Holistic Cures for Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer occurs when cells of the prostate (PC cells) mutate to form tumors. Traditional treatment involves monitoring blood tests to measure levels of prostate-specific antigens (PSA). If the PSA levels rise too high or too rapidly, a urologist might recommend surgical excision of the prostate gland, along with chemotherapy and/or radiation if the cancerous PC cells have metastasized. The FDA forbids any substance besides drugs from being touted as a cure for a disease, but there are several holistic options that can slow the progression of prostate cancer.

Lycopene

• With any type of cancer, it is important to maintain a strong immune system in order to speed healing. A healthy, low-fat diet will aid the process. Those with prostate cancer should eat lean meats and lots of vegetables. Tomatoes are particularly beneficial for prostate cancer because of the high levels of lycopene. A study published in volume 166 of the Journal of Urology reveals that patients consuming lycopene each day for three weeks had lowered PSA levels and fewer live cancer cells. Lycopene is also a good preventative for prostate cancer. Omega-3 fatty acids, found in fish and flax seed oil, can inhibit PC cells from mutating. Several studies, including two published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition and the journal of Cancer and Nutrition, confirmed thatdxc men eating two to three servings of fish weekly had lower PSA levels.

Cruciferous Vegetables

• Broccoli, cauliflower, brussels sprouts and other cruciferous vegetables contain sulforaphane, a compound that reduces the growth of cancer cells and can prevent prostate cancer. A study conducted by the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute revealed thast sulforaphane disrupts the supply of oxygen to cancer cells. Without oxygen, they can't replicate, so the prostate cancer can't metastasize.

Vitamins D and E

• Men with prostate cancer typically have lower than nominal levels of Vitamins D and E. Vitamin D can reduce pain and inhibit the growth of cancer cells, as revealed by a study published in Volume 163 of the Journal of Urology. Several men reported a decrease in the levels of pain from prostate cancer that had metastasized to the bones after supplementing with Vitamin D. Beware of consuming too much calcium, because it can interfere with the absorption of Vitamin D. Vitamin E is an antioxidant that is beneficial, especially for patients who smoke.

Supplements

• Several supplements are helpful for fighting prostate cancer. Men who took the antioxidant coenzyme Q10 daily had up to a 78 percent reduction in PSA levels, according to an unpublished study cited on e-Vitamins. Shark cartilage has antiangiogenic properties, and can inhibit the growth of tumors by disrupting the supply of blood nourishing the tumors. Shark cartilage doesn't impact the flow of blood to healthy organs and blood vessels. Soy protein interferes with the production of testosterone, which PC cells need in order to reproduce. Men with late-stage prostate cancer who hadn't previously responded to chemotherapy had a notable response when they were given melatonin in conjunction with chemotherapy, according to a study conducted by the Division of Radiation Oncology at San Gerardo Hospital in Milan, Italy.

Saw Palmetto

• Saw palmetto enjoys a reputation for protecting men against prostate cancer. It seems to inhibit the growth of mutated PC cells and reduce swelling of the prostate, so it can be a good preventative supplement for prostate cancer. For men who have already been diagnosed with prostate cancer, saw palmetto is not advised, because it can artificially lower PSA test results without actually lowering the number of mutated PC cells. PSA results are crucial to determining the stage and progression of prostate cancer, so the levels need to be as accurate as possible.