Making dietary changes and exercising on a regular basis may slow the progress of prostate cancer, according to Dr. Eric Klein, head of urologic oncology at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation in Ohio.
Studies from around the world suggest that staying within a healthy weight range and eating more plant-based foods and fewer animal products can possibly delay or prevent the development of prostate cancer.
A high-fat diet is one risk factor for developing prostate cancer and there is good evidence now that certain nutritional minerals and vitamins may actually prevent prostate cancer.
Foods rich in vitamin E and the mineral selenium may dramatically decrease both the incidence of prostate cancer and the risk of dying from it. Men who take those nutritional supplements in certain doses actually suffer less prostate cancer and a lower mortality rate due to prostate cancer.
A large study of more than 29,000 men, the Alpha Tocopherol-Beta Carotene Study, found that men who took vitamin E supplements were 32% less likely to develop prostate cancer and 41% less likely to die from the disease.
However, the same study found an increase in lung cancer among patients taking the supplements, so it is too soon to make general recommendations about taking vitamin E to prevent prostate cancer.
Klein recommends that men increase their intake of these vitamins and minerals through whole foods. Seafood, meat and Brazil nuts are good selenium sources, while vegetable oils, sweet potatoes, avocados, nuts and soybeans are rich in vitamin E.
Men who consume higher levels of lycopene, a nutrient found in most tomato products, have also been shown to have a lower risk of prostate cancer.
And adding soy to the diet may affect circulating hormones in the body and significantly lower the risk of developing prostate cancer. Both lycopene supplements and soy supplements are now being tested as prostate cancer treatments.
All research on this web site is the property of Leslie Beck Nutrition Consulting Inc. and is protected by copyright. Keep in mind that research on these matters continues daily and is subject to change. The information presented is not intended as a substitute for medical treatment. It is intended to provide ongoing support of your healthy lifestyle practices.