(HealthDay News) -- Researchers at eight locations across the United States plan to examine the safety and effectiveness of estrogen therapy during perimenopause, the few years just prior to menopause.
The KEEPS (Kronos Early Estrogen Prevention Study), led by researchers at the University of Wisconsin (UW) School of Medicine and Public Health, will evaluate the effect that four years of estrogen therapy has on mood and cognition in 720 healthy perimenopausal women.
"There has been a tremendous amount of important and valuable research done on the positive and negative health effects of therapy using estrogen in menopausal women," study leader Sanjay Asthana, head of the UW Section of Geriatrics and Gerontology and director of the Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center, said in a prepared statement.
"It is my belief that this study will go a long way in helping us understand the complexity of estrogen and related hormones in humans. It is critical that we continue to systematically address all of the clinical issues concerning estrogen treatment and its effects on diseases like Alzheimer's," Asthana said.
The $3.4 million study will be funded by the U.S. National Institutes of Health.
Among its objectives, KEEPS will compare an arm patch that delivers a natural, human form of estrogen to the commonly used oral form of estrogen synthesized from animal sources.
Other goals include determining the best way to counteract the adverse effects of estrogen on the lining of the uterus and investigating which hormone therapy best mimics the menstrual cycle.
More information
The American Medical Association has more about hormone therapy.
Monday, June 25, 2007
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
Study Probes Whether Diet Can Cut Colon Cancer Risk
(HealthDay News) -- A study to examine whether a Mediterranean diet can help prevent colon cancer is being conducted by researchers at the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center.
Over three years, the researchers hope to recruit 120 people, age 21 or older, who've had colon polyps or colon cancer or have a family history of the disease. Participants will follow either a Mediterranean diet or the Healthy People 2010 diet for six months. They'll be able to choose foods they prefer from recommended food groups lists, and a dietitian will work closely with each participant by telephone.
Along with its emphasis on vegetables, fruits, whole grains, fish, olive oil and nuts, the Mediterranean diet limits high fat meats and processed foods. The Healthy People 2010 diet -- from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services -- emphasizes fruits, vegetables and whole grains, along with moderate fat intake and limits on saturated fat.
"Overall eating patterns appear to be more important for cancer prevention than intakes of specific nutrients or food groups. We hope this study will give us an indication of the benefits that a person's diet can have on health, especially in terms of reducing the risk of colon cancer," Zora Djuric, research professor of family medicine at the University of Michigan Medical School and principal investigator on the Healthy Eating for Colon Cancer Prevention study, said in a prepared statement.
A recently completed study of 70 women, ages 25 to 65, found that those who ate a Mediterranean diet decreased the amount of unhealthy polyunsaturated fat they consumed by 50 percent and increased their intake of healthy monounsaturated fats by the same amount.
The women on the Mediterranean diet also ate nearly double the amount of fruits and vegetables as women who ate a normal diet and had twice the blood levels of antioxidant micronutrients called carotenoids.
More information
The American Heart Association has more about the Mediterranean diet.
Over three years, the researchers hope to recruit 120 people, age 21 or older, who've had colon polyps or colon cancer or have a family history of the disease. Participants will follow either a Mediterranean diet or the Healthy People 2010 diet for six months. They'll be able to choose foods they prefer from recommended food groups lists, and a dietitian will work closely with each participant by telephone.
Along with its emphasis on vegetables, fruits, whole grains, fish, olive oil and nuts, the Mediterranean diet limits high fat meats and processed foods. The Healthy People 2010 diet -- from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services -- emphasizes fruits, vegetables and whole grains, along with moderate fat intake and limits on saturated fat.
"Overall eating patterns appear to be more important for cancer prevention than intakes of specific nutrients or food groups. We hope this study will give us an indication of the benefits that a person's diet can have on health, especially in terms of reducing the risk of colon cancer," Zora Djuric, research professor of family medicine at the University of Michigan Medical School and principal investigator on the Healthy Eating for Colon Cancer Prevention study, said in a prepared statement.
A recently completed study of 70 women, ages 25 to 65, found that those who ate a Mediterranean diet decreased the amount of unhealthy polyunsaturated fat they consumed by 50 percent and increased their intake of healthy monounsaturated fats by the same amount.
The women on the Mediterranean diet also ate nearly double the amount of fruits and vegetables as women who ate a normal diet and had twice the blood levels of antioxidant micronutrients called carotenoids.
More information
The American Heart Association has more about the Mediterranean diet.
Friday, June 08, 2007
An Ayurvedic Approach to Prostate Health
According to Ayurveda, men should think of the care of their reproductive system and sexual habits as a primary factor of good health. Ayurveda offers a holistic treatment plan to help men take an active role in the prevention of a prostate imbalance.
Younger men have the opportunity to be proactive and care for their prostate so that problems do not develop later in life. Men who are currently experiencing prostate problems should check with their physician prior to including these simple measures as complementary to allopathic treatment.
Disturbances in the prostate can manifest with the following symptoms:
waking to urinate during the night
difficulty urinating: unable to start, or starting and stopping, a weak stream, dribbling at the end of urination
urgency to urinate due to incomplete emptying of the bladder Many men who experience prostate problems have a tridoshic imbalance, meaning all three doshas - vata, pitta and kapha, are provoked in the body.
Vata dosha is responsible for the downward flow of energy, including the movement of the bowel and urination. Vata dosha naturally increases with age.
This can cause digestion to become weak and irregular. An imbalance of pitta dosha usually manifests as prostatitis and can be accomanied by a burning sensation upon urination. An increase in kapha dosha leads to an enlarged prostate causing pressure on the bladder and in some cases blockages within the tissues.
Choices of diet and lifestyle practices have a direct effect on all tissues of the body including the reproductive system. Habits that are detrimental may take years to manifest as an imbalance within the body and while the results are not always immediate, maintaining a practical daily health regime will help to bring balance to the body and help to keep the prostate healthy throughout life.
DietIt is necessary to strive for a regular diet of fresh, preferably organic foods to help balance the doshas within the body.
Avoid foods that will create ama or impurities in the body such as frozen, leftover and processed foods.
A diet that is moderate, balanced, light, warm and easy to digest will be the most beneficial in bringing the doshas back in balance. Making good food choices and strengthening digestion can help to nourish the body and facilitate the body's natural cleansing action.
Limit salt, sugar, fat and junk foods.
Minimize alcohol, tobacco and caffeine.
Choose fresh organic vegetables, fruits and grains.
Allow at least three hours between meals to cultivate a strong appetite.
Sip equal parts coriander, cumin and fennel tea to strengthen digestion and to help soothe any burning upon urination.
LifestyleIt is important to adopt moderation in all things as a general lifestyle guideline. Try these helpful lifestyle tips to balance the prostate and overall health:
Maintain a regular daily regime, sleeping, waking and eating meals at the same time each day.
Avoid extremes. Do not eat anything too oily, too spicy, too hot or too cold, too dry.
Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of pure water. This helps to flush toxins from the body and prevent concentration of urination.
Getting regular exercise helps to clear the channels of the body and remove toxins.
Do not engage in excessive sexual activity.
Reduce time spent sitting for long periods, riding a bike on bumpy terrain and horseback riding. This type of activity can disrupt the downward flow of energy which is necessary for the reproductive organs to function properly.
Do not suppress the urge to urinate. This irritates the bladder and puts pressure on the prostate.Prostate massage:Apply a small amount of organic sesame oil to the perineum, between the anus and the testicles. Gently rub in a circular motion, then several strokes from anus to the base of the penis. Massage can help to improve circulation to the tissues in this area, alleviate blockages, stimulate and balance the prostate.
The male reproductive system is connected energetically to the center of creativity. It may be very therapeutic to develop a form of creative expression in order to channel the energy in a healthful way. Not only is it an opportunity to explore an interesting side of yourself, but it will help prevent energy from getting blocked in this area.HerbsMen's Support is a rejuvenating formula for the male reproductive system.
This nourishing blend helps maintain a healthy prostate and the uncongested flow of urine. It tones and strengthens the muscles while boosting stamina and energizing the system. Men's Support also contains aphrodisiac herbs that are traditionally used in Ayurveda to promote fertility and enhance sexual performance.
This formula:
rejuvenates and strengthens the male reproductive system
maintains proper prostate size and function
supports healthy libido
maintains potency and stamina It is very important to maintain a clean, healthy colon to prevent the prostate from exposure to toxins and waste. Triphala tea or tablets should be taken one half hour before bed. This herbal panacea has a mild laxative effect along with supporting elimination, detoxification, and tonification of the gastro-intestinal tract. YogaMen will benefit greatly by the practice of Ashwini Mudra. It is the practice of pulling the anus inward in a series of rapid contractions, tense and release.
This should be practiced for 10 reps. morning and evening. This exercise takes just a few minutes each day and helps to increase circulation in the prostate gland and also raise sexual and creative energies that may be blocked. Locust pose (Salabhasana) and Reclining Hero pose (Supta Virasana) help to tone the male reproductive system including the prostate.
Younger men have the opportunity to be proactive and care for their prostate so that problems do not develop later in life. Men who are currently experiencing prostate problems should check with their physician prior to including these simple measures as complementary to allopathic treatment.
Disturbances in the prostate can manifest with the following symptoms:
waking to urinate during the night
difficulty urinating: unable to start, or starting and stopping, a weak stream, dribbling at the end of urination
urgency to urinate due to incomplete emptying of the bladder Many men who experience prostate problems have a tridoshic imbalance, meaning all three doshas - vata, pitta and kapha, are provoked in the body.
Vata dosha is responsible for the downward flow of energy, including the movement of the bowel and urination. Vata dosha naturally increases with age.
This can cause digestion to become weak and irregular. An imbalance of pitta dosha usually manifests as prostatitis and can be accomanied by a burning sensation upon urination. An increase in kapha dosha leads to an enlarged prostate causing pressure on the bladder and in some cases blockages within the tissues.
Choices of diet and lifestyle practices have a direct effect on all tissues of the body including the reproductive system. Habits that are detrimental may take years to manifest as an imbalance within the body and while the results are not always immediate, maintaining a practical daily health regime will help to bring balance to the body and help to keep the prostate healthy throughout life.
DietIt is necessary to strive for a regular diet of fresh, preferably organic foods to help balance the doshas within the body.
Avoid foods that will create ama or impurities in the body such as frozen, leftover and processed foods.
A diet that is moderate, balanced, light, warm and easy to digest will be the most beneficial in bringing the doshas back in balance. Making good food choices and strengthening digestion can help to nourish the body and facilitate the body's natural cleansing action.
Limit salt, sugar, fat and junk foods.
Minimize alcohol, tobacco and caffeine.
Choose fresh organic vegetables, fruits and grains.
Allow at least three hours between meals to cultivate a strong appetite.
Sip equal parts coriander, cumin and fennel tea to strengthen digestion and to help soothe any burning upon urination.
LifestyleIt is important to adopt moderation in all things as a general lifestyle guideline. Try these helpful lifestyle tips to balance the prostate and overall health:
Maintain a regular daily regime, sleeping, waking and eating meals at the same time each day.
Avoid extremes. Do not eat anything too oily, too spicy, too hot or too cold, too dry.
Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of pure water. This helps to flush toxins from the body and prevent concentration of urination.
Getting regular exercise helps to clear the channels of the body and remove toxins.
Do not engage in excessive sexual activity.
Reduce time spent sitting for long periods, riding a bike on bumpy terrain and horseback riding. This type of activity can disrupt the downward flow of energy which is necessary for the reproductive organs to function properly.
Do not suppress the urge to urinate. This irritates the bladder and puts pressure on the prostate.Prostate massage:Apply a small amount of organic sesame oil to the perineum, between the anus and the testicles. Gently rub in a circular motion, then several strokes from anus to the base of the penis. Massage can help to improve circulation to the tissues in this area, alleviate blockages, stimulate and balance the prostate.
The male reproductive system is connected energetically to the center of creativity. It may be very therapeutic to develop a form of creative expression in order to channel the energy in a healthful way. Not only is it an opportunity to explore an interesting side of yourself, but it will help prevent energy from getting blocked in this area.HerbsMen's Support is a rejuvenating formula for the male reproductive system.
This nourishing blend helps maintain a healthy prostate and the uncongested flow of urine. It tones and strengthens the muscles while boosting stamina and energizing the system. Men's Support also contains aphrodisiac herbs that are traditionally used in Ayurveda to promote fertility and enhance sexual performance.
This formula:
rejuvenates and strengthens the male reproductive system
maintains proper prostate size and function
supports healthy libido
maintains potency and stamina It is very important to maintain a clean, healthy colon to prevent the prostate from exposure to toxins and waste. Triphala tea or tablets should be taken one half hour before bed. This herbal panacea has a mild laxative effect along with supporting elimination, detoxification, and tonification of the gastro-intestinal tract. YogaMen will benefit greatly by the practice of Ashwini Mudra. It is the practice of pulling the anus inward in a series of rapid contractions, tense and release.
This should be practiced for 10 reps. morning and evening. This exercise takes just a few minutes each day and helps to increase circulation in the prostate gland and also raise sexual and creative energies that may be blocked. Locust pose (Salabhasana) and Reclining Hero pose (Supta Virasana) help to tone the male reproductive system including the prostate.
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