1 in 8 men will get prostate cancer and if over 50, or there is any family history then that carries an even higher risk.

According to Cancer Research UK there are around 52,300 new prostate cancer cases in the UK every year, that’s more than 140 every day.

These statistics relate to the period 2016-2018, but there is no reason to suppose the risk is any less now so I thought it would be helpful to look at how men can improve their prostate health to reduce their risk of prostate cancer.

Prostate cancer occurs when malignant cells form in the prostate. The prostate is a small, walnut-sized gland between a man’s bladder and rectum.

1. Diet and lifestyle

It’s early yet, but some research shows a healthy diet and regular exercise can slow the progress of prostate cancer and more studies are under way.

In brief the highlights are: cut back on sugar, eat leaner meat and lots of colourful fruit and vegetables, cut out fatty dairy products and for exercise do both cardio and weights.

2. Yoga

Stress can affect the nerves around a tumour and that may play a role in the spread of prostate cancer.

Stress is a key factor in so many healthy conditions so trying stress-relieving activities like yoga and meditation might slow its progress and have a beneficial effect on overall health.

3. Flaxseed

The seeds from this plant have long been said to have health benefits, and it isn’t clear whether that’s true with prostate cancer, but researchers say flaxseed can help slow the growth of prostate tumours.

However, this needs to be taken in moderation as many of the health benefits noted in the studies above were observed with just 1 tablespoon (7 grams) of ground flaxseed per day.

Adding flaxseed to the diet might increase the number of bowel movements each day and might also cause side effects such as bloating, stomachache, and nausea. Higher doses are likely to cause more side effects so start small and build up your tolerance.

4. Green Tea

There is a compound in green tea called EGCG that may decrease and kill cancerous cells. Studies are still ongoing, but the results are promising and for enlarged prostate green tea may regulate the secretion of DHT and PSA, promoting normal prostate size and volume.

Likewise, the flavonoids in green tea have shown they can be useful in relieving urinary symptoms such as frequent urination, night time urination and problems with urinary flow.

Not everyone likes the bitter taste so go for an organic blend and add a little manuka honey for even more health benefit.

5. Vitamin D

Men with prostate cancer tend to have less vitamin D but boosting levels may not be as simple as getting more sun or drinking more milk.

Vitamin D supplements can increase your levels and may slow the growth of cancerous cells. Research is ongoing but a number of studies have suggested that vitamin D is protective against prostate cancer, since vitamin D regulates the growth and differentiation of tumour cells.

Please be aware that high doses of vitamin D are not advised, and no more than 400 IU a day is recommended, beyond this you may experience side-effects.

6. Pomegranate Juice

Early research says drinking 8 ounces of juice a day may slow prostate cancer’s progress. Studies are still under way, but one says the juice works best if your cancer is in an early stage.

Though more studies are needed to confirm its effectiveness, it has been shown to slow down the period of time prostate-specific antigen (PSA), a key indicator of cancer, takes to double in the blood.

7. Lycopene

This natural pigment found in tomatoes, among other foods, has long been studied for its effect on cancers. Findings are mixed but as a powerful antioxidant, Lycopene has been shown in some studies to help support numerous aspects of men’s health.

This suggests that lycopene effects on prostate cells may play an important role in prostate health and one study concluded that lycopene effectively inhibits the growth of normal human prostate epithelial cells.

Certainly including tomatoes as part of a healthy diet helps overall health and that’s a contributing factor to help slow the disease.

8. Turmeric

This essential spice has the extract curcumin and this may help prevent or treat prostate cancer. Turmeric contains anticancerous properties that may stop the spread and growth of cancerous cells.

Researchers in one 2015 study discovered that curcumin, which is what gives Turmeric its colour and taste, can restrict several cell-signaling pathways. This may be able to stop or weaken tumour cell production.

A separate study found that curcumin may stop cancer-associated fibroblasts, the connective tissue cells that produce collagen and other fibres and it these fibres that may contribute to prostate cancer.

It’s thought that a combination of curcumin and alpha-tomatine, which is found in tomatoes, can help stop the growth of cancer cells and may even speed up the death of cancer cells.

BUT this again is something to take in moderation and it is not advised to use turmeric supplements if you’re taking medications for high blood pressure, diabetes or blood thinners without discussing it with a doctor.

The extract, curcumin, may cause allergic reactions on the skin, including rash, swelling, and redness.

9. The progesterone connection

While there has been no specific research done with regards to natural progesterone usage in men that we are aware of, there have been interesting reports from patients with prostate cancer which has been diagnosed both by blood test and biopsy.

These patients have found that, as a result of using natural progesterone for about a year, the levels of PSA (Prostatic Specific Antigen) in their blood have decreased to normal levels.

The mechanism for this apparently beneficial effect of natural progesterone is not clear but may relate to progesterone being a precursor of testosterone.

Men as they get older have a tendency to produce less testosterone and more di-hydrotestosterone, which seems to have an over stimulating effect on cells.

Progesterone could have the effect of neutralising the di-hydrotestosterone, which would thus help to maintain testosterone levels. It is also thought that progesterone may have an effect on the genetic coding of some cells, and in this prevents the development of abnormal cells. 

Dr Tony Coope, an experienced bioidentical practitioner, has said the following on the use of progesterone creams when dealing with prostate issues:

“As progesterone is so safe, and is believed by some experts to be helpful in prostate cancer (John Lee et al), I think it would be definitely worth trying for six months to see the response.”

Helpful information: 

It has become noticeable over recent years that men are showing more of the signs of oestrogen dominance and the growth of ‘man boobs’ is one symptom of this.

Whether supplementing with bioidentical progesterone would help proactively against future problems is not known, but certainly it cannot do any harm. 

One of the major factors that is talked about in relation to all types of cancer is having a healthy diet and if you think oestrogen dominance may be a factor then there is a specific diet that has a number of health benefits for both men and women.

If you would like to know more about prostate cancer help, or how to improve diet to help with oestrogen dominance then these links will be helpful.

https://anna.blog.wellsprings-health.com/the-diet-to-help-beat-oestrogen-dominance/

https://prostatecanceruk.org/