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10 Tips to Limit Risk for Prostate Cancer

By Debra Nessel, RD, CDE, a registered dietician at Torrance Memorial Medical Center

Awareness of prostate cancer has grown exponentially in recent years. However, the fight against this disease is far from over. In addition to getting a regular prostate exam, here are 10 tips to reduce your risk for the disease.

1. Eat Fruits and Vegetables. Fruits and vegetables are great sources of anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer compounds like vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fibers. These nutrients reduce the risk of developing prostate cancer.

2. Eat Healthy Fats. While eating fats are necessary and unavoidable, picking the natural fats can help strengthen your immune system. People that consume high-fat diets are more likely to develop prostate cancer.

3. Limit Red Meat and Dairy Intake. The World Health Organization reported that diets high in red meat, dairy products, and animal fat have been implicated in the development of prostate cancer.

4. Eat Natural Foods High in Fiber. Natural foods are usually high in fiber. Fiber intake has been linked to lower levels of testosterone and lower prostate-specific antigen scores, both good things for prostate health.

5. Drink Green Tea. Green tea has powerful antioxidants and catechins that slow cancer cell growth and have even been linked to cancer cell death.

6. Hydrate with Water. Drinking water is essential in maximizing your body’s ability to regulate itself and fight off diseases.

7. Exercise Regularly. Regular exercise can slow the spread of prostate cancer as well as have a preventative effect on prostatitis, Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (enlarged prostate), and inflammation.

8. Manage Stress. Stress can weaken the immune system, making people more susceptible to disease.

9. Maintain a Healthy Sex Life. Sexual activity has been linked to a healthy prostate.

10. Consume Omega-3 Rich Foods. Omega-3 fats that are found in some fish and fish oil pills fight inflammation. Inflammation can weaken a body’s immune system and eradicate natural antioxidants found in the body.