Tomatoes for prostate
As men get older they inevitably face problems with an enlarged prostate gland. This condition affects half of men age 50 and older and 90 percent of men older than 80, says Northwestern University urology professor Kevin T. McVary in the May issue of Bottom Line Retirement.
An enlarged prostate causes a wide range of urination problems. Severe cases can be treated with various prescription medications and sometimes surgical options. Natural treatments for prostate enlargement often are promoted, too, but be careful which ones you try.
Here are the most popular natural treatments touted to relieve symptoms of benign prostate enlargement and which are most promising:
Good choices:
* Lycopene, an antioxidant found in tomatoes and tomato products, which may lower the risk for prostate cancer.
* Omega-3 fatty acids from foods including fish, avocados and flaxseed, or through fish oil supplements. This improves the vascular system, which benefits prostate gland health.
Don’t bother:
* Rye grass pollen extract, which has no sound studies showing its effectiveness.
* Zinc, which studies show has no impact on benign prostate enlargement.
Listen to your body
Hearing a snap, crackle or pop while exercising isn’t good. It could be a sign that you’re working out too hard or that an injury is looming, says a story in the May issue of The Center for Women’s Healthcare Food & Fitness Advisor.
Here’s a guide to sounds that deserve your attention:
* Grinding or popping could signal an aging joint or a joint or muscle problem.
* Persistent popping or cracking could be potential wear-and-tear damage.
* Cracking (while exercising a previously injured body part) could be caused by bone surfaces rubbing.
* Noise under the kneecap could be loose or broken cartilage.
If you hear these or other sounds, seek medical advice.
A different grain
Try quinoa (KEEN-wah) if you’re looking for a nutritious grain that tastes great too. It contains twice the fiber of pasta and brown rice, has as much high-quality protein as milk, contains a lot of heart-healthy magnesium and boasts high amounts of the acid lysine, which is critical to muscle growth.
This superfood has an addictive nutty flavor and is easy to prepare, according to a feature in the May issue of Men’s Health.
Just boil any amount of quinoa in a pot until tender (about 20 minutes). You can cook it ahead and keep it in the refrigerator, then microwave a portion of it before eating.
Sucked into divorce
Your adult child’s divorce can be hazardous to you as his or her parent, leading to emotional and physical distress, resentment, guilt and even hostility toward the ex.
A book by psychology specialist Marsha Temlock (who has dealt with the painful dissolution of two of her children’s marriages) addresses these and numerous other issues facing the parents of divorcing adults. Called “Your Child’s Divorce: What to Expect — What You Can Do” (Impact Publishers, $17.95), the book helps families to stay grounded during emotional upheavals and explains how to deal with their feelings of pain, sadness and anger.
