Early Warning Signs and Food Regimes for Prostate Cancer

Early Warning Signs and Food Regimes for Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers globally. The tumor begins in the prostate gland and can be detected through screening, after which the treatment procedure is determined. While standard treatments exist, clinical trials on and for prostate cancer   determine how effective new therapies can be. However, aside from therapies, it is essential to eat the right foods to reduce the growth rate of cancer cells and improve the effects of treatment.

Early signs of prostate cancer
Though early stages of the condition are symptomatic, the signs usually start appearing as the disease progresses. Here are some of the early warning signs that should not be ignored.

Frequent urination
One of the early warning signs of prostate cancer is the need to urinate frequently, especially at night. As the tumor grows, the pressure on the urethra or bladder results in more need to pass urine than usual. You might also have bleeding when you are urinating.

Problems urinating
There might be a weak urinary stream or a need to strain to empty the bladder. Some men may even feel pain or burning during urination.

Loss of bladder control
Another symptom of prostate cancer is leaking urine when you laugh or cough.

Discomfort or pain in the back, hips, or pelvis
One might also experience pain in the back, hips, or pelvis that does not go away with rest. It usually starts in the pelvic area. Over time, men also experience pain in those areas where prostate cancer has spread.

Painful ejaculation
Men with prostate cancer often experience sexual problems as the release of semen from the penis during orgasm is painful. Some may also notice bloody discharge in the semen on ejaculation or experience erectile dysfunction caused by prostate cancer.

Foods to manage prostate cancer
Consuming specific foods can help you recover from the side effects of treatment and also improve the outcome of prostate cancer treatment. Make sure you include these foods in your meal plans.

Tomatoes
This vegetable contains lycopene, an antioxidant that helps slow cancer cell production. Incorporate cooked or pureed tomatoes in your food as it is easier for the body to access the antioxidant. Tomato paste, tomato juice, and sun-dried tomatoes are some excellent ways to boost your lycopene intake.

Broccoli
Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli are a prostate superfood. It is high in antioxidants and essential vitamins and minerals that are known to slow the growth of prostate cancer cells. It contains a cancer-fighting compound called sulforaphane. Add this cruciferous vegetable to stir-fries, soups, and salads.

Fish
Fatty fish found in cold waters, like salmon, sardines, herring, and trout, are good sources of omega-3 fatty acids. Higher consumption may help slow the progression of cancer and lower the recurrence risk. Thus, aim to consume fish at least twice a week to get adequate omega-3 fatty acids.

Green tea
Many people drink green tea for immunity and overall well-being. This beverage contains special compounds called catechins that help prevent healthy cells from mutating. Various laboratory and clinical trials on prostate cancer have evaluated the role of catechins in inhibiting cancer-related cells which in turn reduces the progression of prostate cancer.

Pomegranate juice
Due to their high level of antioxidants, pomegranates may help inhibit the production of prostate cancer cells. A study found that consuming pomegranate juice can slow PSA (prostate-specific antigen) doubling time. Try to drink eight ounces of juice daily for better prostate health.

Foods that should be avoided during prostate cancer treatment
Prostate cancer can weaken your immune system, which is why good nutrition is vital throughout the treatment. At the same time, certain foods can negatively impact your therapy. Make sure to avoid the following foods during prostate cancer treatment.

Dairy
A meal plan high in full-fat dairy products has been associated with the development of prostate cancer. The consumption of whole milk has been linked to an increased risk of progression to fatal prostate cancer. People with this disease should avoid full-fat dairy products and instead opt for non-dairy options such as almond milk, rice milk, and coconut milk.

Red and processed meat
During prostate cancer treatment, it is wise to avoid the consumption of red meat or processed meats, such as ham, sausages, and salami. Cooked meat produces carcinogenic by-products called heterocyclic amines, which are harmful to the prostate. Eating red and processed meats can aid cancer cell growth and increase the risk of death from prostate cancer more significantly.

Fatty foods
Fatty foods are not good for your overall health, including your prostate. Barbequed or grilled foods and deep-fried foods can alter the immune system and trigger chronic inflammation of the prostate gland. Avoid such foods altogether as they may worsen outcomes after treatment.

Sugary foods
Sugary foods provide no nutrition and are high glycemic carbohydrates that are not beneficial for anyone. Sweetened snacks and drinks like cookies, pies, cakes, and candies can reduce immunity and cause other complications. Consuming such foods can send blood sugar levels soaring, impacting the prostate gland. It is, therefore, best to avoid sugary foods during prostate cancer treatment.

Eggs
Eggs contain choline, a compound that increases prostate cancer progression risk. Though the substance is found in most animal foods, it is more concentrated in eggs and should be eliminated from the meal plan of prostate cancer patients during treatment.

Conclusion
For those who are diagnosed with prostate cancer, maintaining a well-balanced food regime during the treatment period is crucial. This can help them feel better while reducing the side effects of treatment. Making food changes early in life can go a long way in the prevention of prostate cancer.

Read Also

Know more about exciting & latest articles right here

Foods to Avoid to Manage Eosinophilic Esophagitis

Foods to Avoid to Manage Eosinophilic Esophagitis

Eosinophilic Esophagitis, or EoE, is a chronic digestive disease of the esophagus caused by an allergic condition. It is characterized by chest pain, heartburn, and solid food dysphagia. If this disorder is left untreated, it can cause esophageal remodeling and stricture formation. This disorder is also marked by eosinophilic inflammation and impacts the quality of life of the affected person. You can check out various reliable health websites to get information on eosinophilic esophagitis. A patient with EoE must be very careful with his health and meal plans, as research suggests that EoE is linked to food allergies. Therefore, the six most common food items that are responsible for such allergies include: Dairy Cow milk is said to be one of the most common reasons for EoE. Milk protein can trigger too many eosinophils. You should avoid food items made up of milk, buttermilk, lactose, and other related dairy products. You can replace dairy products with coconut hemp, dairy-free yogurts, cashew ice cream, etc. Soy Soy-based food items include tofu, soy butter, soymilk, and miso. Soy cheese, soy nuts, soy milk, etc., should be avoided and can be substituted with refined soybean oil or coconut aminos. Wheat You might think wheat is only found in bread, cereal, or baked goods.
Read More
5 Common Digestive Issues and Their Symptoms

5 Common Digestive Issues and Their Symptoms

One of the most vital systems in our body is the digestive system. It is responsible for the digestion of food and the distribution of nutrients throughout the body to meet the bodily requirements for energy, development, and cell repair. Issues in the digestive can interfere with the body’s ability to get energy from food. While some gastrointestinal issues can go away with healthy eating habits, other concerns may require treatment.  Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) IBS is a functional bowel disorder. This means the cluster of varied symptoms categorized as IBS is brought on by changes in the normal functioning of the digestive system. The primary sign is abdominal pain, which can develop before or after a bowel movement, and is a reliable indicator of IBS. Additionally, one may experience both constipation and diarrhea. The form of IBS can be determined depending on whether a person has diarrhea or constipation more frequently or both equally. Other IBS signs and symptoms are incomplete bowel motions, white mucus in the stool, and bloating. Nutrition is important for managing the symptoms of IBS, which includes eating low-fat, high-fiber meals and avoiding common trigger foods when the cause of the condition is unknown. Food poisoning or gastrointestinal infection are common causes.
Read More
8 Common Cleaning Mistakes to Avoid

8 Common Cleaning Mistakes to Avoid

Most of us make it a goal to keep our house clean and tidy. Cleaning the house may look like a straightforward task, but there are certain aspects that are generally overlooked. Cleaning is a time consuming and tedious activity. And most of us make common cleaning mistakes that do not provide us with the results we expect. So here is a list of cleaning mistakes to avoid for better results and a sparkling clean home. Mixing cleaning chemicals You may think mixing two or more cleaning products will increase the cleaning power. However, this can be very dangerous as it might release toxic fumes. For example, household cleaners like Clorox Pinesol should never be mixed with bleach as they can react together to produce hazardous chlorine gas or even chloroform. Similarly, Pinesol disinfectant should not be mixed with room spray sanitizer as the chemicals could react together to unleash a toxic cloud of gases that can trigger respiratory problems and even cause skin burns. Instead of mixing chemicals, use a single cleaning agent or solution and stick to a reliable brand. Alternatively, you can also enlist the help of a cleaning company, like Servpro Services, which offers a range of affordable home cleaning services. Using feather dusters A feather duster may seem very useful, but all it does is spread the dust from one surface to another.
Read More
11 Potential Warning Signs of Excess Sugar Intake

11 Potential Warning Signs of Excess Sugar Intake

Processed foods like cakes, cookies, candies, and breakfast cereals contain added sugar, and most people find them delicious and irresistible. However, they have little nutritional value. Eating too many sweets can increase the risk of several health issues. For instance, it can lead to blood sugar spikes and heart disease. When a person eats too much sugar regularly, the body begins to give signs that it is time to cut back on sweet foods. High blood pressure Besides monitoring salt intake, people suffering from high blood pressure should watch their sugar intake because eating too much sugar is also linked to high blood pressure. According to a study, foods high in sugar can reduce nitric oxide in the blood vessels, which can, in turn, impact blood flow and lead to high blood pressure. Mood swings or irritability Feeling moody, irritable, or depressed on and off is a common sign of high sugar intake. Mood swings occur as foods high in sugar affect the neurotransmitters in the brain that regulate mood. Sugary foods also negatively impact gut function, another factor linked to a person’s mood. Low energy or tiredness Binging on sugary snacks wreaks havoc on one’s blood sugar levels. It first causes blood glucose to rise, providing a boost of energy.
Read More