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Prostate Cancer – Warning Signs and Management

Prostate Cancer – Warning Signs and Management

The second most common cancer in men is prostate cancer. It impacts the prostate gland, which secretes seminal fluid. Prostate cancer is usually localized and does not migrate. Early cancer detection results in less harm and more successful treatment of cancer. Although there are treatment alternatives, there are active clinical trials for more advanced treatments for prostate cancer. Read on to learn more about the warning signs and foods to eat and avoid for prostate cancer.

5 early warning signs of prostate cancer
Frequent urge to urinate
The prostate tumor exerts pressure on the urethra and the bladder, leading to a person getting an urge to urinate, especially at night. 

Weak flow of urine
Weak urine flow need not always be a sign of prostate cancer as one experiences trouble urinating as one ages. However, if one experiences a weak flow of urine or has no control over starting and stopping it, it is advisable to consult a doctor. 

Numbness or pain
As cancer advances, one might experience unexplainable pain in the hips, chest, or lower back. Some men may also experience numbness in the legs.

Burning or painful urination
Burning or experiencing pain while urinating is called dysuria. It is a common symptom of UTIs. However, it may also be a symptom of prostate cancer. It is better to get it checked.

Blood in the urine
Hematuria is a symptom of prostate cancer but can also be a symptom of health issues like UTIs. It always helps to get it checked.

Meal plan for prostate cancer
A well-balanced meal plan with ample fruits and vegetables, complex carbohydrates from whole grains, and healthy proteins can prevent prostate cancer and improve one’s overall health. Additionally, even when diagnosed with prostate cancer, paying attention to what is on one’s plate can go a long way in aiding your treatment. 

5 foods to manage prostate cancer
Broccoli
Broccoli contains complex compounds that can protect a person from cancer. This cruciferous vegetable boasts phytochemicals like sulforaphane that can target cancer cells while leaving out normal healthy prostate cells. Other vegetables like cauliflower, kale, cabbage, and Brussels sprouts also contain phytochemicals and can protect the prostate. 

Green tea
There must be some health benefits when a billion people have been drinking this for years. Green tea has several compounds like xanthine derivatives, antioxidants, and epicatechin that improve overall health. Researchers now believe that green tea can potentially minimize the risk of prostate cancer by targeting tumor cells and hormones that signal their growth. 

Tomatoes
Tomatoes contain a powerful antioxidant known as lycopene, which can reduce the risk of developing prostate cancer. Several studies indicate that lycopene can potentially decrease cell damage and slow down the production of cancer cells. Additionally, research shows that people who eat more tomatoes are less likely to develop prostate cancer. Since lycopene is tightly bound to the cell wall in raw tomatoes, it is best to eat them cooked or puréed to enjoy its benefits. 

Legumes
Legumes are food items that include beans, lentils, and peanuts. These plants contain an active compound known as a phytoestrogen. This compound can reduce the risk of prostate cancer by as much as 20%. The antioxidant properties found in legumes affect hormone regulation and cell death, which can reduce the risk of prostate cancer. 

Pomegranates
Pomegranates are replete with antioxidants and can help reduce oxidative stress, thus inhibiting the growth of prostate cancer cells. Pomegranate juice impedes the production of prostate cancer cells and therefore is beneficial for preventing this disease. Including pomegranate seeds in salads or adding pomegranate juice to sparkling water to improve prostate health is healthy. 

5 foods to avoid during prostate cancer treatment
Dairy products
Consuming large amounts of dairy products tends to increase the risk of prostate cancer. Whole milk seems to accelerate the progression of prostate cancer. Skimmed milk also has a similar effect, especially in the early stages of the disease. It is best to reduce the intake of full-fat cheese, yogurt, butter, and cream. Instead, look for non-dairy options like flax, rice, almond, soy, cashew, or coconut milk.  

Red meat
Regular meat consumption can increase one’s risk of prostate cancer. Heterocyclic amines are a type of carcinogen present in large amounts in red meat. It is best to avoid beef, pork, and other red meats to reduce the risk of prostate cancer. Alternatively, one could turn to lean poultry, legumes, nuts, and canned fish.

Sugary foods
Sugary foods do not provide any nutritional value to one’s body. They are high in sugar and glycemic carbohydrates. Sugar-laden foods like cakes, cookies, pies, and sugary drinks can hamper a person’s immunity and lead to other health conditions. Too many sugary foods lead to a shoot in blood sugar levels, impacting the prostate gland. 

Saturated fats
Saturated fats are present in processed foods, baked goods, dairy products, meats, and salad dressings. Saturated fats have a direct link to increased risk of several conditions, including heart conditions, as well as several cancers, including prostate cancer. Reducing the intake of saturated fats is associated with a healthy prostate and overall improved health. 

Sodium
High salt intake is linked to increased urinary tract symptoms associated with prostate cancer. Sodium tends to affect the kidneys and the prostate, so one should avoid excess salt consumption. It is best to follow a low-sodium meal plan and reduce intake of canned foods, cured meats, and frozen bread-based dinners. 

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and eating the right kind of foods is important during the prostate cancer treatment period. Maintaining healthy eating habits will help prostate cancer patients feel better by aiding in relieving the symptoms. Making healthy meal changes can aid a person’s recovery from prostate cancer.

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