Alternative Prostate Cancer Treatment Is One Available?

Many people are looking for alternative medicines to treat a variety of medical problems, including prostate cancer. Traditional treatments are often very severe and cause unpleasant side effects; this is one reason why many men are looking for an alternative prostate cancer treatment.

An alternative treatment comes under the broad heading of Complementary and Alternative Medicines. Several schools of healing can be included here, like massage, herbal medicines, yoga and alternate therapies. Often alternative therapies are used in conjunction with traditional treatments to help ease symptoms and improve the patient's quality of life. Some patients opt to avoid the traditional treatments in favor of an alternative treatment.

One of the best alternative treatments is diet. A diet that is especially high in fresh fruit, vegetables and whole grains boosts the body's own immune system to help it fight the cancer cells and destroy them. A cancer diet recommends 10 serves of vegetables of all colors, 4 serves of fruit and foods that are high in fiber, every day. No refined flour or sugar, and no red meat should be consumed. Supplementation of probiotics, selenium, folic acid and vitamin B12 will be beneficial.

Research has shown that a diet high in Omega 3 can reduce the effects of prostate cancer. Omega 3 fatty acids are found in oily fish like salmon, tuna and mackerel. The study compared the diets of men who had been diagnosed with prostate cancer and found that those who ate more fish and less red meat were less likely to have prostate cancer. Furthermore, it was found that the rate of growth of a prostate cancer tumor could be reduced by increasing the Omega 3 in the diet. Omega 3 is also available as a supplement.

Green tea is especially high in antioxidants as well as other beneficial ingredients. Laboratory studies have shown that green tea's active ingredients like polyphenols and catechins have a part to play in controlling the growth and spread of tumors, and even in them getting started. While green tea has not yet been proven in human trials as a treatment for prostate cancer, the signs are good. Enjoy the other benefits of drinking green tea or take it as a supplement to improve your health and help slow the growth of cancer cells.

Herbal preparations are another alternative prostate cancer treatment. Herbs such as saw palmetto and garlic have been used by many cancer patients, and have become very popular remedies in Europe. Popularity of saw palmetto is growing in the United States.

Other supplements that many believe to help with the treatment of prostate cancer include vitamins C, D and E, selenium, omega 3 essential fatty acids and antioxidants. These supplements also boost the immune system and help to slow the rate of growth of the cancer.

It is widely recognized that the ancient Asian arts of meditation, yoga and tai chi help to relax and calm the mind, reduce and relieve stress, teach control of the mind and body and help with the control of emotions. All of these benefits will help the prostate cancer patient feel better, be more in control of their thoughts and emotions and reduce the negative effects of stress on the body.

If you are taking medication prescribed by a doctor, be aware that some herbal preparations can conflict with some drugs. Always consult your doctor before starting any alternative medicine.