Groundbreaking research suggests that dietary choices, particularly a regimen rich in plant compounds and beneficial bacteria, could be a powerful tool in managing low-risk prostate cancer.
The Four-Month Trial: A Closer Look
This promising discovery stems from a four-month clinical trial involving more than 200 men. The study, a collaboration between experts at the University of Bedfordshire and international teams, meticulously tracked changes in prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels.
Participants were divided into two groups. One half combined a plant-based supplement containing ginger, turmeric, and pomegranate with a specific probiotic. The other group received a placebo.
While both groups experienced a slowdown in PSA progression, the men taking the probiotic alongside the plant blend saw a significantly more dramatic improvement. This points to a potentially synergistic effect between the dietary supplements and gut health.
Lifestyle: A Pivotal Factor in Prostate Health
Dr Jeff Foster, a GP specialising in men's health, emphasises that prostate cancer is uniquely sensitive to daily lifestyle choices. "Certain types of cancer are more affected by lifestyle than others," says Foster. "Prostate cancer is really sensitive to a lot of those things that we say you should do to lead a healthy lifestyle."
He highlights several key, evidence-backed areas for men to focus on:
Avoiding Carcinogens: Strong evidence links tobacco use to more aggressive forms of the disease. Prostate Cancer UK states that quitting can eventually lower risk to that of a lifelong non-smoker. Dr Foster warns that the damage from habits like smoking and drinking accumulates over decades, with age reducing the body's repair efficiency.
Maintaining a Healthy Weight: "The big thing is to keep a healthy body weight because being overweight significantly increases your risk of prostate cancer," Foster explains. Obesity creates a state of chronic inflammation in the body, which is a known risk factor for cancer development.
Exercise: The Best Medicine
Staying physically active is highlighted as one of the most powerful protective measures. "It doesn’t matter what exercise you do, the evidence is actually that just being physically active reduces your risk of many types of cancers. It’s the best medicine you can do," advises Dr Foster.
The gold standard is aiming for about 45 minutes of heart-pumping activity, three to four times a week. The key is to get out of breath and raise your heart rate.
For those already diagnosed, fitness becomes a game-changer for treatment tolerance and recovery speed. A fitter body has a better physiological reserve to handle surgery or chemotherapy and maintain a robust immune system.
Beyond the physical benefits, exercise provides a crucial mental health boost during treatment, releasing endorphins and giving patients a sense of control. "You can’t do anything about having prostate surgery, but you can go to the gym three times a week," says Foster. "So, it’s a really positive step that each individual can make."
