Just Ask Terry

Terry is happy to provide his opinion on diet and nutrition, supplements and lifestyle choices. This information is for educational purposes only. It is not meant to replace the advice of your physician and is not to be considered medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Should you have any concerns please contact your physician directly.

Q. “I don’t mean to be a bother, and I hope this mail does not infuriate you. A lady at a health food store gave me your e-mail address to get in touch with you and that you might be able and willing to help. A few months back, I was diagnosed with high blood pressure, anemia and a PSA of 8.4. My doctor had me on BenicarHct for my BP and a referral to a urologist. My urologist had me on Avodart for about two months. Meantime my PSA has dropped to 4.2 and went back to 6.5.I complained about the side effect of the Avodart and requested to be taken off it. He granted my request, wants me to take a month off before I can get on another prescription. Meantime, there is this mention of biopsy anytime I walk into his office. I told him biopsy should not be the end result of this but he has no other alternative. I decided to look to an alternative by checking out a natural food store. I bought your brand of Tri-Iodine, Carlson vitamin D, Vitamin Code Raw Iron and New Chapter Prostate 5LX. I have been taking the Prostate 5LX and raw iron for a few days now. My urine flow has improved. I have not gotten on the Tri- Iodine and the Vitamin D just because there is no specific dose intake that I can see on the label. I am also taking Sae-Mee ground tea. Since I have a month before I see my urologist, can you please give me your “Naturally” opinion on whether I am on the right path or other ideas so I won’t have to hear biopsy from this urologist? I would also like a recommendation on the right natural multivitamin for my whole family ranging from 10 years to 60 years. Looking forward to hearing from you and thank you in advance.” Christopher A. Dear Christopher, The list of supplements you described in your email question indicates that you are on the right track. Whether or not you should have a biopsy is extremely challenging for me to answer. I think that has to be a decision made between you, God, and your doctor. As I am sure you have learned from your research, there is a certain amount of controversy regarding the value of prostate biopsies. In fact, some experts are concerned that the whole PSA number is very questionable as to whether or not it indicates a case of cancer or just a benign enlargement of the prostate. If you are over 65, many would question whether this procedure is required. Most prostate cancer is very slow growing and is usually confined to the prostate. The medical consensus of many experts is that the patient will likely outlive the cancer. I personally would not have a biopsy. I would do everything I could nutritionally, since the PSA score is not a definitive answer as to whether or not an individual has prostate cancer. My feeling is that a biopsy just triggers additional problems. I would take at least 50 mg of iodine per day to support the entire cellular function and, in particular, the prostate. I would take both the iodine and iodide forms combined. I’ve seen some very good research that 6 to12 mg of boron has significant benefits for healthy prostate function. I use a blend of 450 mg of calcium, 200 mg of magnesium, 4000 IUs of vitamin D, 12 mg of boron and 20 mg of zinc, all excellent nutrients to support my prostate function. Additionally, there is evidence that vitamin K, copper, manganese, silicon and probiotics can be supportive, too. This will give your body added support since I think you should have a fairly high level of vitamin D, zinc, boron and iodine from the supplements you mentioned in your message.