If there is one area of medical concern that is exclusive to men, it is prostate health. My wife and nurse, Damey, is adamant that I see my doctor for routine tests and screenings because we both have known men in our personal and professional lives who have dealt with a variety of medical issues, including prostate conditions.
Since September is Prostate Health Month, we want to review professional dietary pointers that promote prostate health, courtesy of The Christ Hospital Health Network in Cincinnati.
What is the Prostate?
The prostate is a small gland in the male reproductive system that is approximately the size of a walnut and located behind the bladder. This gland helps make semen, and it surrounds the urethra, the tube that carries urine out of the body through the penis.
“Because the prostate gland tends to grow larger with age, it may squeeze the urethra and cause problems in passing urine,” explains the National Cancer Institute (NCI).
Sometimes, younger men can begin experiencing urinary tract symptoms, but typically symptoms are not noticed until later in life.
“Growing older raises your risk of prostate problems. The three most common prostate problems are inflammation (prostatitis), enlarged prostate (BPH, or benign prostatic hyperplasia), and prostate cancer,” according to NCI.
Sarah Heffron, M.Ed., RD, CSO, Clinical Dietician at The Christ Hospital Cancer Center says, “When something as simple as food can make positive changes in your body (and tastes delicious!) why wouldn’t you eat them daily? The payoff is your health and longevity.”
Heffron suggests men maintain a balanced diet that includes the following prostate-friendly foods:
- Cruciferous vegetables. Consuming cruciferous veggies is consistently linked with a decreased risk for prostate cancer as well as recurrence and metastasis. Components in these foods have been shown to slow the growth of prostate cancer cells (among other cancer cells). Include at least one serving per day of arugula, broccoli, brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, collard greens, kale, horseradish, kohlrabi, mustard greens, radishes, rutabaga, turnips, turnip greens, or watercress.
- Allium vegetables. Allium veggies include garlic, onions, leeks, and chives, which have been shown to help kill prostate cancer cells.
- Tomatoes. Tomatoes contain lycopene, which slows prostate cancer growth and metastasis. Your body absorbs more lycopene from cooked tomatoes and those consumed with oils.
- Plant-derived fats. Good sources of omega-3 ALA, plant-derived fats include ground flaxseed, chia seeds, walnuts, hemp seeds and pumpkin seeds. Avoid sources of trans fats like margarines and fried and baked goods. Limit consumption of whole milk dairy products, red meats, processed meats, poultry skin and baked goods (all of which contain saturated fats).
- Fish. Eating healthy fish is correlated with a lower risk for prostate cancer and recurrence. Include at least two servings per week of salmon, sardines, black cod, trout, or herring (all good sources of EPA and DHA omega-3 fatty acids). Avoid swordfish, shark, king mackerel, and tilefish due to high mercury levels.
- Soy. Components in whole soy food (not processed soy) may block hormone-like compounds which contribute to inflammation and may help kill prostate cancer cells.
- Other plant-derived foods and compounds are being studied for anti-prostate properties. These include green tea, coffee, flaxseed meal, pomegranate, milk thistle and turmeric. These can help prevent DNA mutations that may initiate cancers, stop the formation of blood vessels amongst cancer tissue, reduce inflammation, help repair irregular cells and kill cancer cells. Evidence suggests there’s more benefit to obtaining these compounds from whole food rather than by taking supplements.
The nutrition and well-being of our clients is only one area of primary concern by our care team at Home Helpers®. Our collective goal will always be to do whatever we can to make life easier and healthier for senior men and women.
A compassionate Home Helpers® caregiver can plan and prepare nutritious meals, and provide transportation to doctor appointments, prostate, and other vital screenings, companionship during difficult times, as well as, assistance with personal care, light housekeeping, and more.
If you or a special senior gentleman in your life would benefit from these or other in-home care services, Damey and I are happy to schedule a FREE consultation at your convenience to assess specific needs and create a personalized care plan that includes the many ways we can help.
Home Helpers® Canton, OH, is Veteran-owned and operated. We are honored to have received the Home Care Pulse – Best of Home Care® Provider of Choice Award, the Shooting Star Award (2011), and multiple Platinum awards for the superior level of care we provide. We are Certified Senior Advisors and members of the Home Care Association of America, Alzheimer’s Association, and International Franchise Association. Additionally, we were ranked in the Top 500 Franchises by Entrepreneur Magazine in 2019.
Home Helpers® Canton is Making Life Easier™ every day for male and female seniors in Stark County, Portage County, and portions of Summit County including the communities of Akron, Alliance, Canton, East Sparta, Hartville, Jackson, Massillon, Navarre, North Canton, Randolph, and surrounding areas. 330.892.9329
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