The American Cancer Society (ACS) reports that one in six American men will develop prostate cancer. Early detection is key, and the ACS recommends that men should begin screening for this cancer at the age of 50. If there is a family history of the disease or a higher risk of developing it due to other actors, screening should begin at 40. Though diet and lifestyle changes may not be able to fully prevent or cure a prostate cancer diagnosis, there are many proactive steps you can take to reduce your risks and enhance your overall health.
Whole Foods Diet
A whole foods diet means eating organic food that is as close to its original state as possible. For optimum health and to reduce your risk of prostate cancer, the ACS recommends including primarily plant-based, high-fiber foods like whole grains, raw nuts, legumes, fruits and colorful vegetables. Limiting your intake of fatty foods and red meat will lower your risk of prostate cancer. Restricting your dairy consumption and limiting your intake of alcoholic beverages, coffee and other caffeinated drinks, may also be beneficial.
Cancer Prevention Diet
The "Prescription for Nutritional Healing" suggests eating cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower and cabbage, as well as deep orange vegetables like carrots and yams, which are said to contain prostate cancer-preventing nutrients. Foods containing lycopene, like tomato-based products, grapefruit and watermelon, are known to help protect against prostate cancer. Foods that are high in zinc, such as mushrooms, spinach, seafood, seeds and whole grains can help to nourish the prostate gland. Turmeric, a spice that contains the antioxidant curcumin, may help to control prostate cancer cells. Green tea, due to its high antioxidant properties, may also reduce your prostate cancer risk.
Macrobiotic Diet
Macrobiotics, based on a traditional Asian diet, consists of including more whole grains, vegetables, seaweeds, beans and fresh fish in your diet. Though eating a macrobiotic diet has not been proven to treat or cure prostate cancer, it is a way of rebalancing the body and protecting it from toxins. The diet also does not include any foods that have been shown to increase the risk of prostate cancer. Consult a macrobiotics specialist before starting this diet to ensure proper nutrition.
References
- ACS: Prostate Cancer: Early Detection
- ACS: Preventing Prostate Cancer with Diet
- ACS: Cancer Prevention Diet
- The Kushi Institute: Macrobiotics
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing, 3rd Edition"; Phyllis A. Balch, C.N.C.; 2000
