Foods That Fight Prostate Problems

When prostate cells excessively multiply, it causes the prostate to increase in size. This commonly leads to a disease known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). An enlarged prostate can cause problems like frequent urination, urinary leakage, and infections in the urinary tract.

BPH does not cause prostate cancer, but their symptoms are relatively similar. In some cases, it may be difficult to tell the difference between the two conditions. Both enlarged prostate and prostate cancer are highly treatable when caught early.

The most common treatments for prostate problems include medication, radiation, surgery, and proton therapy for prostate cancer. These treatments usually come with side effects; hence many are interested in exploring natural ways to fight the risk of the disease. Below are foods that act as natural remedies against prostate cancer.

African Plum

The bark of Pygeum africanum or African plum tree has been traditionally used in African culture to treat urinary and bladder problems since ancient times. The extract from the African plum is widely used in Europe because it is believed to treat enlarged prostate and prostate cancer. It contains fatty acids, alcohols, and beta-sitosterol, which work as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory.

Tomatoes

Lycopene has been proven to be a powerful and effective antioxidant for many years. Tomatoes contain high amounts of lycopene. Studies have shown a reduced risk of cancer and minimized growth of prostate tumors. It is found that regular consumption of fruits and vegetables high in lycopene can help reduce the risk of prostate, stomach, and lung cancer

Aside from tomatoes, lycopene is also present in watermelons, pink grapefruits, apricots, papayas, guavas, carrots, red cabbages, and red bell peppers. The deeper the red of the fruit or vegetable is, the more lycopene it contains.

Pomegranate

Another food believed to help reduce the risk of prostate cancer is pomegranate. There are studies that show reduced cancer cell growth in mice as a result of taking pomegranate extract. The same studies on human cells show a similar effect. This is why drinking pomegranate juice is usually recommended to people with urinary issues.

Green Tea

Drinking hot tea is known to provide relief to an upset stomach and help with digestion and metabolism. With green tea’s antioxidant properties, it is believed to enhance the immune system and potentially reduce the risk of prostate cancer. Mild consumption is recommended because it still contains caffeine, which can stimulate the bladder.

Soy Products

Isoflavones are chemical compounds found in soy products like soy milk, tofu, miso, peas, beans, and lentils. This compound is rich in anti-inflammatory properties that could benefit people with prostate cancer and protect against prostate problems. Find ways to incorporate soy products into your daily meals to help reduce the chance of developing prostate cancer.

Coffee

Almost everybody’s go-to morning drink is hot coffee. Aside from its pleasing aroma, coffee is known to have antioxidant capabilities that may reduce the risk of various diseases, especially cancer of the prostate. There are studies from 2016 that show the effect of coffee on cancer risk. Researchers concluded that the antioxidant properties of coffee help in reducing and preventing the growth of cancer cells.

Even with the good benefits of coffee to your health, it is still advised to control caffeine intake as it may pose some serious health problems when not taken moderately. One cup in the morning is enough to get your daily dose and kick-start your day.

Activities to Avoid Prostate Diseases

A balanced diet comes hand in hand with proper exercise. Complete your healthy lifestyle with mind-body treatments such as yoga, meditation, and massage. These activities help reduce stress to keep the mind and body refreshed and recharged.

Good old exercise is another activity to try when avoiding the risks of cancer and other diseases. Walking every day for 30 minutes is a good form of cardio exercise and helps strengthen the immune system. Exercising flushes out toxins from your body and produces endorphins, making one feel good after working out.

These complementary approaches provide not only physical but also mental benefits when done regularly. Start building a routine that works for your lifestyle. For more extensive treatment, proton therapy for prostate cancer might be something worth checking on because of the promising benefits and its effectiveness rate for cancer patients.