Gillian McKeith's Food Bible (305 page)

Stress also plays a huge role in hormonal balance, as the adrenal glands (responsible for our stress response) also produce some estrogen and progesterone. Relaxation techniques such as yoga, tai chi, deep breathing, and meditation can all help.

NOTE ON SUPPLEMENTS

These should be taken every day approximately four days before the period and during the period. After menstruation, you can stop taking them until the following month. Eventually, once your liver is strengthened and your body is more balanced, you may find that you don’t need all these nutrients and herbs.

PROSTATE CANCER

The prostate gland is a small gland found at the base of the bladder. It secretes prostatic fluid—the fluid in which sperm is carried. Prostate cancer develops when cells in the prostate start to grow in an uncontrolled way. They can then invade surrounding tissues and may spread to other body parts via the lymph.

Prostate cancer is becoming increasingly common. It tends to be a slow-growing cancer and may be asymptomatic. Autopsies show that many men who die of other causes actually have cancer of the prostate gland without being aware of it.

Symptoms include pain or burning during urination, a need to urinate frequently, poor urine flow or an inability to urinate, blood in the urine or semen, impotence, lower back pain, or pelvic pain. There may, however, be no symptoms. Many of these symptoms may be due to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), so a correct diagnosis is important.

Diagnosis is often by measuring levels of prostate specific antigen (PSA). Otherwise, rectal examination and ultrasound scans can also be carried out. Ultimately, a biopsy is needed to confirm the diagnosis.

CAUSES MAY INCLUDE

A history of venereal disease.

A high-fat diet.

High testosterone levels.

A family history of prostate cancer.

Nutrient deficiencies.

Exposure to environmental chemicals.

Pollution.

Action plan

Any changes you make must be sanctioned by your GP, but the following may be of help.

EAT/DRINK

Fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, whole grains, and pulses, which have been shown to slow the growth of prostate cancer as measured by PSA levels.

Tomatoes, which are one of the best sources of lycopene. Lycopene is a plant chemical that can reduce the chances of developing prostate cancer and can slow its progression. Maximum lycopene can be derived from tomatoes that have been puréed. Watermelons and pink grapefruits also supply some lycopene.

Olive oil and avocados. These are high in monounsaturated fats that have favorable effects on slowing the development of prostate cancer. They are also good sources of vitamin E, deficient levels of which are linked to the development of cancer.