AYURVEDA PERSPECTIVE ON PROSTATE CANCER

Risks & Environmental Factors

Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of death by cancer in men, just after lung cancer. Approximately 1 in 9 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime. The Joyful Belly quiz database shows a high correlation between high Vata and Kapha, and a negative correlation with Pitta.

Numerous studies have shown that immigration to developed nations increases the risk of prostate cancer. This finding implies that environmental factors, diet, or physical activity have a significant impact on prostate cancer.

Prostate cancer is more frequent in black men than white men. Screening is recommended for men over age 45 years with a family history of prostate cancer and/or who are African American.

Development & Imbalance

Prostate cancer is frequently due to hormonal stimulation from testosterone and estrogen. Androgens (such as Testosterone) increase risk of prostate cancer. While antiandrogens are indicated, testosterone lowering pharmaceuticals can have a feminizing effect.

Endocrine Disruptors such as pesticides can increase hormonal stimulation of the prostate. High fat diets, diabetes and smoking are also risk factors.

It is often asymptomatic at the early stage but may present with blood in the urine, an enlarged prostate, or by palpable nodules on the prostate. It may be detected by high PSA levels. Prostate cancer is slow growing and may require minimal or even no treatment (it has an indolent course). Herbal treatment may be sufficient. The surrounding bones should be checked as this is a frequent site for metastasis. Check with your medical doctor.

An enlarged prostate can cause stagnation of fluids in the bladder. From an Ayurvedic standpoint, Prostate conditions are generally associated with Kapha stagnation of fluids in the pelvic floor. We note a high correlation between prostate cancer and history of heart attack (also a stagnation condition) in the Joyful Belly database. High kapha thickens the blood plasma, making fluids and lymph difficult to circulate. We conjecture that this causes buildup of impurities (ama) in the prostate. Individual pathogenesis may vary.

Lifestyle for Prostate Cancer

The prostate gland itself is subject to stagnation of blood and fluids. Ayurveda generally recommends Kegel exercises to reduce stagnation of fluids in the prostate as a preventative measure. Once cancer is present, squeezing the gland may increase risk of metastasizing. Avoid sitting for long periods as this encourages stagnation "down there". Exercise frequently to improve circulation. Keep your cell phone out of your pocket.

Diet for Prostate Cancer

High intake of total fat was associated with a statistically significant increase in prostate cancer risk (Rowla, 2019), such as in red meat and dairy. Barbecued, charred or roasted meats increase oxidative stress.

Flavonoids and isoflavones in fruits and vegetables have a cancer reducing effect. Crucifers or Brassica vegetables (broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, cabbage, and turnips) are a associated with a strong reduced prostate cancer risk. Legumes (such as soy) are high in isoflavones, a plant sterol that binds to estrogen sites. The antioxidants in green tea and purple or red berries have an anticancer effect. Tomatoes (due to lycopene) may have a positive effect. Individual cases may vary.

Vitamin D deficiency (due to reduced sunlight exposure) increases risk, as does a high calcium diet. Selenium reduces cancer risk. Avoid consuming foods from containers lined with BPA.

Herbs for Prostate Cancer

Gokshura is a male tonic that increases production of seminal fluids, flushing the prostate gland. It is also a diuretic, useful for flushing stagnant urine from the bladder. Manjistha is a cooling herb that thins the blood, reducing stagnation. Turmeric, ginger, neem and ashwagandha are anticarcinogenic. Traditional western herbalism uses saw palmetto.

Cancer is a serious condition. The information on this page is for educational purposes only and should not be used to treat a medical condition. It is not a substitute for medical care. Please check with your doctor before making any changes to your health and wellness routine.