Pomegranate. Endoscopy

Email this conversation Print this conversation

User

Posted 28 Sep 2020 at 10:58

Hello.This is my second post since diagnosis. Obviously, i have researched quite widely and now have two queries:

(1) Pomegranate apparently is considered to be significantly effective in reducing PSA and this is even quoted in

Zoladex patient information, all indicating lower testosterone activity. However, in contradiction, there are

studies involving male impotence &c. concluding " in a trial group, daily intake of pomegranate for two weeks

showed 24% increase of (salivary) testosterone".

Does anyone have a view or knowledge ?

(2) Prostate biopsy. Has anyone had prostate examination/biopsy carried out via lower abdomen endoscopy

as a alternative to TR/TU ?

Many thanks. John Shepherd

User

Posted 28 Sep 2020 at 21:46

Hi John,

I have a view but not a lot of knowledge if it stimulates any thoughts.

It's unlikely that any food is going to make a marked difference to what is already there.

But if the food improves your general health it might make you more able to withstand treatment and slow it down.

I'd also think strengthening your immune system might slow spreading.

I've read about fasting for 2 days a week or for 12.hours a day as changing your body's responses.

They say vitamin D improves bone strength which might be helpful. Although D is hormone based and you can have too much.

If it was accepted it would surely be part of standard treatment. Although all doctors will tell you to improve your diet, get to a certain weight, do some exercise etc.

I've never heard of such a biopsy.

User

Posted 28 Sep 2020 at 22:55

Peter. Thanks for your reply. Appreciated. As posted I am doing my best to research. From experience, I know that pushing against medical euphemisms is not necessarily the best way forward with one's specialist. Unfortunately, I know full well the position in which I find myself but by nature and work life it is personally more effective to treat the whole thing as a situation to be dealt with. The thing that got me really annoyed though, was to be told that I am too old for MRI scan and, even if I agreed to it, TR/TU biopsy. Plus the euphemism, having begun Zoladex, that this is hormone ablation, luteinising agonist &c. Fair comment, but why not just say chemical castration ? After all, castrating male chickens (> capons) is chemical by injecting ...under the skin... Goserelin = Zoladex. Done lots of that in a previous life. I am not complaining or whinging, it is what it is, just need to factual information to make informed opinions in order to forward plan.

User

Posted 28 Sep 2020 at 23:38

I am not sure you are thinking about this quite the right way, John. The point isn't to lower the PSA, it is to control the cancer and while pomegranate is very good for you for many reasons and there is certainly evidence to suggest that pure pomegranate (as a drink, food or supplement like Pomi-T) can aid prostate health, it won't treat the cancer. Falsely lowering the PSA just masks what is really happening inside your body. If you are interested in dietary choices that can improve prostate health, there has been reliable research by the Prostate Research Foundation that foods like oily fish, processed tomatoes, garlic, soya based products and onion are good while reducing red meat and dairy may also help - basically, a mediterranean diet. You can buy their cook book from Amazon.

Not sure what you mean about the endoscopy? It simply means a camera into your body via the mouth or anus. A prostate biopsy can only be done via the rectum or the skin between your anus and scrotum so a camera isn't going to make any difference because they can't see the prostate from inside the rectum.

"Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards." Soren Kierkegaard

User

Posted 28 Sep 2020 at 23:57

Hello Lyn. Appreciate your valuable help. Wise words. "Endoscopy" .... you are quite right .... should have said laparoscopy. Apologies. Your end quote is very appropriate. Thank you.

User

Posted 29 Sep 2020 at 00:09

Ah right, okay. No, because the prostate is below the bladder & behind the pubic bone - laparoscope would have to get past some major obstacles!

"Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards." Soren Kierkegaard

User

Posted 29 Sep 2020 at 00:30

Thank you Lyn. Fair comment. But robotic prostate removal surgery is laparoscopy based. Not going as far as that yet (!) , but in view of this system I do not see why a lower abdomen pathway cannot be followed for visualisation and cell harvesting

Email this conversation Print this conversation

Join the online community now.

Click through to become a member and gain access to support, information and real time replies.