Prostate And Other Cancers
When it comes to more serious risks connected with drinking cows milk, its worth proceeding with caution. Some studies indicate that dairy consumption, including whole milk, is closely linked with rates of prostate cancer, as Willett and Ludwig noted in their review. Dairy consumption was also associated with endometrial cancer, especially in older women not receiving post-menopause hormone therapy.
Much of the concern around milk revolves around the growth hormones it contains, most of which occur naturally because it comes from a lactating female cow. Cancers are a disease of abnormal growth, says Ludwig. But the consequences of that growth-stimulating effect with long-term consumption in humans is unclear. And one possibility is that it could increase the risk for cancer. He emphasized that the link is not clearly proven and highlighted the need for more research.
Even less definitive is the much-debated link between cows milk and breast cancer, as well as other cancers. Research has been mixed, and the quality of studies that deal with life-threatening, long-term diseases like cancer are often limited by the time constraints of traditional studies.
Manage Your Portion Sizes
Its important to think about serving sizes. Serving sizes of bottled, packaged, and restaurant foods and drinks have increased over the years. The table below lists the amount of food that is equal to 1 serving size.
| Food Group | |
| Peanut butter | 2 tablespoons |
You can also use the following examples of everyday items to help determine your portion sizes .
Figure 1. Example portion sizes
Foods High In Antioxidants Like Fruits And Veggies
Antioxidants are a large group of molecules that help neutralize the free radicals that can overwhelm the body during cancer.
Some antioxidants have familiar names, like vitamins C, E and A, but there are many more that cannot be bottled up and sold as a supplement.
When looking for foods high in antioxidants, look no further than the produce section. Bright, colorful veggies and fruit are great sources.
“I encourage all my patients to eat fruits and vegetables,” Christie says, “aiming for at least five servings a day from all colors of the rainbow.”
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Find Your Body Mass Index
BMI is a measurement of the amount of fat in your body based on your height and weight. It can help you learn if your weight is healthy or not. A healthy BMI for an adult is between 18.5 and 24.9.
| 30 or higher | Obese |
You can calculate your BMI using the tool on this website: www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/educational/lose_wt/BMI/bmicalc.htm. You can also find your BMI on the BMI table below. To use the table:
For example, if youre 5 feet, 5 inches tall and you weigh 168 pounds, then your BMI is 28. This means youre considered overweight. Your goal should be to achieve a BMI that puts you in the normal range.
If your BMI is above 25, look for the weights that correlate with a healthy BMI for your height. That should be your target weight.
Keep in mind that BMI is only one health measure. Other measures include waist-to-hip ratio and waist circumference, which look at weight in your abdominal area. Extra weight in the abdominal area is associated with an increased risk for certain illnesses, even in people with a normal BMI.
Diet And Prostate Cancer
We are what we eat this is a phrase that has become quite popular, yet many people fail to realize how true it is. While many references to the phrase relate to evolution, the foods we eat ultimately contribute to good or bad health.
Certain foods can contribute to low-grade inflammation, obesity, and even the development of cancer. Some experts believe that a poor diet is behind some of the most common chronic diseases.
With this in mind, we should consider a possible relationship between diet and prostate cancer. With the right diet, the body gains access to the nutrients it needs to function properly. This type of diet would also reduce exposure to chemicals that may lead to the growth of cancerous cells.
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Research On The Relationship Between Diet And Prostate Cancer
There are a few studies that have looked at this potential link. These studies have found that what a person eats does seem to impact their likeliness to develop cancer. One study, in particular, considered the effect of diet on IGF-I levels in the human body. The study only lasted for 11 days but offered valuable insight.
The participants in the study were introduced to the Pritikin diet. This diet focuses on whole grains, as well as fresh fruits and vegetables. Fat content in the diet is much lower than some of the other diets that people tend to follow. All participants in the study were men.
IGF-I was tested before and after the study. A significant reduction in IGF-I was found after the male participants followed this diet for just 11 days.
IGF-I is a factor that is related to the risk of cancer in the body. There is a relation between IGF-I and prostate cancer too.
Current evidence suggests that a special diet may be able to:
- Reduce the risk of prostate cancer in men
- Reduce the likeliness of prostate cancer progressing
- Improve the outcome of a prostate cancer treatment plan
With these factors in mind, men should learn about the foods that promote prostate health while also fighting against cancer. Additionally, a man needs to understand what foods in their diet contribute to a higher likeliness of this disease.
How To Add More Green Tea To Your Diet
If you like the taste of green tea, start by drinking a cup each morning in place of your regular coffee.
If you prefer to skip caffeine, try a decaffeinated version. If you dont like warm tea, try cooling it in your refrigerator and adding ice for a refreshing beverage.
If you arent a fan of the taste, try using cooled green tea as the liquid in homemade smoothies, or adding green tea powder.
Summary
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What Is Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer refers to the uncontrolled growth of cells in the prostate gland. The prostate gland is a part of the male reproductive system. It is a small gland located just below the bladder and in front of the rectum , surrounding the urethra . The prostate has two main functions: producing and storing fluid that helps make semen and regulating bladder control.
Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in males in the US . Certain conditions increase the risk for prostate cancer. These include
- Age: The chances of getting prostate cancer increase with age. Most experts recommend considering screening when a man is 50 years old.
- Race: African-American men are at a greater risk of developing prostate cancer.
- Family history: There is a higher risk of prostate cancer in men who have a close family member diagnosed with prostate cancer at an early age .
- Heredity: Certain genetic conditions may increase the risk of prostate cancer.
- Diet and lifestyle: Men who have a diet rich in animal fat and low in fruits and vegetables may have greater chances of getting prostate cancer. Being obese or having a sedentary lifestyle also raises prostate cancer risk.
- Smoking: It increases oxidative stress in the body, causing an increased risk of several cancers, including prostate cancer.
Prostate Cancer: Eating These Foods Can Starve Cancer Cells
Disclaimer: Results are not guaranteed*** and may vary from person to person***.
If you choose to satisfy your hunger with grapes, apples, or spicy meals like curries, then guess what? You could be starving potential prostate cancer cells at the same time.
A new study is showing that compounds in red grapes, apple skin, and turmeric may be able to prevent or treat prostate cancer cells by choking their access to energy and essentially starving them to death.
This is great news not just for you, but also the health community in general.
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Maintaining Good Nutrition During And After Treatment
Maintaining a healthy diet can help you prepare for and recover after cancer treatment. It may also help to prevent the prostate cancer from coming back.Watching your weight may also reduce your risk of dying from prostate cancer. Recent studies have indicated that the risk of dying from prostate cancer is more than double in obese men diagnosed with the disease compared with men of normal weight at the time of diagnosis. Obese men with local or regional disease have been shown to have nearly four times the risk of their cancer spreading beyond the prostate or metastasizing.
Prostate cancer treatment may affect your appetite, eating habits, and weight, but it is important for you to maintain a healthy weight, get essential nutrients, and remain as physically active as possible.If you have difficulty eating due to side effects from treatment, there are ways to make eating more comfortable. Working with a registered dietitian/nutritionist can help make sure you are getting the nutrition you need.
Unfortunately it is possible for the side effects of surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy to cause you to lose your appetite, eat less and lose weight. On the other hand, some treatments, such as androgen deprivation therapy may cause weight gain for some men.
, Prostate Cancer and Nutrition featuring Margaret Martin, RD, MS, LDN, a nutrition educator from PearlPoint Nutrition Services.
The Best Foods For Men To Eat For Prostate Health
Although it may not be a topic of conversation around the dinner table or with your co-workers, taking care of your prostate health shouldnt put it off until it becomes a problem. Prostate problems are very common after the age of 50. For example, according to National Institutes of Health50% of men over the age of 50 have BPH, or an enlarged prostate, a condition that can lead to thickening of the bladder wall, incontinence and urinary retention.
Even if the age of 50 is decades away, younger men can take steps to prevent and delay prostate enlargement by eating foods rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants known to support prostate health. These types of foods reduce inflammation, improve circulation, reduce oxidative damage, and support healthy hormone production, helping protect against BPH and prostate cancer. Keep reading for the best foods to eat for your prostate and start taking control of your health in the future.
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How To Add More Pomegranate Juice To Your Diet
You can buy pomegranate juice at most grocery stores. If drinking the juice plain is too intense, consider diluting it with plain water or adding some sparkling water.
You can also add pomegranate seeds to homemade salad dressing to sweeten up your favorite salad.
Summary
Pomegranates are high in antioxidants. Animal and test-tube studies have shown that pomegranate juice could inhibit the production of some prostate cancer cells.
How To Add More Fish To Your Diet
Adding more omega-3s to your diet can be as easy as cracking open a can of sardines or tuna. Not everyone is so enthusiastic about fish, though. Plus, it can also be expensive.
If you havent enjoyed fish in the past, try a different type. Each one has a unique flavor. The flavor is also milder if the fish is fresh, so you may enjoy fish more if you buy it from a fish counter and make it that day.
Cod, flounder, and trout have milder flavors. Try topping your fish with a lemon sauce or adding it to another prostate-friendly food. For example, you could try baked cod in a tomato sauce.
To stretch your dollar, you can also add fish to dishes like pasta, soup, salad, or sandwiches. That way you wont need as much fish to make a complete meal.
You can also ask your healthcare provider about taking omega-3 supplements.
Summary
Fatty fish, such as salmon and mackerel, contain healthful omega-3 fatty acids. These compounds may help keep the prostate healthy, though more studies are needed.
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How To Adjust To The Dietary Needs Of The Person With Prostate Cancer
While these general recommendations ensure a healthy diet, you can play with which foods you choose and how you prepare them so that your meals are appealing and flavorful while also meeting your dietary needs.
Curb weight loss. If youre losing your appetite and losing weight, think again about what youre cooking and how youre preparing food. Experiment with seasoning foods differently so they taste better, or adding sauces and herbs to mask certain flavors. And cook with higher-calorie ingredients that dont require eating large portions to meet caloric needs.
Manage fiber intake for diarrhea relief. Loose stools, bleeding from the rectum, and loss of control over bowel movements happen to some men after getting external beam radiation treatments for prostate cancer. Several foods can help if this happens to you. Choose fiber-rich foods such as whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. The Prostate Cancer Foundation says its a bit of a balancing act when it comes to fiber, but recommends avoiding foods that might irritate your stomach while trying to keep up your consumption of fiber-rich foods to avoid getting constipated.
How To Read Food Labels
The label below lists the nutritional content of a serving of macaroni and cheese. The arrows point to the boxes on the right, which explain what each line means.
Figure 3. How to read food labels
This food label shows that macaroni and cheese is high in total fat and saturated fat. Due to its high fat content, this food wouldnt be considered a healthy choice.
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Diet & Exercise Tips For Prostate Health
“What can I eat to reduce my risk of developing prostate cancer?” This is one of the most common questions physicians hear from men concerned about prostate health. Undoubtedly, many hope that their doctor will rattle off a list of foods guaranteed to shield them from disease. Although some foods have been linked with reduced risk of prostate cancer, proof that they really work is lacking, at least for now.
Prostate Cancer Prevention With Proper Nutrition
Did you know that, not counting some forms of skin cancer, prostate cancer is the most common cancer in American men? In the United States, one in nine men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during the course of their life. There is no way to know for sure if you will get prostate cancer, and men have a greater risk of prostate cancer if they are 50 years old or older, are African-American, or have a father, brother or son who has had prostate cancer.
Can You Reduce the Risk?
While it’s recommended that men discuss the benefits and risks of prostate cancer screening with their doctors, there’s also the question if there’s a way to reduce the risk of developing prostate cancer in the first place. Lycopene, vitamin E and selenium are marketed to men as tools to reduce the chance of developing the disease. But is supplementation beneficial? Can eating specific foods help?
Most experts agree that men should get the recommended amounts of selenium and lycopene from foods rather than supplements. A general, healthful eating pattern contains both selenium and lycopene which are naturally available in a variety of foods. Eating plentiful vegetables, fruits, beans, whole grains, nuts and seeds contributes to overall health, including reducing risk of many types of cancer.
No Magic Bullet
Christopher R. Mohr, PhD, RD, is co-owner of Mohr Results, Inc. in Louisville, KY.
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Can Diet Cure Prostate Cancer
Not even the healthiest diet should be used as the sole treatment for prostate cancer.
A diet low in animal fats and high in vegetables appears to have a positive effect on tumor growth. However, medical treatment is still needed in order to effectively treat the disease, and to eliminate or reduce recurrence.
Its important to remember that the men enrolled in the MEAL study are monitored closely for disease progression. If you decide to replicate their meal plans on your own, you must also remain vigilant about prescribed treatments and keep all of your medical appointments.
Prostate cancer treatment may include:
- watchful waiting
- other forms of treatment
Some of these treatments may have side effects, such as fatigue, nausea, or loss of appetite.
Maintaining a healthy, active lifestyle during treatment may sometimes be challenging. But it is achievable and may help to avoid recurrence of the disease.
Diet is only part of a healthy lifestyle. Here are a few other action items to keep in mind:
- Keep active by maintaining a social calendar or attending a support group.
- Maintain a healthy weight. Obesity has been linked to adverse outcomes in men with prostate cancer.
- Find an exercise you enjoy and make it part of your regular routine. Walking, swimming, and lifting weights are all good choices.
- Eliminate or reduce use of tobacco products, such as cigarettes.
- Eliminate or reduce alcohol consumption.
Prostate Cancer Survivor Advocates Healthy Eating And Exercise
Arthur Fowle has never had a weight problem, so he used to eat whatever he wanted and didnt worry about getting regular exercise. That was before he was diagnosed with aggressive prostate cancer at age 59. Now, after surgery and radiation treatment, Fowle sticks to a low-fat diet that includes lots of fruits and vegetables and whole grains, and he avoids red meat . He works out at a gym 5 days a week. Increasingly, studies show that healthy eating and maintaining an active lifestyle after a cancer diagnosis can lower the chances of the cancer coming back.
Fowle said, I can live with dying from prostate cancer. I cannot live without doing everything I can to live the healthiest and longest life possible.
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