The prostate is a gland in the male reproductive system located just behind the bladder. As men age, it can become enlarged and more susceptible to infection and even cancer. According to the National Cancer Institute, most men will develop prostate cancer at some point, if they live long enough. Some symptoms of prostate cancer include: frequent urination (especially at night), trouble urinating or pain during urination, as well as blood in the urine or semen. Good prostate health is essential for cancer prevention.
Antioxidants
Antioxidants are chemicals which, as the name implies, prevent oxidation of cells. The main culprit in the oxidation and mutation of healthy cells are byproducts of metabolism called free radicals. Many chemicals and food additives can cause free radical damage which leads to the development of cancer cells. Scientists recognize that eating a diet rich in antioxidants is important in the fight against cancer. In a study published in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention from March 2004, researchers found that lycopene, an antioxidant found in tomatoes, had a profound impact on the prevention of prostate cancer. Participants in the study were given 200 grams of fresh tomatoes daily, which is the equivalent of about two cups. While this is a relatively large serving of tomatoes to eat each day, it does show the power of antioxidants in the fight against cancer. For this reason, it is recommended that individuals eat a variety of fruits and vegetables daily, at least two to three servings from each group.
Herbs
Scientists have also been testing a specific phytochemical called xanthohumol found in the herb hops, which is used to make beer. As explained in an article from Natural News in December of 2009, this phytochemical has been found to inhibit breast cancer by binding with estrogen receptors in the body. The theory is that they may also bind with testosterone receptors in the same way, helping to prevent prostate cancer. While research in this area continues, there are other phytochemicals which have been shown to combat cancer. A 2006 study by the Center for Human Nutrition in Los Angeles, California studied a number of herbs, including Panax Ginseng, and found that they significantly inhibited the proliferation of prostate cancer cells. Research in this area is on going.
Exercise
It is not news that exercise has a wide range of health benefits. But researchers from the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) found that regular exercise was particularly beneficial for men with prostate cancer. A 2009 report by the AACR, noted that "men who engaged in five or more hours of vigorous physical activity a week were at a decreased risk of dying from prostate cancer." They also found that even walking had beneficial effects on prostate health. They stated that "men who walked four or more hours a week had a 23 percent lower risk of mortality compared to men who walked less than 20 minutes per week." It appears that the benefits of exercise are compounded as the level of exercise is increased. Researchers were unable to explain how this works on a molecular level, but found that strenuous exercise appeared to have the most benefit. However, they stated that even 15 minutes of vigorous exercise each day was beneficial.
References
- National Cancer Institute: Prostate Cancer
- Natural News: Cancer researchers announce breakthroughs in natural prostate cancer prevention and treatment: Dec. 15, 2009
- American Association for Cancer Research: Exercise Reduces Death Rate in Prostate Cancer Patients: Dec. 7, 2009
- Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention: The role of tomato products and lycopene in the prevention of prostate cancer: March 2004.
- Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine: Analysis of the Interactions of Botanical Extract Combinations Against the Viability of Prostate Cancer Cells: 2006
