A PSA test measures levels of prostate specific antigen in the blood, notes MayoClinic. It is used to identify warning signs of prostate cancer and to track the outcome of prostate cancer treatment. PSA levels become elevated due to cancer or other causes. Typically a normal PSA score is below 4.0 ng/ml, or nanograms per milliter of blood, notes Lab Tests Online. There are numerous ways to naturally lower PSA levels.
Vegan Diet
Switching to a vegan diet will work to naturally lower the PSA level. This diet change should be combined with vitamin and mineral supplements as recommended by a doctor, notes Harvard Medical School. Eliminating meat from the diet will lower the intake of saturated fat, which will decrease the PSA score. A vegan diet should also include plenty of foods that protect against prostate cancer, including tomatoes, soy, fish and whole grains.
Stress Reducation Strategies
Using stress reduction techniques will also naturally lower PSA levels. Typical methods to reduce stress include meditation, yoga and breathing exercises, notes the University of California, San Francisco Medical Center. Other helpful stress-reduction strategies include writing in a journal and socializing with friends and family.
Exercise
Ongoing exercise will also naturally lower PSA levels, notes Harvard Medical School, adding that adds exercise has the added benefit of helping to prevent obesity, one of the risk factors for prostate cancer.
Support Group Participation
Participating in a support group will naturally lower the PSA score, reports the University of California, San Francisco Medical Center. This is somewhat related to the benefits of stress reduction, as discussing health issues with other people decreases stress and minimizes isolation. Also, releasing fears about illness and mortality by interacting with others in a support group helps build emotional and physical well-being.
Massage
Massage helps the body relax, which can work to naturally lower PSA levels. Also, ongoing sessions of massage will provide protective benefits to decrease the risk of prostate cancer, notes Harvard Medical School.
References
- Lab Tests Online: Information about PSA Tests
- MayoClinic.com: Information about the PSA Test
- American Cancer Society: Information about PSA Test
- Harvard Health Publications- Harvard Medical School: Lowering PSA Levels
- Harvard Health Publications- Harvard Medical School: Lifestyle Changes to Decrease PSA
- University of California, San Francisco: Information about Lowering Risk of Prostate Cancer
