Prostate Cancer: Lifestyle, Not genetics & Why You will be affected?

The issue of prostate cancer is multifaceted, involving speculations, illusions, differing experiences, rigid dogmas, as well as new horizons.

Well readers I hope to clear all these confusions with my well researched, and easy to understand review on prostate cancer.

One of the most important things about the Okinawa Centenarian Study is the fact that it is based on solid evidence. The most important evidence needed for any centenarian study is reliable age-verification data. There is no doubt that prostate cancer runs through families but faulty genetic makeup partly tells you that your faith lies hostage to cancer.

Families share more than genes; they may also have common environmental exposures, dietary patterns, exercise habits, socioeconomic status, and educational levels. When prostate cancer runs in a family, is it due to genetic factors or lifestyle influences, to nature or nurture?

Do you think that Okinawan longevity is all genetic? Not at all. The Okinawans have both genetic and non-genetic longevity advantages -- the best combination. In fact, is the Okinawan traditional way of life -- the dietary habits, the physical activity, the psychological and social aspects, all play an important role in Okinawan longevity.

While most studies of humans have suggested that about a third of human longevity is due to genetics, this depends on the age, sex, ethnicity and environment of the study population.

Let look at this scenario! Is your behavior more subjective by genetics or environmental influences? Is your character the result of traits you inherited or has it been shaped by your life experiences? The nature versus nurture debate is one of the oldest issues in psychology. The debate centers on the relative contributions of genetic inheritance and environmental factors to human development.

For instance, when a person achieves tremendous academic success, did they do so because they are genetically predisposed to be successful or is it a result of an enriched environment? If a man abuses his wife and kids, is it because he was born with violent tendencies or is it something he learned by observing his own parents behavior? If you inherit a business from your father the possibility of the business being success depends upon you or the team you have or you think because you inherit it automatically it will be a success. It goes beyond more than that!

Limited examples of biologically determined characteristics (nature) include certain genetic diseases, eye color, hair color, and skin color. Additional things like life expectancy and height have a strong biological component, but they are also influenced by environmental factors and lifestyle.

An amount of features are tied to environmental influences. How a person performs can be tied to influence such as parenting styles and academic experiences. For instance, a child might learn through observation and fortification to say 'please' and 'thank you.' Another child might learn to behave violently by observing older children engage in violent behavior on the playground.

Japanese men have lower prostate cancer statistics, low obesity levels, and the world's longest life expectancy. The sad fact however that is when Japanese men move to the United States and adopt a western lifestyle, their prostate cancer rates reflect those of American men. If you want to learn the secrets of how Japanese men living in Japan prevent prostate cancer, you can start by emulating a Japanese lifestyle. People who live on the islands of East Asia have the longest life expectancy and the highest proportions of centenarians that is people who live to 100. They also have lower obesity rates. The obesity rate reached an all-time high of 27.7% in 2014 in the U.S, while the obesity rate in Japan is just 3.5%! This is important to men for several reasons, but especially to men concerned about their prostate health because being obese is one of the signs you are at risk for prostate cancer. Prostate cancer rates are much lower in Japan than in the U.S. as well. In Japan, the prostate cancer rate is three times lower than in the U.S. This is most likely due to the differences between the lifestyle and diet of Japanese and American men.

So what are the Japanese secrets to good health?
The Japanese live in a society that is not reliant on cars, they eat a diet that is high in fish and low in sugar, and they have much healthier options for snacks and meals. If you walk through a street fair, sporting event, or through shops in the U.S. you will see booths for cotton candy, ice cream, popcorn, pretzels, hot dogs, or churros. If you were to walk through a similar street in Japan, your food choices would be fish, squid, rice, maybe some mochi candy made from rice, and treats made from sesame. Vending machines in Japan sell soup and green tea instead of candy, chips, and soda. It can be downright challenging to find a soda in Japan. If it were that much effort to find junk food in the U.S. people would not consume as much.

In a study of black men in Soweto(Walker et al 1992) according to the authors regarding the future trend of prostate cancer in the South African black population, inevitably there will be increases. This population, both in rural and in urban areas, is highly partial to the Western diet and when enabled with rising prosperity, readily forsakes the traditional diet (Segal &Walker, 1986). Only the high cost of meat and dairy produce limits their consumptions. Already in the more prosperous segments of urban blacks, fat supplies 35% or more of energy. Was it not that brown bread is cheaper (from State subsidization) than white, the latter would be the more popular choice.

Most studies of the relationships between diet and prostate cancer have originated from Western countries.

Diets and Prostate Cancer Connection
The western lifestyle is a major cause of prostate cancer, and lifestyle factor most likely responsible is diet, “says Dr. Bill Nelson, an oncologist with Brady Urological Institute at Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions in Baltimore. “ The western diet has long been thought to be too rich in animal fats and meats and too poor in fruits and vegetables”.

Nelson, pioneer in the study of diet as preventive medicine, was the first scientist to discover that an enzyme called glutathione-S transferase p is responsible for protecting the body against prostate cancer. “When a man develops prostate cancer, it is the result of potentially toxic agents overtaking and destroying this helpful enzyme, “explains. The result is that prostate cells become vulnerable to cancer because they no longer have adequate protection. “Without the cancer-fighting enzyme, the cells are less able to detoxify the carcinogens.”

Dr. Miller was contacted by University of Hawaii and offered a summer-long position as a visiting medical professor for a teaching program discovers that people of island do not ever have breast and prostate cancers. These 2 are top cancer killers and she wants to find out how the people of Okinawa stay clear from them!!

Off to Okinawa, Japan
Miller discusses how certain foods help block "the progression of these cancers in their early phases, thereby preventing the ultimate development of a full-blown cancer".

People on island are known to live long and healthy lives.

Live longer than Americans
Their food contributes significantly to their health.

"Okinawan food is very healing, happy food. But not so much same as regular Japanese. Asian fusion."

Okinawa Culture
All markets filled with fresh, organic vegetables and fruits for CHEAP.

All of the foods being sold within the market were 'cancer-fighting antioxidants'!

Farmer's Market the way they prepare their dishes (a light steam or stir fry) adds to their longevity.

Okinawans eat pounds and pounds of fish per year. Lots of OMEGA 3s!

Miller states differences between American Cuisine and Okinawan Cuisine.

For example: SOY INTAKE & They do not eat pig @ all!

In conclusion following a Japanese style of living and healthy eating is going to make a positive difference in your prostate health. Making an effort to avoid processed, sugary foods, eating fish high in omega-3 fatty acids, drinking green tea, reducing stress and staying active are all good moves when it comes to your health. You can't go wrong by making those changes. Plus, you will probably notice that you will feel better and possibly lose weight when you make these changes. While you don't have to move to Japan, you'll find that breaking away from the SAD diet and following the guidelines of a Japanese diet and lifestyle will go far to help reduce your risk of prostate cancer and risk of other health problems common in American men. Eat Well!

Yours in Prostate HEALTH!

About the Columnist
Alt. Dr. Raphael Nyarkotey Obu is a registered Naturopathic Doctor practicing integrative Naturopathic oncology with Master's in Prostate Cancer from Sheffield Hallam University UK, ultrasound expert, renowned Prostate Cancer expert, ambassador and Cancer Psychologist focusing 100% on Men's prostate health. My holistic, naturopathic approach is exclusive for people combating Prostate Cancer, Prostatitis, Bladder Pain / Pelvic Pain and Male sexual dysfunction.

My research, writings and professional passion are exclusive to these conditions: Cancer of the prostate, Enlarged Prostate, Prostatitis, Male sexual dysfunction, Pain (specifically pelvic pain) and urinary incontinence. Treatments include: medicinal herbs, individualized nutrition, supplements and massage.

My research interest are black race and prostate cancer, Doppler for prostate cancer diagnosis, Naturopathy oncology and the Dangme People in Ghana. . As a Prostate Cancer Planner for Patient he is passionate with staying up-to-date on cutting-edge prostate cancer research. With Dr. Obu, you will know if doing nothing (or Active Surveillance) is best for you. If you need medical treatment, he knows all the main players and can facilitate a visit both in Ghana and abroad. He is the CEO of De Men's Clinic & Prostate Research Lab in Dodowa-Akoto House and the founder of Men's Health Foundation Ghana. Contact: [email protected]. Tel:0541090045