Gabe Mirkin, M.D.
Virtually all North American men will develop prostate
cancer if they live long enough, and a faulty diet may be the
cause. Lack of vitamin D appears to increase risk of prostate
cancer because it impairs the body’s ability to remove cancer
cells (Journal of Clinical Oncology, November 2005). Since
calcium blocks the activation of vitamin D and milk is full of
calcium, even vitamin D-enriched milk increases risk for prostate
cancer.
Saturated fat and high doses of zinc also increase risk.
Dietary substance which appear to reduce prostate cancer risk
include lycopene, carotenoids, isoflavones, polyphenols and
other phytochemicals found in vegetables; vitamin E, selenium,
and omega-3 fatty acids found in seeds and fish. At this time, a
diet to reduce risk for prostate cancer should include a wide
variety of plant-based foods and seafood, the same diet
recommended to prevent heart attacks – plus sunshine for
vitamin D.
March 25, 2006