Parsteiner Blog

Archive for March, 2010

Foods may cause irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptoms: In the U.S., most doctors have been, and continue to be, skeptical that foods cause symptoms of (IBS) and elimination of specific foods can improve these symptoms. This is despite almost 70% of people diagnosed as having IBS reporting symptoms related to specific foods. There is accumulating evidence, though still criticized because of limitations of studies that make it difficult to prove, that specific foods may be the cause of symptoms in many people labeled as having IBS.

Food intolerance testing and elimination diet based on IgG antibodies may be beneficial: Atkinson et.al. (Gut, 2004) randomized people to either an elimination diet based on elevated IgG antibody levels (YorkTest Laboratories) for specific foods or a sham diet. Those who avoided specific foods based on their IgG antibody tests had improvement in IBS symptoms (10-26% reduction) and global rating of quality of life significantly improved. Re-introducing foods for which they tested positive resulted in worsening. Zar et.al. (Am J Gastro, 2005) reported significant improvement of IBS symptoms such as pain, bloating, and alterations in bowel habits based on six month elimination of elevated food-specific IgG4 antibodies in 25 people.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is very commonly diagnosed in adults: No diagnostic tests can confirm IBS. It is a diagnosis of exclusion. It is a syndrome, that is, a collection of symptoms that cannot be explained by other diseases resulting in the diagnosis of IBS. Common missed diagnoses that are blamed on IBS include lactose intolerance, Celiac disease, gluten sensitivity or gluten intolerance, colitis, Crohn’s disease, parasite infections such as giardia, bacterial overgrowth in the intestine or alterations in gut bacteria levels and types (dysbiosis), food allergies, food intolerance, and food hypersensitivity.

Celiac disease, colitis and Crohn’s disease should be excluded before diagnosing IBS: Celiac disease, colitis and Crohn’s disease can be diagnosed or excluded by blood tests, stool tests, and biopsies of the intestine. Food allergy, intolerance and sensitivity are not only more difficult to confirm or exclude but frequently missed because of limitations of blood tests, stool tests, allergy skin tests and biopsies. Adverse food reactions have to be considered as a potential cause of the symptoms attributed to IBS.

There are common foods that cause adverse food reactions: Common foods reported by IBS sufferers, whose symptoms improve with elimination, are wheat, barley, and rye (gluten); dairy including cow’s milk protein (casein) and/or lactose (milk sugar); the legumes (peanut) and soy; yeast used to bake or brew foods; corn; shellfish and fish; nuts (almond, Brazil nut, cashew, and walnut); fruits (apple, orange, and strawberry); vegetables (celery, cabbage, and lettuce); the meats (pork, beef, and chicken); and nightshades (potato and tomato).

Individual specific and food-specific elimination diets are based on a variety of tests and a food-symptom diet diary: Elimination diets based on the common foods causing allergic reactions and non-allergic food reactions have been used for quite some time and are often prescribed with or without a food symptom diet diary. Interestingly, to my knowledge, no one has looked at approaching these people and their adverse food reactions individually, based on tests for Celiac disease, gluten intolerance or sensitivity (elevated blood gliadin IgA or IgG antibodies and/or stool gliadin IgA antibody without diagnostic blood tests or biopsy for Celiac), casein intolerance (stool IgA anti-casein antibody or blood IgG antibody), oral allergy syndrome (OAS) history and thorough food allergy testing (skin prick testing, IgE RAST or CAP RAST tests, intradermal skin testing or patch skin testing).

Specific food elimination diet trials based on such information (see the table at www.thefooddoc.com) has been helpful in my experience. Food-pollen cross reaction in OAS is well documented. A diet symptom diary combined with specific food elimination based on results of food allergy tests, food intolerance of food sensitivity tests, and known pollen allergies should be considered as a possible approach to elimination diet. This should not exclude evaluation for and treatment of established Celiac disease, lactose intolerance, dysbiosis, colitis or Crohn’s disease.

Bibliography

Atkinson W, Sheldon TA, Shaath N, Whorwell PJ. Food elimination based on IgG antibodies in irritable bowel syndrome: a randomised controlled study. Gut 2004;53:1459-1464.

Choung RS, Talley NJ. Food allergy and intolerance in IBS. Gastroenterology & Hepatology October 2006;2(10):757-760.

Zar S, Benson MJ, Kumar D. Food-specific serum IgG4 and IgE titers to common food antigens in irritable bowel syndrome. American Journal Gastroenterology 2005;100:1550-1557.

Zar S, Mincher L, Benson MJ, Kumar D. Food-specific IgG4 antibody guided exclusion diet improves symptoms and rectal compliance in irritable bowel syndrome. Scandinavian Journal of Gastroenterology. 2005;40:800-807.

It is very clearly reported and also well known that the risk of dental implant failure is very low. But as in any other surgeries, dental implant surgery also has a small probability of complications. If you are careful, most of these can be determined before going for the surgery itself and hence can be avoided.

In fact most of the implant failures occur soon after the surgery. It is most unlikely to occur at a later stage. The dental implant failure can be attributed to many factors. Poor bone structure, overheating of the bones, contamination on the implants or implant sites, improper application of forces before or after the process and many other such items can cause dental implant failures. If you do your treatment with a professional and skilled implant surgeon, most of these types of risks can be avoided. A perfect surgeon will assess the conditions of the sites, use only sterile equipments and also follow perfect procedures. It is very important to have full co-operation from the side of the patient as well, especially in the post surgery period.

Poor oral health and unhygienic practices can lead to implant failures. So you should be extremely careful during the healing period to get rid of any chances of failures. Patients are requested to follow all guidelines put forward by the surgeon for a faster healing and also to avoid the occurrence of any dental implant failures. You have to be extra cautious about the unusual pains and swellings and report immediately to the dentist. Otherwise these may lead to spreading of infections to the implants.

You can discuss with the dentist about your personal habits, especially smoking before going for the implant. Smoking can sometimes lead to the dental implant failures.

In rare occasions rejection of the implant and reaction of the gums to the implants were noted. In fact the material used for implants, titanium has proven ability to join with live tissues and it is very unlikely that an implant causes the rejection or reaction. Mostly it is the bacteria at the implant site develop these types of dental implant failures. The rejection tendency after the procedure can be recognized by the swelling in the gums and inflammations around the implant site.

Perfect placement of the implants is required to avoid any possible dental implant failures. These should be placed such that the biting forces act uniformly over the implants. Also you should take care while chewing and biting with the implants. Make sure that you are not subjecting it to unnatural forces. Teeth grinding can also cause problems with the implants and can lead at later stage for dental implant failure.

If you are natural teeth grinder, you can get a mouth guard from your dentist to overcome the difficulties.

Surgery efficiency is more than 95% and the chances of failures are very rare. Even if the failure happens, it is possible to do another implant at the same site. Only thing is, you should able to identify the reasons of dental implant failure and take necessary precautions before going for the second attempt.

It’s much better to avoid any form of cancer than to try and treat it after it has appeared. Prostate cancer, however, is usually a slow growing form of cancer which responds well to treatment.

The first step in prostate cancer prevention is to improve your general health. Weight should be within the normal range for your height. If you are very overweight, see your doctor for advice and eat a healthy diet which is low in fatty or sugary foods. This combined with daily exercise such as walking and swimming should help.

Drink lots of water – water is vital for health. It prevents hunger and flushes toxins from the body. Six to eight glasses a day is ideal and tea and coffee doesn’t count towards this!

Cut down on alcohol. There’s nothing wrong with the odd drink, just don’t make it a daily habit.

Lycopene – found mainly in tomatoes is an antioxidant which has a proven beneficial effect on prostate health. Studies have shown that men who consume large doses of lycopene have a much lower incidence of prostate cancer.

Lycopene is not destroyed by cooking and is hence found in tomato sauce, tomato paste and in all your favorite Italian dishes!

Isoflavones found in soy beans and it’s products such as soy milk or tofu has a balancing effect on the body’s hormones. Isoflavones can counter excess testosterone which can lead to prostate cancer.

Beta-carotene found in carrots and other brightly coloured vegetables can stimulate T-helper cells which prevent the development of cancer.

Selenium is an extremely important micro nutrient which is only needed in tiny amounts. Selenium can be found in certain foods, but the soils in many areas in the world are deficient in this mineral and the food cannot absorb this mineral. Supplements are beneficial is this case.

And last, but not least, a person’s mental disposition can have a direct effect on the health of the body. Emotions such as anger, stress and depression can have a damaging effect on the immune system and can lead to diseases such as cancer or heart problems.

Try to let go of these damaging emotions. Practice relaxation exercises or learn Yoga or qigong. Qigong is a wonderful set of Chinese breathing exercises which can heal disease, whether physical or emotional, and allow you to experience great health.

So adopting certain changes of diet, ensuring you take supplements and keeping your emotions positive can all help in the prevention of prostate or indeed any other form of cancer.

Copyright 2006 Wendy Owen

Prostate cancer was first identified in 1853, and can only occur in men since prostate is a gland in the male reproductive system. According to the survey of the American Cancer Society, this illness is most common in the United States, where it is the main cause of cancer related deaths, after lung cancer. This cancer is least common in South and East Asia.

Prostate cancer is a disease that comes into existence due to mutation of the cells of the prostate which begin to multiply uncontrollably. The prostate glands require androgenes, male hormones, to function properly. If caught in its early stage, prostate cancer can be cured in 90% of the cases.

Symptoms of prostate cancer vary, and sometimes do not clearly indicate cancer. The person with discomfort and disease has to undergo a thorough examination to determine the underlying cause of these occurrences. Nevertheless, many men having developed this illness will never find out about it, will not undergo any treatment, and will die of other causes as this disease is forming in the later part of life. The disease is typical of men over 50 years of age, thus many are apt to die of other causes while the cancer slowly advances and spreads to other parts of their body. Due to this factor the selection of the right treatment is at times difficult.

If a man experiences an urge or need to urinate frequently, especially at night, or if he is facing difficulty starting or holding back urine, if his urine has a disturbed or weak flow accompanied with a painful, burning feeling when urinating, there is a high probability of him developing prostate cancer. It affects a man’s sexual life as well.

In some cases a person with this disease will face problems of erection, and painful ejaculation. Cancer cells may spread, i.e., metastasize to other parts of the body, mainly to the lymph nodes, which help in destroying bacteria, and to the bones. Similarly with problems of the female reproductive system, men also feel pain, stiffness in the lower back, and upper thighs.

Diagnosis of the disease sometimes happens when an individual undergoes physical examination or screening blood tests. Particular of these tests is PSA, i.e., prostate specific antigen test. If a patient is suspected of having developed cancer, he will have biopsy, a test during which a piece of the prostate will be removed and examined under a microscope. Various other tests may be performed, like bone scans and X-rays to determine whether the cancer cells have spread elsewhere in the body.

Curing and treatment have various methods. One of these is chemotherapy, in which chemical substances are used for treating. Nowadays, catatonic drugs are used during chemotherapy. Besides, there are other ways of treatment which can be combined with each other, or with chemotherapy itself, these being surgery, hormone therapy, and radiation therapy.

After all, the outcome of the therapy depends on various factors, like for example the age and current health of the man, the extent of the spreading of the infected cells, and the appearance under the microscope, and the response of the cells while treatment all determine the result and outcome of prostate cancer disease.

The specific causes of prostate cancer are yet unknown. The risk of a man developing this disease depends on his age, genetics, race, lifestyle, which includes diet as well, and medication. According to surveys carried out in the United States, this cancer affects mainly black men, rather than white or Hispanic men. Surveys also show that daily use of anti-inflammatory medicines, such as aspirin, may decrease the risk of cancer.

Prevention of the disease has been proven to be possible by scientists. Taking dietary supplements, like vitamin E and selenium, may help prevent the disease from forming if taken daily. Still, a thousands of years old prevention has been proven helpful, namely the consumption of green tea. It is 100% safe and can be taken in any quantity.

It is crucial that every man has an early check-up of his health in identifying cancer at the beginning stage.

Action taken in time can save your life!

The goals of total hip replacement (arthroplasty) are to provide relief of pain and discomfort, improve function and enhance stability in patients suffering from arthritis or any disabling orthopedic hip problem. This goal was originally met in the late 1960′s and has been improved over the past several decades.

In India Total hip replacement is a common surgical procedure with a high success rate. In an arthritic hip, the damaged ball (the upper end of the femur) is replaced by a metal or ceramic ball attached to a metal stem fitted into the femur (with or without cement), and a plastic or ceramic socket (fitted into a metal socket) that is implanted into the pelvis, replacing the damaged socket.
Using a combination of metal and plastic, the joint implant surgeon creates a new ball and socket joint, which will glide smoothly and painlessly. During the past two decades, multiple advances in hip arthroplasty have been accomplished and many types of prosthesis are available and currently used. The metals used are chrome cobalt alloy and/or titanium alloy. These are super metals initially developed for the aerospace industry and now adapted for the orthopedic industry. The plastic is a high-density plastic polymer called polyethylene. In younger patients a ceramic ball is used with a polyethylene or ceramic socket.

Methods of total hip replacement surgery:

Modern Total Hiip replacement surgery is divided in two different methods. With elderly people it is often more reasonable to put in and fix the total hip in a softer bone by using bone cement. The advantage of this method is that the prosthesis holds from the very first day and will not loosen itself in the relatively soft bone of an elderly person. This represents a very stable and reasonable construction. Today, a stainless steel prosthesis is inserted into the bone of the upper leg by using a little amount of bone cement and is immediately stable.

The inverse of the hip bone will be shaped and a piece of synthetic material will be fixed with bone cement. The connection is immediately stable. This method has been approved worldwide for over 40 years and is still recommended. The life expectancy of a prosthesis of this kind is a minimum of 10 years, normally 15 years and very often 20 years.

A well established second method is a system of joint replacement without bone cement. In this case titanium trunks are fitted into the upper leg bone (femur) and are fixed by exact insertion into the femur. This method of the cementless prosthesis normally takes a couple of weeks until it is fixed to the upper leg bone. We recommend the use of crutches for 6-8 weeks.
In Rheinfelden a titanic cup which is screwed into the bone and also not fixed by bone cement has proved true. In this type of titanic cup either plastic or ceramic inlay is fitted in exactely.
The slide bearing (so called ,,Gleitpaarung”) means that materials for bonehead and inlay of the cup can be different. In most cases the slide bearing plastic and metal has proved to be good. The stay in the clinic in case of a hip replacement usualy is 2 weeks.

Alternatives to Total Hip Replacement Surgery.

Conservative treatment

One alternative is not to have an operation. If your pain can be controlled with medication (pain killers: such as paracetamol, or non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs; or disease management medication: like glucosamine-sulfate), physiotherapy, and adapting your physical activities, so that you are sufficiently comfortable and you are content with your present activity level and motion in your hip, then you may decide to wait (AKA watchful waiting).
Femoral/acetabular osteotomy

For patients with developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH), cutting the thigh bone (femoral astronomy) or pelvis (Ganz, Berne or Bernice osteotomy) in order to realign the hip may be indicated if the hip weight-bearing area can be broadened or made more congruent. This is often useful in young patients. Recovery following osteotomy may be longer than with joint replacement, implicating no weight bearing for 6 weeks up to 3 months!

Arthrodesis

Arthrodesis is rarely performed, but is an especially effective procedure for younger patients, particularly those who are of short stature and who are otherwise healthy. “Arthrodesis” relieves pain by fusing the femoral head to the acetabulum. It has none of the limitations that a joint replacement or other procedure has in terms of restrictions in activity level. If the patient’s back is mobile and without symptoms, it is a very worthwhile procedure. The procedure generally requires internal fixation with plate and screws and occasionally cast immobilization while healing takes place. An arthrodesis can be converted to a total hip replacement at a later date, usually 15 years on average after the operation.

Why go to India for total hip replacement surgery?

Orthopedic surgery in Western countries cost 5 to 6 times as much as in India. Over the years, India has become a global centre of excellence in orthopedics surgery including the total hip replacement surgery by promoting the notion that medical services in India can be bought off the shelf from the lowest priced provider anywhere in the globe, care. The concept has broad appeal, as Indian private facilities offer advanced technology and high-quality procedures on par with hospitals in the major industrialized countries at a fraction of the cost It is a deepening of the whole notion of health care that is being pushed today which emphasizes on technology and private enterprise. More and more western patients seeking surgery are looking towards eastern destinations such as India, for their medical needs, including orthopedic procedures like the hip replacement surgery. Once in India you can be rest assured about your proper diagnosis and medication. Furthermore, if situation demands, surgery packages are also within your reach. Medical Treatment in India is amid the best in the world, facilitated by the most skilled doctors and up to the minute super sphere hospitals of India.

Costs for Bilateral Hip replacement surgery:

The total cost of the Hip Replacement Surgery in India is very less as compared to USA or UK. The patient can go back to his country by the 12th day in case of single hip joint replacement and by 20th day after a bilateral hip replacement. The stay is shorter after double hip replacement surgery as the intervening period between sequential knee replacements is avoided.

Teeth Implants are the ultimate solution for fixed teeth. They are strong, long lasting and look just like real teeth!

What are Teeth Implants?

A dental/ tooth implant is a titanium metal replacement for a root of a tooth that is implemented in the jawbone. As the mouth heals taking approximately three to six months after the surgery, the bone around the implant fuses to the implant through a process called Osseo integration. After the healing phase is complete, the implants are used to anchor crowns, bridges or dentures. Teeth Implants are the most natural replacement for missing teeth.

Implant Process

The teeth implant process should begin with a thorough evaluation of the patient’s medical and dental history, and a full clinical examination of the entire mouth and missing tooth area. The clinical exam should also include specific x-rays. After assessment, a comprehensive treatment plan will be devised. From that point, teeth implants are surgically placed in the jawbone under local anaesthetic. The length of the healing time is based on the quality and quantity of bone, as well as the type of implant placed. After adequate healing time, the implant can be used to support a crown, bridge or denture.

Are they safe and long lasting?

Teeth implant treatment is a well established technique with a success rate of more than 90% over a ten year period. Titanium, the metal used, is well proven for strength and safety and is widely used in hip replacements.

Will I need time off work if having teeth implants?

Not necessarily. This depends on how many Teeth Implants are placed. We recommend some rest and taking the specialised painkillers and antibiotics, you’ll be returning to work in no time!

Are they expensive?

Once comparing the benefits of Teeth Implants against other alternatives you will find that Teeth Implants are the ideal way of filling gaps and are also cost-effective in the long run, although there are cheaper alternatives available. With your teeth implant treatment plan, estimates should be given and finance options offered.

Alternatives

There are 3 options other than implants:

1. Fixed Bridgework.

2. Removable dentures.

3. Leave the gaps as they are.

Unfortunately, low back pain or sciatica is a fairly common complaint during pregnancy, with between 50% – 80% of women suffering from this complaint. However, although this problem can be difficult to treat, it should never be accepted as being ‘a part of pregnancy’. There are definitely measures which can be taken to try & resolve this problem.

There a three main causes of low back pain and sciatica during pregnancy, and they are:

1) Increased Curvature of the Spine.

2) Muscle Imbalance.

3) Hormonal Changes.

Increased Curvature of the Spine

This arises due to the increased weight gained during pregnancy, therefore typically becoming more of a problem as each trimester passes. As the increases in weight occur, your abdominal region becomes larger, shifting your centre of gravity forward i.e. you stomach being positioned

A total hip replacement is a surgical procedure whereby the diseased cartilage and bone of the hip joint is surgically replaced with artificial materials. A total hip replacement (THR) – also called a hip arthroplasty.

A standard hip replacement operation takes 2-3 hours. The patient may be given a choice of general, spinal, or epidural anesthesia.

An incision is made of 8-12 in (20-30 cm) long down the side of the patient’s upper thigh. The surgeon may then choose to enter the joint itself from the side, back, or front. The back approach is the most common. The ligaments and muscles under the skin are then separated.

Once inside the joint, the surgeon separates the head of the femur from the acetabulum and removes the head. The doctor removes the head from the femur (thigh bone) and reams away the surface of the socket.

The modular prosthetic hip replacement system used today has three components – the femoral stem, the femoral head, and the acetabulum. Each component has multiple available sizes which allow for a custom fit. The components are made of cobalt chrome stainless steel and ultra high molecular weight polyethylene. Prosthesis implantation may be cemented or cementless (press-fit).

After selecting the correct size for the patient, the surgeon inserts the acetabular component. The acetabulum is then reamed to accept a plastic cup. The ball and socket are then replaced into normal position. Both of these implants can be fastened into the bone with or without special cement.

Today, both cementless (also called uncemented and porous-coated) and cemented hip replacements offer patients effective, long-term relief.

1. Cemented Procedure:

The cemented procedure utilizes a doughy substance mixed at the time of surgery that is introduced between the artificial component and the bone. This type of fixation in total hips remains the gold standard. Depending upon their health and bone density, people over the age of 60 will receive this type of joint fixation.

2. Noncemented Procedure:

Despite its common use, not all individuals are candidates for a cemented hip. A tight bond of scar tissue if formed, which anchors the metal to the bone. This is called a cementless total hip replacement. This type surgery is technically more sensitive, requiring a more exact fit of the metal component to the femur. The surgeon then secures a metal head (ball) and stem into the femur either by a press fit or with bone cement. The doctor places the ball into the cup and takes your new hip through a range of motion to ensure proper stability and mobility.

You will then be sent to the recovery room where your health care team will monitor your heart rate, blood pressure, and respiration.

The cost of a total hip implant varies, depending on the type of implant used. Typically, a total hip procedure includes four major implant components and the total implant price ranges from $4000 to $6000 (USD). Standard total hip replacement surgery is generally covered by most insurance plans.

In wockhartdt hospital, Mumbai for hip resurfacing cost will be approximately as under:

In India ($) 8,500 or USA ($) 55,000 or UK (GBP) 15,000

There are approximately 150,000 artificial hip joints implanted annually in the United States, with the success rate over 90%. New materials used in total hip replacement are very durable and are expected to last more than 10 years in 90% of individuals receiving total hips.

Total hip replacement, hip resurfing and other most advanced computer navigated joint replacement surgery is done at well know and JCI accreditation hospitals in India such as Apollo Hospital in Mumbai, Wockhardt Hospital in Mumbai, Apollo Speciality Hospital in Chennai, MOIT hospital, Chennai etc. which compares with the USA & U.K.

How was erectile dysfunction treated a century ago?

Before the era of Viagra, Cialis, and genetic transfer therapy?

In the early 1900′s Chas. A. Tyrrell, M.D. published a best selling book entitled “The Royal Road To Health, or The Secret of Health Without Drugs.”

As an advocate of a natural hygienic approach to life, Tyrrell was strongly opposed to the use of drugs and medications.

He cautioned his readers “do not be deceived by the lying advertisements of unprincipled charlatans, that any drug can help you.”

Instead, he favored a lifestyle that promoted clean living and purity of mind. This included adequate sleep, fresh air and sunshine, moderate eating, daily exercise, and focusing on spiritual thoughts.

“The treatment must be hygienic and thorough, and may necessitate a change in your whole mode of life,” Tyrrell wrote.

His book includes descriptions of numerous diseases and natural methods of treatment. Amongst these is a section on “Lost Manhood.”

“Lost Manhood” was the term used for impotence in the late 1800′s and early 1900′s. He blamed this ailment, as was common in his day, on “conjugal excesses” and “the baneful widespread practice of masturbation, or self-pollution.”

Tyrrell outlined a six step program for regaining one’s vitality and sexual virility. These included:

1. Firstly, the colon must be kept clean, as faecal accumulations there irritate the sensitive nerves.

2. Secondly, practice breathing and bodily movements and take all the exercise you can in the open air, as these things are important factors in strengthening the nervous system and hastening a cure.

3. Thirdly, special attention must be paid to diet. If you can practice vegetarianism for a time, so much the better, choosing those articles most easily digested.

Only plain toast or boiled beef should be eaten (if any meat be taken at all) shun all hot condiments, also tea, coffee, tobacco and alcohol – especially the latter, for nothing can help you while you use these articles.

4. Fourthly, after flushing, take a cold bath every night, or, if this is impracticable, bathe the genital organs, and the spine (up to the base of the brain) in cold water, and rub down vigorously with a crash towel.

5. Fifthly, resolutely form cleanly habits of mind, as well as body; take up a course of good reading to occupy the mind, and divert it to healthy channels, and shun all reading of a sensational nature.

6. Sixthly, avoid thinking impure and lascivious thoughts, and do not allow your mind to dwell upon your condition, but cultivate self control.

In conclusion, to offer his readers a positive reinforcement he wrote:

“The above treatment has cured hundreds of bad cases, and will cure you, if steadily persevered in, but a strict abstinence from sexual indulgence, and an absolute abandonment of the pernicious vice is an indispensable condition.”

To those who followed Tyrrell’s advice but were still not cured , he added:

“Frequently, quite aged men write us, complaining of their sexual disability – to all such, we say that the restoration of lost power after fifty years of age is in the highest degree improbable, and after the grand climacteric (63) is passed – it is practically impossible.”

“My system of treatment is true in philosophy, in harmony with nature, and thoroughly rational in practice.”

Prostate cancer alternative treatments is defined as a group of unique approaches to cancer treatment not considered to be a conventional prostate cancer therapy, and is used in place of conventional cancer treatments.

Prostate cancer is an attack of the male prostate gland by a mass of harmful cells. Prostate cancer is most common in the United States and is the third leading cause of American cancer cases. The American Cancer Society estimates that one in six men will face a prostate cancer diagnosis during their life.

Types of Alternative Prostate Cancer Treatments

Chinese Medicine is one of the alternative methods being used to treat prostate cancer. Also commonly called Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), this holistic prostate cancer treatment is based on ancient philosophical frameworks. Traditional Chinese Medicine devises therapy programs by searching for inequalities between internal and external harmony within patients. There are eight branches of TCM: Tui na (Massage Therapy), acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, Chinese food therapy, Qigong (Breathing), T’ai Chi Ch’uan, Feng Shui, and Chinese astrology. The eight branches of Chinese medicine, like most other prostate cancer alternative treatments, are used to alleviate the pain associated with the disease, as well as a remedy for the side effects affiliated with conventional cancer treatments.

Herbalism, or herbal medicine, is a holistic prostate cancer alternate treatment with the healing properties of plants and plant extracts at the center of the therapy. Some of the most popular components of herbal medicine include St. John’s Wort, lemon juice, Green Tea, Honey, Grapefruit, Black Cohash, Poultices, Juniper Berry, and Eucalyptus. Herbal therapy is especially highly regarded in Europe.

Alternative Prostate Cancer Treatments vs. Conventional Prostate Cancer Therapies

Conventional prostate cancer therapies are administered by members of the medical community, including physical therapists, psychologists, and nurses. Conventional cancer treatments are subjected to intense study to ensure their effectiveness and safety. Hormone therapy and radiation are conventional therapies for treating prostate cancer. Removing the testicles, in a surgical procedure called orchiectomy, is another traditional prostate cancer treatment. As is chemotherapy. Cancer cells are also customarily frozen as a part of a cryosurgery.

There are two common surgical procedures used to treat prostate cancer. They are the radical prostatectomy and the transurethal resection of the prostate (TURP). Radical prostatectomy surgery is generally performed once the cancer has not spread outside of the prostate gland. There are two types of radical prostatectomy procedures, the radical retropubic and the perineal approach. The transurethal resection of the prostate is performed to curtail prostate swelling.

Luteinizing hormone-releasing analogs and luteinizing hormone-releasing antagonists are prostate cancer medications designed to inhibit the release of the cancer-inducing luteinzing hormone-releasing hormone from the brain. Luteinizing altering drugs are a staple in prostate cancer conventional treatments.

Prostate cancer alternative treatments are not characterized by the same level of study or scrutiny-signifying the greatest difference between alternative prostate cancer treatments and most traditional methods of treating the disease.