How to Increase PSA Levels

A heart-healthy diet could help lower your PSAs too.

Increasing levels of a specific protein made in the prostate gland, called prostate-specific antigens or PSAs, are often monitored by doctors through blood tests. Elevated levels of PSAs are known to signal the cancerous development of malignant or benign tumors of the prostate. It's not a fail-safe test, but it's a quick way to determine if a problem might exist -- now or in the near future. On a scale of 1 to 10 nanograms/ml, 4 and below is generally considered safe. If you want to lower your PSA levels, several proven methods will help you do it.

Instructions

1. Convert to a diet reputed to reduce PSA levels and the incidences of heart and prostate cancers. These diets, according to urologist Sheldon Marks at WebMD.com, are typically low in calories and rich in: fresh, organic produce; lean meats like fish or chicken; unsaturated fats like olive or avocado oils; and natural sugars from fruits and unsweetened juices.

2. Avoid foods that are known to contain trans fatty acids. These saturated oils are often used to fry food and are blamed for raising cholesterol and PSA levels. The fat in red meat and dairy products, as well as excessive levels of calcium, also should be avoided.

3. Take a daily vitamin supplement to ensure your body is receiving the antioxidant benefits from anti-cancerous vitamins and minerals like vitamin E, B complex, C, folic acid and selenium.

4. Take a regular dose of aspirin every day. Studies link aspirin's health benefits to better heart health and lower PSA levels.

5. Add red grapes, wine or juice to at least one meal per day, a practice shown to reduce the incidences of cancers and heart attacks. Another potent antioxidant to start drinking, according to WebMD, is green tea.

6. Shop for so-called superfoods like garlic, tomatoes and pomegranate that are reputed to decrease PSAs. Pomegranates and other red fruits like watermelon and various berries contain lycopene, which aids in the proper functioning of the prostate.

Tips & Warnings

• Talk to your doctor about a special vitamin supplement specifically geared toward lowering your PSA. Though supplements should never replace a balanced diet, they can ensure your body's receiving the nutrients necessary to lower your PSA levels.

References

• "The PSA Story"; Dr. William Catalona et al; 2004
• Science Daily: Aspirin Linked to Lower PSAs
• Healthier Talk: Lower PSAs With Pomegranate
• WebMD: PSAs
• WebMD: Dr. Sheldon Marks; How to Prevent Prostate Cancer

Resources

• Mens Health Cures: The Prostate Diet