It’s said that men make the worst patients, and that they are prone to ignore their health until forced to confront it head on when they become extremely ill. Whether it’s something inherent in the male psyche, or the result of centuries of social training, this simple axiom does appear to hold up to closer scrutiny.
That being said, this unhappy trend is slowing beginning to change. Today, men are becoming more aware of their health, particularly when it comes to their prostate and the possibility of cancer.
Prostate cancer is the second most common form of cancer affecting men, with 233,000 new diagnoses predicted for 2014. Of those, more than 10% will result in death. The statistics are staggering, so it is all the more important for men of all ages to learn how to protect themselves from this debilitating disease.
So, without further ado, some all natural tips to help men reduce their risks for prostate disease and prostate cancer.
#1 – Eliminate the Negative
The first step to all natural cancer prevention is to eliminate that which makes us vulnerable to the disease. Diet plays a large part in the development of all cancers, and prostate cancer is no exception.
To reduce the risk of developing prostate cancer later in life, men of all ages should eliminate the following from their diets.
- Meat, particularly highly processed meats and meat and poultry fed on chemical feeds and raised on factory farms.
- Most fish and seafood, due to the high levels of mercury and other carcinogenic chemicals.
- Pasteurized dairy products.
- Carbohydrates with a high glycemic index, most notably white bread, pasta, and anything containing high levels of refined sugars.
Once you have cleaned up your diet, it’s time to look at what you can add to your nutritional plan to help prevent prostate cancer.
#2 – Vitamin D
Vitamin D is a powerful ally in the prevention of prostate cancer, and studies have shown that men with high levels of Vitamin D in their blood streams 50% less likely to develop an aggressive form of prostate cancer.
While Vitamin D can be taken as a supplement, and can be obtained through some vegetables, the best source is the sun itself. As little as fifteen minutes a day, basking in the sunshine, can greatly reduce the risk of prostate cancer.
#3 – Selenium
This powerful little mineral is instrumental in the prevention of a number of different types of cancer. Studies have shown that men that include selenium rich foods in their diet are 67% less likely to develop prostate cancer, 58% less likely to develop colon cancer, and 45% less likely to develop lung cancer. Selenium is found in Brazil nuts, broccoli, pumpkin seeds, and garlic.
#4 – Omega -3 Fatty Acids
While most diets recommend that you reduce your intake of fats, there is one that you don’t want to scrimp on. Omega-3 fatty acids lower the levels of free radicals in the body, and augment the power of antioxidants in the blood stream. Omega-3’s have a number of health benefits, including combating heart disease, alleviating asthma symptoms, and fighting depression.
More to the point, however, they help guard against the early stages of prostate cancer. Omega-3’s can be taken as a supplement, but are best obtained through a diet rich in flax seed, hemp seed, pumpkin seed and walnuts.
#5 – Boron
Boron is a mineral found in many foods. It has been shown to inhibit the growth of prostate cancer cells, while encouraging the growth of healthy cells. Recent studies have shown that Boron as a supplement can reduce the risk for prostate cancer by as much as 50%.
Good sources include: almonds, avocados, hazel nuts, Brazil nuts and walnuts.
#6 – Vitamin K
One of the lesser known vitamins, Vitamin K can be found in a variety of vegetables and herbs, most notably collard greens, spring onions, Swiss chard, Brussels sprouts, and asparagus.
In addition to helping to prevent prostate cancer, Vitamin K is essential to maintaining strong bones and a healthy cardiovascular system. Recent studies are also indicating that Vitamin K may help to prevent Alzheimer’s disease.
Whether men are squeamish about talking about their health, embarrassed, or merely stoic, the fact remains that the prevention of prostate cancer should be upper most in their minds. Prostate cancer is all too common, and while highly treatable if caught early, it can still be deadly.
These natural tips for prostate health should help steer men toward a healthier lifestyle and longer life free from cancer. They should also encourage an open and confident assessment of their personal health.
