Diet and Exercise

It’s early yet but some research shows a healthy diet and regular exercise can slow the progress of prostate cancer. More studies are under way. In the meantime cut back on sugar. Eat leaner meats and lots of colorful fruits and veggies. Stay away from fatty dairy products. When you hit the gym do both cardio and weights.

Yoga

Stress can affect the nerves around a tumor. That may play a role in the spread of prostate cancer. So stress-relieving activities -- like yoga -- might slow its progress.

Flaxseed

The seeds from this plant have long been said to cure ills. It isn’t clear whether that’s true with prostate cancer. But researchers say flaxseed can help slow the growth of prostate tumors. Remember: Flaxseed is good for you. Too much flaxseed oil is not.

Green Tea

Some say a compound in green tea called EGCG may decrease and kill cancerous cells. Studies are still in the works but the results are promising.

Vitamin D

People with prostate cancer tend to have less vitamin D. Boosting levels may not be as simple as getting more sun or drinking more milk. Vitamin D supplements can increase your levels and may slow the growth of cancerous cells. Research is ongoing.

Pomegranate Juice

Early research says drinking 8 ounces of this dark red potion a day may put the brakes on prostate cancer’s progress. Studies are still under way but one says pomegranate juice works best if your cancer is in an early stage.

Lycopene

This natural pigment found in tomatoes (among other foods) has long been studied for its effect on cancers. Findings are mixed. But we are certain that tomatoes and other foods with lycopene are part of a healthy diet. And eating food that’s good for you may help slow the disease.

Turmeric

Taken as a supplement early research shows this Middle Eastern pantry staple might help prevent the onset of prostate cancer. It also eases inflammation. More studies are under way. In the meantime take it along with your other therapies -- and let your doctor know you’re adding it to the menu.

Things That May Slow Prostate Cancer Progression

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REFERENCES:

• Prostate Cancer Foundation: Nutrition Exercise and Prostate Cancer.
• Albert Einstein College of Medicine: Prostate Cancer: Nerves Play Key Role in Triggering Prostate Cancer and Influencing its Spread.
• Zahavich R. Integrative Cancer Therapies March 2013.
• American Cancer Society: What’s new in prostate cancer research?
• Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics: Flaxseed & Prostate Cancer Risk.
• Johnson J.J. Phytomedicine January 2010.
• Vitamin D Council: Prostate cancer.
• Vitamin D Council: What is vitamin D?
• Harvard Medical School + Harvard Health Publications: Prostate Knowledge.
• Stenner-Liewen F. Journal of Cancer August 2013.
• Traka M. PLoS ONE July 2008.
• National Cancer Institute: Prostate Cancer Nutrition and Dietary Supplements (PDQ) – Patient Version.
• Chen J. Journal of Nutritional Science and Vitaminology 2013.
• Harshman L. JAMA Oncology July 2015.
• University of Maryland Medical Center: Turmeric.
• Teiten M. Genes & Nutrition October 2009.

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