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5 foods to help tackle prostate-linked problems

The prostate is a tiny gland. But it needs more attention than you can imagine. The male gland sits below the bladder, surrounds the urethra, and makes fluids for semen. However, an unhealthy prostate can lead to medical conditions like prostate cancer, prostatitis, and Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia in men. Medications, surgery, and supplements like Prosvent® help manage or prevent symptoms. Nevertheless, combining them with these foods can also help reduce the risk of prostate problems.

Broccoli
Broccoli is an excellent cruciferous vegetable source that may help manage problems linked to the prostate. Research suggests that it contains phytochemicals like sulforaphane, eliminating cancerous cells and leaving the healthy prostate cells unscathed. Add broccoli to your soups, salads, stir-fries, steam it before you eat it, or eat it raw. Other cruciferous vegetables such as cabbage, Brussel sprouts, kale, and cauliflower have beneficial properties to fight prostate cancer.

Legumes
Foods like beans, lentils, and peanuts fall under the legume food group and are rich in phytoestrogens – biologically active plant compounds. Such phytoestrogens have shown positive results (a 20% reduced risk of prostate cancer) for people who consumed more legumes. You can always replace meat with legumes. For example, some homemade hummus or a black bean burger loaded with vegetables should serve as a healthy meal.

Tomatoes
Tomatoes are rich in lycopene, a powerful antioxidant known to ward off prostate cancer. It does this by decreasing cell damage and slows the production of cancer cells. However, lycopene is tightly knit to the cell walls of raw tomatoes and requires a little extra cooking effort to extract. Try incorporating fresh tomatoes or sun-dried tomatoes into your meals. You can add fresh tomatoes or sun-dried ones to salads or have them as slices with eggs. You can also drink tomato juice to help curb the condition.

Fish
Fish are an excellent food source for several health benefits, including those that deal with prostate problems. They contain polyunsaturated fats like omega-3s and omega-6s that can decrease the risk of high-grade prostate cancer, even control any subsequent mortality caused by the condition. Add a few fish like salmon, herring, sardines, mackerel, and trout to your daily meals. Fusing them with salads, pasta, soups, or sandwiches can make for a tasty and healthy meal.

Green tea
Green tea is a traditional remedy known for its unmeasurable health benefits. Some studies link compounds in green tea to a reduction in the risk of prostate cancer. Compounds such as xanthine derivatives, epicatechin, and epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) may help regulate tumor growth, cell death, and hormone signaling. When it comes to daily consumption, a cup of green tea to start the day will provide the health benefit you require. It also serves as a viable substitute for coffee.

Apart from these foods, XTANDI (enzalutamide) is a prescription medication used to treat prostate cancer. Those with commercial prescription insurance can opt for the XTANDI Patient Savings Program. It allows patients to pay as low as $0 per prescription, enrolls them for 12 months, and has no income requirements. Uninsured patients may go for the Astellas Patient Assistance Program and get XTANDI at no cost.

One may also try supplements for an enlarged prostate. VitalFlow is one of the many supplements available in the market that can help reduce the size of an enlarged prostate. Its formula is rich in antioxidants that help counter and repair the free radical damage done to the prostate tissues. Research also suggests that the supplement can help restore a patient’s libido, which might be otherwise affected due to an enlarged prostate gland.

Another supplement that could help with prostate relief is Prostafen by Pure Nature Plus. The all-natural formula is made from organic ingredients, comprising superfoods and various other herbal extracts. The supplement contains saw palmetto, Beta-Sitosterol, green tea extract, nettle extract, pumpkin seeds, and Pygeum, which help improve and support prostate health. Studies have shown that users notice positive effects within two weeks. Prostafen has no reported side effects, but it is best to consult your doctor before use.

Prostate cancer patients may consider Xofigo® (radium Ra 223 dichloride). It is an injection that contains radium 223, a mildly radioactive compound that kills cancer cells. Doctors prescribe Xofigo® radium 223 cancer treatment when regular procedures do not work. Also, it is restricted to cases where cancer has not spread to organs other than the bones. The advisable dosage is one injection every four weeks, with six injections in total.

Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test levels reveal if an individual is at risk of developing prostate cancer. A low PSA level indicates a healthy prostate; a score under 4 ng/ml is usually considered normal. An alarming level measures beyond 10 ng/ml and requires immediate medical attention.
Doctors may prescribe Rubraca® to patients with prostate cancer that has stopped responding to other treatment options. While there still are ongoing studies to determine the extent of its effectiveness, it has been approved by the FDA for use in castration-resistant prostate cancer.

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