The male prostate gland sits below the bladder and surrounds the urethra. The prostate produces fluid for male ejaculate. Benign prostate hypertrophy (BPH), or gradual enlargement of the prostate gland, is a condition of hormonal changes associated with aging. Symptoms include frequent or difficult urination, especially at night, and dribbling. Complications may include bladder or kidney infections. Prostate cancer may not have any symptoms, or the symptoms may mimic BPH. While nutrition and lifestyle improvements may play a role in prostate health, annual cancer screening is also vital. Early detection can significantly improve outcomes.
Foods High in Zinc
Zinc deficiency is associated with enlarged prostate and prostate cancer. The mineral is thought to nourish the prostate gland and is important for immune functions. Foods high in zinc include mushrooms, pumpkin seeds, seafood, spinach, sunflower seeds and whole grains. Nutritionist Phyllis Balch, author of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," suggests that eating 1 to 4 oz. of raw pumpkin seeds daily is helpful for prostate problems.
Foods High in Lycopene
Pink grapefruit, watermelon, apricots, guava, papaya, tomatoes and tomato products such as tomato juice and tomato-based sauces contain lycopene, which may protect against prostate cancer in some men. This antioxidant is one of the major carotenoids that give fresh produce their yellow, red and orange colors. Cooking tomatoes with added olive oil may increase the availability of lycopene. The American Cancer Society reports that lycopene's antioxidant activity is twice that of beta-carotene. Genetic variations may determine if lycopene is protective of prostate health in individual men. More research is needed to determine if lycopene-rich foods can prevent or treat prostate cancer, but eating fruits and vegetables high in antioxidants is recommended by the American Cancer Society.
Soy Foods
Soybeans and soy products such as tofu, tempeh and edamame contain genistein, which may inhibit the growth of tumors and may be particularly effective against prostate cancer. The incidence of prostate cancer at any given age is lower in Asian countries than in the western hemisphere, but Asian men who emigrate to the United States have an increased risk, suggesting dietary practices make a difference. Researchers Lin Yan and Edward Spitznagel of the USDA conducted a review of studies on soy consumption in association with prostate cancer risk in order to estimate the average treatment effect. Results of the analysis, published in "The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition" in April 2009 state that consumption of soy foods, such as tofu and soymilk, is associated with a 30 percent reduction in prostate cancer risk. The authors caution further research is needed to evaluate the effects of both non-fermented and fermented soy products.
References
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis Balch, CNC; 2004
- American Cancer Society: Lycopene
- "The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition": Soy Consumption and Prostate Cancer Risk in Men: A Revisit of a Meta-Analysis
