A plant-based diet that is high in fiber, fruits, and vegetables and low in saturated fats and added sugars may be the best option for men with prostate cancer.
Research also suggests it may be best for them to avoid diets high in red meats, saturated fats, and added sugars.
According to a 2020 ncbi.nlm.nih.gov article, a high intake of refined carbohydrates, animal-based protein, and fat may increase oxidative stress in the body and the risk of developing prostate cancer.
Eating a diet high in fiber, vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals may have protective effects against prostate cancer.
This article suggests the best dietary advice for preventing or managing prostate cancer may be to:
consume a moderate intake of calories
reduce intake of carbohydrates, saturated fats, and total fat
replace refined carbohydrates with whole grains
reduce intake of overcooked meat
increase intake of fruits and vegetables
According to another article from 2020, research suggests that excessive intake of saturated fatty acids may lead to obesity and contribute to prostate cancer through inflammation and alterations in sex hormones and growth factors.
Dietary guidelines for a healthy prostate
Some guidelines for a diet that supports prostate health include the following:
primarily consuming plant-based foods
including plenty of fruits and vegetables
eating a diet high in fiber and low in fat
limiting the amount of simple sugars
Foods to eat
Men should focus on including a wide range of fruits and vegetables that may have protective effects against prostate cancer in their diet, such as:
cruciferous vegetables, such as broccoli, cauliflower, kale, Brussels sprouts, and cabbage
carrots
tomatoes
mushrooms
pomegranates
grapefruit
grapes
citrus fruits, such as oranges and lemons
apples
avocados
berries, such as blueberries and raspberries
peppers and jalapenos
A person can prioritize plant-based protein sources and swap refined grains for whole grains.
Sources of plant-based protein include beans, lentils, tofu, and seeds. Limiting red meat and opting for poultry and fish may also be a smart choice.
It’s suggested to prioritize whole grains such as quinoa, oats, and barley over refined grains and refined grain products such as white bread.
You may also opt for organic foods wherever possible to avoid potentially harmful pesticides and chemicals.
However, although some studies suggest following an organic diet may reduce the risk of developing cancer, it is more important to eat a variety of healthy foods—such as fruits and vegetables—on a daily basis, whether organic or not.
Foods to avoid
People may want to limit or avoid the following foods:
red meat, including beef, pork, and lamb
foods containing animal fat
sugary drinks
added sugar
saturated fats
trans fats
Another ncbi.nlm.nih. gov 2021 study also recommends men at a higher risk of prostate cancer reduce or eliminate their intake of milk or milk products. People who avoid milk products may need to take calcium and vitamin D supplements.
Diets to try
Men may wish to focus on diets that are high in fiber, fruits, and vegetables and low in saturated fats, such as:
a plant-based diet
a vegetarian diet
a low fat diet
the Mediterranean diet
the DASH diet
Exercise
According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), being physically active regularly can help reduce cancer risk, alongside a healthy diet and lifestyle choices such as limiting alcohol and avoiding smoking.
The ACS recommends adults engage in around 150–300 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise or 75– 150 minutes of vigorous-intensity activity weekly.
You may wish to try an activity that increases your heart rate and gets you sweating, such as brisk walking, jogging, running, fast swimming, fast cycling.
Summary
Plant-based diets high in fiber, fruits, and vegetables and low in saturated and animal fats may be best for men with prostate cancer.
You may wish to talk with a healthcare professional about the best diet for you and your treatment plan. You can also ask about a suitable exercise regime that may be beneficial.
Source: Summarized from the article: https://www. medicalnewstoday.com/articles/ what-is-the-best-diet-for-prostate-cancer?
