Men living with prostate cancer often use herbal and nutritional supplements to manage the disease and minimize side effects, but it’s essential that they speak to their healthcare provider about any remedies taken for medicinal use.
Studies suggest that vitamin D and selenium could lower your risk of cancer, with Public Health England suggesting everyone take 10 micrograms daily between winter and autumn to stay safe from cancer.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D, commonly referred to as cholecalciferol or ergocalciferol, helps your body absorb and store calcium for use throughout its systems. Furthermore, Vitamin D promotes normal immune function while supporting bone health as well as helping reduce prostate cancer risk. Vitamin D can be found naturally in food sources like fish, eggs and fortified dairy products; additionally, your skin produces it when exposed to sunlight. Numerous epidemiological studies have demonstrated the correlation between higher levels of 25(OH)D vitamin D levels and reduced risks of prostate cancer, such as those measured by 25(OH)D levels, and survival from prostate cancer diagnosis; men in the third quartile for 25(OH)D had significantly greater odds than those in the first quartile.
Researchers do not yet understand why vitamin D helps cancer patients; whether this be due to an impactful effect on cancer itself, or its ability to reduce symptoms such as erectile problems and urinary frequency. Eating a diet low in saturated and trans fats with plenty of vegetables, fruit and leafy greens will not only promote overall wellness but will help achieve an adequate vitamin D level.
Saw palmetto extract from a small plant found in the Southeast United States is a widely consumed supplement to promote prostate health. Research shows it reduces prostate gland size, providing relief from symptoms like inability to urinate and weak urine flow. Some studies have revealed mixed results so be cautious before taking this supplement. Selenium, another popular prostate-health aid, was tested against placebo for more than 35,000 participants but showed no clear evidence that selenium can lower risk or slow progression of prostate cancer.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is an extremely potent antioxidant that may provide protection from chronic diseases, including prostate cancer. Found mainly in vegetables and nuts, most dietary vitamin E comes from gamma-tocopherol. Studies indicate its protective abilities against oxidative damage and boost of immune function; however, more research needs to be completed in this regard.
Researchers have demonstrated a correlation between increased alpha-tocopherol blood levels and reduced risks of prostate cancer. The Alpha-Tocopherol, Beta Carotene Cancer Prevention Study (ATBC) closely tracked serum levels and diet intake among participants over 19 years; their research demonstrated a strong association between vitamin E consumption and reduced risks of advanced prostate cancer.
The Physicians’ Health Study II randomized trial included 14,641 men who either took vitamin E supplements or placebo; results were inconclusive; however, prostate cancer rates did not differ between groups. A similar trend could be seen with selenium supplementation.
Even without evidence, some men still take vitamin E and selenium supplements in an effort to prevent or slow prostate cancer progression. Experts advise taking these supplements only with medical supervision as too much may cause adverse side effects.
Diet is generally the preferred source for nutrients; however, if you find that your levels of certain essential vitamins or minerals are lacking, it’s essential that you talk to your physician and take appropriate supplements if needed. Vitamin D is one such nutrient which may be difficult to obtain through diet alone; in England public health officials advise all citizens take an additional 10 microgram supplement every day during winter and autumn as part of public health policy.
Calcium
People commonly take dietary supplements to ensure adequate levels of nutrients in the body. Examples of such supplements are vitamins such as D and E; minerals like calcium; and herbal remedies like saw palmetto, lycopene or zinc. While most can be purchased individually, specialized formulas exist which combine multiple nutrients. Some have even been the subject of clinical trials where participants are randomly divided into various groups before receiving the investigational medication or supplement in question.
Some studies have demonstrated a possible link between high calcium intakes and increased prostate cancer risks or their recurrence after treatment and higher calcium intakes, but further investigation must be performed in order to ascertain this relationship.
Calcium is an essential mineral, accounting for nearly all of our body’s bone mass and playing an important role in normalizing blood clotting and nerve function. You can find calcium both in food such as dairy products as well as in supplement form.
Eating a balanced diet that includes plenty of fruits and vegetables is crucial in order to combat prostate cancer growth. Tomatoes and oranges, for instance, contain the antioxidant lycopene which has been found to slow prostate cell division; similarly cruciferous vegetables (such as broccoli and cauliflower) contain compounds known as sulforaphane that have also been proven to prevent the spread of prostate cancer cells.
Herbal remedies
There are a wide variety of supplements marketed toward men with prostate cancer. While some such as lycopene have undergone clinical trials to test its ability to lower PSA (prostate specific antigen) levels in blood, results have been mixed and more research needs to be conducted on this matter.
Other supplements, including saw palmetto, selenium and beta-sitosterol have also been linked with prostate health benefits. When combined as one supplement known as PC-SPES available at some health food stores, these ingredients have shown promise in reducing PSA levels among men with advanced prostate cancer; recent findings will be released by Journal of Clinical Oncology on November 1.
Some individuals may use mind-body therapies like yoga or meditation to manage the exhaustion associated with prostate cancer treatments. There has not been much scientific research regarding such approaches; however, studies have demonstrated their benefits by increasing quality of life.
As with anything, diet and regular exercise are keys to preventing prostate cancer and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). There is some evidence suggesting magnesium supplementation could reduce symptoms associated with BPH as well as PSA growth.
Studies examining nutrients and supplements intended to prevent prostate cancer have typically been limited and did not last long enough to demonstrate whether they actually help. Some research even indicates they could increase your risk; the SELECT study, for instance, showed that men taking high doses of Vitamin E and Selenium supplements were more likely to develop prostate cancer than those who didn’t consume such substances.
Foods to avoid
Over-the-counter prostate supplements have been advertised to men with the promise of helping prevent or lessen prostate cancer or its return, yet studies of such products are generally small and short-term, which makes it impossible to produce reliable evidence they’re helpful – some supplements may even cause additional health issues!
Foods rich in vitamins and minerals such as tomatoes, watermelons, oranges and dark green leafy veggies (like tomatoes, watermelons oranges and dark green leafy veggies ), as well as cruciferous veggies like broccoli cauliflower bok choy can provide essential nutrition – including phytochemicals that have been suggested to aid with prostate health as well as fiber that reduces constipation risk.
An eating plan low in saturated fat can also lower your risk of prostate cancer. Opting for fish, chicken, nuts and beans instead of red meat and dairy may be better ways to lower this risk. You could even try substituting olive or canola oil with other cooking oils when making meals.
Other natural ingredients have shown promise for treating prostate cancer, such as saw palmetto, lycopene, and green tea extract. Unfortunately, other natural remedies like pomegranate juice, turmeric, soya or selenium have yet to be tested and proven as an effective way of fighting it.
Consult with your physician regarding a healthy eating plan and any supplemental needs you might have during and post prostate cancer treatment, such as Vitamin D or calcium deficiencies. Your physician can suggest the necessary supplements to address them; you can also find more information regarding nutrition and prostate cancer at the American Institute for Cancer Research.