John Doran. Pharmacist, Herbalist, Naturopathic Consultant
Men's Health
There are many serious health issues facing the modern
man. Stress, alcohol abuse, obesity, heart disease, blood
pressure, infertility, erectile dysfunction, enlargement of the
prostate (BPH), prostatitis and cancers of the bowel, testes and prostate. Lung cancer is
decreasing in men due to less men smoking. However prostate cancer is at virtually epidemic
proportions. Let us use this as an example of how naturopathy can be of use to men.
In the United States, prostate cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers,
representing about 25% of all tumours. Prostate cancer rates vary widely between different
countries, even more than breast cancer. High rates are found primarily in societies with
western diets and lifestyles. Dairy consumption, in particular, is one of the most consistent
dietary predictors for prostate cancer in the published scientific literature.
Prevention is obviously the best strategy. Naturopaths can provide men with dietary and
lifestyle advice which takes into account all the main risk factors for prostate and other
common cancers. Indeed a recently published study by a famous American researcher, Dr.
Dean Ornish, has shown that the PSA levels (a marker for prostate cancer) of recently
diagnosed men can be reduced using dietary and lifestyle adjustments only with no
medication or surgery whatsoever. It is early days yet but this is a promising and exciting
area of research.
The naturopath can provide men with strategies to prevent and treat most of the major
illnesses confronting them. By making some key lifestyle adjustments, and the use of specific
diets, supplements and herbs, the quality of life of most men can be restored or greatly
improved.
John’s knowledge of pharmaceutical drugs allows for the safe use of certain supplements and
herbs whilst the client continues with their standard medication.