In 2008, the United States Services Task Force (USSTF) recommended discontinuing routine prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood testing to evaluate prostate health for men. (PSA is a protein produced by cells of the prostate gland and the PSA test measures the level of PSA in a man’s blood.)
The thinking was that what happens in the prostate stays in the prostate, and over-screening can subject men to over-diagnosis and over-treatment, such as painful biopsies and treatments with significant side effects.1
New research overwhelmingly changes the recommendation not to get regular PSA screenings. 1 in 7 men get prostate cancer in America, and it is the second leading cause of malignancy in men.4 Regular screening with the PSA test reduced metastatic disease by 30% and prostate cancer-specific mortality by up 21%.1
In 2013, a group of prostate experts gathered in Melbourne, Australia and created a new set of guidelines called the Melbourne Consensus, which has reinstated the need for regular prostate screening.
Since 2008, there have been great strides in prostate cancer treatments, such as the revolutionary focal laser ablation therapy pioneered by Dr. Gary Onik. Focal laser ablation locates the precise location of the cancer, and then those cells are frozen. With these new therapies, early detection using tools like the PSA test makes a difference.
Supplements to PSA Screening
The PSA test, however, is not the only tool for a comprehensive prostate screening. Your medical doctor should be evaluating numerous factors, such as:
- A Digital Exam
- Prostate volume
- Family history
- Ethnicity
- New tests, such as the Prostate Health Index (PHI) test
- Risk calculators, such as:
Great Prostate News
In 2005, healthy lifestyle changes were evaluated in relation to PSA levels and prostate health. The group that made lifestyle changes such as: a low-fat diet, a diet high in fruits and veggies, and regular exercise saw a staggering benefit. When blood serum from the lifestyle-change group was evaluated, tumor growth was inhibited by a whopping 70%. Serum from the control group who did not make any lifestyle changes showed inhibited tumor growth by only 9%.2
In another study, the diets of 926 men with prostate cancer were followed over a 10-year period. Their diets were classified as either:
• Western, which included processed foods, red meats, high-fat dairy, and refined grains
OR
• Prudent, which included higher intakes of fruits, veggies, fish, legumes, and whole grains
The Western group had a 2.53-fold increase in prostate-related death compared to the Prudent diet group.3
For prostate health, consider a Mediterranean-based diet high in green vegetables, nuts, seeds, fruit, and fiber (think beans) and low in sugar and refined foods. Aim for a diet that is only 10% animal protein. For sure, reduce the intake of red meat and replace it with low-risk mercury fish like sardines and salmon.
Further evaluation suggests that men who consume more than 3 servings of high-fat dairy per day have a 141% increased risk of prostate-specific death.<sup>5</sup>
Note: The dairy used in this study was most likely ultra-pasteurized, non-organic, and homogenized, which is completely different than vat-pasteurized (or raw), non-homogenized, organic dairy. Ayurveda also does not suggest drinking such processed milk. The dairy consumed as part of an Ayurvedic diet is cultured milk in the form of buttermilk, yogurt, soft cheeses, and ghee (also cultured). Read more on how to choose the best dairy here.
Foods that Promote Prostate Health6
- Walnuts
- Flax seeds
- Cruciferous veggies
- Cooked tomatoes and tomato sauce
- Cold water fish (omega-3 fatty acids)
- Pomegranates
- Coffee: more than four cups per day
Foods to Avoid for Prostate Health6
- Eggs
- Processed and refined foods
- Overcooked foods
- High-fat, pasteurized, homogenized milk
- Ground beef and grilled red meat
- DAIRY
John Christian says
I am dealing with at 60 a relatively high PSA and enlarged prostate. Confused about wether to do auyerveda, Chinese medicine which btw is completely and diametrically opposed diets, keto vegetarian.
I became aware of your work involving working out ayuervedicaly years ago. Have tried Ben Ongs prostate hens which are quite expensive as well.
Next month I will order off of a Maharishi auyerveda site their prostate herbs and maybe some other stuff. Any ideas would be more than welcome at this point. Thank you.
Frank Barrett says
John:
The recommendations above can decrease the chances of getting prostate cancer, but if you already have it, I highly doubt that they will stop it or even slow it. Treating prostate cancer involves more than diet or supplements.
Your PSA can be high,but it’s an increase that matters, especially a rapid one. In late 2001, age 58, my PSA score doubled in six months, so I had a biopsy (not at all painful) which confirmed cancer. I then had the choice of nerve-sparing surgery, pellets, radiation, or chemo. I chose surgery because it allowed the surgeon to “see” what was there, not just shoot blindly at it. Then along came laporoscopic surgery, a big improvement. Now we have focal laser ablation therapy, which sounds even better. To stop it, you have to be pro-active, and quick, especially at your young age. (After 80,it doesn’t matter–you can use the “watch and wait” method.)
My best advice is to talk with several urologists now, before things worsen, and find one you are confident in. Whatever you do, don’t wait! Best wishes to you.
Vacheslav says
i wouldn’t listen to you..not treated by diet or supplements says it all!
Marinko says
Nobody is mentioning toxins in the body?
Check out Dr John’s Liver Cleanse.
Why liver? You want liver to be clean and filter bad stuff out,not prostate….
Dont forget to eat fiber( toxins binder).
John says
Hi John
Let direct you to some articles on my site.
Read up on our Prostate Clear it is what I take daily w a family history of prostate issues.
Read my Melatonin articles. After 50 melatonin levels drops and low dose. Melatonin can hack the strong link between age related melatonin and prostate issues
I also suggest reading up on our shilajit (Regenerate) and gokshura on my site.
But the key is always to look to the cause of the inflammation either in a digestive imbalance or diet.
Stop dairy, vegetables oils except coconut and olive and reduce animal protein to 10% for starters
Be well
Dr John