Prostate cancer - Diet and supplements to reduce the risk
You are what you eat’ (Ayurveda, 700 B.C.)
During the past 10 years there has been an increasing realisation that what we put into our bodies has the potential to significantly affect its metabolism and the way the body reacts to environmental influences such as carcinogens, for example. Twin and migration studies have demonstrated that 20% of cases prostate cancer are genetic, which means that 80% are environmental, the strongest influence suspected being diet.
The following have been shown in medical studies to:-
Reduce the risk of prostate cancer
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Vitamins A, D & E |
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Selenium – found in Brazil nuts |
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Carotenoids – especially lycopene, found in (particularly cooked) tomatoes |
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Phytoestrogens – especially soy products, as well as cereals, fruit and vegetables |
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Chinese green tea |
Increase the risk of prostate cancer
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A diet which is heavy in animal fat |
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Obesity |
Supplements
Although a balanced diet is part of healthy living, our lifestyle often makes this goal difficult to achieve. A number of plant extracts and minerals have historically been used over the centuries for specific medical conditions, some of which have now been used to make drugs (e.g. aspirin and digoxin) and have a scientific basis for their use (e.g. selenium, zinc, saw palmetto). The use of supplements and herbs is not guaranteed to cure any condition but offers an alternative and natural pathway to explore which is at very worst unlikely to do harm and at best might make a positive and significant difference to symptoms and the condition causing it. As always, do not exceed the specified dosage as this might be harmful.
Specific dietary and supplement advice is available for the following:
