I’m sorry to hear about your grandfather’s battle with prostate cancer, which unfortunately spread to his colon and liver. It’s certainly a reminder of the importance of early detection and a healthy lifestyle, as prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men. Given that several others in my family have also faced prostate cancer, I’m proudly supporting my boyfriend in growing a mustache for Movember this November. He works for Mercedes-Benz Canada, a major Movember partner, so it only makes sense to share his donation page (link at the bottom). I’ll definitely post a picture once his mustache becomes long and scruffy!
As a holistic nutritionist, my emphasis is always on prevention and raising awareness, which is why I appreciate Movember so much. I did some digging and found some intriguing stats about Movember’s impact:
– 93% of participants thought about improving their overall health.
– 59% explored men’s health topics on their own during Movember.
– 87% recognized that their health depends on how well they take care of themselves.
Movember truly is making a difference. So, I’d like to share some tips for keeping your prostate healthy and hopefully avoiding becoming another cancer statistic.
**Consider Zinc:** Are you getting enough? Research shows that 50% of men with prostate cancer are deficient in this essential mineral. That’s concerning because prostate tissue relies on zinc for health. Plus, zinc boosts sperm count and motility. Adequate zinc levels mean lower estrogen and prolactin levels, reducing prostate disease risk. Moreover, zinc can prevent the formation of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) – a potent testosterone variant linked to many issues like prostate enlargement and potentially cancer. Foods rich in zinc include pumpkin seeds, various nuts, spinach, seaweed, and oysters. Try snacking on a handful of pumpkin seeds with dried apricots for a healthy boost!
**Flaxseeds for Health:** A study by Duke University found that consuming 2 tablespoons of ground flaxseed daily reduced testosterone by 15%, slowed cancer cell growth, and increased cancer cell death after just over a month. This may be because flaxseed lignans bind to male hormone receptors. For best results, buy whole flaxseeds, grind them fresh, store them in the fridge, and consume within a week or two. You can add them to yogurt, smoothies, pasta, salads, or soups.
**Eat Your Veggies:** Lycopene-rich vegetables like tomatoes, spinach, kale, broccoli, and berries can enhance prostate health and lower cancer risk when eaten regularly. For better absorption of lycopene, consume these veggies with healthy fats like avocado or extra-virgin olive oil. For a delicious recipe, you can check out [this link](http://www.joyoushealth.ca/2011/09/01/beautifying-local-tomato-salad-with-fresh-basil-avocado/).
**Reduce the “Nasties”:** Alcohol (especially beer), caffeine, and sugar can negatively impact testosterone metabolism. Reducing your intake of these can help.
**Cut Down on Toxins:** Keep your diet as free from pesticides and other harmful chemicals as possible. Eating a diet rich in minimally processed whole foods can help lower prostate cancer risk and reduce toxin exposure. Drinking lemon water every morning on an empty stomach can also aid detoxification.
I truly believe in the power of Movember to create awareness and support those battling cancer. If you’d like to contribute, my boyfriend’s donation page is linked here: [Movember Donation Page](http://ca.movember.com/mospace/2209390/). Even a small donation makes a difference!
Wishing you a wonderful day,
Joy
P.S. Addressing specific questions about nutrition during radiation therapy and concerns about where cancer fundraising money goes, it’s essential to do thorough research and consult with healthcare professionals for guidance. It’s also important to support initiatives that fund vital research and provide care for those undergoing treatment, even as we focus on prevention. If you have questions specifically about zinc or other nutrients, it’s always best to consult with a nutritionist closely involved with your care.
