Nutritional Cures for Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer is a common type of cancer in males. It typically grows slowly and initially stays confined to the prostate gland. However, prostate cancer can spread slowly or quickly. Therefore, yearly screenings are advised for men to detect the cancer early. Prostate cancer can cause erectile dysfunction, difficulty with urination, blood in the urine, blood in the semen, swelling of the lymph nodes and pelvic discomfort.

Traditional Medical Treatments for Prostate Cancer

• Prostate cancer can be treated with several treatments or a combination of treatment options. The choice of treatments varies according to the rate of cancer growth, the age of the patient, how much the cancer has spread and the life expectancy of the patient. Traditional treatments include external beam radiation treatment (high powered X-rays target precise areas to kill cancer growths), radioactive implants that provide slow-release radiation to kill cancer, hormone treatments that block or slow the production of testosterone (which can stimulate cancer cell growth), surgical removal of the prostate gland, chemotherapy and cryotherapy (tissue is frozen to destroy cells).

Nutritional Cures for Prostate Cancer

• According to the Mayo Clinic, there are no real nutritional cures for prostate cancer. However, some herbs and supplements have been found to help relieve some of the major symptoms of prostate cancer. Herbs used to relieve urination problems include extracts from the African plum tree, African wild potato, pumpkin, rye grass and stinging nettle. Additionally, saw palmetto has been widely tested for the treatment of prostate enlargement. While not a cure for cancer, it is helpful in treating the urinary symptoms of prostate problems.

  Some supplements are believed to have cancer-fighting properties, although research is sporadic and some supplements can cause other health problems. Supplements believed useful in prostate problems include chaparral, a Chinese compound called PC-SPES and shark cartilage.

  The Prostate Cancer Foundation recommends several dietary guidelines for prostate cancer patients. According to this foundation, patients should cut down on carbohydrate intake, as it can help reduce excess fat and weight and slow tumor growth; patients should increase intake of colorful fruits and vegetables to nine servings per day; patients should eat fewer calories daily than are burned. Additionally, prostate cancer patients should avoid sugar (it is a primary energy source for cancer) and charred foods (charred meat contains known carcinogens).
  The Foundation recommends that nutrients be consumed in the form of foods as opposed to supplements.