May 31, 2012

PSA Screening

Articles by Dr. Erdman are for informational purposes, and are not to be taken as specific medical advice.

I read a recent update on prostate cancer screening this week. Let’s look at PSA screening in light of recent research results. Then we can see how preventing prostate enlargement and cancer is your best plan of action.

The United States Preventive Services Task Force recently put out its latest recommendation on prostate screening. It essentially says that routine screening of men, at any age, is worthless. Why? They say the harms outweigh the benefits! While a few may benefit, many more are harmed.

A PSA (prostate specific antigen) that is elevated tells you only one thing, the general size of the prostate. A high PSA does indicate enlargement, but it gives you no clue as to why. There are no good tests to differentiate between those who need treatment for cancer, and those who don’t. Therein lays the conundrum.

May 17, 2012

Coconut Oil

Articles by Dr. Erdman are for informational purposes, and are not to be taken as specific medical advice.

To continue a theme from a few previous articles, regarding how a low fat diet really doesn’t work, we see that our bodies need certain fats. Depriving your body of essential fats increases cravings of other foods, such as refined carbohydrates, that lead to weight gain. One of those naturally occurring healthy fats that have been demonized by the medical establishment is coconut oil.

Now, all saturated fats are not the same. There is a big difference between naturally occurring saturated fats, like coconut oil, and artificially manipulated, man-made fats. These are called hydrogenated oils, and are terrible for you. These “trans fats”, as they are called, should be avoided for your good health.

Coconut oil is nature’s richest source of medium chain triglycerides (MCI’s), not counting breast milk. Virgin coconut oil is very stable, and does not oxidize or break down quickly. It has a shelf life of more than 2 years.

Coconut oil actually increases metabolic rates that lead to weight loss. MCI’s promotes thermogenesis, making heat or energy in your body, which burns calories.