Prostate Cancer Prevention

In light of Men’s Health Month, the prostate is an appropriate topic, especially as this little gland can present so many challenges to men over time. One of these is benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), also known as an enlarged prostate, which a man has a 50% chance of developing during the course of his lifetime. Another is prostate cancer–the most common cancer in men after skin cancer. In fact, every year nearly 200,000 American men are diagnosed with prostate cancer.1

Men in their 40s and beyond should discuss early detection and treatment options with a health care provider, and–very importantly–seek out ways to minimize risk of prostate problems. Fortunately, there are scientifically validated, natural solutions that can help boost prostate health and combat prostate cancer. These include:

Lycopene
Lycopene–a bright red carotenoid found in red produce like tomatoes–is a powerful natural ally in prostate cancer prevention, as it activates enzymes which remove harmful carcinogens from cells.2 Lycopene also helps suppress the growth of prostate tumor cells.3 While cooked tomato products like pizza sauce are good dietary sources, pizza is typically high in saturated fat–an enemy of prostate health. Along with food, daily lycopene supplementation offers optimal protection.

Saw Palmetto
Saw palmetto is especially helpful to men suffering from prostate issues, especially BPH. Research suggests that saw palmetto may relieve BPH symptoms such as urinary frequency and urgency, excessive nighttime urination, as well as delayed urination.4 Other studies focus on saw palmetto combined with pumpkin seed oil as a safe, effective treatment for BPH.5

Beta Sitosterol
The oil constituents of certain plants contain a mixture of phytosterols, or plant hormones, called beta sitosterol. Studies support a minimum of 20 mg per day to increase healthy urine flow and decrease residual urine volume. While incorporating beta sitosterol significantly improves BPH symptoms,6 it has been shown to be even more effective when combined with saw palmetto, Pygeum africanum, and pumpkin seeds.7

Pygeum Africanum
Pygeum africanum has been used for centuries for maintaining and improving prostate health. Today it is widely used medically in both Germany and France. Research indicates that pygeum–especially when combined with saw palmetto–helps to relieve prostate–related symptoms.8,9

Green Tea Extract
Numerous studies indicate that green tea can help prevent certain cancers, especially prostate cancer. A constituent in green tea–epigallocatechin–3–gallate (EGCG)–appears to selectively kill cancer cells with no effect on normal cells. In addition, green tea polyphenols help delay the development and progression of prostate cancer, fully qualifying green tea as a chemopreventive agent.10,11

Pumpkin
The humble pumpkin contains essential fatty acids as well as nutrients which promote prostate, bladder, and urinary tract health. Many studies suggest that pumpkin seed oil can inhibit testosterone–induced hyperplasia of the prostate and therefore may be beneficial in managing BPH.12,13

Nettle
Based on years of international scientific research, nettle root is finally gaining recognition for its positive effects in supporting prostate, bladder, and urinary tract health. Nettle is especially recommended for BPH–related complaints. Along with anti–inflammatory activity, nettle promotes urine flow and supports less frequent urination.14 A range of studies indicate that compounds in nettle extract promote prostate health.15

Capsaicin
Capsaicin–the pungent agent in chili peppers–has been shown to potently suppresses the growth of human prostate carcinoma cells.16 Other studies focusing on the cancer–fighting activities of capsaicin suggest that it inhibits cancer cell growth and induces cancer cell death.17

As you can see, it’s possible to avoid–or at least minimize risk of–troublesome and potentially dangerous prostate health issues, but the key is being proactive. Along with a diet low in saturated fat, consider supplementing these scientifically validated natural prostate allies, which–according to many studies cited here–work best when combined.

References
1 Phytomedicine. 2010 Jan;17(1):3-13
2 J. Natl. Cancer Inst. 87 (23): 1767�76. doi:10.1093/jnci/87.23.1767. PMID 7473833.
3 Mol Nutr Food Res. 2011 Apr;55(4):606-12. doi: 10.1002/mnfr.201000308. Epub 2010 Dec 20
4 JAMA 1999 Feb 10;281(6):515
5 Nutr Res Pract. 2009 Winter;3(4):323-7. Epub 2009 Dec 31
6 Lancet. 1995 Jun 17;345(8964):1529-32
7 World J Urol. 2002 Apr;19(6):426-35
8 Am Fam Physician. 2008 May 15;77(10):1403-10
9 Am J Med. 2000 Dec 1;109(8):654-64
10 Phytomedicine. 2010 Jan;17(1):3-13
11 Nutr Cancer. 2009;61(6):836-41
12 J Med Food. 2006 Summer;9(2):284-6
13 Urol Int. 2006;77(3):269-74
14 MMW Fortschr Med. 2002 Apr 18;144(16):33-6
15 Planta Med. 2000 Feb;66(1):44-7
16 Future Oncol. 2010 Oct;6(10):1545-50.
17 Apoptosis. 2007 Nov;12(11):2013-24