Controlling prostate problems through diet

The prostate, a walnut-size gland located just below the bladder, is the source of many male urinary problems, including cancer, benign enlargement and inflammation (prostatitis). Read on to learn how a healthy diet can help control prostate problems.

• As men age, the prostate tends to enlarge, a condition called benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH). About one-third of all men over 50 experience this noncancerous enlargement that can cause severe obstruction of urinary flow.
• Prostate cancer, with an estimated 18,000 new cases a year, is the most common male malignancy.
• If treated in an early stage, it is highly curable. In many cases, however, it may have spread to other organs by the time of diagnosis.
• For this reason, the American and Canadian Cancer societies urge all men over 40 to undergo annual or biannual screening, starting with a digital rectal examination.
• A blood test to measure prostate-specific antigen (PSA), a possible indicator, is also recommended, starting at the age of 50.
• Urinary tract infections, lifestyle habits and a high-fat diet seem to predispose a man to some prostate problems. But often, factors that are beyond our control are more instrumental.

Diet may play a role in maintaining prostate health, and may help ward off cancer.

• Lycopene. A recent study of nearly 48,000 men found that this substance, found in such foods as tomatoes, tomato products, red grapefruits and watermelons appears to reduce the risk of prostate cancer. These findings support the recommendations to increase consumption of fruits and vegetables, which are high in other antioxidants and bioflavonoid pigments that protect against various cancers. Cooking appears to release more of the lycopene in tomatoes, so tomato-based pasta sauces and soups may be especially beneficial. Lycopene is fat soluble so is better absorbed when eaten with a little fat.
• Vitamin E. It is known to reduce inflammation and may protect against prostate cancer. Men, especially smokers, who have low levels of vitamin E appear to be at increased risk. Good sources include margarine, vegetable oils, nuts and seeds, wheat germ and whole grains.
• Selenium. It may protect against prostate cancer. This antioxidant is found in nuts, especially Brazil nuts, seafood, some meats, fish, wheat bran, wheat germ, oats and brown rice.
• Isoflavones. Soy products can help prevent prostate enlargement, may help protect against prostate cancer and may slow tumour growth. This effect is attributed to isoflavones, plant chemicals that help lower dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a male hormone that stimulates the overgrowth of prostate tissue.

• Eat lots of cruciferous vegetables, omega-3s and other foods that protect the prostate.
• Fish and vegetable oils high in omega-3 fats seem to reduce the risk of prostate cancer.
• A diet that is high in saturated animal fats has been linked to an increased incidence.
• Vegetables from the cruciferous family such as broccoli, cabbage and cauliflower contain iso­thiocyanates, phytochemicals that appear to be protective.
• Whole grains offer fibre, selenium, vitamin E and phytochemicals, all of which play a role in the prevention of cancer.
• Drink plenty of fluids. Anyone with an enlarged prostate should drink plenty of water and other nonalcoholic fluids and reduce intake of caffeine.

According to research led by the National Institutes of Health, zinc takers had twice the risk of prostate cancer.

• Researchers examined zinc intake and prostate cancer risk in nearly 47,000 men. Compared with men who did not take ­supplements, men who took more than 100 milligrams of zinc a day had more than twice the risk of advanced prostate cancer.

Reduce your risk of prostate problems with these nutritional tips and remember to contact your doctor with any questions and concerns.