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Did You Celebrate Dry January?

Posted on by Donna Mastriani

Let’s face it. Most of us enjoy a nice drink in the evenings after a meal. Whether it’s a hard day at work or socialising with loved ones, enjoying a glass of wine or a nightcap is a great enjoyment. So, with that in mind, why would you consider Dry January? It sounds like a month of deprivation, right? In reality, Dry January can be a great way to connect to your body and enjoy a stronger sense of self. Plus, it can be just the motivation to order liver function testing to better understand your body’s needs. Are you curious to know more? Read on!

What is Dry January?

This popular month-long event is exactly what it sounds like. It’s committing to enjoying an alcohol-free month from January 1-31. And don’t worry if you’re interested in trying it out but are partially through the month – you can join the challenge anytime. It isn’t too late!

What are the benefits of Dry January?

One of the most exciting things about Dry January is that it has many benefits! Many are often surprised with just how many dry January advantages there are! Take a look at some of the best ones and see for yourself.

Improved sleep

Many people rely on alcohol to help them sleep, but the reality is that alcohol can create or worsen sleep issues! Going dry for January can help reset your body and mind, leading to better sleep. In fact, about 70% of participants in Dry January note that they have better sleep throughout the month!

Mental health benefits

For one reason or another, those with depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions often rely on alcohol as part of a treatment plan. Interestingly, going dry in January can improve mental health in the short and long term.

Saved money and time

Fact about dry January

Another genuine benefit after a stressful and expensive holiday season is that skipping out on alcohol can save money in a noticeable way. Approximately 86% of participants in Dry January reported saving money, even if they still went out and had a classic social life — just alcohol-free. Many save time, too, which can be a bonus for helping yourself start the new year off just right.

A rebounding body

Alcohol can put a lot of stress on our bodies, especially if we drink regularly, even in moderate amounts. After Dry January, many participants notice improved skin and hair health. Others notice weight loss to the point that clothes fit differently. When you combine that with a proactive approach to health through liver function testing, eating whole foods, and exercising, those benefits stretch even further!

There is even more data to support that. Physically, going alcohol-free can also lower blood pressure and glucose levels and reduce cholesterol. Then, there’s the impressive difference in liver fat content—more on that next.

The role of liver fat and liver health

Liver fat content has a lot to do with liver health in the long term. Short-term and long-term alcohol habits can cause fat build-up in the liver. Those participating in Dry January could experience up to 40% liver fat loss, which is terrific. A fatty liver can lead to fatty liver disease, which is often symptom-free.

A key part of understanding what’s going on with your liver is to consider liver function testing, especially if you drink regularly. Understanding where your liver health is at can help you contact a specialist and understand what changes you can make to better provide for your liver, it’s health, and your general overall well-being. Liver fat can be reversed by making short-term and long-term changes to your diet and drinking habits!

Your liver depends on you

Your liver is a vital organ, and it can be easily damaged without you knowing it. That’s why Dry January is a great celebration to consider when you want to take proactive steps to better your liver health.

Many people feel that they have to justify the reason they are participating in Dry January, but the reality is that you don’t need an excuse. Participating in this great challenge is not only just about reducing your alcohol consumption. It’s also an opportunity to meet new people, bond with those doing the challenge with you, and push yourself and your body to a newer, better form! Isn’t that reason enough?

Whether this is your first time hearing of Dry January, or you’ve just been waiting for an excuse to give it a try, why not commit today to the rest of January being alcohol-free? You might be surprised at how much it changes your life in tangible and intangible ways!

For other ways to improve your health, why not check out our testing options here?

Advantages Associated With Prostate Screening

Posted on by Nida Ali

The prostate is an important male organ, making prostate screening and testing very important, just as regular Breast examination is important and encouraged for women. Regular examination, testing and screening plays a key step in the diagnosis and surveillance of a number of benign and malignant diseases.

Let’s start with what is the anatomical location and function of the Prostate.

  • This organ sits deep inside the groin below the bladder and in front of the rectum. It plays a key role in the reproduction process as it provides a major part of the seminal fluid.
  • The seminal fluid carries the sperm cells through the male reproductive tract and is important to maintain the motility, nourishment and activation of the sperm cells.
  • This fluid secreted by the Prostate, is also a signalling agent for the female reproductive tissues to facilitate the process of conception and pregnancy.
  • The glandular tissue inside the Prostate secretes an enzyme called PSA. In simple words, the main objective of PSA is gel dissolution for active motility of the sperm cells. It is excreted out of the body through urine and semen.

Now that we have discussed the role and function of the prostate, let’s examine what are the various problems that can arise from the abnormal functioning and/or physiological changes of this organ.

The Importance Of Prostate Screening

Diseases Associated With Prostate

The prostate, like other organs, is susceptible to diseases and is becoming a major cause for concern for men above the age of 40 years. Diseases associated with Prostate include Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), Prostatitis and Prostrate Cancer.

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)

This a condition associated with the enlargement of the Prostate not necessarily cancerous. It is also referred to as Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy or Benign Prostatic Obstruction. The factors that lead to this kind of problem are very obscure, however, they are narrowed down to age factor (40 years and above), family history of the same condition, obesity, diabetes, heart and cardiovascular diseases, lack of exercise and erectile dysfunction. BPH causes blockage and narrowing of the urethra which leads to urination problems and an increase in the level of PSA.

Prostatitis

The inflammation of the Prostate and areas around it called Prostatitis. It can be asymptomatic or it can involve a lot of pain associated with urination and/or in the pelvis. It has four major types: Chronic Prostatitis, Acute Bacterial Prostatitis, Chronic Bacterial Prostatitis and Asymptomatic Inflammatory Prostatitis. The factors that cause Prostatitis include urinary tract infection (UTI), nerve damage, trauma/injury and bacterial infection in which bacteria travel from the urethra to the prostrate. Complications include: bacterial infection buildup in the bloodstream, prostatic abscess, sexual dysfunction and inflammation.

  • Prostrate Cancer – This is a form of cancer that develops in men mostly after the age of 50 years and above. Though it is a slow growing form of cancer, it can sometimes become a very serious and malignant disease. The onset symptoms include:
  1. excessive pain and trouble in emptying the bladder completely
  2. burning sensation and difficulty during urination
  • traces of blood in the urine and/or semen

Prostate Screening Explained

As discussed above PSA is a protein secreted by cells in the prostate gland which are normally discharged out of the body through urine and semen. PSA is Prostate Specific Antigen, which as said before, is eliminated out of the body but a very small amount is absorbed in the blood. The normal PSA level range in blood varies according to age. The scale is adjusted according to the age because as men get older a benign enlargement of the prostate gland occurs. A general normal range of PSA is declared to be 4.0 ng/mL, however the age specific range is:

  • 0-2.5: Normal for a man 40-50 yrs.
  • 2.5-3.5: Normal for a man 50-60 yrs.
  • 3.5-4.5: Normal for a man 60-70 yrs.
  • 4.5-5.5: Normal for a man 70-80 yrs.

A PSA test plays an important role in the early detection of many diseases related to the prostate but the most important role is in the detection of prostate cancer. As a general principle, if the PSA level in the blood is elevated then it indicates that there is an issue with the prostate which requires further investigation.

The physiology of PSA demonstrates variable reliability in measurement with regards to Cancer Detection but it serves as a major baseline for diagnosis of Prostatitis, BPH and Urinary or Prostate infection. Adhyam M. et. al has discussed that the ability of PSA to detect cancers is as yet unclear, however, its most definitive role appears to be in diagnosing recurrences after adequate surgical treatment, and in evaluating response to treatment. Similarly, Michael K. David et. al has also stated that its usefulness in helping determine the extent of the malignancy, tracking its progress, identifying biochemical recurrences, and determining treatment response.

Closing statement

Thus, in conclusion, Prostate screening and testing can have numerous advantages and its importance increases with the age factor in men. As we emphasise on Breast Cancer awareness it is important that we keep in mind that Prostate screening and testing is as important in men. As very rightfully said, “prevention is better than cure”. It’s also important to note the we have a Prostate Health Test, which can help guide you to the answers you’re looking for and offer you peace of mind!

What Is Prostate Specific Antigen?

Posted on by Kate Knowler

OK, men, this blog is for you. If you haven’t already heard, September is prostate cancer awareness month, but what do you know about your prostate – the small ping-pong ball sized gland located deep in your groin – and what do you know about keeping it healthy? You may have heard of, or already been tested for, prostate specific antigen (PSA) through your GP.

But what is Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA)?

Well, PSA is a protein produced by the cells of the prostate gland. It is often tested when men are over 50 years old, or when they are experiencing prostate symptoms such as:

  • Frequent urination (during the day and/or night)
  • Blood in the urine or semen
  • Urine leakage
  • Pain or burning on urination
  • Painful ejaculation
  • Frequent pain/stiffness in lower back, hips, pelvic/rectal areas, or upper thighs

Some men will have raised PSA with no symptoms, making regular testing over the age of 50 important.

If asking your GP to test your PSA makes you feel uncomfortable, you can purchase a home finger prick PSA test such as our Prostate Health Test. This test will tell you whether you have raised levels of PSA.

What does it mean if my Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) is raised?

If you have a raised PSA it doesn’t necessarily mean prostate cancer – while a raised PSA may be present if prostate cancer is present, in many cases raised PSA is actually present due to a urinary tract infection (UTI), recent prostate stimulation, recent exercise, or other prostate issues such as a non-cancerous enlarged prostate (benign prostate hyperplasia, or BPH).

Should I speak to my GP if my Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) is raised on a home finger-prick test?

The short answer to this is: yes.

Symptoms of Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA)

The longer answer to this is: if your PSA is raised on a home finger prick test such as our Prostate Health Test, you should speak with your GP who may suggest further tests such as an MRI of your prostate.

What can I do to support my prostate if my Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) is raised, but my GP says it isn’t cancer?

The good news is that there’s LOTS that you can do to support your prostate if your PSA is raised (and even if it isn’t raised – there’s always room for prevention!)

Here are a few prostate-friendly suggestions that you can start from today:

  • Eat a healthy, balanced diet – lots of fruits, vegetables, and good quality proteins. All organic where possible.
  • Increase your intake of oily fish – oily fish includes herring, pilchards, salmon, sardines, anchovies, and mackerel, and you should be aiming for 2 portions per week
  • Regularly consume tomatoes and pumpkin seeds – cooked or sundried tomatoes are the best sources of lycopene (compared to fresh tomatoes), and research has shown that eating higher amounts of lycopene may lower your PSA level. The small but mighty pumpkin seed is a source of zinc, which has been associated with prostate health. You could even combine the two in this delicious pesto recipe
  • Avoid processed and/or sugary foods – regardless of how convenient or flavoursome you find them, avoid processed foods such as fizzy drinks, takeaways, and microwavable ready meals as these will only further increase inflammation in your body.
  • Reduce your exposure to chemicals – research in 2004 showed that men use an average of 6 personal care products daily (shower gel, shaving gel, aftershave etc) exposing them to approximately 85 different ingredients. And that’s before we factor in cigarette/e-cigarette vape smoke, non-organic foods, cleaning products, work-place chemical exposure, pollution…. the list of chemicals you may be exposed to each day could go on for a long time! Look at your lifestyle and make changes where you can – whether that’s trying an organic shower gel, switching to natural cleaning products, or ceasing smoking, your body will thank you for every small change you make.

If you have any of the symptoms of raised Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) or are aged over 50, consider getting your PSA tested by your GP or privately, such as our Prostate Health Test. Raised levels don’t necessarily mean cancer, but you should speak to your GP if your levels are raised so that they can test further and/or monitor changes in your PSA levels.