As we celebrate Dad this Sunday, this article from Natural Insights for Well Being on two recent studies involving prostate health and improving inflammatory responses in the body may be just the kind of good news Dad is looking for.

Cranberry capsules ease pain

Men taking radiation treatment for prostate cancer often have an inflamed bladder, called cystitis, as a side effect. Because cranberry helps maintain urinary tract health, doctors wanted to test its effect on this condition.

During the radiation treatment, 41 men took a cranberry capsule containing 72 mg of proanthocyanidins per day, or a placebo, and continued for two weeks afterwards. In the placebo group, 90 percent of the men developed cystitis compared to 65 percent for those who took cranberry. Also, men in the placebo group were 50 percent more likely to have severe symptoms, and overall, symptoms were less severe for the men who took cranberry.

Reference: Supportive Care in Cancer; 2015, Vol. 23, No. 1, 95-102

Ubiquinol reduces inflammation

Inflammation is often the first sign of chronic disease, and reducing inflammation may improve chances for staying healthy. Doctors were interested in a particular liver enzyme, called GGT, which is an early and sensitive signal for inflammation and oxidative stress.

In the first part of this study, researchers compared levels of ubiquinol—also known as CoQ10—and GGT, in 416 healthy men and women, aged 19 to 62. As levels of ubiquinol increased, GGT activity decreased, meaning less inflammation.

In the second phase, 53 healthy men, aged 21 to 48, took 150 mg of ubiquinol per day for 14 days. Compared to the beginning of the second phase, GGT activity decreased 13 percent, and levels of CoQ10 increased by more than four times. Also, the rate of oxidative cell damage declined by 20.5 percent, suggesting ubiquinol reduces chronic inflammation.

Reference: BMC Research Notes; July, 2014, Published Online

Betsy’s Note: Cranberry and Ubiquinol also thin blood.  This article is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.  Consult your healthcare provider.