Prostate Cancer and Alternative Medicine

Naturopathic (Natural) Medicine and Prostate Cancer

The man who has received a diagnosis of prostate cancer may have many questions and treatment decisions to make. Conventional doctors use watchful waiting as an alternative to surgery or drugs for men who are diagnosed in the early stages of cancer and elderly men because prostate cancer is a slow-growing cancer and it can be years before symptoms become a problem. The doctor monitors the patient's condition for any change that may indicate the need for treatment.

From a naturopathic perspective, watchful waiting is a specific treatment because changes are made to the patient's diet and herbs and supplements are prescribed. Benefits to watchful waiting include improving overall health; providing time for the patient to evaluate options and treatments; reducing or eliminating the need for surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation; and producing minimal side effects. Regular digital rectal exams and PSA monitoring are conducted during watchful waiting, and if indicated, more aggressive treatment is initiated.

Prostate cancer patients undergoing conventional therapies also benefit from nutritional and herbal support. Presurgical and postsurgical support suggestions are provided below.

Because naturopathic treatment is geared to the individual needs of the patient, it is best, if possible, to have a licensed naturopathic physician or holistic MD or DO determine which naturopathic therapies are most appropriate. The situation is best when all physicians—holistic and allopathic—work together to develop an optimal treatment plan.

Nutrition & Prostate Cancer

Nutrition plays a very important role in cancer treatment. Scientific evidence shows that nutrition and physical activity are the two most important modifiable risk factors to alter the course of cancer, prevent its occurrence, and stop its progression. Remember, you are what you eat. Poor nutrition provides a favorable environment for cancer to grow and develop. Proper nutrition supports the immune system, starves cancer cells, and provides micro- and macronutrients.

• Avoid sugar (the preferred food of cancer), dairy products, refined foods, fried foods, junk foods, caffeine, alcohol, nitrates, and food coloring. Limit high-fat (e.g., saturated and trans fats) foods, particularly red meat, which have been implicated in prostate cancer.
• Eliminate food sensitivities. Use an elimination and challenge diet to determine food sensitivities.
• Drink 50% of body weight in ounces of water daily (e.g., a 150 lb person would drink 75 oz of water). Drink spring or distilled water; avoid chlorine and fluoride.

Supplements & Prostate Cancer

Supplements are intended to provide nutritional support. Because a supplement or a recommended dose may not be appropriate for all persons, a physician (e.g., a licensed naturopathic physician or holistic MD or DO) should be consulted before using any product. Recommended doses follow:

• Curcumin - 400 mg 3 times daily. Curcumin is a yellow pigment in Turmeric
  (Curcuma longa) with strong anti-inflammatory properties.
• Fractionated citrus pectin (also called modified citrus pectin or MCP) - 6 grams 2 times daily. MCP powder is usually dissolved in a small amount of water and then diluted juice. It interferes with cancer cells' ability to aggregate and attach to healthy cells and inhibits cancer cell growth.
• Genistein - 200 mg daily. An isoflavone that inhibits the growth of cancer cells and acts as an antioxidant. Soy nuts are high in genistein.
• Green tea - Drink at least 4 cups a day or take a standardized extract. Inhibits cancer cell growth and induces apoptosis (programmed cell death).
• Lycopene - 10 mg daily. A carotenoid found primarily in tomatoes.
• Melatonin - 20 mg daily. Inhibits cancer cell growth and potentiates the beneficial effects of chemotherapy and radiation while reducing their side effects.
• Selenium - 400–800 mcg daily. A potent antioxidant.
• Vitamin D - .25–.50 mcg daily. Inhibits cancer cell growth and may induce apoptosis.
• Vitamin E succinate - 1200–1600 IUs daily. Inhibits cancer cell growth and promotes normal cell division.
• Zinc - 1550 mg daily. As zinc competes with copper for absorption, it is important to supplement with copper. Zinc supplements containing copper are available. Supports immune function.
• http://alternativemedicine.healthcommunities.com/prostatecancer/naturopathy.shtml
• www.awcsandiego.com