How To Prevent Prostate Cancer Naturally
Below are a few dietary suggestions for how to prevent prostate cancer naturally.
Vegetarian diet
- In vitro, blood from a standard diet slowed down prostate cancer cell growth by 9%. Blood from men placed on a plant-based diet for a year reduced cancer cell growth by 70%.
- Cruciferous vegetables are especially helpful, cutting cancer progression by over 50%.
- Increasing plant protein intake of 2% is associated with a 23% decreased risk of cancer.
- Vegetarian diets can reverse prostate cancer. PSA levels in people on a plant-based diet decrease, while levels increase in a control group.
Exercise vs Diet
- Exercise is helpful, but not as helpful as a plant-based diet.
- This was shown by comparing 3 groups: 1) the control, which was sedentary, 2) exercise-only , and 3) plant diet + moderate exercise
- In vitro, blood from the control group killed 1-2% of cancer cells. Blood from the exercise group killed 20x more cells. Blood from plant-diet group killed 40x more cells.
Flaxseed
- Lignans are phytoestrogens shown to slow prostate cancer cell growth in vitro. Lignans are especially concentrated in flaxseeds.
- Prostate cancer patients eating 3 tablespoons per day of flaxseed after a month show lower cancer proliferation rate.
- Flaxseed is also comparable to drugs like Flomax in causing relief for benign prostatic hyperplasia.
Ginger And Green Tea: The 5
Researchers have discovered an important link between nutrition and cancer. It is the enzyme 5 Lipoxygenase . 5-LO metabolizes arachidonic acid to produce a chemical called 5-HETE that feeds prostate cancer cells.
Without the essential food 5-HETE, prostate cancer cells cannot thrive. Fortunately, many common foods like ginger and green tea are natural 5-LO inhibitors that prevent the metabolization of arachidonic acid into 5-HETE.
That explains why the lower mortality rate from prostate cancer in cultures that regularly consume ginger, green tea, and other 5-LO inhibitors.
Ways To Reduce Your Risk Of Prostate Cancer
Wouldnt it be wonderful if we could prevent prostate cancer? Unfortunately, were not there yetbut we do have an understanding of what measures can be taken to help reduce your risk of developing prostate cancer.
Precancerous lesions are commonly seen on prostate biopsy many years before the onset of prostate cancer. We also know that theres an increased prevalence of prostate cancer with aging. These facts suggest that the process of developing prostate cancer takes place over a long period of timeoften more than a decadefrom the initial prostate cell mutation to the time when prostate cancer manifests with either a PSA elevation, an acceleration in PSA, or an abnormal digital rectal examination. This means that theres an opportunity for intervention before prostate cancer is established.
Here are six ways to reduce your risk of prostate cancer :
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Sex To Prevent Prostate Cancer & More Ways To Reduce Your Risk
In honor of Prostate Awareness Month, we at Lowcountry Male want to raise awareness and share some tips to help prevent this disease. Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers in men, with 1 in 8 men being diagnosed during their lifetime. According to the American Cancer Society, over 200,000 new cases of prostate cancer are diagnosed each year.
So what exactly is prostate cancer and what causes it?
The prostate is a gland that is part of the male reproductive system and is located below the bladder. It is responsible for making fluid that combines with sperm to create semen. Prostate cancer occurs when the glands cells begin to multiply rapidly. Most cases of prostate cancer in men are classified as adenocarcinomas, meaning they develop from the gland cells.
Although the cause of prostate cancer is unknown, inherited and acquired gene mutations are associated with an increased risk. Additionally, inflammation of the prostate, due to conditions such as enlarged prostate or recurring UTIs, may cause DNA mutations, contributing to the development of prostate cancer in the long run.
Continue reading to discover the best preventative measures you can take to reduce your risk of developing prostate cancer.
Important Safety Information For Finasteride
Finasteride is for use by MEN ONLY and should NOT be used by women or children.
Read this Patient Information before you start taking finasteride and each time you get a refill. There may be new information. This information does not take the place of talking with your healthcare provider about your medical condition or treatment.
What is finasteride? Finasteride is a prescription medicine used for the treatment of male pattern hair loss . It is not known if finasteride works for a receding hairline on either side of and above your forehead . Finasteride is not for use by women and children.
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Exercise And Lose Weight
Exercising and losing weight are some of the best things you can do to promote prostate health. Many studies show that moderate or vigorous exercise reduces risk of BPH and urinary tract symptoms and helps with prostatitis as well. Exercise also benefits your cardiovascular health and can help prevent other health and sexual problems such as erectile dysfunction.
If you are overweight, losing weight is one of the most important natural changes you can make in improving your prostate health, whether your concerns are cancer, BPH or prostatitis. A study published in the Journal of Urology found that overweight men, especially men with a high amount of abdominal fat, have an increased risk of BPH. If you are looking to shrink the prostate, losing weight can help you reduce your prostate size and help relieve annoying and frustrating urinary symptoms. On top of that, weight loss can reduce your risk for prostate cancer and help relieve prostatitis, too.
Can Prostate Cancer Be Prevented
Yes, prostate cancer prevention is possible and effective. Though there is no single strategy that ensures ways to prevent prostate cancer, a variety of precautionary measures can be successful.
Here are some expert-approved tips on how to prevent prostate cancer:
1. Load up on fruits and vegetables: A healthy diet filled with a range of fruits and vegetables is customary to prostate cancer prevention. Several studies have proved that the antioxidants present in these food items prevent damage to cells present in the prostate.
Red fruits such as tomatoes are rich in lycopene . Lycopene has been associated with a reduced risk of prostate cancer. Other fruits and vegetables that protect against this cancer are leafy greens such as spinach, beans, peas, blueberries, grapefruit, oranges and watermelon.
2. Consider taking vitamin supplements: Vitamins and minerals are essential to our overall well-being. They are regarded as significant in prostate cancer prevention guidelines.
However, maintaining a well-balanced intake of vitamins, minerals and proteins through natural means is not always possible. Supplements help us to compensate for any nutrient demand that has not been met.
3. Exercise most days of the week: The importance of exercise for cancer prevention is crystal clear. Irrespective of your body weight, you are advised to engage in physical activity regularly.
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Five Ways To Practice Prostate Cancer Prevention
There are some things you can do to try to prevent prostate cancer. Here are five prostate cancer prevention tips to implement into your lifestyle today:
See Your Doctor and Get Regularly Screened
As you age, its important to get a rectal examination and prostate-specific antigen every year. While these exams arent a preferred use of your time, these screening tests can help you get a diagnosis early when cancer is easier to treat.
These screenings also give patients the opportunity to make informed decisions on how to pursue treatment with their doctor this isnt always a luxury afforded to those diagnosed with late-stage cancer.
If youre over 40 and African-American or you have a family history of prostate cancer, get an exam. If youre 50 and over, get an exam every year even if you dont have a history of prostate cancer in the family.
Change Your Diet
Its no surprise that eating healthy makes this list. Eating clean helps take care of your body, and a healthy diet contains cancer-fighting phytonutrients. Phytonutrients are produced by plants and contain the vitamins and nutrients that are essential to promote prostate health.
Studies have shown that diets rich in plant-based foods stimulate the immune system, prevent substances we ingest from becoming carcinogens, aide in DNA repair, slow the growth rate of cancer cells, and reduce inflammation.
Here are some things to consider when overhauling your diet:
Use Natural Products
Exercise
Screening For Prostate Cancer
In addition to engaging in sex to prevent prostate cancer, as well as the other preventative measures listed above, it is important get regular screenings at your doctors office. Like with any cancer, early detection is crucial to preventing the progression of the disease and ensuring a successful treatment. Talk to your doctor about any risk factors you may have, such as family history, race, and age. Based on the recommendations of your doctor, you should have PSA tests done annually beginning at age 50 to indicate any abnormalities.
Here at Lowcountry Male, we are committed to revitalizing mens health and wellness. For more information or to schedule a consultation, please contact us via the button below.
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Make Exercising A Habit
The benefits of exercise are almost too many to count. Fortunately, reducing your risk of prostate cancer is on the list.
If you havent been physically active for a while, its a good idea to get back into it slowly. Swimming, walking, jogging, and cycling are great options. Dont shy away from getting others involved either. Group activities can help with sticking to exercise goals.
What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider Before Taking Finasteride
Before taking finasteride, tell your healthcare provider if you:
- have any other medical conditions, including problems with your prostate or liver
- Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and nonprescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Know the medicines you take. Keep a list of them to show your healthcare provider and pharmacist when you get a new medicine.
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Take Supplements That Support Prostate Health
If you want to maximize your prostate health, taking supplements , can help support your immunity and maintain a healthy prostate. Two common prostate conditions, prostatitis and benign prostatic hyperplasia , can put men at an increased risk for prostate cancer. Taking a top prostate supplement can help you gain control of your prostate health support the measures you are taking to prevent prostate cancer.
Who Can Get Prostate Cancer
Any man can develop prostate cancer during his reproductive age. Some men, however, have an increased risk of getting prostate cancer. The common risk factors include:
- Age: This condition is more prevalent in older men, especially over the age of 50 years.
- Family history: Your chances of developing this cancer increases if someone in your family has, previously, battled with prostate cancer.
- Obesity: Several studies have proved a direct link between being obese and developing prostate cancer. There are also higher chances that cancer may recur if the patient suffers from obesity.
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Does An Enlarged Prostate Increase Your Risk Of Developing Prostate Cancer
Many people believe there is a link between an enlarged prostate and the chance of developing prostate cancer. However, this belief is incorrect. There is no scientific evidence linking these two distinct prostate issues. While BPH may be unpleasant and cause issues with urination and sexual functioning, it is not life-threatening and does not increase your risk of developing prostate cancer as you get older.
Things You Cant Change: Age Race And Genes
Prostate cancer is primarily a disease of aging. As you get older, your chances of developing prostate cancer increase. Race and genetics also play a significant role. If you are African American, your chances of developing prostate cancer are double those of white American men. If your father, brother or multiple blood relatives had prostate cancer, you are more likely to get it, too.
Preventing prostate cancer might be difficult if you have these risk factors, but screening early and often can help ensure that if you do get cancer, its diagnosed and treated as soon as possible.
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What To Eat For Prostate Health
Eat more fish, especially for the omega-3 fatty acids. Twice a week, include salmon in your diet. The fatty acids that it contains could prevent the growth of prostate cancer.
There is also an interesting study suggesting that the Mediterranean diet has a role in lowering the risk of aggressive prostate cancer. Men who mainly followed the Mediterranean dietary pattern of eating lots of fruits, vegetables, fish, legumes, and olive oil, specifically had a lower rate of prostate cancer.
They are considered the golden vegetable when it comes to prostate health. Tomatoes are full of lycopene and studies have shown that eating tomatoes or drinking tomato juice may benefit the prostate in many ways. It can not only shrink the prostate, but also slow down the progression of prostate cancer. Other sources of lycopene are grapefruit, apricots, watermelon, etc.
Broccoli has a lot of phytochemicals and they are known for reducing the rate of prostate growth. Also, phytochemicals fight against recurrent cancer.
Green tea is more than just a liquid. It contains lots of important nutrients beneficial for the prostate. It is full of antioxidants, including a large amount of a catechin, called EGCG. Catechins are natural antioxidants that limit and prevent cell damage. Also, polyphenols represent 30% of green tea. They reduce inflammation and fight against cancer. One or two cups of green tea per day can improve not only your prostate health, but also your general health.
Natural Remedies For Prostate Cancer Prevention
There are self-care strategies that may aid in helping to prevent prostate cancer, the third most common cause of cancer-related death in men. Located below the bladder, the prostate is the gland responsible for producing fluid for semen.
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Prostate Cancer Is The Second Most Common Cancer Among Men In The United States
Prostate cancer is most common in older men. In the U.S., about one out of ten men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer. Most men diagnosed with prostate cancer do not die of it.
See the following PDQ summaries for more information about prostate cancer:
- Avoiding risk factors and increasing protective factors may help prevent cancer.
- The following risk factors may increase the risk of prostate cancer:
- Age
- Family history of prostate cancer
- Race
The Following Have Been Proven Not To Affect The Risk Of Prostate Cancer Or Their Effects On Prostate Cancer Risk Are Not Known:
Selenium and vitamin E
The Selenium and Vitamin E Cancer Prevention Trial studied whether taking vitamin E and selenium will prevent prostate cancer. The selenium and vitamin E were taken separately or together by healthy men 55 years of age and older . The study showed that taking selenium alone or selenium and vitamin E together did not decrease the risk of prostate cancer.
Diet
It is not known if decreasing fat or increasing fruits and vegetables in the diet helps decrease the risk of prostate cancer or death from prostate cancer. In the PCPT trial, certain fatty acids increased the risk of high-grade prostate cancer while others decreased the risk of high-grade prostate cancer.
Multivitamins
Regular use of multivitamins has not been proven to increase the risk of early or localized prostate cancer. However, a large study showed an increased risk of advanced prostate cancer among men who took multivitamins more than seven times a week.
Lycopene
Some studies have shown that a diet high in lycopene may be linked to a decreased risk of prostate cancer, but other studies have not. It has not been proven that taking lycopene supplements decreases the risk of prostate cancer.
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Risk Factors For Prostate Cancer
Like many other diagnoses, prostate cancer has risk factors you can change and those you cant. For example, smoking is a potential risk factor that you can change. But we have no control over things like age, family history, and racethe main risk factors for prostate cancer.
If you have a direct relative diagnosed with prostate cancer , your chances of getting it are twice as high. Age increases the risk of many cancers, prostate cancer being just one. Stats show its rare before age 45 and becomes more common as men get older most cases of prostate cancer are seen in those 65 and older.
Its not entirely clear why, but African American men have almost double the risk of prostate cancer and are more likely to die from the disease. It could be due to inherited genes, environmental factors, or a combination of both .