More evidence for the prevention of prostate cancer by dietary changes and exercise.

It has been suggested that prostate cancer might be an aspect of the metabolic syndrome, a co ndition which includes insulin resistance, high blood pressure and weight gain. Insulin resistance means that the insulin is not as effective as it used to be in transferring the blood sugar into the cells where it can be used for energy, due to changes on the receptor sites of the cells.

Diet and exercise have shown to alter factors that slow the growth and induce apoptosis (cell death) of prostate cancer. The research reviewed here investigated why exercise and a diet low in fat and high in fiber would provide anticancer effects (Soliman S. et al. 2009, Barnard RJ. 2007)

The researchers found that the intervention slowed the growth and increased apoptosis (cell death) in prostate cancer cells and the results were associated with a reduction in serum IGF-1 (insulin like growth factor-1).

Exercise and the right diet have a health promoting effect on the growth factor IGF-1.

The researchers concluded that diet and exercise intervention might help prevent prostate cancer as well as aid in the treatment of prostate cancer during the early stages of development.

To learn more about an effective dietary approach read the book “The Food Connection”, click here.

To read original research abstracts click on the references below.




Reference:

Analyzing Serum-Stimulated Prostate Cancer Cell Lines After Low-Fat, High-Fiber Diet and Exercise Intervention. Soliman S, Aronson WJ, Barnard RJ,. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2009 Apr 17.

Prostate cancer prevention by nutritional means to alleviate metabolic syndrome. Barnard RJ,. Am J Clin Nutr. 2007 Sep;86(3):s889-93.