Prostate cancer

Prostate cancer

Prostate cancer develops when the cells in the prostate gland change, begin to divide uncontrollably and concentrate in a derivative called a tumor. The tumor can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). A malignant tumor can spread to other parts of the body.

Prostate cancer is a malignant tumor. Some prostate tumors grow very slowly, so a person does not feel any symptoms or signs for a long time. Many prostate cancer cells begin to produce too much of a protein called prostate-specific antigen (PSA). However, excess PSA levels are found not only in prostate cancer but also in other prostate diseases such as benign prostatic hyperplasia (enlarged prostate) and prostatitis (inflammation or infection of the prostate).

Affected prostate tumor

Prostate cancer is significantly different from other cancers because it has almost no spread from the prostate. Often, even an advanced prostate tumor can be successfully treated and give men with the disease the opportunity to enjoy good health and life for several more years to come. If the cancer spreads (metastasizes) to other organs and the disease is not effectively controlled, it can cause pain, fatigue, or other symptoms.

Types of prostate cancer

Prostate cancer can be of different types. The type is determined by the cells and tissues from which the primary prostate tumor developed.

Prostate adenocarcinoma

More than 90 percent. all diagnosed prostate tumors consist of prostate adenocarcinoma. Thus, almost every man diagnosed with prostate cancer has prostate adenocarcinoma. The cancer begins to develop in the cells of the prostate glandular epithelium. Many prostate adenocarcinomas grow very slowly and are prone to spread. But there are some that grow pretty fast.

Symptoms of non-cancerous and cancerous prostate diseases

Benign prostatic hyperplasia. With age, the prostate gland in men often increases. This is usually not due to cancer. This disease is called benign prostatic hyperplasia or prostatic hyperplasia.

Prostate cancer does not cause any symptoms at first. Many prostate tumors begin to form on the outside of the prostate gland, away from the urethra. As long as the tumor is small, it does not press on the duct (urethra) and does not prevent urine from leaving the body, so the person does not feel any change. When symptoms begin to appear, a later stage of prostate cancer is often diagnosed.

The symptoms of non-cancerous (benign) and cancerous (malignant) prostate tumors are very similar:

  • sudden urge to urinate;
  • more frequent than usual urge to urinate, especially at night;
  • difficulty urinating, urinary felt urge, effort required to start and finish the action;
  • feeling that you still fail to empty your bladder completely;
  • after finishing urinating after a few minutes, some urine may drip again and contaminate the underwear;
  • discomfort while sitting, cycling due to an enlarged prostate.
cause of prostatitis

Prostate cancer risk factors

Risk factors are any environmental factors, inherited traits, lifestyles or habits that increase the risk of cancer. Although risk factors influence the onset of cancer, many do not directly cause cancer.

What specifically causes prostate cancer is not yet well known, but some common risk factors have been identified that may increase the risk of developing this male disease.

  • Age. People over 50 are at higher risk for prostate cancer. About 80 percent. cases of prostate cancer are found in men over 65 years of age.
  • Family predisposition. Prostate cancer is thought to be caused by one or more altered or damaged cell genes. About 75 percent. cases of prostate cancer are sporadic. This means that genetic changes occur randomly after a person is born. About 20 percent. cases of prostate cancer are familial, i. y. cancer develops due to changes in genes that predominate in families and their interactions with environmental factors. About 5 percent. cases of prostate cancer are inherited. Hereditary prostate cancer develops due to genetic alterations. Altered genes are passed on to offspring. If a first-degree relative (father, brother or child) has been diagnosed with prostate cancer, the risk of prostate cancer increases 2-3 times for other men in this family.
  • Hereditary breast and ovarian cancer syndrome. It is caused by mutations in the BRCA1 and / or BRCA2 genes. Although this syndrome is generally associated with an increased risk of breast and ovarian cancer in women, mutations in these genes in men may also increase the risk of prostate and breast cancer. Mutations in the HPC1, HPC2, HPCX genes may also increase the risk, but at least one of them has not been shown to cause prostate cancer or to be a specific marker of prostate cancer.
  • Nutrition. Although there is no evidence that malnutrition or certain products can directly cause or prevent prostate cancer, many researchers see links between eating habits and the incidence of oncological diseases. Fatty foods, especially animal fats, are considered one of the risk factors for prostate cancer. To prevent prostate cancer, fatty foods should be abandoned and instead of animal fats, it is better to choose vegetables, eat more vegetables, fruits and legumes. Healthy eating should be the norm from a young age, but changing your eating habits in later years is only for the benefit.

Prostate Cancer Treatment

Which treatment methods to apply to a man with prostate cancer are usually decided by a team of doctors: a surgeon (urologist), an oncologist, a radiotherapist, and an oncologist, a chemotherapist. The treatment plan is tailored to each patient, so it’s no surprise that your colleague or neighbor has been treated for prostate cancer in a completely different way than recommended to you. In order to select the most appropriate treatment, specialists take into account many factors:

  • the general state of health of the man;
  • age;
  • whether the patient has any other illnesses;
  • cancer stage and degree of differentiation;
  • whether there are distant metastases;
  • Serum PSA levels;
  • the likely side effects of the treatment;
  • what purpose of treatment is acceptable to the patient and what benefits he expects from the treatment.

The main methods of treating prostate cancer are hormone therapy, radiation therapy and surgical treatment, less commonly chemotherapy.

In addition to basic treatment to maintain a good quality of life, doctors often recommend adhering to the principles of a healthy lifestyle, moving more and using those phytopreparations that scientists have found to inhibit the progression of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and prostate cancer.

 

Read more

Prostate and Prostatitis

prostate prostatitis symptoms treatment

Prostatitis is an inflammation of the prostate gland. Prostate gland activity is associated with libido, orgasm, effective spermatogenesis, and ejaculation. Do you feel a very frequent urge to urinate? Do you experience bothersome pain while urinating? Then visit a medical urologist. During the consultation, the urologist will determine the causes of the illness, prescribe effective treatment, and you will be able to enjoy excellent health again. Do not wait for prostatitis to do significant damage to the prostate.

prostatitis symptoms

Prostate infection

Prostatitis can be cured quite effectively, but delaying contact with a specialist risks low potency, poor sperm quality, and even infertility all of this will harm the prostate. This disease can affect not only physical but also mental health, which is particularly impaired due to disrupted social life, constant discomfort, or deteriorating relationships with a life partner.
Want to enjoy a quality life? Then take care of your prostate gland health in a timely manner. Don’t expect prostatitis to go away on its own. On the contrary, it can turn into chronic inflammation, which will be much more difficult to cure than early-stage prostatitis.

what is the main cause of prostate enlargement

One major cause of prostatitis has not yet been identified. It is possible to consider that several factors can cause this disease in one person, such as:

  • Bacterial infection;
  • Autoimmune reaction;
  • Muscle strain or physical injury;
  • Prostate stones;
  • Food allergy;
  • Virus.

E.coli is one of the most commonly detected pathogens. The disease can also start to develop due to various microorganisms that often cause chronic prostatitis. A professional urologist will help determine why you develop prostatitis. This is very important because different causes of prostatitis require different treatments.
Also pay attention to the risk factors that cause prostatitis. These can include genital trauma, very frequent cycling, horseback riding, and even sexual abstinence.

cause of prostatitis

How to recognize prostatitis?

Prostatitis usually begins quite acutely and unexpectedly. This onset of the disease can make you anxious, but don’t worry if you notice the symptoms of prostatitis in time.

Symptoms of prostatitis

  • Pain in the lower abdomen;
  • Fever or chills;
  • Urinary retention;
  • Frequent and painful urination;
  • Cloudy urine;
  • Painful bowel movements;
  • Painful, enlarged prostate.

Prostatitis treatment

Urine-enhancing drugs, antibiotics, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, pelvic blood flow-reducing drugs, anti-spasms and antispasmodics, and good bacteria for restoring the intestinal microflora are commonly used to treat prostatitis. In the case of chronic inflammation of the prostate, additional therapy is sometimes required, in which case physiotherapy procedures are applied. Treatment of prostatitis depends on the severity of the disease, and the effectiveness of the treatment depends not only on the strength of the drug but also on the patient’s willingness and ability to change lifestyle, diet, harmful habits, work, and rest regimen.

prostatitis treatment

When contacting a doctor about prostatitis?

Prostatitis starts quite acutely, so if you experience even the slightest symptoms, it is worth consulting a urologist. Each of them may be associated with the onset of a serious illness. Also, if any of your relatives had prostate cancer at the age of 45, it is necessary to be checked regularly. And even if you have not had this disease in your family, it is recommended to get a preventive checkup at least once a year from the age of 50.
Take care of your prostate health! After all, not only your physical but also your psychological well-being depends on its activities.

 

Read more
,

Testosterone and how to recuperate it?

testosterone boost

Testosterone is one of the most important hormones in a man’s life. What are the symptoms of low testosterone? How realistically can you increase testosterone levels with exercise, diet, and a few lifestyle changes?

After reading the article, you will learn what testosterone is and what its functions are. You will also have learned all the subtleties of how to increase it safely and naturally.

At the end of the article, we will provide recommendations for dietary supplements to stimulate testosterone.

Testo levels by age

What is a hormone?

Many may say that testosterone is a hormone. But can the same many say what a hormone is?

A hormone is a chemical compound produced by the body to control processes in cells and organs.

Hormones play essential roles in the body’s most important processes: growth, digestion, libido, metabolism, and even mood swings.

Imagine them as messengers who give cells and organs instructions on what to do. For example Insulin is a hormone that instructs cells to absorb glucose from the blood and use it to release energy.

What is Testosterone?

Testosterone is a hormone that is produced in the testicles and ovaries.

Testosterone is the most important male hormone (androgen), so it is much more in the male body than in the female.

Testosterone levels in the body are directly related to:

  • Muscle and bone strength
  • Production of red blood cells
  • Libido (sexual wellness)
  • Semen production
  • Energy level and mood
  • The effect of testosterone is “visible” on the whole body – the more it is, the more “masculine” the body functions.

(And on the other hand, the more female hormone estrogen, the more “feminine” the body will look)

When testosterone levels are low, you experience the following symptoms:

  • Poor libido
  • Erectile Dysfunction
  • Restless, poor sleep
  • Muscle and strength loss
  • Fat% increase
  • “Mist on the eyes”
  • Depression

How to naturally increase testosterone levels?

Fat is responsible for hormone production, skin condition, uptake of vitamins A, D, E and K, and other important bodily functions.

Generally, it is recommended to consume 1g of fat per kg of body weight. This number can vary depending on each organism. In general, fat should make up 20-30% of your kcal intake.

Have you heard of the fact that eating more fat can significantly increase testosterone levels? In part, this is true. Unfortunately, consuming twice as much fat as recommended will increase testosterone levels by just ~ 13% or less (source) (source).

~ 13% increase is NOT MUCH. Probably wouldn’t even feel it.

So, use the given recommendation for fat intake and you will ensure that your body will have something to produce this hormone from.

Low testosterone level

Testosterone and carbohydrate intake

Two things happen when you exercise regularly and avoid carbs. The first is an increase in cortisol (stress hormone) levels, as a result of which you feel irritated, restless and the body retains water. The second is a decrease in free testosterone levels (source) (source).

Cortisol and testosterone are two opposites. The more cortisol, the less testosterone (source).

But what about carbs? Why is a decrease in testosterone levels observed when avoiding them?

A high-carbohydrate diet means higher insulin levels compared to one where carbohydrates are minimal (source). Insulin is effective in lowering cortisol levels (source). As I mentioned above, this ensures normal testosterone levels and production.

It is also worth mentioning that insulin is an effective “stop” (source) of muscle breakdown (popularly known as “catabolism”). Due to the reduced muscle breakdown processes, a medium for efficient muscle growth is provided.

Avoiding carbohydrates prevents optimal recovery after training, results in lack of energy and more difficult muscle growth (source).

So, if your health is good, you exercise regularly and you are not obese, you will be much more effective in consuming a lot of carbohydrates (and protein!). I emphasize the benefits of carbohydrates:

  • More effective, better workouts.
  • More strength and muscle mass.
  • Greater food satisfaction.
  • More energy.
  • Better mood.
  • More testosterone, less cortisol.
Read more

What is Microvascular Coronary Disease?

Healthy hearth

Angina is a typical chest pain that usually lasts for a few minutes,
most commonly occurring during exercise and relieving at rest. Angina pectoris
occurs when the balance between myocardial oxygen supply and myocardial oxygen demand is disturbed.

Angina pectoris is considered stable when its symptoms do not change and are predictable (localization,
nature and duration of sensation, the intensity of inducing load, response to treatment). She often gets sick
patients with multiple risk factors for cardiovascular disease (dyslipidemia,
diabetes mellitus, primary arterial hypertension, smoking, obesity and early
coronary heart disease found among close relatives).

Heart problems

Coronary artery disease symptoms

Because coronary heart disease can develop over many years, symptoms are often not felt until the blockage becomes critical. First, you’ll notice that your heart works harder than usual with simple physical work. However, symptoms can also occur with rest or no physical activity.

Each person may experience different symptoms, but the most common are:

  • Chest discomfort or pain (angina)
  • Shortness of breath
  • Extremely tired
  • Swelling of the feet
  • Arm or shoulder pain
  • Women may experience atypical chest pain. It can be short-lived or a sharp sensation in the abdomen, back or arm.
  • Women are more likely than men to experience dangerous signs of a heart attack, including nausea and back or jaw pain. Sometimes myocardial infarction occurs without any symptoms.
  • Be sure to contact your doctor if you experience symptoms of coronary heart disease.
Heart rate

Risk factors

The process of vascular calcification inevitably occurs with age, however, certain risk factors accelerate this process:

  • Age (over 45 for men, over 55 for women)
  • Family history of heart disease
  • Smoking
  • High blood pressure
  • High LDL (low-density lipoprotein) “bad” cholesterol and low HDL (high-density lipoprotein) “good” cholesterol
  • Diabetes
  • Overweight or obesity
  • Absence of exercise
  • Some radiation therapy to the chest
  • Stress
  • Men are at higher risk of developing coronary heart disease than women. After menopause, the risk of getting sick in women increases.
Heart attack symptoms

Diagnosis of Microvascular Coronary Disease

If your doctor suspects you have coronary heart disease, he or she will refer you to a cardiologist who specializes in diagnosing and treating heart disease.

Your doctor will find out about your symptoms, medical history and risk factors. Depending on the information you receive, your doctor will order tests to determine the condition of your arteries. Such studies may include:

  • Electrocardiogram (ECG)
  • Echocardiogram (ECHO)
  • ECG exercise sample
  • Nuclear stress test
  • Magnetic resonance angiography (MRA)
  • Angiography
  • Intravascular ultrasound examination (IVUT)
  • X-ray
  • Blood test
  • Computed tomography angiography
blood test for heart problems
Blood samples are on a laboratory form for Finding out the blood values

Treatment

There are many things you can do to slow the progression of cardiovascular disease – take medication, follow a diet, exercise more; however, if such lifestyle changes do not work, your doctor will recommend a stenting or bypass procedure. Only a doctor can decide which treatment is most appropriate, taking into account your medical condition and the potential risks in the future.

MEDICAL THERAPY

When atherosclerosis is detected at an early stage, medications such as nitrates, beta blockers, calcium channel blockers, aspirin, or cholesterol-lowering medications may be prescribed. These medicines slow down the progression of the disease or reduce the symptoms.

Blood Vessel Shunt

Coronary artery bypass grafting is a common type of heart surgery, an open surgery in which a surgeon takes a portion of a healthy blood vessel from your leg, chest, or arm. This creates a new “bypass” for the flow of blood.

Non-cardiac surgery

This surgery is performed without cardiac arrest and requires some equipment to allow the surgeon to operate on the heart by beating it. Beating heart surgery is not suitable for all patients.
Cardiac Arrest – Most bypass surgeries are performed in an open manner (the chest is opened), where the heart is stopped and a special cardiopulmonary resuscitation machine is used to maintain blood flow.

 

Read more