Trace Minerals & A Healthy
Prostate
by Marian Brown
Zinc and Selenium may be key trace minerals in keeping the prostate
gland healthy. Of the two, selenium is the lesser known having been discovered
just a little more than 30 years ago. Included in Earl Mindell's Vitamin
Bible, selenium is classified as an anti-oxidant, which prevents or slows
down the aging process and hardening of the tissues through the oxidation
process.
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Mindell writes, "Males appear to have a greater need for selenium.
Almost half of their body's' supply concentrates in the testicles and portions
of the seminal ducts adjacent to the prostate gland. Also, selenium is lost in
the semen." Zinc, the second element, is also believed to be key to prostate
health. It exerts a normalizing effect on the prostate gland.
The major enemy of these two essential minerals is food processing.
Both Mindell and Bellevue, WA nutritional counselor Sam Zeiler agree that
today's food processing techniques are destroying the mineral value and content
of our foods. "Our foods are 'cooked to death," believes Zeiler. We over cook
and over process our foods today to the point very little, if anything, of value
is left. He also points out that government reports released in 1936 already
stated that our soils were nutritionally lacking.
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Like with women and osteoporosis, men are also experiencing prostate
problems at early ages. It is not uncommon to find problems developing in the
early 40's and 50's. "Our bodies are doing the best they can without the right
materials," comments Zeiler. Today's stresses, not just emotional, but physical
toxins that stress our bodies' systems are important factors.
"We live in a caustic environment," he continues, "and things get out
of sync. The endocrine (glandular) system is doing the best it can, but we just
keep pushing our systems." Men, says Zeiler, are often less open to self-care
and taking care of themselves. Many still have the attitude of "stay strong or
grin and bear it."
Zeiler stresses that ignoring the warning signs does not help. He
gives the example of a car's warning indicator light. If the oil light comes on,
we address the problem by adding oil. We could also just cut the wire to the
light. No longer would the light be a problem, but that doesn't change the fact
that the engine needs oil. The same principle holds true for one's body.
Ignoring warnings doesn't make the problem go away.
Basic steps in prostate health include increasing the zinc and
selenium intake as well as herbally including saw palmetto. Zinc and selenium
can be found in broccoli, kale, and roasted pumpkin seeds. Pumpkin seeds also
contain the omega 3 fatty acids. Zeiler recommends an individual dietary program
to address an individual's specific needs, exercise, eating raw
fruits/vegetables if possible, and taking responsibility for our health! |
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