Dr. Gott: Pumpkins are for more than pie
Dear Dr. Gott: My 72-year-old husband has been seeing his urologist for several years for an enlarged prostate. He had burning during elimination, ran slight temperatures due to infections, and problems urinating due to the swelling.
A friend told me about taking pumpkin-seed oil. Because it didn’t hurt to try, my husband used it for six months. His PSA dropped. My husband also explained that the burning sensation lessened quite a bit, there were no elevated temperatures, and elimination was easier.
Dear Reader: Pumpkin seeds are an excellent natural source of carbohydrates and amino and unsaturated fatty acids. They also contain calcium, potassium, phosphorous, niacin, most of the B vitamins, and C, D, E and K. They have been used by Native Americans for countless years for kidney problems and for elimination of intestinal parasites.
There are numerous sources claiming pumpkin seeds and oils benefit depression, cholesterol levels, prevent the formation of kidney stones and prostate and bladder issues, and improve bladder function. So I am not at all surprised that your husband experienced success in lowering his PSA.
Prostatic-specific antigen (PSA) is produced by the prostate gland. As you are likely aware, a normal range for blood testing is up to 4.0. An elevation does not necessarily indicate cancer. Many men with elevated readings are found to have noncancerous conditions, such as prostatitis or benign prostate enlargement. Furthermore, some medications can have an effect on readings.
• Write to Dr. Gott c/o United Media, 200 Madison Ave., 4th fl., New York, NY 10016.
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