Prostate Cancer

TOMATOES- We have known for several years now that men who eat cooked tomato products like pasta sauce tend to have lower rates of prostate cancer. The magic lies in the lycopene, it not only makes the tomato red it is a powerful antioxidant. Not only prevents prostate tumors but may help to shrink existing tumors as well. Men who ate 2-3lbs of tomatoes had lower levels of prostate specific antigen- an indicator of cell growth-and smaller tumors. Hint olive oil potentiates lycopene's anticancer effect.

Vitamin E even 50 IUs day reduces prostate cancer risk. Selenium 200mcg/day (don't exceed) is another proven prostate cancer fighter.

Herbals:

1. Nettle extract-relieves the symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) a nonmalignant enlargement of the prostate gland.
2. Saw Palmetto- relieves the symptoms of BPH
3. Garlic 2-4 cloves garlic/week-powerful protection for prostate gland
4. Rosemary & curcumin( active ingredient in turmeric)- both are inhibitors of an enzyme called COX-2

You can eat garlic and cook with rosemary and turmeric, Supplementing 1,000mg garlic capsule BID, 10 drops of rosemary leaf extract, 300mg capsule turmeric daily with food. (turmeric may be an irritant if you have ulcers or gastritis).

SOY- Asian men have a far lower incidence of prostate cancer. The difference is soy. Experts say that you should get 30-50 mg of isoflavones/day. Try for 1 cup soy milk or ½ cup tofu/day

1. Soy blocks the action of an enzyme called tyrosine kinase whose overactivity has been linked to cancer.
2. It also seems to block the transformation of the hormone testosterone into potentially harmful estrogen.
3. Soy even seems to prevent the formation of the blood vessels that tumors need to grow and spread.

GREEN TEA -Boosts the body's supply of protective detoxifying enzymes. Contains antioxidants that counteract free radical damage. Drink 3 cups/day. The antioxidants is 200X more potent than vitamin E and 500X more powerful than vitamin C.

GOOD FAT - Overall diet should be low in saturated fat and rich in vegetables and fruits. Eat the right kind of fats- Omega 3 lowers the risk of prostate cancer. Good sources- cold water fish such as salmon, mackerel, halibut and tuna. Flax seed oil, walnuts and pursulane.

Exercise-aerobic has been linked to changes in the immune system that suppress cancer

Donna Tinnerello, MS, RD, CD/N is a registered dietitian, living in Manhattan, with more than 10 years experience in HIV and nutrition. Her subspecialties are cardiovascular, renal, gastrointestinal disease, diabetes and weight management.
Donna is available for private consultation by referral only. Ms.Tinnerello has donated time and articles to our web site at always your choice and we sincerely appreciate her contributions.