Prostate cancer begins in your prostate gland -- a small gland located in the male genitourinary tract. Prostate cancer is the third most common cause of cancer-related deaths in men of all ages and the leading cause of cancer in men over 75 years of age, reports the National Center for Biotechnology Information. Certain nutritional supplements may be a helpful adjunct therapy in treating or preventing prostate cancer in some men. Ask your doctor if supplements are right for you and your condition.
Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer usually progresses slowly and has a favorable prognosis if it is detected and treated early. Some of the most common signs and symptoms associated with prostate cancer include blood in your urine or semen, bone pain or tenderness, difficulty initiating urination, dribbling of urine after urinating and an inability to fully empty your bladder. African-American men have a greater likelihood of developing this condition.
Nutritional Supplementation
Numerous nutritional supplements have been used as an adjunct therapy to prevent or treat prostate cancer, although some supplements historically used for these purposes may be lacking scientific evidence proving their efficacy. In her book "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," certified nutritional consultant Phyllis A. Balch states that coenzyme Q10, colostrum, DMG, garlic, proteolytic enzymes, selenium, SOD, maitake extract, resveratrol, turmeric, buchu, green tea, black radish, suma and goldenseal are all nutritional supplements that may be helpful in treating or preventing prostate cancer.
Featured Nutritional Supplement
Garlic may be one of the most helpful nutritional supplements in treating or preventing prostate cancer. Balch notes that garlic helps boost your immune function, helps break down testosterone and has been shown to retard the growth of cancer cells. A 2002 study by Ann W. Hsing and colleagues published in the "Journal of the National Cancer Institute" states that increased consumption of garlic and other allium vegetables is associated with a reduced risk of prostate cancer, especially among men with localized -- not advanced -- prostate cancer.
Considerations
Prostate cancer is a serious illness, and it can be fatal if it is not treated in a timely and appropriate manner. Nutritional supplements may be a helpful adjunct therapy in treating or preventing prostate cancer in some people, but you should never use nutritional supplements in place of other treatments recommended by your cancer specialist. Your cancer specialist can counsel you on what supplements might be helpful for your condition and what supplements you should avoid.
References
- National Center for Biotechnology Information: Prostate Cancer
- National Health Service: Prostate Cancer
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch, CNC; 2010
- "Journal of the National Cancer Institute"; Allium Vegetables and Risk of Prostate Cancer; Ann W. Hsing, et al.; 2002
