The incidence of prostate cancer is high with about 3 million diagnosed cases per year in the US alone. There are several types of cancers that can attack this walnut shaped gland which is responsible for producing seminal fluid that mixes with sperm to protect it from the acidic vaginal environment.
The prostate is only found in men between the bladder and penis. This deep, out of the way location results in limited blood flow which makes it difficult to treat. However, when detected early, conventional medicine can address prostate cancer using minimal to invasive means that may include hormone therapy, radiation, surgery, and/or chemotherapy.
However, some prostate cancers grow slowly and are monitored every six months rather than invasively treated. If the cancer does not grow and remains contained a person can live with it while applying alternative treatment to manage it at the same time.
As conventional medicine continues to save lives with prostate cancer fighting applications, alternative therapies may help get you through cancer symptoms and medical treatment side effects.
Quick Symptom Check
It is essential to have a yearly physical which is when you can discuss possible symptoms you may be experiencing.
According to WebMD, early stage prostate cancer often shows no signs or symptoms, however a more advanced progression may present one or more of these symptoms:
If You Wait, Infiltrate
If you are lucky enough to be diagnosed early with a slow moving strain, as mentioned this prostate cancer would only require surveillance. This is the perfect opportunity to take immediate alternative action which may sloe your prostate cancer even more. This alternative action would require a 180 degree lifestyle turnaround when it comes to diet, exercise, and stress. Therefore, the following formula is a good jumping off point. Although it may sound daunting, such a change will be worth having you healthy and alive longer not only for yourself but especially for your loved ones. Always check with your doctor before attempting this lifestyle change.
Go Plant-Based
There are scores of studies that prove the benefits for the prostate gland as a result of switching to a plant based diet.
Complimentary Therapies in Medicine published a 2018 case controlled study in Sicily titled study ‘Association Between Dietary Flavonoids Intake And Prostate Cancer Risk’ which concluded that,
“Flavanols and catechins [compounds found in fruits and vegetables] have proved to be the most promising molecules for a potential protective role against PCa [prostate cancer].”
Exercise
Physical movement is especially important due to the compromised blood flow to the prostate. The more you move, particularly cardiovascular exercise, the more healing blood can travel to the area.
A study published in the British Medical Journal concluded that,
“Exercise is rapidly evolving as an emerging and provocative therapy in oncology, with excellent promise to meet the broad and magnified needs of patients with advanced prostate cancer. In particular, exercise has the potential to delay disease progression and extend patient survival,”
Meditation
The stress associated with prostate cancer can be intense. Practicing some form of meditation throughout this journey could make it a less difficult experience and possibly tap into deeper immune system capabilities.
In the abstract of the study, ‘Meditation And Prostate Cancer: Integrating A Mind/Body Intervention With Traditional Therapies’ by researchers from the Robert W. Woodruff Health Sciences Center, Emory University, The Emory Clinic Inc., Atlanta, GA it was stated that,
“There is growing attention to the health benefits of mind/body interventions, particularly relaxation and meditation. Biomedical research has provided undeniable evidence of the interconnectedness of the mind and body. The field of psychoneuroimmunology has defined the role of stress in reducing effectiveness of the immune system in combating infection and growth of malignant tumors.”
Use It, or Lose It
The reality of maintaining a healthy prostate includes using it. This means ejaculation which “exercises” the prostate just like any other gland or muscle that needs to stay healthy. The journal European Urology published the study ‘Ejaculation Frequency and Risk of Prostate Cancer: Updated Results with an Additional Decade of Follow-up’ by researchers from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Mass.
The study consisted of reports by 3,839 men between the ages of 20-29 and 40-49 over the course of ten years. The study concluded that,
“We evaluated whether ejaculation frequency throughout adulthood is related to prostate cancer risk in a large US-based study. We found that men reporting higher compared to lower ejaculatory frequency in adulthood were less likely to be subsequently diagnosed with prostate cancer.”
Detox
It may be helpful to attempt to rid your system of some embedded, deep tissue toxins. The American Association of Naturopathic Physicians stated that,
“Deep in our tissues we store toxins that can interfere with our ability to heal. Old and new toxins should be let out from our bodies in a balanced way without inducing any damage. Removing toxins from our bodies can be accomplished by optimal nourishment, sweating, regular bowel movements, mild exercise, and herbs that assist in liver health: milk thistle, artichoke leaf and dandelion root. A naturopathic physician should be sought out for proper guidance in detoxifying.”
As mentioned, being guided through a detoxification process is essential as many people approach the process without the proper protocol. As a result it can make the experience uncomfortable and possibly dangerous. Talk to your naturopathic, holistic, or alternative doctor for a good detox guideline that fits your situation. It is also important to discuss your detox wit a conventional doctor to make sure there are no contraindications regarding possible pharmaceuticals you may be taking or other risky medical conditions besides prostate issues.
Managing prostate cancer with alternative help doesn’t have to be grasping for straws in the dark. It can be an empowering experience that may even help you get ahead of the curve and miles from serious cancer repercussions. Plus, who knows, maybe you can even heal yourself and walk away cancer-free.