There have been many studies into both the cause and prevention of prostate cancer. Whilst the causes and path of each case of prostate cancer may be unique, every patient can take personal steps to help to fight the disease and improve their overall health. Surprisingly, a common theme of diet and lifestyle feature in the findings for both. While doctors and consultants may determine medical and surgical therapies, nutrition and lifestyle changes are entirely within your control. It is thought that up to 75% of all prostate cancer may be prevented by adopting certain changes to diet and lifestyle, and it is also seen to be of increasing significance in many other diseases. Patients in control of their diet and lifestyle become empowered, which is an essential part of the healing process.
The following information and extracts are based upon the work of CapCure USA, The Association for the Cure of Cancer of the Prostate, plus other eminent bodies, including Dr. Charles "Snuffy" Myers, Prostate Forum USA and the Bristol Cancer Help Centre UK.
Before we offer you some ideas and suggestions, it may be worth exploring the surrounding rationale and case for nutrition.
Cancer is a group of diseases that interfere with cell growth and which can lead to death. There is evidence from studies of cancer cells and tumours which suggest that components of diet can influence the regulation of cells. There is a body of authoritative opinion which says this explains the dramatic differences in the global distribution of the disease. In the Far East, prostate cancer rarely presents itself as a life threatening disease. Whilst considerable evidence exists, more research must be completed before the full impact of diet and lifestyle on prostate cancer can be proven. Meanwhile you may wish to consider the guidance offered. You may also wish to discuss this with your GP or consultant - but don't be put off by them.
These nutritional changes are beneficial for prostate cancer and other chronic diseases (such as heart) and may also improve your quality of life.
1. Reduce or eliminate consumption of red meat.
2. Reduce or eliminate the consumption of ALL dairy products, including milk, butter, eggs and cheese and anything made from them.
3. Use soy protein meat and cheese substitutes, tofu, soy milk and soy protein powders, bars and drinks.
4. Limit the use of all oils and fats in cooking and salad dressings to olive oil only.
5. Hold back on the mayonnaise, butter and margarine.
6. Reduce or eliminate your consumption of ice creams, yoghurts, cakes and pastries.
7. The same applies for peanuts, crisps and other high fat snack foods.
8. Use garlic, spices and flavouring rather than cooking oils, when possible.
9. Cover 2/3 of your plate with steamed vegetables. Include fruit and vegetables with every meal.
10. Eat beans, peas, lentils, more than refined breads and pastas or white rice.
11. Watch the portions you eat, to control your calorie intake and weight.
12. Increase your dietary fibre intake to 25 to 35 grams per day.
13. Get into the habit of reading the labels on food products.
14. Exercise and increase your physical activity, every day for 30 minutes.
A good appreciation of the subject of diet and supplements can be obtained from many sources but one of the most relevant is from Prof. Aaron Katz, one of the USA's leading consultants, from the University of Columbia. When asked the question, “What can a patient do to help themselves?”, his answer was unequivocal: “There's Plenty!” and he proceeded to summarise the following:
Drink Green Tea – at least 4 cups a day. Green tea has been shown to kill cancer cells and is said to be many times more effective than ordinary tea. Avoid coffee, even decaffeinated.
Take Selenium as a vitamin supplement – essential for healthier prostates. Selenium was an essential part of our food chain and staple diet but has been virtually eliminated by intensive farming. Take 200 micrograms daily – please do not exceed. Pumpkin and sunflower seeds are a good source of Selenium.
Take Vitamin E as a supplement. Recent trials have shown that taking Vitamin E and Selenium together enhances their effectiveness. Suggested dose: 50 IU daily. Wheat Germ Oil is an excellent natural source of Vitamin E.
Zinc is important to our immune system – take 15 milligrams daily.
Change to a Vegan diet, cutting out ALL dairy products and red meat, which produce a fatty acid which can increase the growth and spread of cancer cells by promoting the growth of blood cells in tumours. Surprisingly there is a whole new world of exciting food – just waiting to be tried.
Try Soy products. Soy milk is not unpleasant – choose organic, unsweetened, with NO added calcium. Soy products and supplements, such as Isoflavones, that contain Genistein and Diadzein are considered beneficial.
Get your Lycopene. This is a powerful anti-oxidant, which kills the harmful ‘free radicals’ that assist cancer growth. Lycopene is in abundance in tomatoes, pink grapefruit, shellfish, and the large green watermelons that are red inside. The greater effectiveness in tomatoes is only released having gone through a thermal process – grilling, soups, purees, ketchups, sauces, both tinned and pastes. Lycopene can be obtained as a supplement in all good health food stores.
General Diet. Organic produce is considered best. Increase your intake of fresh fruit, vegetables and whole grain cereals. The brighter and darker coloured vegetables, such as broccoli, red peppers, spinach, carrots, dark cabbage etc., are considered most beneficial.
Choose Oily Fish, such as herriing, tuna, mackerel and sardines, but please avoid the smoked variety.
Whilst on the subject of ‘smoked’ it is thought that any food, cooked at high temperatures, that causes charring or burning may be harmful, especially food cooked on a BBQ. Remember, only use olive oil in all cooking and dressings.
Alcohol consumption in quantity is not recommended at any time. However, it is known that red wine in moderation is beneficial.
Chocolate. You may think that's off the menu, but not necessarily! If you stick to dark black chocolate, with a cocoa content of 70% or more, with no milk, it could help. Cocoa butter contains Stearic Acid, which is associated with a reduction in cancer cell growth.
Vitamin D and exercise. Vitamin D is a source of calcium, essential for healthy bones in prostate cancer patients. Sunshine is the best source of Vitamin D – in moderation of course. Exercise is an important part of the suggestions as it helps to maintain the whole of our system.
If you are about to undergo treatment, you should always discuss your dietary needs with the consultant and medical staff.
Do bear in mind that, if you already have the disease, the general body of opinion is that, while dietary measures can prevent, control (or even reduce) cancer, they cannot eliminate or cure it.
A useful article by Ann Rowland (Dip. Ion.) ‘How to Eat Your Way to Good Health’ may be found in PCaSO Newsletter No. 06.
Contact: Ann Rowland, 01730 821725
E-mail: annclinic@aol.com