Prostate specific antigen, or PSA is a protein produced by the prostate that is found in semen. Measuring PSA levels is an important component to detecting possible signs of prostate cancer. High PSA levels in your blood could be a warning sign of an issue with your prostate.
PSA tests reveal the amount of PSA detected in the blood. According to the National Cancer Institute, a PSA level below 4.0 ng/mL is considered normal.
A September, 2006 "Urology" journal study of 29 Australian men with prostate cancer found that those who ate ate wheat bread saw a rise in PSA levels of 40 percent. Conversely, the men who ate soy-enriched bread had a drop in their PSA levels of 12.9 percent.
A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial conducted by researchers at Harvard University that began in 1982 called the Physician's Health Study reviewed more than 20,000 male physicians over 11 years and concluded that there was a moderate increase in prostate cancer risk associated with increased consumption of dairy products.
Eating red meat five or more times per week can raise your PSA levels and possibly double your risk for prostate cancer, according to researchers at the Project to End Cancer.
Foods to Lower PSA Levels
According to the Mayo Clinic, eating a diet rich in whole grains, fruits and vegetables -- including tomatoes and broccoli, which contain antioxidants -- may help lower PSA levels and decrease your risk of developing prostate cancer.