Overview

Prostate cancer is one of the most treatable cancers, especially if it is detected early. Western medicine has made marvelous advancements. There are also a multitude of studies offering up natural alternatives to help prevent prostate cancer and provide support during cancer treatment.

The Facts

Prostate cancer is the most common type of non-skin cancer and affects one in six men. Genetics and lifestyle both figure into whether or not a man will develop prostate cancer; the older a man is, the more likely he is to develop prostate cancer. Fortunately, if caught early, prostate cancer is also one of the most easy to treat.

Traditional Treatment

A man who is diagnosed with prostate cancer should consult with three different specialists who can work together to determine treatment: a urologist, a radiation oncologist and a medical oncologist. Treatment will depend on both clinical and psychological factors.

Nutritional Therapy

Ongoing studies show that certain foods and nutrients can help slow the progression of prostate cancer and help prevent recurrences. A low-fat, high fiber, plant-based diet has been shown to slow cancer progression and enhance the immune system. Also, be prudent in restricting your intake of refined sugar, flour and grains. Drink plenty of healthy fluids like water and natural teas.

Alternative Treatments

Some studies have proposed that the following are effective for treating prostate cancer: lycopene, saw palmetto, selenium, pomegranate juice and zinc. If you do choose to use alternative treatments, be sure to discuss them with your doctor. These therapies are best used as support and not as stand-alone treatment.

Prevention

You can’t do anything about your genetics, but your lifestyle is all yours to choose. The best thing you can do to prevent prostate cancer is to exercise, maintain a healthy weight and eat a natural, balanced diet. Go to the doctor; get your check-up. Early detection is key to your recovery.

What are Natural Ways to Prevent Prostate Cancer?

Overview

Every man faces the prospect of contracting prostate cancer if, as experts state, he lives long enough. It is the third most common prostate disease. While most prostate cancers are treatable if caught early enough, it is better and safer to prevent getting the disease. There are any number of preventative measures anyone can take to inhibit the growth and development of prostate cancer. Most of these preventative measures are low-risk, inexpensive and natural.

Urinary Tract

One natural way to prevent the development of prostate cancer is by cleansing the urinary tract. Eliminating unnecessary fluids promotes the cleansing of the urinary tract. This can be done by drinking eight to 12 glasses of water a day. Regular ejaculations (at least two or three times weekly) is also encouraged. While there is no scientific proof that this will inhibit the growth of cancerous tumors, it is risk-free.

Diet

Changing one’s diet is a natural preventative measure for all forms of cancer. This involves eliminating red meat. Studies have shown a correlation between a diet high in red meat (at least four servings a week) and the development of prostate cancer. A good source of non-meat protein can be found in cereals such as wheat, oat and bran, so foods that have a high content of these cereals are a good staple in natural preventative measures against prostate cancer. Zinc is also a natural way to prevent the growth of prostate cancer. Wheat germ oil, wheat germ and oatmeal are all high in zinc.

Massages

Massages can also surprisingly have positive results in preventing prostate cancer. This can be done by massaging the lower abdomen above the base of the penis. Be sure to lie down on a bed or mat while doing this, and to apply gentle pressure. This should be a gentle massage and shouldn’t cause any pain or discomfort.

Micronutrients

A more specific way to change one’s diet to naturally prevent the development of prostate cancer is to ingest more micronutrients such as antioxidants and lycopene. Evidence shows that antioxidants help prevent certain forms of cancer, such as prostate cancer. Results have shown that exposure to selenium and vitamin E supplements has a direct correlation to a decrease in prostate cancer incidence. Vegetables rich in antioxidants, such as tomatoes and broccoli, have also shown to lower the risk of cancer. Lycopene, a phytochemical, is also a strong natural preventative for prostate cancer. Lycopene can be found in such vegetables as tomatoes and grapefruit. Tomatoes, especially when cooked, have shown to be particularly effective, especially when added to Mediterranean diets, which are high in fruits, vegetables and olive oil. Fatty acids such as omega-3 are also known to prevent prostate cancer in men. Foods high in omega-3 fatty acids include fish, such as salmon (particularly Alaskan salmon) and other fatty fishes, tuna, trout, striped bass, sardines, herring and other cold-water fish. Eggs from flaxseed-fed hens are also high in omega-3 fatty acids. Red wine is another popular cancer preventative and is also the most aggressive. Studies have shown that drinking red wine has led to a 60% reduction rate in fast-spreading cancerous tumors. Studies have also shown that by drinking four to eight glasses of red wine a week over a period reduces the risk of men developing prostate cancer. Green tea is also effective in lowering cancer risk. Fifty percent of men who drink five or more cups of green tea a day have less of a chance of developing prostate cancer than men who drink less than a cup.

Supplements

Saw palmetto supplements, similar to nutrients found in green tea, are quite possibly as effective in lowering the risk of contracting prostate cancer as drinking green tea. Supplemental capsules of omega-3 fatty acids can also be taken in addition to eating foods rich in such fatty acids.