What you need to know about
Prostate Cancer
&
Diet
published
by the
Washington State Prostate Cancer Coalition
WSPCaC
Noted health professionals and medical researchers have studied the correlation between diet and various aspects of prostate cancer (PCa.) While their conclusions may differ slightly, there is strong agreement on the basic aspects of a diet beneficial to minimizing the probability and/or effects of PCa.
Asians have a markedly lower incidence of prostate cancer than Europeans. A University of Hawaii study compared the prostate cancer rates of indigenous Japanese and individuals of Japanese ancestry in America. The PCa rate for Japanese-Americans was five times greater than for indigenous Japanese! And an obvious difference between the two groups, which are genetically identical, is diet.
African-Americans have a higher incidence of PCa than any other ethnic group. Early research has suggested that a high fat diet may play a role in this higher PCa rate. Independent of ethnic ancestry, studies have shown a positive correlation between weight, fat consumption and percent of fat in total body weight and the incidence of PCa.
Studies have shown a correlation between the consumption of cold water fish and/or fish oil and reduced rates of PCa. Selenium intake has been correlated with reduced PCa rates, and other correlations have been shown to exist.
All the answers are certainly not known, but smart diet choices seem to be beneficial for those concerned about PCa.
What
to eat:
(1) Vegetables in general but specifically cruciferous vegetables like cabbage,
broccoli and cauliflower. Also beets, turnips, all types of beans, squash,
carrots, cucumber, endive, garlic, yams, spinach, soy beans, horseradish,
chard and onions.
(2) Fruit. Tomatoes (yes, it's a fruit) are especially good because of the
lycopene. Berries, cherries, grapefruit, melons, pomegranates, lemons, limes,
guava, mangoes, kiwi, black currants, pumpkin, peaches, tangerines, nectarines,
oranges and apricots.
(3) Green Tea (polyphenols.)
(4) Soy. Two servings daily. Soy milt, tofu and soy protein powder.
(5) Cold water fish such as salmon, sardines, mackerel and tuna. High in
omega-3 fatty acids. Three servings weekly. Does not include farm-fed fish.
(6) Skinless chicken. Several servings weekly.
(7) Whole grain bread, brown rice and bran.
(8) Olive oil (monounsaturated fat) and polyunsaturated fats from corn,
soybean or sesame oils.
(9) Water. Americans are chronically dehydrated. Twelve cups daily.
(10) Roughage. 25-35 grams/day.
What
to severely limit:
(1) Foods high in saturated fats such as (red) meat and cheese. Limit saturated
fat intake to 5% of calorie consumption. Another 15% of caloric intake can
be omega-3 fatty acids and extra virgin olive oil.
(2) Dairy products such as ice cream, cheese, whole milk and cream. These
contain high levels of saturated fats. Does not include nonfat products
such as skim milk.
(3) Smoked or processed meats.
(4) Sweets. candy, pastries, sweetened soft drinks, ice cream, etc.
(5) Foods with antibiotics, hormones, artificial sweeteners or coloring.
(6) Totally eliminate foods deep fried in fat! ! !
Supplements (those most often recommended):
(1) Multivitamin
(2) Vitamin D, 2000 I. U. with D3 daily
(3) Garlic*
(4) Vitamin C, 1000 mg/day
(5) Pomegranate Juice, 8 oz daily
(6) White or green tea, 5 or more cups/day or 300 mg supplement
* Not precisely a supplement. Can be taken in natural form.
| References.
There are many good sources for prostate diet information. Four of
which, heavily used for this article, are as follows. The ABC's of Nutrition & Supplements for Prostate Cancer by Mark Moyad MPH, Challenge Cancer and Win by Kim Dalzell PhD, RD, LD, PCSA Lifeline Newsletter, January 2003, Nutrition & Prostate Cancer from the CaP Cure Nutrition Project and authored by David Heber MD, PhD, FACP, FACN and Moshe Shike MD |
"The
great thing in this world is not so much where we stand as in what direction
we are moving."
Oliver Wendell Holmes Sr.
| This article is a compilation of information taken from books, articles and newsletters discussing diet and prostate cancer. While following these suggestions will not guarantee the elimination or prevention of prostate cancer, it is the opinion of respected health professionals that these suggestions will reduce the impact of prostate cancer individually and nationwide. A favorable diet can reduce the probability of acquiring prostate cancer and increase the probability of successfully fighting the disease. |
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In a Nutshell
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1/15/04