Best Foods To Eat When You Have Prostate Cancer

Dietary Guidelines For Prostate Cancer

There are a few guidelines that men with prostate cancer are advised to follow. By optimizing their current dieting habits according to these guidelines, the risk of cancer can be effectively reduced. There will also be a reduced risk of cancer progression in men who have been diagnosed with the disease before.

Here is an overview of the guidelines set out for prostate cancer patients:

• The diet should primarily focus on the inclusion of plant-based food. You can still include animal foods in your diet, but in moderation.
• It is important to eat a wide variety of vegetables and fruits. In fact, it is advised to have as many as 10 servings of fruit and vegetables each day.
• Fiber should also form an important part of a mans prostate cancer diet.
• Men should aim to reduce the number of fats in their diet. You should avoid saturated fats as much as possible.
• The consumption of simple sugars also needs to be limited. These sugars are harmful to the body, leads to low-grade inflammation, and may aggravate prostate cancer.
• The man should also ensure they drink enough fluids to keep their body hydrated at all times.

The western diet notoriously contains high intakes of red meat, processed meat, pre-packaged foods, butter, candy and sweets, and fried foods. It is a predisposing factor for the onset of diabetes and obesity, which in turn can lead to further health complications.

Reducing Prostate Cancer Risk Through Diet

Getting enough vitamins and minerals with a healthy, balanced diet may be one of the keys to warding off prostate cancer.

And using nutrition to your advantage may prove very useful when fighting prostate cancer too. Diet can be a powerful tool, according to Roberta Anding, a registered dietitian, instructor at the Baylor College of Medicine, and a spokeswoman for the American Dietetic Association.

So whether your goal is to rid your body of prostate cancer already diagnosed, or to prevent yourself or your loved one from ever getting that diagnosis, some specific foods that are known to protect the body from cancer-causing carcinogens include:

“The bottom line on prevention is a plant-based diet with nuts and soy,” recommends Anding.

The Best Foods For Prostate Health

The prostate gland is an integral part of the male reproductive system. About the size of a walnut, it continues to change and grow during a mans lifetime. Maintaining prostate health should be of maximum importance to all men if they want to lead a long and healthy life.

Lets look at three medical issues that can arise as a result of the prostate gland, and some recommendations for the best foods for prostate health.

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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.”

Can Diet Help Fight Prostate Cancer

Can adopting a healthier diet help fight prostate cancer? That’s 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 weren’t designed to prove cause and effect. So for now, definitive answers about prostate cancer and diet aren’t yet in although researchers are actively studying this topic.

Investigators launched a federally funded national study to see whether a diet that’s 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 Men’s 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.

Here’s what the MEAL eating plan looks like:

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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.

Can Certain Foods Kill Prostate Cancer

There is no particular food or recipe that can directly kill prostate cancer cells. Research is underway to discover the foods that may help prevent prostate cancer and aid the complete recovery of prostate cancer patients. It must be noted that the scientifically proven therapies for prostate cancer are crucial for treatment and should not be replaced by other means, including dietary supplements. Some of the foods that are suggested by studies to help in recovery or prevent prostate cancer relapse include

A balanced diet that includes these foods may promote an overall sense of well-being and help limit prostate cancer. Drinking plenty of water helps to flush out the wastes and toxins from the body and keep the metabolism at optimum levels. Avoid sugary drinks and foods, red meat, barbecued or deep-fried foods and processed foods , get ample rest and perform regular physical activities as per the doctors advice.

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Foods Rich In Lycopene Like Canned Tomatoes

This might seem like an odd one, since processed foods aren’t usually the recommendation when it comes to healthy eating. But one of the nutrients studied in cancer prevention and treatment is lycopene. Higher levels of lycopene in the diet are associated with a lower risk of cancer and may also inhibit the growth of tumors in those who have prostate cancer, according to February 2014 research in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute.

The lycopene in cooked tomatoes is absorbed better by the body, and since canned tomatoes are essentially cooked, you’ll get more lycopene this way, according to the Tomato Wellness Council.

You can also get lycopene by eating pink grapefruit and watermelon. And of course, if raw tomatoes are more your style, eat those too.

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Can Certain Foods Lower The Risk Of Prostate Cancer

Sundried Tomatoes

Lycopene-rich foods: Lycopene is a phytochemical that contributes to the reddish color of certain vegetables. Tomatoes, Watermelon, Guava, Red Peppers, Grape Fruit, and Carrots are a few examples of lycopene-rich foods. If you desperately wishing to find more information about lycopene, check out this review article.

Cruciferous Vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbages.

Allium veggies such as onions, garlic, leeks, scallions, and shallots.

Green Tea.

Beans and lentils.

Raisins and Dates .

Again, no food can eliminate the risk of prostate cancer entirely, but these foods may offer some protection. You should talk to your doctor about prostate cancer screening, but I can give you the green light to eat more tomatoes.

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Five Foods To Protect Your Prostate

Good news if youre worried about your prostate health: What you eat can make a difference. There is plenty of strong evidence that good nutrition and an active lifestyle can reduce the likelihood of prostate cancer and slow its progression, says Mitchell Sokoloff M.D., Chair of the Department of Urology and Professor at the University of Massachusetts Medical School.

There are a few categorical changes you can make to your diet that make a big difference in overall health, as well as prostate health. What you eat can potentially disadvantage your prostate health e.g. foods you might want to avoid or protect the prostate in various ways. The Science of Living Well, Beyond Cancer recommends a diet that is high in colorful vegetables, low in sugar and processed carbohydrates, and moderate in animal-based protein . Some might refer to this as a version of the Mediterranean Diet. PCF-funded epidemiologist Lorelei Mucci, M.P.H., Sc.D., at Harvard T.H Chan School of Public Health notes that people in Mediterranean countries not only eat more vegetables and fruits they also eat less fatty foods, processed food, and red meat categories that can increase insulin resistance, increase inflammation, raise cardiovascular risk and be a part of a dietary pattern that may increase obesity, as well.

Maintaining A Healthy Body Weight

Achieving and maintaining the right body weight is one of the most important things you can do for your health. Excessive body weight is associated with an increased risk for some diseases, including type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and certain types of cancer. These include cancer of the esophagus, pancreas, colon, rectum, kidney, gallbladder, and prostate. Being overweight or obese can lead to advanced prostate cancer.

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Study Shows Prostate Cancer Survivors Who Eat More Chicken And Less Steak May Live Longer

Researcher: Ying Wang, PhDInstitution: American Cancer SocietyArea of Focus: Epidemiology Research, Surveillance & Health Equity Science

The Challenge: Many men who have had prostate cancer are concerned about what they should be eating. For prostate cancer survivorsand all cancer survivors who are in stable health after treatment the American Cancer Society recommends following the same guidelines as those recommended to prevent cancer, which include limiting red and processed meat.

Still, little is known about the association between eating meat after a cancer diagnosis and the cause of death from any cause, or specifically from prostate cancer.

Improving this knowledge has the potential to lead to the development of updated dietary guidelines that could improve how long men survive after a diagnosis of prostate cancer.

The Research:Ying Wang, PhD, and her research colleagues at the ACS are working to fill that knowledge gap. Using data from Cancer Prevention Study-II Nutrition Cohort, they studied the diet of male participants who have been diagnosed with prostate cancer that hadnt spread far from the prostate .

An earlier study that used data from the CPS-II nutrition cohort, along with 14 other cohort studies, suggested foods that might affect prostate cancer risk.

Higher risk associated with certain foods. Results of the study suggest that eating these foods may be associated with a moderately higher risk of developing an advanced stage of prostate cancer:

How To Adjust To The Dietary Needs Of The Person With Prostate Cancer

While these general recommendations ensure a healthy diet, you can play with which foods you choose and how you prepare them so that your meals are appealing and flavorful while also meeting your dietary needs.

Curb weight loss. If youre losing your appetite and losing weight, think again about what youre cooking and how youre preparing food. Experiment with seasoning foods differently so they taste better, or adding sauces and herbs to mask certain flavors. And cook with higher-calorie ingredients that dont require eating large portions to meet caloric needs.

Manage fiber intake for diarrhea relief. Loose stools, bleeding from the rectum, and loss of control over bowel movements happen to some men after getting external beam radiation treatments for prostate cancer. Several foods can help if this happens to you. Choose fiber-rich foods such as whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. The Prostate Cancer Foundation says its a bit of a balancing act when it comes to fiber, but recommends avoiding foods that might irritate your stomach while trying to keep up your consumption of fiber-rich foods to avoid getting constipated.

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Your Prostate Cancer Diet And Why It Matters

Foods that can increase your risk of developing prostate cancer, or those shown to encourage progression of the disease, should be avoided if you have or are hoping to prevent prostate cancer.

Your best bet is to stick to a diet rich in fruits and vegetables especially tomatoes get plenty of whole grains, and go easy on the red meat and processed foods. Think fresh on your plate to boost your health and reduce your risk of prostate cancer.

More On Prostate Cancer:

This article describing some of the best foods to eat for prostate cancer prevention is one in a series of articles on prostate cancer and nutrition. To learn more about how eating certain foods can help prevent prostate cancer, continue to the article 12 Diet Tips to Fight Prostate Cancer. If you’re interested in recipes that help prevent prostate cancer, be also sure to check out our collection of Prostate Cancer Fighting Recipes.

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Foods To Limit Or Avoid

What you exclude from your diet is just as important as what you include. Per day, the MEAL diet allows for no more than:

• Two ounces of processed meats
• Two to three ounces of red meat
• One tablespoon of butter
• Two egg yolks
• One cup of whole milk

Reducing or eliminating the following items from your diet can also promote prostate health and reduce cancer risk:

• Sugary sodas and juices

Adding Exercises To Your Daily Routine

Find physical activities you enjoy. This will make it more likely that you will do them regularly. Remember that any small increases in activity will help. Set small goals and gradually work your way up.

Exercise can be broken up into 2 or 3 sessions. For example, if you dont have 1 whole hour to exercise, try walking for 30 minutes twice a day. Try the following ideas for exercise:

• Take the stairs instead of the elevator.
• Get off the bus or subway 1 stop early and walk the rest of the way.
• Walk to work, class, or the store or walk your pets.
• Take a 2-mile brisk walk in 30 minutes.
• Increase your time spent on household tasks, such as vacuuming, mopping, dusting, and washing dishes .
• Take activity breaks at work.
• Swim laps for 20 minutes.
• Take a 4-mile bike ride in 15 minutes.
• Play volleyball for 45 minutes.
• Play basketball for 15 to 20 minutes.
• Dance for 30 minutes.

• Poultry

For protein, you can also substitute plant proteins, such as beans.

Your meal might not always look exactly like the plate shown here. You could have a cup of lentil and vegetable soup and a small apple, and youd be getting a similar kind of meal and proportions. Also, you might get more vegetables at lunch and dinner than at breakfast. Just keep in mind the ideas of mostly plant-based and portion controlled for all meals.

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Red Meat And Processed Meat

A diet high in meat, particularly if its cooked well-done, may be associated with an increased risk of developing prostate cancer. This may be due to heterocyclic amines . These are carcinogens found in cooked meat. HCAs have been linked to the development of several cancers.

HCAs are compounds formed during high temperature cooking such as broiling or grilling. The suggests that both red and processed meats may be associated with increased risk of developing prostate cancer. Examples include:

• beef

Instead of red or processed meats, try these protein sources instead:

• lean poultry, like skinless turkey or chicken
• fresh or canned fish, such as tuna, salmon, or sardines
• beans and legumes, like split peas, chickpeas, lentils, pinto beans, and kidney beans
• nuts and nut butters

If youre a fan of cold cut sandwiches, try making a chicken salad sandwich instead. You can also experiment with meat alternatives, like tofu or tempeh, which can be marinated and sautéed to create a flavorful sandwich filling.

You may also experiment with eating meat-free for some meals or days of the week. Here are some ideas to try:

• Replace the meat in your favorite chili or stew with beans.
• Grill up fish fillets instead of steaks.
• Make a black bean burger instead of a hamburger.
• Dice up tofu and marinate it in your favorite sauce, then stir fry it and mix it with veggies and a side of rice.

Mediterranean Diet May Slow Prostate Cancer Progression

The Mediterranean diet can help reduce your risk for many diseases. It helps prevent heart disease and strokes, and has been linked to a lower risk for many cancers.

Now researchers at MD Anderson have found that this largely plant-based diet may also slow prostate cancer progression.

Thats important news for prostate cancer patients who often put off treatment to avoid its impact on their quality of life.

Men who get treated can have changes to their quality of life, including erectile, urinary or bowel function, says Justin Gregg, M.D., assistant professor of Urology and lead author of the study. Anything that would slow the progression, and possibly lower the risk of needing radical treatment, has the potential to be very beneficial.

The study, published in Cancer, used a nine-point score to rate how closely each man followed the diet. Every one point increase in diet score was associated with a more than 10% drop in risk for prostate tumor progression.

Heres what to know about the Mediterranean diet.

The Mediterranean diet includes all food groups

The Mediterranean diet is based on the traditional eating patterns of people living in Greece, Italy, South of France and some Middle Eastern countries. It does not restrict fat or carbohydrates instead, it focuses on whole foods in their most natural form. For example, processed meats and added sugars are discouraged.

These foods work together to reduce your risk for disease.

The Mediterranean diet is safe

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