Alert:
I recommend all men 50 and over, or even in 40s, to get a PSA test. I do not know a lot about this topic, but because several friends and a relative of DH’s had prostate cancer, I encouraged him to get the test. His results were in normal range, but we did find his blood sugar and cholesterol will more elevated, so he is making some dietary changes. I find the Mayo Clinic info much more useful and clear than the gov link.
Here are two links describing the pros and cons (cons still not clear to me, it’s a simple blood test) of getting PSA tested.
https://www.cancer.gov/types/prostate/psa-fact-sheet
Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) Test
ON THIS PAGE
What is the PSA test?
Is the PSA test recommended for prostate cancer screening?
What is a normal PSA test result?
What is done if a screening test shows an elevated PSA level?
What are some of the limitations and potential harms of the PSA test for prostate cancer screening?
What have randomized trials of prostate cancer screening found?
How is the PSA test used in men who have been treated for prostate cancer?
How are researchers trying to improve the PSA test?
https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/psa-test/about/pac-20384731
Patient Care & Health Information
Tests & Procedures
PSA test
The PSA test is a blood test used primarily to screen for prostate cancer.
The test measures the amount of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in your blood. PSA is a protein produced by both cancerous and noncancerous tissue in the prostate, a small gland that sits below the bladder in males.
PSA is mostly found in semen, which also is produced in the prostate. Small amounts of PSA ordinarily circulate in the blood.
The PSA test can detect high levels of PSA that may indicate the presence of prostate cancer. However, many other conditions, such as an enlarged or inflamed prostate, also can increase PSA levels. Therefore, determining what a high PSA score means can be complicated.
There is a lot of conflicting advice about PSA testing. To decide whether to have a PSA test, discuss the issue with your doctor, considering your risk factors and weighing your personal preferences.
Why it’s done
Prostate cancer is common, and it is a frequent cause of cancer death. Early detection may be an important tool in getting appropriate and timely treatment.
Prostate cancer can cause elevated levels of PSA. However, many noncancerous conditions also can increase the PSA level. The PSA test can detect high levels of PSA in the blood but doesn’t provide precise diagnostic information about the condition of the prostate.
The PSA test is only one tool used to screen for early signs of prostate cancer. Another common screening test, usually done in addition to a PSA test, is a digital rectal exam.
In this test, your doctor inserts a lubricated, gloved finger into your rectum to reach the prostate. By feeling or pressing on the prostate, the doctor may be able to judge whether it has abnormal lumps or hard areas.
Neither the PSA test nor the digital rectal exam provides enough information for your doctor to diagnose prostate cancer. Abnormal results in these tests may lead your doctor to recommend a prostate biopsy.
During a prostate biopsy, samples of prostate tissue are removed for laboratory examination. A diagnosis of cancer is based on the biopsy results.
And WebMD for another info option:
https://www.webmd.com/prostate-cancer/guide/psa
Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) Blood Test
What Is Prostate-Specific Antigen?
What Are Normal PSA Levels?
How Is The PSA Screening Test Done?
When Should I Have My PSA Levels Tested?
What Does a High PSA Level Mean?
Pinging to the list to herbs for Liver.
I was researching herbs helpful for the liver for an old friend and figured I’d post here too. Any questions about sources, or anything else, just ask. Aloe gel or juice is also very good for liver functioning, helpful in all acid conditions and also supports female balance functions. Watch out for potassium sorbate though. The kind I like the best is Lakewood brand, organic, in glass jars with only 2% lemon juice as a preservative.
Herbs for Liver
Barberry
Regulates liver energy, stimulates digestion, often used with turmeric, and helpful for inflammatory and rheumatic conditions.
Vervain
Useful for liver congestion and cirrhosis
Wild Yam - Dioscorea
Treats bilious conditions, colic, digestion problems associated with liver function
Vidari Kand (another variety of Wild Yam)
Treats disorders of the liver and spleen, often used with kutki, barberry, turmeric, need and guduchi. Soothes inflammation of the GI tract, peptic ulcers, ulcerated colitis, and IBS, for these conditions often used with Shatavari which is very soothing, and with marshmallow, bilva or licorice. Vidari Kand is especially used in conditions of debility, exhaustion, weakness, fatigue, and fibromyalgia.
Bringaraj
Used for enlarged liver or spleen, anemia, cirrhosis. Purges excess heat, bile and toxins from the liver, gall bladder, and blood.
Bhumyamalaki
Similar uses as Bringaraj, also strengthening and balancing for liver, can be used with Bringaraj
Burdock
Cleansing to the liver, lymphatic system, helpful in blood toxicitiy or inflammatory conditions like acne, boils, etc. Good for using in liver diseases, supports liver function, clears liver heat, aids in digestion. Fresh root used as a healthy food in Japanese cooking, pleasant taste.
False Unicorn Root
General tonic for the liver, treats liver and gall bladder problems, dyspepsia, and malabsorption
Watercress
Promotes bile metabolism
Kutki (similar to Gentian but not sure if uses are exactly the same)
Helpful in hepatitis, enlargement of liver or spleen, purges excess Pitta or heat from the liver and gall bladder. Also increases thyroid function and helps with metabolism of protein, cholesterol and fats. Useful in fatty degeneratin of the liver, obesity, hyperglycemia, fibroids, high cholesterol and triglycerides.
Manjishta
Helpful for dissolving kidney and gall stones, reducing tumors, cleanses the liver and helps with kidney obstruction. Mostly known for use in blood toxicity issues as well, including inflammatory skin conditions.
Shankpushpi
Protects and rejuvenates liver especially when combined with herbs such as Guduchi, Kutki, Barberry and Milk Thistle. Shankpushpi is primarily used for helping with mental focus, memory, and sleeping problems.