What is alternative prostate treatment?

Any treatment other than surgery, radiation and chemotherapy is considered alternative prostate treatment

- dietary supplements
- water treatment
- ultrasound
- cryotherapy  (use of extremely low temperature to kill cancer cells)
- microwave or heat therapy
- specialized diet (restricting red meat and fat)
- raw food diet
- mega doses of vitamins
- herbs
- teas
- acupuncture
- massage
- meditation
- spiritual healing

When might an alternative prostate treatment be useful?

Exercise and low fat low red meat diet are simply elements of a healthy life-style and are also called "alternative" by the medical establishment. We will probably all agree that prevention is better than treatment, which is where prevention begins. So, the answer to this question is—always--healthy choices are always useful.

In the face of illness, "alternative" treatments are indicated as either the only treatment, or as complimentary treatment intended to enhance quality and length of life when undergoing more frequently used treatment.

When prostate cancer is determined to need treatment, and many cases do not, a plan, which may include alternative prostate treatment, will be determined by several factors:

- stage and size of the tumor,
- health of the patient,
- possible side effects,
- likelihood of success of each option
- patient tolerance for the treatment
- recuperation time expected

Why consider alternative prostate treatment?

One reason is to prevent problems, another is to improve recovery, and the most obvious is to avoid possible side effects of traditional treatments, both temporary and permanent:

- impotence (ED)
- injury
- pain and bleeding
- incontinence
- bowel dysfunction
- infertility
- blood clot (DVT)
- heart or kidney problems
- recurrence
- lack of energy
- diarrhea
- dry skin

The occurrence of side effects has been steadily decreasing in recent years; it is important to know which problems are relevant to your particular situation.

What alternative prostate treatment might be useful?

Raw food diet as alternative prostate treatment is not only helpful to many with prostate problems but for those with other health challenges as well.  Raw food diet will promote healthy skin, high energy, weight loss and better cholesterol While raw food preparation takes considerable time, this diet is considerably less expensive than other diets.  Consult the supportive raw food community on-line and in your town for ideas and information.

Another alternative prostate treatment to consider is adding foods with medicinal properties and supplements to your existing diet which are said by many to increase prostate health. They include:

- African plum
- African wild potato
- Pumpkin
- Rye gradd
- Stinging nettle
- Saw palmetto (to treat benigh prostate enlargement)

In addition to these alternative prostate treatment options, there are procedures and dietary modifications continually being explored around the world.  It is important to research dietary supplements and plants before using any of them because some have been found to be detrimental to health while some have only not been proven to be helpful.