What To Eat I Have Prostate Cancer
If you are 1 of 7 men in the U.S. to have been diagnosed with prostate cancer, then you may be debating the nutritional aspects of this diagnosis.
The goal of this self-debate about diet is to reduce the risk of prostate cancer progression. Just as important in regard to diet is to improve your overall health , improve quality of life and increase longevity.
What are the nutrition recommendations for men with prostate cancer? Lets review the conclusions of scientific evidence for known factors as well as briefly mentioning food ideas that have gained popular attention but lack sufficient data to make recommendations.
The Continuous Update Project analyzes worldwide research and makes recommendations. The 2014 report looked at 104 studies from around the world with over 191,000 cases of prostate cancer. This is their findings:
Dont Miss: Average Recovery Time For Prostate Removal
Foods High In Antioxidants Like Fruits And Veggies
Antioxidants are a large group of molecules that help neutralize the free radicals that can overwhelm the body during cancer.
Some antioxidants have familiar names, like vitamins C, E and A, but there are many more that cannot be bottled up and sold as a supplement.
When looking for foods high in antioxidants, look no further than the produce section. Bright, colorful veggies and fruit are great sources.
I encourage all my patients to eat fruits and vegetables, Christie says, aiming for at least five servings a day from all colors of the rainbow.
How Does The Doctor Know I Have Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer tends to grow slowly over many years. Most men with early prostate cancer dont have changes that they notice. Signs of prostate cancer most often show up later, as the cancer grows.
Some signs of prostate cancer are trouble peeing, blood in the pee , trouble getting an erection, and pain in the back, hips, ribs, or other bones.
If signs are pointing to prostate cancer, tests will be done. Most men will not need all of them, but here are some of the tests you may need:
PSA blood test: PSA is a protein thats made by the prostate gland and can be found in the blood. Prostate cancer can make PSA levels go up. Blood tests will be done to see what your PSA level is and how it changes over time.
Transrectal ultrasound : For this test, a small wand is put into your rectum. It gives off sound waves and picks up the echoes as they bounce off the prostate gland. The echoes are made into a picture on a computer screen.
MRI: This test uses radio waves and strong magnets to make detailed pictures of the body. MRI scans can be used to look at the prostate and can show if the cancer has spread outside the prostate to nearby organs.
Prostate biopsy: For a prostate biopsy, the doctor uses a long, hollow needle to take out small pieces of the prostate where the cancer might be. This is often done while using TRUS or MRI to look at the prostate. The prostate pieces are then checked for cancer cells. Ask the doctor what kind of biopsy you need and how its done.
Recommended Reading: Why Is Prostate Cancer So Common
Studies On Calorie Intake
There are studies that have shown the effects of different calorie intake values on prostate cancer risk. In one study, researchers considered two groups of people. The first group consumed a minimum of 2,439 calories on a daily basis. The second group consumed a maximum of 1,322 calories per day.
Following statistical research, it was found that a higher calorie consumption increases the risk related to prostate cancer. The risk for localized prostate cancer increased by 115% among those who consumed more than 2,439 calories each day this data was compared to the group who consumed a low number of calories.
Another study considered the difference between a diet that included 1,064 calories and another diet that had 2,624 or more calories. The risk of prostate cancer was four times higher among the men who consumed the higher number of calories.
With these factors in mind, it is important that men consider their calorie intake, along with the food they consume. Eating too many calories may negatively impact the prostate gland and essentially increase the likeliness of cancer cells growing in this part of the body.
Can Diet Help Fight Prostate Cancer
Can adopting a healthier diet help fight prostate cancer? Thats a question men newly diagnosed with prostate cancer often ask their doctors.
Several studies have shown that in countries where men eat a typical Western diet containing a large amount of meat, the incidence of prostate cancer, especially aggressive prostate cancer, is higher than in countries where plant-based foods are a primary part of the diet. Unfortunately, these studies werent designed to prove cause and effect. So for now, definitive answers about prostate cancer and diet arent yet in although researchers are actively studying this topic.
Investigators launched a federally funded national study to see whether a diet thats higher in plant-based foods and lower in animal-based foods than the typical Western diet would help control tumor growth in men with early-stage prostate cancer.
The Mens Eating and Living study included men 50-80 years old who had small, low-grade tumors and who opted to have their condition followed closely rather than undergoing immediate treatment. The researchers randomly assigned participants to telephone counseling about how to achieve the dietary MEAL goals or to a control group that received standard dietary advice for Americans.
Heres what the MEAL eating plan looks like:
You May Like: Alternative Cures For Prostate Cancer
Also Check: Does Enlarged Prostate Cause Premature Ejaculation
What Not To Eat When You Have Prostate Cancer
While some foods have been proven beneficial for people who are at a high risk of prostate cancer, as well as beneficial for men who have been diagnosed with prostate cancer, there are some foods that men should avoid including in their diet. These foods can not only contribute to a higher risk of prostate cancer but could also make prostate cancer more aggressive once diagnosed.
Everyday Health reports that the following are all foods that should be limited in a mans diet, or even avoided completely if possible:
- Red meats are known to contain certain substances that might lead to a higher risk of prostate cancer.
- Meat that has been barbecued or grilled are linked to a double risk of developing prostate cancer.
- Processed foods should be avoided completed if it is possible since these foods are also known to contribute significantly to a mans risk of developing cancer within their prostate.
- Dairy products are also not the best choice for men who are already at a high risk of developing this particular type of cancer. Even low-fat dairy products may contain substances that could contribute to prostate cancer.
Note that even though red meats may increase a mans risk of prostate cancer, it is not necessary to completely remove these meats from their diet. Try to stick to lean cuts. Protein can also be obtained from legumes and beans.
Are There Any Foods I Should Eat Less Of
You may have heard that eating a lot of certain foods may be harmful for men with prostate cancer, including:
- dairy foods and calcium
- red or processed meat
- fatty foods.
With all of these foods, some studies have suggested they might be harmful for men with prostate cancer, but other studies havent found a link. This means we cant say for sure whether eating less of these foods can help.
Theres no need to cut these foods out of your diet completely. We need more research to fully understand their effect on prostate cancer, but you can still eat most of these foods in moderate amounts as part of a healthy, balanced diet. However, the World Cancer Research Fund recommends avoiding processed meat, as it can increase your risk of some other types of cancer.
Read Also: Does Enlarged Prostate Mean Cancer
What To Eat To Avoid Prostate Tumors
If you have been diagnosed with prostate cancer, you may wonder what you can do to increase your odds of beating the disease. Understandably, you want to do everything you can. And while not everything is in your power, one important factor that is within your control is what you eat.
Research shows that eating certain foods can help you to reduce your risk factors for aggressive prostate tumors. Making changes such as including healthy oils, eating more walnuts and increasing the amount of cruciferous vegetables you eat can help you make a big difference in fighting prostate cancer, as well as improving other aspects of your health. Many men who have prostate cancer actually die with prostate cancer, as opposed to because of prostate cancer. Therefore, it is also important to protect your heart and general health as well.
Changing your diet when you have prostate cancer and continuing to live a healthy lifestyle after you are done with treatment are important for lowering your risk factors and maintaining good health. Even if you have completed treatment for prostate cancer, you should be aware that 30 percent of prostate cancers return. What you eat during and after treatment can have a major impact on your prostate and general health.
Things You Cant Change: Age Race And Genes
Prostate cancer is primarily a disease of aging. As you get older, your chances of developing prostate cancer increase. Race and genetics also play a significant role. If you are African American, your chances of developing prostate cancer are double those of white American men. If your father, brother or multiple blood relatives had prostate cancer, you are more likely to get it, too.
Preventing prostate cancer might be difficult if you have these risk factors, but screening early and often can help ensure that if you do get cancer, its diagnosed and treated as soon as possible.
Also Check: Can You Get Prostate Cancer From Masturbating
What Should People Know About Prostate Cancer
Dr. Taha says, “1 in 8 males will develop Prostate Cancer in their lifetime. It is prudent and imperative that they be screened once they meet the requirements. This form of screening is a simple blood test, Prostate Specific Antigen , which can be part of your annual routine blood workup panel with your primary care doctor or any physician or clinician. With no risk factor, at the age of 50, it is recommended that men begin their annual screening. If you’re African American, it is recommended you start at age 45. If you have a strong family history of prostate cancer, it’s recommended that you start screening 10 years before that initial diagnosis of that primary family member, or at age 50, whichever comes first. For example, if your father was diagnosed at 47, you should get the Prostatic Specific Antigen at age 37.”
Worst Foods For Prostate Health
When you are concerned about your prostate health, it is just as important to know what NOT to eat as it is to know the best foods to eat for prostate health. Certain foods can increase your risk for prostate cancer or prostatitis or can contribute to enlarged prostate, also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia . Here are a few of the worst foods for prostate health.
You May Like: What Is The Purpose Of Your Prostate
Processed And Packaged Foods
There are so many dangerous additives, preservatives, and ingredients in processed and packaged foods that there are too many to name. This includes everything from some chips, fruit snacks, microwavable popcorn, etc.
These heavily processed and packaged foods can cause a chemical compound called PCP, which is a known carcinogen. Some of these foodslike microwavable popcorn, for examplecould also have dangerous chemicals lining their packaging. When popcorn gets heated up in the microwave, those chemicals, which could be carcinogens, may leak into your food.
Yuck!
Can Supplements Promote Prostate Health
Probably not. A lot of supplements, including zinc, lycopene and selenium, have been touted as magic bullets that can prevent prostate cancer. But theyve been researched, and they have not been found to reduce risk significantly. In fact, they could harm your health if you take high amounts.
We are inundated with information and new breakthroughs regarding cancer prevention, superfoods and supplements that promise to decrease cancer risk and improve health. This information may be well-intentioned, but it often comes from small studies. There are many examples where larger, better-designed studies dont support the initial claims. They sometimes even find the opposite outcome, Dr. Crylen said. He recommends against making drastic changes in your diet or supplement use based on the latest news.
Instead, he suggests getting the vitamins, minerals and micronutrients you need through a healthy diet rather than supplements. You may also want to take a multivitamin that includes the recommended daily allowance of vitamins and minerals.
You May Like: How To Treat Prostate Cancer
Sugar And Artificial Sweeteners
Sugar has not been proven to be a direct cause of cancer of the prostate or otherwise. But there are very solid arguments for leaving it out of your diet.
The link between excessive consumption of sugar and the onset of obesity and Type 2 Diabetes has long been established, and the health problems that these conditions cause can be ruinous for the individual involved.
Additionally, in 2009, the Huntsman Cancer Institute released findings that illustrated how cancerous tumor cells use sugar in much greater quantities than normal cells.
The findings seemed to confirm that extra sugar and sweeteners were best left alone for the maintenance of robust health.
Recommended Reading: Best Prostate Cancer Centers In Us
Symptoms Of Prostate Cancer
By seeing your urologist for a yearly digital rectal exam, youll improve the likelihood of catching early stages of prostate cancer. However, there are some symptoms that warrant a trip to your doctors office outside of your yearly appointments. Some of the symptoms of prostate cancer include the following:
- Blood in the semen
Don’t Miss: What Does The Prostate Do In A Man
Good Foods For Prostate Health
Lots of tasty, easy-to-prepare foods help prevent prostate cancer. Blueberries, almonds, and dark chocolate, for example, are full of antioxidants that help flush toxins out of your body and help fight all forms of cancer. Blueberry-almond chocolate brownies, anyone? The same goes for most fruits and vegetables, as well as fish. Here are some other prostate-healthy foods.
Watermelon: High in vitamins A and C and free of fat and salt, watermelon is a mouthwatering healthy food choice regardless of your age. It also happens to be an excellent source of lycopene, an antioxidant that research suggests may help lower prostate cancer risk. There are as many as 9 milligrams of lycopene in a small slice of watermelon. Guys should aim to consume about that much a day. Other lycopene-rich foods include tomatoes, apricots, pink grapefruit, guava, and papaya.
Adam Kreeks Salmon, Roast Veggies & Special Sauce
Salmon: This delicious and versatile fish joins tuna, herring, sardines, and lake trout in being packed with omega-3 fatty acids linked to a reduced risk of prostate cancer. So fire up the oven and try this awesomely easy recipe for baked salmon.
Carrots: A 2014 study found that eating more carrots produced a significantly decreased risk of prostate cancer. This versatile and easy-to-prepare veggie was made for dippingsay, in some hummusand combines effortlessly with salmon in this super-easy recipe.
Highly Processed Foods And Drinks
In terms of cancer prevention and survivorship, the recommendations from the American Institute for Cancer Research do suggest limiting consumption of fast foods or other foods high in fats, starches or sugars, Christie says.
She also recommends that her patients limit sugar-sweetened drinks and processed meats, including bacon, sausage, hot dogs, lunch meat and ham.
Should You Be Taking a Vitamin or Supplement?
Its best to get your vitamins from food sources rather than supplements, according to the PCF, which recommends a diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains.
Recommended Reading: How Does Prostate Cancer Start
Prostate Cancer Prevention And Treated
The best way to treat prostate cancer is to prevent the formation of this disease. By considering the potential risk factors that increase a mans chance of developing and being diagnosed with prostate cancer, a man is able to prevent this disease in many cases. Even when diagnosed with prostate cancer, reducing the risk factors associated with the disease might assist with slowing the progression of cancer.
According to Cancer.net, age is one of the most important risk factors to consider. A family history of prostate cancer also seems to increase the risk of prostate cancer. This particular risk factor cannot be avoided, but other risk factors should be considered by all men. When a man noticed that he is at a higher risk, he should obtain regular screenings for prostate cancer and make appropriate lifestyle changes to avoid certain risk factors that can be removed from his life.
The most important risk factors that can be prevented include obesity, a sedentary lifestyle, and an unhealthy diet. By reducing bodyweight in the case of obesity, participating in regular physical activity in the case of a sedentary lifestyle, and by consuming healthier foods, a man may reduce their risk of developing this disease significantly. These are some of the best ways of preventing prostate cancer naturally.
What’s The Best Diet For Prostate Cancer
The importance of maintaining a nutrient-rich diet for overall health is well established, but did you know that eating certain foods can significantly impact prostate health? Some research indicates that a vegetable-rich diet may decrease the risk of developing prostate cancer in the future, help improve the outlook for men living with this disease and reduce the chances of cancer recurrence.
Read Also: Main Symptoms Of Prostate Cancer