensive Urology.

September Is Prostate Cancer Month – What You Need to Know about The Disease

Hearing the phrase, “it’s prostate cancer” is enough to send chills down any man’s spine. Fortunately, however, prostate cancer is not a diagnosis that guarantees a negative outcome, although it does usually cause shock and dismay.

Due to the latest advances in cancer diagnostics and treatment options, finding out that you have prostate cancer in the early stages can mean a complete recovery and sustained quality of life once the appropriate treatment plan is developed and implemented.

To commemorate September as Prostate Cancer Month, the expert urologists at the Prostate Cancer Institute of Los Angeles want to make sure that you’re aware of the basics of prostate cancer and its treatment options. If you’ve been diagnosed with prostate cancer – or even if you suspect that you have it – we’ll help prepare you for the next steps.

Risk Factors Associated with Prostate Cancer

There are several risk factors associated with prostate cancer, including the following:

• Age – This is the biggest risk factor of all, and the chances of developing cancer start rising once a man reaches 50
• Ethnicity/Race – Though all men are at risk for prostate cancer, African-Americans have an incidence rate that is higher than both whites and Asian-Americans.
• Geography – North American, European, Australian, and Caribbean men are more likely to be diagnosed with the disease than men from other areas of the world (most likely due to diet)
• Family History – If your father, brother, grandfather, or uncle has ever been diagnosed with the disease, your chances of having it are greatly increased
• Changes in the Gland Itself – This particularly applies to gene mutations or the presence of PIN cells (prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia cells)
• Diet – Evidence shows that men are a higher risk if their diet consists of dairy and/or red meat.

Although it’s good to keep the above in mind, it’s also important to remember that you’re not guaranteed to have cancer if you suffer from one or more of the aforementioned risk factors. Despite this, you’re not necessarily in the clear if you have NONE of the known risk factors, either, which is why prostate cancer screenings are critical.

Symptoms of Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers and is the second deadliest cancer for American men. Since cancer of the prostate grows slowly, men who succumb to the disease usually do so because of a late or inaccurate diagnosis and/or improper treatment.

The prostate gland is crucial to your reproductive and urinary system, as it regulates the bladder and contributes to the health and mobility of sperm. As a result, most symptoms are connected to urinary or sexual habit changes.

However, the symptoms of this disease can be confusing, as they’re inconsistent from man to man; some men with the disease never have symptoms while others who don’t have the disease can have symptoms, though they could simply be due to normal body functions.

Here are 4 crucial symptoms:

Urinary Changes – These include difficulty holding urine in, difficulty starting to urinate, weak flow of urine, and pain or burning while urinating
Sexual Changes – These include erection issues, bloody semen, or pain during ejaculation
Unusual Swelling or Numbness – This refers more to numbness or swelling in the pelvis, hips, or legs, not to the penis or testicles, in particular
Unexpected Pain or Stiffness – This includes such issues in your lower back, hips, legs, and even bones

Don’t disregard these symptoms, especially if they persist. See a board-certified specialist as soon as possible, because early detection is the key between succumbing to the disease and surviving it.

If you are diagnosed with prostate cancer, don’t be afraid to seek a second or even third opinion so that you’re sure that you weren’t misdiagnosed, as over- or undertreatment can be detrimental to your survival efforts. Furthermore, location, seriousness, and level of metastasis (spread) are also important when determining the appropriate treatment plan.

Options for Prostate Cancer Treatment

After your doctor has ascertained your overall health in addition to the size of the tumor, its aggression level, and its degree of spread, the best prostate cancer treatment plan can be determined and implemented.

If treatment for the whole gland is deemed necessary, several options are available:

Surgery – Surgical options include laparoscopy, robotic prostatectomy, and open surgery

Radiation therapy – These treatments include external beam radiation treatment (IMRT) and internal radiation therapy (brachytherapy)

Cryotherapy – Cryotherapy involves super-cooling the gland until the tumor is destroyed

Although the above whole gland prostate cancer treatments have track records of success, they carry risks of side effects and complications, such as erectile or urinary dysfunction. On the other hand, if localized prostate cancer treatment is deemed sufficient, there are several other options available:

Active surveillance – Active surveillance is not treatment, but simply active, regular monitoring of the tumor

HIFU (high intensity focused ultrasound) – HIFU is a safe, precise prostate cancer treatment that utilizes ultrasound technology.

MRI Fusion Therapies:

• TrueBeam IMRT
• MRI Fusion Brachytherapy
• MRI Fusion HIFU

Live a Healthy Lifestyle

Whether or not you’ve been diagnosed with prostate cancer, we urge you to live a healthy lifestyle. For example, exercise regularly – even walking for 20 minutes at least 3-4 times weekly – to keep fit. Walking helps lower stress and reduces the risk of a faster progression (if you’re dealing with the disease).

Also, consume a nutritious diet consisting of fruits, vegetables, fiber, low-fat foods, and nuts. This is believed to slow the growth of tumors. Learn more about healthy diet options for patients with prostate cancer at WebMD.com.

Learn More About Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer is beatable, and the specialists at the Prostate Cancer Institute of Los Angeles offer the latest in prostate cancer treatment designed for you to beat it. Schedule a consultation by contacting us online or calling our Beverly Hills office today.

Next, read 6 Famous Men Who Have Dealt with Prostate Cancer

The post September Is Prostate Cancer Month – What You Need to Know about The Disease appeared first on Prostate Cancer Dr. in Los Angeles CA.

6 Famous Men Who Have Dealt with Prostate Cancer

It’s not uncommon upon hearing a diagnosis as serious as cancer for you to feel you’re alone. For men with prostate cancer, the diagnosis can feel even more isolating.

For many men, cancer of the prostate is not an issue they want to talk about, so they deal with it alone.

But, as the second most common cancer among American men, this tactic is not recommended. Fighting such a disease, even one with a high survival rate, should not be undertaken alone.

The fact is that nearly 3 million American men have the disease, so you’re not alone in numbers. If you have compassionate health care professionals, such as the team at the Prostate Cancer Specialists in Los Angeles and loving family and friends in your corner, you’re not alone in support. If you’re a member of a prostate cancer support group, you’re not alone in having enough strength to fight.

The Prostate Cancer Specialists of Los Angeles want you to know that prostate cancer is very treatable, especially when it’s diagnosed in its early stages. But that means you have to get regular cancer screenings and see your doctor yearly once you near 50.

Many who die from this cancer usually were diagnosed too late, diagnosed incorrectly, or treated ineffectively.

Known Prostate Cancer Risk Factors

There are several risk factors that should compel you to seek medical advice. They include the following:

• Being 50+ years old
• American men of Caucasian or African descent are at the highest risk
• A family history of it (father, brother, uncle, grandfather, etc.)
• Changes in the prostate gland itself

Keep in mind, though, that it’s not a given that you have this cancer even if you have one or more of the above risk factors. However, it’s also important to remember that you’re necessarily not free of this disease because you have none of the prostate cancer risk factors.

In fact, read on to learn about six well-known individuals who have been stricken by cancer of the prostate and you’ll see that the disease can affect anyone. You’ll also see that it’s possible to survive.

No, you’ll see it’s possible to thrive.

Harry Belafonte

Actor, singer/songwriter, and activist, Harry Belafonte beat the disease in 1996. He’s been very gracious in public about sharing his issues with such side effects as incontinence from cancer treatments.

Now at 89 years of age, Belafonte wasn’t always so open about his condition, especially given that opening up about a disease that affects such a central part of a man can be difficult to endure and talk about. However, he now believes that there is nothing to be ashamed about and that having a positive mindset when fighting the disease is vital to your chances of survival.

Ben Stiller

Actor Ben Stiller is a model of why having or lacking cancer symptoms guarantees nothing. Diagnosed in 2014, he had previously shown no symptoms; he also had no family history of the disease.

Stiller only found out as a routine part of a yearly physical. A prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test showed a high number, and a return test six months later confirmed an even higher number. Eventually, the news was confirmed, after which he had his prostate removed via surgery.

Stiller today is cancer-free, though he continues PSA testing every six months to check for a recurrence. And although the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force believes that PSA testing can often lead to overtreatment of low-risk prostate cancers, Stiller is on record stating that PSA testing saved his life.

Robert De Niro

Academy Award-winning actor Robert De Niro has made a name for himself in portraying tough guys in many of his well-known films. But beating cancer of the prostate in his 60s might be a better barometer for his toughness.

It was detected early enough that, although there are few details about his cancer treatment, he recovered well enough to become a father in 2011 via a surrogate to his wife and him.

Colin Powell

Four-star general (retired) and former Secretary of State, Colin Powell had surgery in 2003 to remove his prostate gland. He is now a vocal supporter of prostate cancer awareness.

Powell is another man whose life was extended – and with continued quality – because he got diagnosed early, a result of a regular prostate screening.

Sir Roger Moore

Actor and philanthropist, Roger Moore, most famous for his role as James Bond, was a noted and self-proclaimed hypochondriac, so being diagnosed in 1993 with prostate cancer, around the age of 65, was his ultimate nightmare. Moore recovered after he had his prostate gland removed via radical prostatectomy.

He later wrote about the health scare and his recovery. It profoundly affected him, as he admitted to being changed forever by the close call.

Moore passed way in May 2017.

Mandy Patinkin

Iconic actor and singer, Mandy Patinkin was diagnosed with cancer of the prostate in 2004 when he was 51-years-old. The diagnosis overwhelmed him, as he was at the same age that his father had died of pancreatic cancer.

Patinkin fully recovered after he underwent a radical prostatectomy. Learn more about this procedure at WebMD.com.

Contact Comprehensive Urology Today

As you can see, cancer doesn’t care about your age, genetics or career. That’s why it’s important to get screened regularly as part of your yearly physical. You can survive and live a fruitful life full of love and fulfillment. To learn more, contact the Prostate Cancer Specialists of Los Angeles online or at 310.341.2557.

Next, read Reduce the Risk of Prostate Cancer By Maintaining a Healthy Diet

 

The post 6 Famous Men Who Have Dealt with Prostate Cancer appeared first on Prostate Cancer Dr. in Los Angeles CA.

Reduce Your Risk of Prostate Cancer by Maintaining a Healthy Diet

A poor diet can easily be linked to health concerns such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease, even colon cancer. And although the true relationship between nutrition and prostate cancer is not yet conclusive, more and more evidence suggests that good nutrition is a vital part of every prostate cancer prevention plan in Los Angeles.

The urological specialists at the Prostate Cancer Institute of Los Angeles encourage men to follow a mainly low-fat, plant-based diet. It helps maintain energy, strengthen the immune system, and optimize healing; it’s also believed to be instrumental in cancer prevention. If you already have prostate cancer, a good diet with low-fat, high-fiber foods, fewer simple sugars, and plenty of fluids can decrease the risk of it spreading.

How Nutrition and Prostatic Cancer are Linked

Fruits and Vegetables, Of Course!

Fruits and vegetables contribute to good overall health because they’re low in fat and full of vital vitamins, minerals, and fiber. But what is their role in the link between nutrition and cancer?

Foods with cancer-fighting phytochemicals such as:

• Lycopene (tomato, pink grapefruit, watermelon, mango, purple cabbage)
• Carotenoids (carrot, pumpkin, kale, spinach, sweet potato)
• Flavonoids (orange, blueberry, cherry, strawberry, apple, plum)
• Cruciferous vegetables (cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, kale)
• Natural fructose (sugar from fruit)

Each of the above foods has been linked to lower risks of prostate tumors. In fact, several studies show that men who consume three or more servings per week of cruciferous vegetables reduce the risk of cancer by more than 40% compared to those who ate one serving per week.

Overall, it is highly recommended that men consume a minimum of 8 servings of fruits and vegetables every day. It’s a beneficial cancer prevention method for men who don’t have it, and it helps at restricting metastasis (spread) in men who already have it.

The Benefits of Fiber

High amounts of fiber are inherent in plant-based diets and have the following benefits:

• Eliminating toxic or cancer-causing compounds
• Reducing hormone levels associated with the progression of the tumor
• Slowing tumor growth

Furthermore, the National Cancer Institute reports that eating whole grains reduces cancer mortality and that a fiber-rich diet lowers the risk and spread of the cancer.

For prostate cancer prevention, we recommend 30 grams or more of fiber every day. Whole grain bread (not those with unbleached white flour) with 3 or more grams in each slice is an excellent source, as are oats, barley, quinoa, and beans.

Low Fat Eating

A low-fat diet obviously has many overall health benefits, but what about more cancer-specific benefits?

Men in developed countries have a higher incidence of prostate cancer, so researchers studied it to determine why. They observed that these men generally have a high-fat diet, resulting in increased testosterone levels, which are linked with cancer growth. Yet, in spite of this evidence, it’s still not conclusive or consistent enough to know for sure.

What is known, however, is this—avoid saturated fats and trans fats. The link between prostate cancer and saturated fat from red meat and/or dairy is conclusive; it could even increase the risk of metastatic cancer.

Trans fats, in addition to contributing to heart disease, cause hormone irregularities that disrupt the body’s healing mechanisms or damage bodily tissue, which could increase the chances of cancer.

Another bad fat is Omega-6 because it is thought to promote the growth of prostate cancer cells. As a result, avoid the following oils: corn, sunflower, flaxseed, safflower, cottonseed, and soybean. If oil is needed, go with olive oil, but always in moderation.

Good Fats

Some good fats have been linked to lower risks of prostate cancer prevention and progression. Omega-3 is a healthful fat found in walnuts, soybeans, canola oil, and fish (e.g., salmon, trout, herring, and mackerel).

We recommend that you consume at least 3-4 servings of foods with Omega-3 fats to either strengthen cancer prevention or reduce the risks of progression. (Make sure the fish is grilled or baked, not fried).

Maintain a Healthful Lifestyle

If you’re over 45, it is crucial to maintaining a healthy lifestyle in Los Angeles. Cancer prevention is enhanced when you reduce sugar intake, monitor fat intake (and the type of fats consumed), and drink lots of fluids.

Here are several other benefits of good nutrition and prostatic cancer:

• Antioxidant-rich foods can reduce the risk of prostate cancer, so pomegranates, blueberries, blackberries, and raspberries should be a part of your diet, as well as green tea
• Reduce alcohol intake to no more than one a day to keep your cancer risks reduced
• Exercise (even if only a 15-20-minute walk every other day) keeps the body healthy, promotes strong circulation, and sustains or improves the immune system
• Yoga and/or meditation can help improve one’s mental strength, focus, and mindset – all of which are valuable in battling cancer.

Read more about prostatic cancer at WebMD.com.

To Learn More, Contact the Prostate Cancer Institute of Los Angeles

The links between nutrition and cancer are growing stronger. Preventing cancer starts with you, yet the disease can still be beaten even if you have it. To find out more, schedule a consultation online with our prostate specialists or contact our Beverly Hills office at 310.341.2557.

In a nutshell: Healthy diet and lower risk of prostate tumors

• Maintaining a healthy diet can likely help prevent prostate tumor or slow its growth
• What to eat? Fruits and vegetables
• Which ones? Tomatoes, cauliflowers, kale, melons, pomegranate, berries, kale, pumpkin, spinach, whole grain bread, green tea, sweet potato
• What’s bad for you? Saturated animal fat and trans fat
• What else to do? Exercise, relieve stress, reduce alcohol consumption

Next, read Avoid These Prostate Cancer Risk Factors

The post Reduce Your Risk of Prostate Cancer by Maintaining a Healthy Diet appeared first on Prostate Cancer Dr. in Los Angeles CA.

Avoid These Prostate Cancer Risk Factors

Once a man hits middle age, the prospect of prostate cancer looms larger with each passing year. It’s one of the most common cancers among men in Los Angeles and worldwide, and, except for lung and bronchus cancer, it is men’s deadliest cancer.

Through years of research and clinical studies, a variety of risk factors has been found to be conclusively associated with prostate cancer. The experts at the Prostate Cancer Institute of Los Angeles are at the research forefront of prostatic cancer prevention, testing, diagnostics, and treatments. We want you to understand that you can recover from this disease and live a fruitful, enjoyable life.

Prostate Gland Cancer

If detected early enough, this disease is treatable and beatable. Many men who do succumb to the cancer are often found to have had their cancer detected too late, diagnosed improperly, or treated ineffectively.

The prostate gland is roughly the size of a walnut, situated beneath the bladder and in front of the rectum. The gland regulates the bladder and builds healthy sperm, which is why many symptoms of prostate cancer involve unusual changes in sexual or urinary habits.

Known Risk Factors

The following reminders are worth noting first:

• Having one or more of the following risk factors does not mean prostate cancer is a given
• Having NO risk factors does not mean you don’t have or won’t get this cancer

However, as part of a long-term prostate cancer prevention plan, it’s still better to avoid the following known risk factors that can be sidestepped while trying to limit the impact that the other risk factors might have.

50 and Above

Age is the biggest risk factor of all. For men under 40, this cancer is rare and even for men in their 40s, the risk is low. After 50, though, the risks begin to increase and once men reach 65, according to the American Cancer Society, the chances significantly increase—about 60 percent of all cases are in men over 65.

Ethnic Group / Race

Although research has found that certain races and ethnic groups are more susceptible, scientists and the experts at the Prostate Cancer Institute of Los Angeles are still working to determine why.

Black American men and Caribbean men with African ancestry are most at risk, as this cancer occurs most often in these two groups. Black men are also more than two times as likely to die from the disease as white men are. For American men with Asian or Hispanic ancestry, the chances of getting prostate cancer are less likely than they are for black or white American men.

Geographical Region

It’s been found that men from North America, Australia, northern and western Europe, and Caribbean island nations are more likely to get this disease, while it’s less common in men from Central America, South America, Asia, and Africa.

The reasons why men in certain regions are more vulnerable than men in other regions are not clear. Lifestyle could have an impact, although the extent is also unknown, especially in light of anomalous information such as this: American men of Asian descent are at less risk than their white counterparts, yet they are more at risk than their counterparts actually living in Asia.

In the Genes

Many studies have found that the majority of prostate cancer cases occur in men who have no history of it in their family. However, research also shows that a man’s risk more than doubles if a first-degree relative (i.e. father or brother) has had the disease.

Moreover, studies have found that a man’s risk increases more if a brother has had it than if the father has had it. An even higher risk has been attributed to men with several relatives who have or have had prostate cancer.

Changes in Genomes or in the Prostate Itself

Although gene mutations are thought to account for only a small number of cases nationwide, there are several types that could contribute to the cancer. For example, inherited genome changes are a common cause of Lynch syndrome, a condition found to increase one’s risk not only for a prostate tumor but also for several other types of cancer including colon.

As for changes in the gland itself, studies indicate that “atypical small acinar proliferations” (sometimes called ASAP) may increase a man’s risk of this disease. This finding on biopsy even in absence of cancer warrants close surveillance and repeat biopsy. Other lesions such as HGPIN (high grade intra epithelia neoplasia) may also increase the risk of prostate cancer in future.

Possible Factors That Continue to Be Researched

In addition to the established risk factors above, possible others have been identified, though irrefutable evidence has not yet been clarified.

For example, there could be a link between diet and prostate tumors because men who consume high-fat dairy and a lot of red meat, as well as fewer fruits and vegetables, seem to have a higher risk. Precise links have yet to be found, however.

Other risk factors being researched include a previous vasectomy, smoking, prostate inflammation, exposure to chemicals, STDs, obesity, high consumption of calcium, and a sedentary lifestyle.

Slow-Growing vs Aggressive Prostate Cancers

According to the Prostate Cancer Foundation, prostate cancer is actually more than one disease, which means there are multiple causes. Thus, the tumors that are aggressive and kill have different fundamental causes from the slow-growing ones, as the following examples illustrate:

• Obese men are not at a greater risk of developing the cancer, yet they are more likely to have an aggressive tumor
• Smokers are no more likely to get a slow-growing form of the cancer, yet are a slightly higher risk of getting a more aggressive type
• Men who lack fruits and vegetables in their diet are at an increased risk of the aggressive cancer but not of the slow-growing type

Do You Have Questions? Contact a Prostate Specialist in LA

Although some risk factors cannot be avoided, such as age or ethnicity, other risk factors can be. To learn more about known risk factors as well as ones still being researched, contact the Prostate Cancer Institute of Los Angeles online or at 310.341.2557.

In a nutshell: Risk factors for Prostate Cancer

• Age: most important of all! Especially after 65
• Geography/Race: Africans and African American males are more prone
• Family history: first degree relatives (father or brother) with the disease
• Genetics: some syndromes or genetic mutations (BRCA1 and 2, etc)
• “Pre-cancerous” lesions in prostate biopsy: such as ASAP, etc
• Aggressive forms of this cancer more common in: smokers, obese men, low fruit and vegetable diet

Next, read Active Surveillance: What Is It and Who Is a Candidate?

The post Avoid These Prostate Cancer Risk Factors appeared first on Prostate Cancer Dr. in Los Angeles CA.

Active Surveillance: What Is It and Who Is a Candidate?

Prostate cancer is among the slowest growing of all cancers; thus, a diagnosis does not automatically mean reduced life expectancy. Many treatments are available at the Prostate Cancer Institute of Los Angeles, including whole gland procedures and focal treatments. The former includes aggressive therapies such as surgery or radiation while the latter group comprises less invasive procedures such as HIFU or MRI-fusion HIFU.

In many cases, aggressive treatment is unnecessary and even harmful. While they can certainly bring good results, they also carry risks such as increased chances of ED or urinary dysfunction. This might not work for men with the following:

• Early stage prostate cancer
• A small or localized tumor
• A non-aggressive tumor
• A low Gleason score

At the Prostate Cancer Institute of Los Angeles, our expert prostate cancer specialists have the training and experience to design a customized treatment plan that suits your given situation. Given that recovery and continuation of a normal life are not unlikely, a viable treatment that does not detract from your quality of life is important. One such treatment is active surveillance.

What Factors Should Be Considered before Devising a Treatment Plan?

If you have been diagnosed with prostate cancer, the following factors should be taken into account in order to create the proper treatment plan:

• Tumor size
• Tumor stage
• Aggressiveness of tumor
• Degree of spread (metastasis)
• Gleason score (tumor grade)
• PSA level
• Patient age
• Patient’s will to survive
• Overall health of patient
• Patient concerns

According to the Prostate Cancer Foundation, over half of all men newly diagnosed with the disease have low-risk prostate cancer, meaning that the tumor is unlikely to spread quickly or even at all. Yet, for a majority of those men, the treatment they receive is not only immediate but also aggressive.

How Does Active Surveillance Work?

Active surveillance as a viable treatment option has gained traction in recent years once it became obvious that aggressive treatment in low-risk cases creates more harm than good.

Men with a small, early-stage tumor or a low Gleason score most likely should not undergo immediate radical treatment. On the other hand, taking a wait-and-see attitude toward a metastasized tumor might not be the most effective plan.

Active surveillance should not be considered a form of “no treatment.” Instead of direct manipulation of the tumor or affected gland, it is a proactive monitoring of the tumor through regular exams, including DREs (digital rectal exams) or PSA testing (prostate specific antigens).

It could also be considered deferred treatment because you do undergo treatment once it becomes really necessary, thus avoiding the treatment side effects as long as safely possible. There is much documentation of men with the low-risk type of the disease readily surviving 10-15 years after diagnosis with simple, yet regular surveillance. The rate of metastasis or death is remarkably low, indicating that in these cases, immediate or aggressive treatment would not have improved the outcome; in fact, it could be argued that such types of treatment would have reduced their quality of life due to the unwanted side effects which can be significant.

The key to success with active surveillance is regular monitoring and undergoing prostate cancer treatment once the tumor becomes more aggressive.

What Happens Once Cancer Is Diagnosed?

If a patient has been diagnosed with localized or early stage cancer, active surveillance is a viable method of treatment; instead of being immediately treated, the tumor is monitored closely, specifically its growth and aggressiveness.

More aggressive prostate cancer treatment is implemented only when the tumor enlarges, the aggression increases or the patient decides to undergo such treatment.

What Happens to the Cancer During Active Surveillance?

The tumor remains in your body. Research suggests that in the decade after the original diagnosis for men undergoing active surveillance more than half don’t warrant treatment during that period.

The truth is that it’s not for everyone. It takes commitment and a willingness to follow the recommended active surveillance plan. Though customized to meet your goals and treat your specific case, a plan is based on the following:

• PSA level every 3-6 months
• Repeat prostate biopsy within 18 months of diagnosis (then as necessary afterward)
• DRE (rectal exam) at 6 months or 1 year

Why Is It Not for Everyone?

Because active surveillance treatment is passive, there is an increased chance that the tumor grows or spreads. This is especially true for patients who don’t follow the customized surveillance plan as prescribed by their doctor.

That’s why active surveillance works better for diligent patients willing to be proactive in following a prescribed set of guidelines that ensures his continued quality of life.

When is Active Surveillance Recommended?

Since many patients are treated more aggressively for cancer than is necessary to survive, a common question about treatment is when are conditions right for active surveillance?

Below are general guidelines that are considered ideal:

• Tumor is considered to be low risk
• PSA level less than 10
• Gleason score 6 or less (some consider select 7 cases for this as well)
• Tumor is small and confined to prostate (ideally less than 3 biopsied cores involved)

Another situation where active surveillance is also a useful approach for older men with a limited life expectancy, especially if they are also dealing with other ailments and chronic health issues. In such cases, immediate therapy might cause more complications with no meaningful benefit.

Learn more about watchful waiting for low-risk localized cancer at WebMD.com.

Contact the Prostate Cancer Institute of Los Angeles for More Information

Prostate cancer is beatable and we have a variety of prostate cancer treatment options to help you beat it. To schedule a consultation, contact the Prostate Cancer Institute of Los Angeles online or call our Beverly Hills office at 310.341.2557.

Next, read These 4 Crucial Symptoms May Mean You Have Prostate Cancer

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