Prostate cancer affects more than 200,000 men each year in the United States alone. Global statistics on prostate cancer continue to grow exponentially, and with the continued modernization of second and third world nations, the number of cases is likely to increase. While these numbers may seem daunting, when caught early, the recovery rate for men with prostate cancer is very high. Men approaching their late forties should make sure to get regular screenings for this form of cancer, as early detection is the first step to any successful treatment.
The precise cause of prostate cancer remains to be determined, but certain factors appear to be related to the onset of the disease. Heredity, hormonal imbalances, advanced age, and exposure to environmental toxins appear to be related to the development of prostate cancer in most men. In its early stages, prostate cancer may have few, if any, external symptoms. However, as the cancer develops, symptoms will begin to manifest. These include difficulty urinating, blood in the urine, back and genital pain, fatigue, and weight loss.
Conventional treatments for prostate cancer continue to rely on invasive techniques to fight the disease. Chemotherapy, drugs, and surgery remain the standard treatment for most cases of prostate cancer. But these treatments come with a number of unpleasant side effects. Chemotherapy, while killing cancer cells, also seriously compromises the patient’s immune system. Surgery can also have adverse effects on a man’s general health and quality of life. Instead of enduring these unwanted side effects, many men are turning to more natural treatments. Men with prostate cancer are discovering that through a combination of faith and holistic therapies they can return to optimal health.
Prostate cancer and nutrition
Nutrition plays an important role in recovery from any disease, and prostate cancer is no different. Strategic changes to a patient’s diet can have important proactive effects on their health. Cancer patients should first begin to eliminate potentially harmful elements from their daily diet, including refined sugars, salt, processed meats, and dairy products. The benefits of a largely vegetarian diet continue to gain credibility in cancer studies around the world. While it may be a definite challenge for some, moving away from a meat-based diet can have great therapeutic effects for men with prostate cancer.
As men make changes to their dietary routine, it is important that they begin adding nutritionally powerful foods to their regular menu. Fresh organic fruits and vegetables, seeds, and nuts contain nutrients that slow the growth of cancer cells and should be a part of every cancer-fighting diet. Tomatoes, carrots, and other rich sources of lycopene and beta-carotene also aid in the fight against cancer and should be added to an already healthy diet.
Nutritional supplements can also be taken to help prevent the growth and reproduction of cancer cells. Specifically, vitamins A, D, and E are powerful antioxidants that help the body fight new cancerous growths. Minerals, such as selenium, calcium, and magnesium, also have distinct anticancer properties that make it increasingly difficult for cancer cells to thrive. Men who have been diagnosed with prostate cancer will want to see a holistic physician to help them establish a dietary regimen, complete with nutritional supplements, that addresses their specific needs as cancer patients.
Christian Health Retreats Offer Support
A prostate cancer diagnosis can make men reeling, and men can benefit greatly from the experiences that can be found at a Christian Health Retreat. In addition to a much-needed retreat from the daily stresses of life, especially at a time when fear and anxiety may be the highest on their minds, men can receive much-needed nutritional and spiritual counseling. Holistic resident physicians can help men develop a nutritional plan to fight cancer and can teach them exercises that will help improve their overall health and stamina. Staying in a Christian health retreat also gives men much-needed time and peace of mind to come to terms with their condition by meditating on God’s word and praying for His guidance. The combination of prayer, praise, and worship can help patients find inner peace and strength to successfully fight the cancer attacking their body. With the support of spiritual advisers, doctors and nutritionists, men can regain their health and peace of mind. Renewed, revitalized, and with a strong nutritional and spiritual battle plan, prostate cancer patients can return to their daily lives armed with the weapons they need to overcome their cancer.