Many studies have looked at the possible benefits of specific nutrients (often as supplements) in helping to treat prostate cancer, although most of this research is still ongoing.
Some compounds being studied include extracts from:
Pomegranate
Green tea
Broccoli
Turmeric
Flax seed
Soy
Some early research has found that in men with a rising PSA level after surgery or radiation therapy, drinking pomegranate juice or taking a pomegranate extract may slow the time it takes for the PSA level to double. Larger studies are now looking for possible effects of pomegranate juices and extracts on prostate cancer growth.
Some encouraging early results have also been reported with flax seed supplements. One small study in men with early prostate cancer found that daily flax seed seemed to slow the rate at which prostate cancer cells multiplied. More research is needed to confirm this finding.
A recent study showed that taking soy supplements after surgery (radical prostatectomy) for prostate cancer did not lower the risk of the cancer coming back.
One study has found that men who choose not to have treatment for their localized prostate cancer may be able to slow its growth with intensive lifestyle changes. The men in the study ate a vegan diet (no meat, fish, eggs, or dairy products) and exercised frequently. They also took part in support groups and yoga. After one year the men saw, on average, a slight drop in their PSA level. It isn’t known if this effect will last since the report only followed the men for 1 year. The regimen may also be hard for some men to follow.