DIET/FATAL PROSTATE CANCER
The use of milk, cheese, eggs and meat has been associated with the
risk of fatal prostate cancer in a new Loma Linda study. The
addition of each of the animal products to the diets of the persons
studied resulted in an increased risk of prostate cancer. The same
study revealed that obesity also increases the risk. More than
6,000 persons were followed for over 20 years to obtain the results
of this study. (American Journal of Epidemiology 120(2)244-250,
1984) Copyright Phylis Austin
STRESS/KIDNEY STONES
Stress increases the risk of kidney stones according to a recent
study. Potassium and magnesium, known to inhibit stone formation,
are decreased during times of stress, while uric acid and inorganic
phosphorus, known to promote kidney stones, are increased. (Urology
International 39:159-164, 1984) Copyright Phylis Austin
CONTRACEPTIVE DIAPHRAGMS/URINARY TRACT INFECTIONS
Women who use diaphragms to prevent pregnancy run a higher than
average risk of developing urinary tract infections. Dr. Robert
Latham of the University of Utah Medical Center in Salt Lake City
reports that diaphragm users had an infection rate of 21 percent.
Women in general have a yearly urinary tract infection rate of 1-5
percent. Dr. Latham doesn't fully understand the cause of this
increased infection rate, but it may be due to changes in the flora
of the vagina, or to obstruction of the urethra, producing urine
retention. Diaphragm users reported a mean average of 5 1/2 months
of diaphragm use before the first infection. (Internal Medicine
News 17(24)12, December 15-31, 1984) Copyright Phylis Austin
CRANBERRY JUICE/URINARY TRACT INFECTIONS
Cranberry juice may decrease the ability of bacteria to adhere to
urinary tract cells, allowing them to be flushed out of the body
more readily. (Journal of Urology 131(5)1013-1016, 1984) Copyright Phylis Austin
URINARY TRACT INFECTION/SOAP
Many women with recurrent urinary tract infections may experience
considerable relief if they discontinue the use of soap in the
genital area. Seventeen out of twenty-two women reported no
further problem when they began using only water to wash the
genital area. (The Lancet 1(8384)1027-1028, May 5, 1984) Copyright Phylis Austin
URINE PRODUCTION/INTRA-ABDOMINAL PRESSURE
Increasing intra-abdominal pressure may reduce the ability of the
kidneys to form urine. Studies indicate that renal blood flow and
glomerular filtration rates are significantly decreased. (Journal
of the American Medical Association 253(1)39, January 4, 1985)
Tight clothing such as belts and girdles increase intra-abdominal
pressure and should be avoided. Copyright Phylis Austin
RICE BRAN/KIDNEY STONES
A Japanese study reveals that rice bran may be effective in the
prevention of recurrent kidney stone disease. High levels of
calcium in the urine are associated with a high incidence of kidney
stones. This study of 70 patients demonstrated that rice bran
significantly reduced urinary calcium excretion. (The Journal of
Urology 132:1140-1145, December, 1984) Copyright Phylis Austin
SALT/KIDNEYS
Excessive salt intake has been shown to increase kidney size in
laboratory rats. (New Zealand Medical Journal 96(743)920-922, 1983)
Kidney changes are sometimes seen in connection with high blood
pressure. Copyright Phylis Austin
DIAPHRAGMS/URINARY TRACT INFECTIONS
Women who use diaphragms to prevent pregnancy are at two-and-a-half
times the risk of developing urinary tract infections than are
those who do not use them. (Journal of the American Medical
Association 254(2), July 12, 1985) Copyright Phylis Austin
DYSURIA/SOAP
Soap may induce dysuria (painful urination). Fifty women with
urinary tract disorders were improved or cured when they learned to
wash the genitalia with water only. Some of the women in the study
had histories of frequent urinary tract infections, and some had
had continual problems for several years. (The Lancet 1:1027-1028,
1984) Another simple thing causing recurring cystitis is habitually
chilled feet and legs. Copyright Phylis Austin
ANALGESICS/BLADDER CANCER
The risk of bladder cancer is increased in women who use pain
medications containing phenacetin on a regular basis. The authors
state that acetaminophen (Tylenol) is pharmacologically similar and
the same association with it may be present. (New England Journal
of Medicine 313:292-5, 1985) Copyright Phylis Austin
KIDNEY STONES/LIQUID INTAKE
A Gainesville, Florida researcher reports that a positive
association exists between the use of carbonated beverages and
kidney stone formation. (Journal of Chronic Disease 38(11)907,
1985) Still another reason to drink water! It is still the best
beverage to cleanse the blood. Copyright Phylis Austin
STRESS/PROSTATITIS
Donald Rudnick, a California physician, writes that approximately
15 percent of his patient visits are for "prostatitis." He feels
that one common factor in all of these patients is stress, and that
symptoms respond best when the patient is relieved of his stress.
He also reports that most of those who suffer from prostatitis are
heavy smokers, spicy food users, and heavy caffeine users.
Eliminating these foods, all known to irritate the lining of the
urinary tract, is often helpful. He feels that prostatitis is a
"disease of the person and not simply an inflammation of the
prostate...." (Urology 26(3)320-321, September 1985) Copyright Phylis Austin
SMOKING/COFFEE/BLADDER CANCER
A strong association between smoking and bladder cancer risk was
demonstrated in a West German study. Those who began smoking
before 15 years of age are at greatest risk. Coffee drinking on a
regular basis also increases the risk (one cup a day increases the
risk by three times -- yes, decaffeinated also). (American Journal
of Epidemiology 122(3)524, September 1985) Copyright Phylis Austin
BLADDER CANCER/COFFEE/PHENACETIN/THYROID STUDIES
A study of women aged 20 to 49 years who had developed bladder
cancer revealed that these women consumed more coffee, used more
phenacetin-containing medications, and were more likely to have
undergone radioactive iodine thyroid uptake studies than had a
similar group of women who did not have bladder cancer. (American
Journal of Epidemiology 123(6)1033-1042, 1986) Copyright Phylis Austin
BLADDER CANCER/MOTOR EXHAUST
Men employed as deliverymen or truck drivers have been found to
have a 50 percent increased risk of developing bladder cancer. Bus
and taxi drivers may also have elevated risks. In men who have
been drivers for 25 years or more years the risk may be increased
120 percent. (Cancer Research 46:2113-2116, April 1986) Copyright Phylis Austin
BLADDER CANCER/ARTISTIC PAINTERS
Artistic painters have been shown in two study populations to have
an increased risk of bladder cancer. Artists may be exposed to
carcinogens such as 2-naphthylamine, polychlorinated biphenyls,
benzidine, formaldehyde, asbestos, benzene, methylene chloride and
dioxane. Artists may work long hours (and even eat and sleep) in
poorly ventilated studios, increasing risk of exposure by
ingestion, skin absorption, and inhalation. Incidently, artistic
painters in this study were also noted to have increased death
rates from leukemia and arteriosclerotic heart disease. (American
Journal of Industrial Medicine 9:281-287, 1986) Copyright Phylis Austin
ANTIBIOTICS/CYSTITIS
Women who call their physician for antibiotics for frequent bladder
infections may be contributing to a chronic inflammatory bladder
condition. Chronic antibiotic use seems to destroy the protective
layer of the bladder, and allows urine to reach and inflame the
wall of the bladder. (Medical World News, June 9, 1986, p. 125) Copyright Phylis Austin
PROSTATE CANCER/OBESITY/MILK/MEAT
Overweight men are again found to have an increased risk of
developing prostate cancer, according to an Italian study. Men who
developed prostate cancer also reported more use of milk
and dairy products and meats than did healthy controls. Other
studies have shown similar results, as well as a relationship
between total fat intake and prostate cancer. (British Journal of
Cancer 53:817-821, 1986) Copyright Phylis Austin
ELECTRIC POWER INDUSTRY/URINARY CANCER
A study of men in the electric power industry in Sweden reveals
that these men are at increased risk of developing urinary system
cancers. (British Journal of Industrial Medicine 43:212-213,
1986) Copyright Phylis Austin
IN UTERO SACCHARINE EXPOSURE/BLADDER CANCER
Infants whose mothers use saccharin during pregnancy are at
increased risk of later developing bladder cancer. Aspartame has
replaced saccharin as a sweetener in gum and tooth pastes.
Saccharin is known to enhance the cancer-producing ability of other
substances. (Cancer Letters 32:151-154, 1986) Copyright Phylis Austin
IBUPROFEN/KIDNEY DAMAGE
Ibuprofen (Advil, Nuprin), which is sold over-the-counter without
a prescription for arthritis and pain relief, may cause damage to
the kidneys. (Annals of Internal Medicine 105(2)303,304, August
1986) Copyright Phylis Austin
LOWER URINARY TRACT CANCER RISK FACTORS
The risk of lower urinary tract cancer increased with smoking,
drinking four plus cups of coffee per day, more than 1.0 liter of
beer per day, fatty meals, frequent use of canned feeds (to the
exclusion of fresh foods), and employment in mining, dye, textile,
plastic, and rubber industries, as well as spray paint exposure.
Regular use of vegetables and fruits and discontinuation of smoking
decreased risk. (American Journal of Epidemiology 124(4)578-589,
1986) Copyright Phylis Austin
DIET/URINARY STONES
A review of the influence of diet on urinary stone formation
reminds of the importance of adequate fluid intake. Tap water
should be taken freely throughout the day, with sufficient volume
taken prior to bedtime. Coffee, tea, and alcohol should be
eliminated from the diet. Coffee and tea both increase uric acid
excretion.
Vegetarians eliminate less oxalic and uric acid and less calcium,
and have lower rates of urinary stones. Fiber as found in whole
grain breads, vegetables and fruits lower urinary calcium
excretion. An increase in animal protein correlates with an
increase in urinary stone production.
Excessive protein consumption increases uric acid, oxalic
acid and calcium excretion, which may lead to stone formation.
Urinary stone formers have been found to consume more fat than
similar subjects without stones. As the use of fats and oils
increase in a population so does the incidence of urinary stones.
Sugar and sodium (salt) intake increase calcium and oxalic acid
excretion, a risk factor for kidney stones. Milk, cheese, mineral
waters with high calcium levels, and other high calcium foods
should be avoided by those who form calcium oxalate or calcium
phosphate stones. (Urologic Research 14:283-288, 1986) Copyright Phylis Austin
SALT/BLADDER CANCER
Animal studies indicate that excessive use of sodium chloride
(ordinary table salt) apparently promotes cancer of the bladder.
(Urological Research 14:201-206, 1986) Copyright Phylis Austin
HYPERTHERMIA/BENIGN PROSTATE DISEASE
Researchers at the University of Southern California at Los Angeles
are studying the use of heat in the treatment of benign prostatic
hypertrophy. Similar research has been carried on in Israel for
about six years with favorable results. A specially designed
instrument is inserted for one hour at a time, twice a week for
five weeks. The treatment is not painful; men remain awake during
the procedure, but some some develop irritation of the urethra.
Results thus far have been encouraging. Methodist Hospital of
Indianapolis, Indiana, plans to begin a similar treatment program.
(Medical World News 28(23)20,21, December 14, 1987) Copyright Phylis Austin
FLUID INTAKE/BLADDER CANCER
Bladder cancer rates appear higher in urban populations than in
rural inhabitants. A study from Israel suggests that this increased
incidence of bladder cancer may be due to less fluid intake in
this population group. Because of decreased fluid intake urban
populations pass their urine less frequently, which means that
urine remains in contact with the bladder wall for longer periods
of time. (Journal of the National Cancer Institute 78:437-440,
1987) Copyright Phylis Austin
PROSTATE CANCER RISKS
Prostate cancer risk apparently increases as the years since vasectomy increase. Prostate
cancer risk is high in men who have sexual intercourse at a young age. Smoking also
increases the risk of prostate cancer. (British Journal of Cancer 57:326-331, 1988) Copyright Phylis Austin
TEA/URINARY STONES
Drinking tea may increase the risk of formation of stones in the urinary tract. A study
carried out in Saudi Arabia demonstrated that oxalate excretion is increased with the intake
of tea. It is known that stone production increases as the intake of sugar, calcium, and
animal protein increases. (Annals of Saudi Medicine 8(2)108-112, 1988) Copyright Phylis Austin
ESTROGEN/GALLBLADDER DISEASE
Women who take estrogen are at increased risk of developing
gallbladder disease requiring gallbladder removal. A new study
demonstrates that the elevated risk remains even after the use of
estrogen is discontinued. (Gastroenterology 94:91-95, 1988) Copyright Phylis Austin
KIDNEY STONES/LITHOTRIPSY
Fredric Coe, M.D., Director of Nephrology at Pritzker School of
Medicine in Chicago, at a National Institutes of Health Consensus
Development Conference on the use of extracorporeal shock-wave
lithotripsy (treating kidney stones by applying shock waves to the
body) urged physicians to advise patients on methods of preventing
kidney stones to avoid the risks associated with this form of
treatment. Known adverse effects of lithotripsy include increased
stone formation rates, kidney changes, and high blood pressure.
Dr. Coe suggests that physicians encourage kidney stone patients to
increase their fluid intake, avoid excessive salt consumption, and
limit their intake of dairy products and meat. (Modern Medicine
56:40-41, August 1988) Copyright Phylis Austin
NASAL DECONGESTANTS/IMPOTENCE
Men who use nasal decongestants on a regular basis may suffer
impotence, according to Adrian Zorgniotti, M.D., professor of
clinical urology at New York University School of Medicine. (Modern
Medicine 56:282-9, July 1988) Copyright Phylis Austin
KIDNEY STONES/OVERWEIGHT/ANIMAL PROTEIN
An Italian study reveals an association between obesity and kidney
stones. Previous studies have shown a relationship between high
animal protein consumption and kidney stones. It is possible that
this high protein intake is also responsible for obesity in kidney
stone patients. (Urological Research 16(3)201, 1988) Copyright Phylis Austin
TRANSURETHRAL RESECTION/PROSTATE CANCER SPREAD
Transurethral resection, the most commonly used surgical procedure for enlarged
prostates, has been shown to increase the likelihood of spread of prostate
cancer. Prostate cancer is a common cancer, with rapid increase in rates after
age fifty. It is the most common single site of cancer in men over 70 years-of-
age. (Cancer 62:2622-2627, 1988) Copyright Phylis Austin
ASPIRIN/BLADDER CANCER
Aspirin seems to promote the development of bladder cancer in laboratory animals
according to a study done at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. (Cancer
Research 49:372-377, January 15, 1989) Copyright Phylis Austin
VASECTOMY/PROSTATE CANCER
Vasectomy may triple a man's risk of prostate cancer, according to
a report presented at the latest Society for Epidemiologic Research
meeting. (Medical Tribune 30(22)22, August 17, 1989) Although
other studies have shown no relationship a study reported in the
British Journal of Cancer last year also reported an increased risk
of prostate cancer in vasectomized men. Copyright Phylis Austin
TAGAMET/IMPOTENCE/BREAST ENLARGEMENT
Cimetidine (Tagamet), a common ulcer medication, has been shown to
interfere with a male's ability to break down estradiol, a female
hormone. High levels of estradiol may cause male breast
enlargement and/or impotence. It has been estimated that as many
as 10 million American males suffer from impotence. (Research
Resources Reporter, January 1990) Copyright Phylis Austin
ASPIRIN USE/KIDNEY DISEASE/HEART DISEASE
A recent report which claimed that the daily use of aspirin
decreased the risk of heart attack was sufficient to start many
people on the program. A follow-up study demonstrated that those
who took aspirin on a daily basis were more likely to develop
kidney cancer than non-users, and revealed increased rates of
ischemic heart disease in the aspirin users. (British Medical
Journal 299:1247-1250, November 18, 1989) Other studies have shown
that the apparent benefit from aspirin was not real. Copyright Phylis Austin
KIDNEY STONES/SALT/OSTEOPOROSIS
Lowering salt consumption may help prevent kidney stones. Salt
intake increases calcium loss, and this calcium may be converted
into stones. Calcium loss may play a role in the production of
osteoporosis, and may be decreased by reducing the amount of salt
consumed. (The Lancet 2:412, February 17, 1990) Copyright Phylis Austin
KIDNEY STONES/PROTEIN INTAKE
A high intake of protein may lead to the formation of kidney
stones. (Urological Research 16(3)194, 1988)
Another study of Japanese renal stone sufferers revealed that
patients consumed large amounts of animal proteins, particularly in
the evening meal. (Journal of Urology 143:1093-1095, 1990) Copyright Phylis Austin
COLD FEET/URINARY TRACT INFECTION
A study from Norway suggests that cooling of the feet in women may
contribute to the development of urinary tract infection. Another
study suggests that cold hands, cold hips, and cold legs all
increase the risk of development of urinary tract infection.
(European Urology 18(Suppl 1)239, June 1990) Copyright Phylis Austin
CALCIUM SUPPLEMENTS/URINARY TRACT INFECTIONS
A high intake of calcium may lead to increased risk of urinary
tract infection by encouraging bacteria to stick to the lining of
the urinary tract, rather than being flushed out with the urine.
It has been estimated that there are six to seven million doctor's
office visits each year for urinary tract infections. About one-
fifth of the population suffer three to six urinary tract
infections per year. A study from the Department of Biological
Sciences at Youngstown State University in Ohio, reveals that
excess calcium levels in the urine encourage bacterial adherence.
Women taking calcium supplements in an attempt to prevent
osteoporosis may be bringing on urinary tract infections.
(Urological Research 18:213-217, 1990) Copyright Phylis Austin
URINARY STRESS INCONTINENCE/VAGINAL CONES
An exercise program using cones has been shown helpful in the
treatment of urinary stress incontinence. Pelvic floor exercises
have enabled many women to avoid surgery for stress incontinence,
but many women find the exercises difficult to carry out properly.
The use of cones has been shown helpful for these women. The cones
are inserted into the vagina, and women are instructed to contract
the muscles to retain the cone for 15 minutes at a time, twice a
day. (Australian and New Zealand Journal of Obstetrics and
Gynecology 30:157-160, 1990) Copyright Phylis Austin
URINARY TRACT INFECTIONS IN BOYS
A recent study suggests that young boys who inject water into their
urethra during bathing are more likely to develop later urinary
tract infection. One-third of a group of boys evaluated for
urinary tract infection admitted to this behavior, eliminating the
need for extensive evaluation.
The boys reported using syringes, rubber bulbs, plastic bottles
and hand shower massagers to inject the water into their urethras.
This possibility should be considered in young boys who develop
urinary tract infections. (Pediatrics 86(5)703-706, November 1990) Copyright Phylis Austin
DEHYDRATION/KIDNEY STONES
Chronic dehydration may be a common cause of kidney stones
according to a recent report from London. A hot climate, a hot
occupation, and insufficient water intake are the most frequent
causes of this chronic dehydration. Simply instructing kidney
stone patients to increase their water intake may be sufficient to
reduce their incidence of kidney stones. (British Journal of
Urology 55:357-362, 1990) Copyright Phylis Austin
GALLBLADDER REMOVAL/COLON CANCER
Removal of the gallbladder (cholecystectomy) apparently increases
the risk of colon cancer. It is felt that changes in bile
metabolism may be responsible for this increased risk. (Cancer
66:2249-2252, 1990) Copyright Phylis Austin
TOBACCO USE/PROSTATE CANCER
Men who use tobacco in any form are at increased risk of developing
prostate cancer. (American Journal of Epidemiology 133(5)437-441,
1991) Copyright Phylis Austin
HIGH PROTEIN INTAKE/KIDNEY FUNCTION
A high protein intake during growth and development has been shown
to cause to changes in the kidney. (Pediatric Research 29(4 Pt
2)353A, April, 1991) Copyright Phylis Austin
BLADDER LEAKAGE DURING EXERCISE
Many women, especially as they age, suffer from loss of urine
during exercise. Running and high impact aerobics are particularly
likely to cause leakage. A study of exercise-related urinary
incontinence suggested that women who have loss of urine can often
participate in such sports as bicycling and swimming without
problem. Kegal exercises are also helpful. A new device, called
vaginal weights, are also being used to strengthen the vaginal
muscles, and control stress incontinence. These weights are
inserted in the same manner one would insert a tampon and kept in
place for 20 to 30 minutes a day. The muscles must contract to
hold the weight in place, providing strengthening exercise.
(Obstetrics and Gynecology 75:848-851, May, 1990) Copyright Phylis Austin
HYPERTHERMIA/ABACTERIAL PROSTATITIS
Local hyperthermia to the prostate may be helpful in the relief of
abacterial prostatitis according to a study from the Institute of
Urology at Tel Aviv University, Israel. The patients in this study
had failed to respond to other treatments over a course of several
years. Twenty-five percent had complete loss of their symptoms,
fifty percent had partial response, with improvement in symptoms,
while the remaining twenty-five percent did not benefit. (British
Journal of Urology 67:308-311, 1991) Copyright Phylis Austin
STRESS URINARY INCONTINENCE
As women age many suffer stress urinary incontinence (the
involuntary loss of urine with activities such as sneezing,
coughing or straining). Various surgical procedures have been
recommended and a wide assortment of medications have been
evaluated in the control of this distressing problem.
Eleven of twelve women had complete resolution of their stress
urinary incontinence with the use of an ordinary contraceptive
diaphragm.
Because wearing a diaphragm constantly increases the risk of
urinary tract infection the researchers designed a special
doughnut-like ring to permit urine to flow freely. (Urology
37(2)119-122, February 1991) Copyright Phylis Austin
PROSTATE CANCER SCREENING/RISKS
Dr. Frank Hinman, Jr. of the University of California, San
Francisco School of Medicine observes that mass screening for
prostate cancer in elderly men may have more risks than benefits.
While 2.5 percent of men die of prostate cancer, the greatest
proportion of men screened for prostate cancer may be subjected to
unnecessary stress and anxiety, expensive diagnostic testing, and
unnecessary treatment. (Internal Medicine News 24(21)52, November
1-14, 1991) Copyright Phylis Austin
URINE RETENTION/BLADDER CANCER
Individuals who hold their urine for prolonged periods because it
is inconvenient to go to the restroom may be increasing their risk
of developing bladder cancer. This is particularly so for smokers,
whose urine contains a potent carcinogen. (Science News 140:125,
August 24, 1991) Copyright Phylis Austin
HYPERTHERMIA/BENIGN PROSTATIC HYPERPLASIA
Enlargement of the prostate gland is a common problem as men age.
A study from Spain revealed that local hyperthermia to the prostate
improved symptoms in 76 of 100 patients. Six or more one-hour-long
treatments were found to be the most effective. (European Urology
20:9-11, 1991) Copyright Phylis Austin
CROUCHING/BLADDER EMPTYING
Women who crouch over toilet seats to avoid sitting on them may be
unable to completely empty their bladder. Women who are
predisposed to urinary tract infections or to cystitis may increase
their risk of disease by retaining urine for prolonged periods.
(British Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology 98:569-572, June
1991) Copyright Phylis Austin
PROSTATE CANCER/VITAMIN D
It has been hypothesized that vitamin D deficiency may contribute
to prostate cancer. Prostate cancer is more common in Blacks, those
in northern latitudes, and the elderly. All of these groups are
known to have lower levels of vitamin D.
Vitamin D levels are largely influenced by sunlight exposure.
(Anticancer Research 10:1307-1312, 1990) Copyright Phylis Austin
CHILLING/URINARY TRACT INFECTIONS
Women are often plagued with recurrent urinary tract infections.
A study from Norway suggests that cold hands, cold feet, and/or
cold buttocks may all increase the incidence of urinary tract
infections. The authors also observed that retaining urine for
long periods because it was not convenient to go to the toilet may
increase the incidence of urinary tract infections. (Scandinavian
Journal of Primary Health Care 10:72-75, 1992) Copyright Phylis Austin
COLA CONSUMPTION/KIDNEY STONES
Consuming large quantities of cola-flavored drinks may lead to the
development of kidney stones in susceptible individuals. A study
from the Department of Urology, University of Rochester Medical
Center, in Rochester, New York, observed that cola intake changed
the constitution of the urine. (Urology 34(4)331-333, April 1992) Copyright Phylis Austin
PROSTATE CANCER/CHICKENS
De Lamar Gibbons, M.D., of Kellogg, Idaho, points out that prostate
cancer is rare in the Navahos of San Juan County, Utah. Between
1950 and 1985 there was one reported case, and that case was in the
only man known to raise chickens and eat eggs.
Dr. Gibbons points out that raw or lightly cooked eggs may
contain viruses which cause cancer. (Internal Medicine News 25(4),
February 15, 1992) Copyright Phylis Austin
OVERWEIGHT/URINARY INCONTINENCE
Overweight women who suffer from the involuntary loss of urine will
benefit from weight reduction. A study group demonstrated less urge
and stress incontinence after weight loss. (American Journal of
Obstetrics and Gynecology 167:392-9, 1992) Copyright Phylis Austin
OVERWEIGHT/URINARY INCONTINENCE
Overweight women who suffer from the involuntary loss of urine will
benefit from weight reduction. A study group demonstrated less urge
and stress incontinence after weight loss. (American Journal of
Obstetrics and Gynecology 167:392-9, 1992) Copyright Phylis Austin
PROSTATE CANCER/ANIMAL PRODUCTS
A diet high in animal products, particularly milk, increases the
risk of prostate cancer, researchers from Italy report. Prostate
cancer has become one of the leading causes of cancer death in the
Western world. (Nutrition and Cancer 18:277-286, 1992) Copyright Phylis Austin
PROSTATE CANCER/SURGERY
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in U.S. males. Treatment
routines vary from one part of the country to another. The number
of radical prostatectomies performed increased nearly six times in
the time period of 1984 to 1990. A study from the Biomedical
Information Communications Center of the Oregon Health Sciences
University in Portland, Oregon, suggests that many men with
localized prostate cancer may benefit from watchful waiting, rather
than radical prostatectomy. They point out that vigorous treatment
may result in such unwanted effects as loss of control of the urine
and impotence, which may greatly reduce the man's quality of life.
Treatment of advanced prostate cancer may prolong life an average
of only about one year. The researchers conclude that in prostate
cancer patients older than 70 years of age watchful waiting is a
reasonable alternative. (Journal of the American Medical
Association 269(2)2650-2658, May 26, 1993) Copyright Phylis Austin
SMOKING/URINARY INCONTINENCE
Women smokers are at greater risk of developing stress urinary
incontinence or motor urinary incontinence than are non-smokers.
(American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology 167:1213-1218, 1992) Copyright Phylis Austin
KIDNEY STONES/HOT OCCUPATIONS
Men who work in hot occupations which induce profuse perspiration
are at risk of suffering chronic dehydration, which may lead to
urinary tract stone formation. Those who work in extreme heat need
to make a conscious effort to take adequate fluids. (Journal of
Urology 150:1757-1760, December, 1993) Copyright Phylis Austin
UTEROVAGINAL PROLAPSE/URINARY STRESS
INCONTINENCE/CONSTIPATION
Women who have a history of constipation during young adulthood are
at increased risk of uterovaginal prolapse, and perhaps urinary
stress incontinence in later life. Childbirth-associated trauma has
also been identified as a risk factor, but these researchers feel
that constipation may be a more important factor. (British Journal
of Obstetrics and Gynecology 101:147-152, February, 1994) Copyright Phylis Austin
URINARY TRACT INFECTION/CRANBERRY JUICE
A recent study provides support for the use of cranberry juice in
the treatment and prevention of urinary tract infections. A study
of over 150 elderly women showed that those women who consumed 300
ml of cranberry juice a day were about half as likely to develop
urinary tract infection as those who did not use the juice.
(Journal of the American Medical Association 271:751-754, March 9,
1994) Copyright Phylis Austin
DAYTIME URINARY FREQUENCY
Mothers sometimes notice that their children have periods when they
have to urinate frequently during the day. This symptom may
suggest urinary tract infection or other urinary problem, but
recently reports have appeared in the medical literature suggesting
that this may be due to inadequate water intake. A group of
children evaluated for this problem revealed a high urinary
specific gravity, which indicates that the urine was not adequately
diluted. The researchers also observed a high acid urine, which the
researchers felt might be due to the intake of either apple or
citrus juices. The researchers who studied this problem
successfully treat it by recommending a high water intake and the
restriction of fruit juices and milk. (Pediatrics 86(6)1004-1005,
December 1990) Copyright Phylis Austin
OVERWEIGHT/PROSTATE DISEASE
Obese men who develop symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia may
benefit from weight loss. A study of over 25,000 men revealed that
those with waist measurements of 43 or more inches were at
increased risk. (American Journal of Epidemiology 140(11)989-1003,
1994) Copyright Phylis Austin
URINARY TRACT INFECTION/CONDOM USE
Condom use, particularly condoms coated with the spermicide
nonoxynol-9 (N-), increase the risk of urinary tract infections in
women. The increase may be 2-3 fold. (Journal of General Internal
Medicine 9(Suppl 2)29, April 1994) ED - Urinating immediately
after marital relations reduce the likelihood of getting a urinary
tract infection. Copyright Phylis Austin
DIET/PROSTATE CANCER
A study from Japan demonstrates a relationship between the use of
sugar, milk, meat, fats and oils and death from prostate cancer.
(Japanese Journal of Cancer Clin 10(8)831-836, 1994) Copyright Phylis Austin
URINARY TRACT INFECTION/DIAPHRAGM/SPERMICIDE
Young women who use a diaphragm with a spermicide to prevent
pregnancy are at increased risk of urinary tract infection
according to Seattle, Washington researchers. A young woman who
has sexual intercourse three times a week is at three times the
risk of urinary tract infection than a woman who is not sexually
active. Risk is increased seven-fold if she used a diaphragm and
spermicide. (New England Journal of Medicine 335:468-474, 1996) Copyright Phylis Austin
CALCIUM/KIDNEY STONES
The use of calcium supplements increases the risk of development
of kidney stones, while calcium in foods decreases the risk,
according to the Harvard School of Public Health. (Annals of
Internal Medicine 126(7)497-504, 1997) Copyright Phylis Austin
GARLIC/BLADDER CANCER
Garlic has been used medicinally down through history, with
reports of benefit for a wide range of diseases. Some studies have
indicated that it may possess antitumor properties. A study from
the Department of Urology at West Virginia University School of
Medicine showed that laboratory mice given aged garlic extract in
their drinking water before and after being injected with tumor
cells known to cause bladder cancer had slowed growth of the
tumors. Those mice who were given the highest percentage of garlic
in their drinking water had slower tumor growth than those given
less garlic.
Epidemiologists predicted that about 52,900 new cases of bladder
cancer would be diagnosed in the United States in 1996, and that
11,700 people would die of it. (Cancer 79:1987094, 1997) Copyright Phylis Austin
CALCIUM/KIDNEY STONES
Because calcium is known to play a role in kidney stone
formation physicians have been placing their kidney stone patients
on low calcium diets. There have been no good studies that show
benefit from this dietary restriction.
A recent 12-year study of over 91,000 women being followed in
the Nurses' Health Study, indicates that dietary calcium decreases
the risk of kidney stones, while calcium supplements increase the
risk. The researchers point out that foods are more than the sum
of their nutrients. Other factors in food may impact utilization
and absorption.
They also observed that sucrose and sodium intake increase the
risk of kidney stones, while fluid intake and potassium reduce the
risk. (Annals of Internal Medicine 126(7)497-504, April 1, 1997).
Another reason to get your vitamins and minerals from food instead
of pills.
It is believed that calcium in food ties up oxalates present in
other foods, reducing the amount of oxalate available to form
stones. Oxalates are among the commonest substances causing kidney
stones. Copyright Phylis Austin
HIGH FAT DIETS/PROSTATE CANCER
High fat diets increase the level of testosterone, a male
hormone. Prostate cancer is more common in men with high
testosterone levels. Men in the study group who consumed a high-
fat, low-fiber diet had testosterone levels 13 to 15 percent higher
than those who consumed a low-fat, high-fiber diet. (American
Journal of Clinical Nutrition 64:850-5, 1996) Copyright Phylis Austin
DIET/BLADDER CANCER
The use of fried foods increases the risk of bladder cancer,
while the use of fruit decreases the risk according to a recent
report from the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle,
Washington. (American Journal of Epidemiology 144:484-495, 1996) Copyright Phylis Austin
URINARY TRACT INFECTION/CEREBRAL PALSY
A urinary tract infection during pregnancy increases the risk of
cerebral palsy in the offspring. This study revealed that the risk
of having a child with cerebral palsy was four to five times
greater if the mother suffered a urinary tract infection during the
pregnancy. (JOGNN 62:405-413, 1997) Copyright Phylis Austin
ANTIBIOTICS/URINARY TRACT INFECTIONS IN WOMEN
Women who use antibiotics for any reason are at increased risk
of developing a urinary tract infection afterward. The increased
risk may persist for 15 to 28 days. The antibiotics apparently
change the normal flora, allowing pathogenic bacteria to grow.
(Clinical Infectious Diseases 25:63-68, 1997) Copyright Phylis Austin