In part one of Beyond The “Mo”, we looked at what the prostate is, the origin’s of Movember, the sign’s of prostate cancer, the risk factors, and specific foods that prevent prostate cancer. In part two, we are going to take it to the next level and examine specific nutraceuticals that have been shown to support prostate health.
Prostate-Supportive Nutraceuticals
A good multivitamin-mineral supplement is a great start to protecting against prostate cancer and is a good way to get a balanced combination of cancer-fighting nutrients, particularly selenium and zinc. Overall, you want to focus on increasing your antioxidant intake because antioxidants are protective of the prostate. 1
Vitamin E: When vitamin E is taken with other antioxidants, particularly vitamins A and C, it offers protection against free radical damage to the prostate. 2
Vitamin D: Studies have shown that Vitamin D reduces the risk of prostate cancer likely because of its anti-inflammatory and immune-regulating properties. 3
Fish Oils: Omega-3s have potent anti-inflammatory properties that reduce the occurrence of prostate cancer.
Vitamin K: Vitamin K was found to reduce the incidence of prostate cancer and reduce mortality in existing patients. 4
Selenium: Another powerful antioxidant, it protects the prostate gland from damage. 5
Zinc: This mineral aids in prostate gland function and boosts the immune system. 6
Boron: Studies have found that boron intake is inversely associated with prostate cancer risk and that the mineral might even have cancer-protective functions in the body. 7
Maitake D-Fraction: An extract from the maitake mushroom has show some tremendous ability to balance the immune system. It stimulates natural killer cells which then prevent the progression of cancer. 8
The above list is by no means exhaustive as there are so many combinations of supplements and foods that work differently for different people. For this reason, it is best to consult with a qualified health care practitioner to determine the appropriate supplementation regimen.
Aside from nutrition, it is also important to move the body and maintain a reasonable weight. A recent study 9 suggests that obesity increases the risk of death from prostate cancer by 50 per cent.
It is also important to reduce your stress levels – stress is one of the fastest ways to boost inflammation and shut down your immune system, both of which contribute to prostate cancer.
As you have seen, there are many ways to safely and naturally prevent prostate cancer. The Movember movement has created awareness that prostate cancer is very likely to happen to someone you know and love. Let’s hope that this campaign continues to generate discussion of ways to not only screen for and treat prostate cancer, but the many ways one can prevent the disease and reduce its impact. Now that’s worth a thousand moustaches.
– Josh
References:
- Jain, Meera G., Gregory T. Hislop, Geoffrey R. Howe, and Parviz Ghadirian. “Plant Foods, Antioxidants, And Prostate Cancer Risk: Findings From Case-Control Studies In Canada.” Nutrition and Cancer 34.2 (1999): 173-184. ↩
- Balch, Phyllis A.. Prescription for nutritional healing: a practical A-to-Z reference to drug-free remedies using vitamins, minerals, herbs & food supplements. 5th ed. New York: Avery, 2010. ↩
- H. Li, M.J. Stampfer, J.B. Hollis, et al.: A prospective study of plasma vitamin D metabolites, vitamin D receptor polymorphisms, and prostate cancer. PLoS Med. 4(3), 2007 Mar, e103. ↩
- K. Nimptsch, S. Rohrmann, J. Linseisen: Dietary intake of vitamin K and risk of prostate cancer in the Heidelberg cohort of the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition Am J. Clin Nutr. 87(4), 2008 Apr, 985–992. ↩
- Murray, Michael T.How to prevent and treat cancer with natural medicine. New York: Riverhead Books, 2002. ↩
- Murray, Michael T.How to prevent and treat cancer with natural medicine. New York: Riverhead Books, 2002. ↩
- Y. Cui, M.I. Winton, Z.F. Zhang, et al.: Dietary boron intake and prostate cancer risk. Oncol Rep. 11, 2004, 887–892. ↩
- Kodama N, Komuta K, Nanba H. Effect of Maitake {Grifola frondosa} D-Fraction on the activation of NK cells in cancer patients. J Med Food. 2003;6:371-377) ↩
- http://www.lef.org/whatshot/2013_10.htm#Excess-weight-increases-risk-of-prostate-cancer-death ↩
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Beyond The “Mo” Part 2/2: Prostate Cancer Prevention