Natural Ways to Lower the Risk of Prostate Cancer

Natural Ways to Lower the Risk of Prostate Cancer

The prostate gland produces some of the fluid in the semen and also plays an important role in controlling urine in men. It is found in front of the rectum right below the bladder. When cancer affects this gland, it is known as prostate cancer. It is said to be the most common type of cancer to affect men. It is curable if diagnosed in the early stages. Home remedies are also effective to treat prostate cancer.

Though there is no particular single way to prevent prostate cancer, several natural methods help to lower its risk. This type of cancer can have serious consequences with regard to the quality of life and sometimes may even be life-threatening. Maintaining a healthy diet and weight, exercising, and eating a lot of fruits and vegetables is the best natural way to lower the risk of developing prostate cancer. Some common natural home remedies for prostate cancer would include the following:

1. Soy products

Soybean products are foods that have the highest concentration of isoflavones. Isoflavones are said to be a chemical compound with anti-inflammatory properties that help to protect against prostate cancer. Some soybean products with high levels of isoflavones include tofu, soy milk, miso, chickpeas, beans and Alfalfa.

2. Omega 3 fatty acids

Studies have shown that omega – 3 fatty acids reduces the risk of prostate cancer even though they might not have cancer-fighting properties. Fish and other types of seafood are rich in omega -3 fatty acids. Other sources would be walnuts, flax seeds, and soybeans.

3. Tomatoes

A compound called lycopene is found in processed tomatoes which include all varieties of cooked and canned tomatoes. This compound helps to reduce the risk of prostate cancer and cancer of the lung and stomach as well. Increased consumption of tomatoes resulted in reduced risk of cancer, according to a study. Lycopene is also found in grapefruit, watermelon, and apricots.

4. Coffee

The antioxidant capabilities of coffee helps to reduce the risk of developing prostate cancer and other types of diseases too.

There are some foods to avoid, as they have certain compounds that increase the risk of developing prostate cancer.

1. Omega -6 fatty acids

These acids promote the growth of prostate cancer cells. A diet high in fat increases the risk too. Omega- 6 are found in vegetable oils. A substantial amount of Omega – 6 fatty acids is found in corn, cottonseed, sunflower, safflowers and soybean oils.

2. Fried and grilled meats

Consuming meat cooked at high temperatures like grilling or frying are not as safe as recommended by the National Cancer Institute in the country. When muscle meat, like beef, pork, and poultry, are cooked at high temperatures, they form chemicals that cause changes in DNA. This would result in an increased risk of cancer.

3. Carbohydrates and sugar

Glycemic load and glycemic index indicates the speed of sugars and carbohydrates affecting the blood sugar and insulin. When you consume a diet with a high glycemic load, the chance of developing prostate cancer increases. Studies show that sugar has the highest impact on prostate, pancreatic and colorectal cancers.

There are many other home remedies that can help you prevent and treat prostate cancer. They can also help manage the symptoms of the condition. You should also consult a doctor for additional assistance.