In this 3rd of 4 blog posts of this series, some specific nutrients re: prostate cancer will be mentioned.
(Photo courtesy of Felipedan via rgbstock.com)
NOTE: For the following specific nutrient categories, only general infotainment will be mentioned as any specifics for intake levels should come from a person’s health care practitioner(s):
8. Calcium intake recommendations in general in the literature are to avoid very low or very high levels of calcium intake, both of which have been identified as potentially increasing one’s risk for prostate cancer development. It has been mentioned in the literature as being prudent to avoid high calcium intake because there may be potential increased negative association with prostate cancer incidence and it is been shown that a high intake of Calcium including via supplementation suppresses circulating levels of Vitamin D.
9. Vitamin D intake recommendation has typically been based on assessment of an optimal level of circulating 25-OH Vitamin D which should be discussed with a physician. This is especially suggested in patients with prostate cancer undergoing Androgen Deprivation Therapy (ADT), which blocks the production or action of testosterone and dihydrotestosterone, &/or in those with naturally darker skin pigmentation.
If increased intake of Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) is suggested by a physician, then that intake might possibly include supplementation via either Over-the-Counter (OTC) or prescription Vit D pharmaceutical grade source options; and/or intake of non-dairy sources such as cold-water fish (Atlantic herring; Atlantic cod, herring or mackerel; catfish; Greenland halibut; Pacific sardines; Sockeye salmon); and/or fortified food products such as soy milk and various lower sugar content cereals; &/or of course, prudent exposure to sunlight with recommended sunscreen protection per one’s physician.
Vitamin D has been identified as inhibiting prostate cancer in animals. It is known that there is faster bone loss propensity in males receiving ADT. Exercise in combination with a higher protein intake often helps reduce both lean-muscle loss and bone mass loss and better preserve metabolic caloric expenditure to prevent fat weight gain; as well as helps improve mood and helps to treat mild depression that sometimes can occur with males receiving ADT treatment.
10. Fat intake in general and intake of specific fatty acids in particular need to be watched.
Cholesterol, combined with dietary fat sources of fatty acids, are part of the building blocks from which male hormones, known as androgens (associated with prostate cancer) are produced in the body. It is postulated that chronically high levels of testosterone, the major male androgen hormone, can lead to the development of prostate cancer. Evidence points to the likelihood that high-fat diets can raise male androgen hormone levels. Studies have shown that vegetarians, who often consume less dietary fat from saturated fat sources, and have a potentially lower total fat intake overall, often have lower levels of testosterone than individuals who consume meat.
The literature suggests that one should avoid trans-fats that come from partially hydrogenated and hydrogenated fats (and remember that if the level of trans-fats in a food product is below 0.5 grams per serving, then by law the mfgr can list “0” for the trans-fat content on the nutrition facts label for the food item per serving). Note that trans-fats have been associated with nonaggressive rather than aggressive prostate cancer tumors.
The literature also suggests that one should avoid intake of hydrogenated fats in stick and other more solid types of margarine, in processed food items, and in those food items which are fried.
Studies have indicated a positive association between saturated fat intake from sources such as both higher fat level dairy products and meat sources with prostate cancer incidence. Intake of both higher fat dairy products and red meat have also been linked to an increased risk of developing metastatic prostate cancer. It is suggested in most literature to also limit one’s intake of the majority of commercial baked goods and other items that are typically high in saturated fat & total fat content along with butter, dairy products, most mayonnaises, and most meats. If beef is being consumed, then consider the leanest cuts of beef per se as noted in a beef industry wallet guide.
11. A potential positive role of Omega-3 Fatty Acids (a category of monounsaturated fatty acids) in relation to prostate cancer (inhibition of cancer promotion and progression) has been discussed in the literature. Realize that a diet lower overall in fat should be aimed for, while choosing healthier fats for those fats that are consumed, including rich sources of Omega-3 Fatty Acids, such as avocados, canola oil, cold-water fish, flaxseed, olive oil, soybeans, walnuts, etc.
The type of fat choices consumed needs to be considered along with an overall lower fat intake.
Consuming cold water wild catch origin fish such as herring, mackerel, sablefish, salmon, sardines, striped and other bass, trout, and white albacore tuna some 2 or more times/week has been considered to be associated with a reduction in prostate cancer progression. (Caviar is another option for the Warren Buffet types of this world). Other Omega-3 Fatty Acids rich food sources anyone can consider consuming (taking into account their total medical health) include not only cold-water fish, but also in particular chia seeds, flaxseeds, hemp seeds, pumpkin seeds, and walnuts.
Only if your physician or health care provider suggests any type of supplement should you take one of a given dose and again, only on medical orders.
Keep in mind that men who are on any type of blood-thinning medications including aspirin and/or have a family history of diabetes and/or stroke could in rare instances experience negative side effects from Omega-3 Fatty Acid supplementation and again need to have clearance by their physician to take any supplements whatsoever.
12. Omega-9 Fatty Acids (another category of monunsaturated fatty acids) appear to have a neutral or perhaps slightly positive protective effect on prostate cancer risk per se and the overall suggestion in the literature is to use Omega-9 Fatty Acids in moderation. As a monounsaturated fatty acid, some dietary sources of Omega-9 fatty acids include almonds, avocados, canola oil, Extra-Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO), and macadamia nut oil.
13. CAUTION: High intake of Omega-6 Fatty Acids (still another category of monunsaturated fatty acids) in the form of Linoleic acid, some of which can later be converted to Arachidonic Acid, may stimulate growth of prostate cancer cells so the literature suggests limiting one’s intake of the following food sources: butter; corn oil; cottonseed oil; egg yolk; meats; safflower oil; sunflower oil; whole milk or milk with any milk fat content.
ALSO NOTE: A balance of Omega-3 Fatty Acids to Omega-6 Fatty Acids is critical to maintain proper prostaglandin metabolism.
14. Flax seed (a source of Omega-3 Fatty Acids & also major dietary lignans source as in ~800x the lignans levels found in any other food source) supplementation can bind with and decrease testosterone levels. Lignans may work to enhance the functioning of the immune system (most of which is in one’s GI tract), inhibit angiogenesis, and slow down prostate cancer tumor growth.
Since flax seed intake can sometimes have a laxative effect in some individuals, if it is suggested by your health care practitioner in any instance to consume it, then remember to start out slowly with a lower dose and build up gradually to the optimal dose suggested by your health care practitioner.
15. Glutamine, Prebiotics & Probiotics use is sometimes suggested in the literature in instances of GI complications.
Glutamine may decrease the incidence and/or severity of some specific types of particular chemotherapy induced side effects such as cardiotoxicity, mucositis, and neuropathy. It has been studied to a limited extent in regard to radiation-induced GI toxicity.
Prebiotics are fermented to short chain fatty aids, which are necessary for colonic enterocyte metabolism and stimulate the growth of friendly bacteria, thus making the use of barley, fructooligosaccharides, and inulin also beneficial.
Probiotics have assisted with ameliorating the incidence and severity of GI side effects of radiation-induced diarrhea.
16. Green Tea Catechins or an equivalent amount of epigallocatechin gallate extract may be helpful–the research is still in early stages, accordingly recommendations can vary. The phytonutrients in the polyphenol arena (specifically flavonoids) found in these substances are thought to provide both antioxidant and anti-cancer properties. It is thought that these critical nutrients may block the formation of cancer-causing nitrosamines, inhibit COX-2 activity, inhibit Insulin-like Growth Factor (IGF), increase the immune system response, induce cancer cell death, prevent DNA damage, and suppress cancer cell growth. The polyphenols found in Green Tea are thought to be several hundred times more powerful than those found in Vitamin E.
17. Lean “meat” consumption–the overall recommendation in the literature is to limit consumption of lean beef, fish, pork, or poultry as well as low-fat dairy sources of protein and utilize better cooking methods when it comes to “lean muscle meat” preparation. For further details on these recommendations, please see another blog post this month: Summertime Cooking & Entertaining: Beyond Food Safety as it goes into detail about considerations when it comes to meat preparation, especially concerns for grilling “meat” items on the BBQ, etc.
18. Lycopene intake from food sources is sometimes suggested in the literature (the study data is mixed, but if lycopene is consumed, it is suggested that it be from a natural food source such as from preferably a cooked tomato product since cooking breaks down tomato cell walls, which increases the absorption of lycopene). The presence of a small amount of a healthier fat in a food item (such as olive oil) has also been associated with increased lycopene absorption. It is thought that lycopene may inhibit proliferation of cancer cells and be an effective radical scavenger.
In Part 4 of 4 in this blog series of posts we’ll include some additional information on:
- Medicinal Mushrooms
- Modified citrus pectin
- Polyphenols
- Pomegranates
- Selenium & potential Vitamin E synergistic actions
- Simple sugars (& concerns for IGF)
- Soy (and other lean protein sources, including legumes)
- Soy & potential Green Tea synergistic actions
- Turmeric
- Vitamin E
For hotlinks to potential resource sites, please see Part 1 of this blog series.
We sincerely hope you find this series to be informative and helpful and please remember to discuss specifics about what they recommend for your individual health status with your health care practitioners.