Being told you have prostate cancer can be a terrifying experience. It's easy to feel overwhelmed and somewhat helpless in the face of a cancer diagnosis, but your diet is something you can control.
There is no single diet for prostate cancer, but you can tailor what you eat to help you manage the disease.
Why is diet important?
Although no food can cure prostate cancer, a healthy diet is one of the most important allies in living well with the disease.
This is because eating nutrient-dense foods can increase your energy levels, reduce the risk of infection, and help you manage the side effects of treatment.
A plant-based diet may be your best option, according to a July 2018 review in Cancer Therapy & Oncology, because it has the potential to lower prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels. PSA is a protein produced by the prostate, and high levels are linked to prostate cancer.
3 healthy foods to eat if you have prostate cancer
Foods rich in antioxidants, such as fruits and vegetables
Antioxidants are a large group of molecules that help neutralize 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 or sold as a supplement.
When looking for foods high in antioxidants, look no further than the fresh produce section. Bright, colorful vegetables and fruits are great sources.
Lycopene-rich foods, such as canned tomatoes
This may seem strange, since processed foods are rarely the recommendation when it comes to healthy eating. But one of the nutrients studied for the prevention and treatment of cancer is lycopene. Higher levels of lycopene in the diet are associated with a lower risk of cancer and may also inhibit tumor growth in those with prostate cancer, according to February 2014 research in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute.
Lycopene from cooked tomatoes is better absorbed by the body, and since canned tomatoes cook, you will get more lycopene this way. You can also get lycopene by eating pink grapefruit and watermelon . And of course, if raw tomatoes are more your style, eat them too.
Fiber-rich foods, such as oatmeal and quinoa
High-fiber foods, and high-fiber cereals in particular, are a good choice. A November 2012 study published in Prostate Cancer found that the high amount of fiber in grains can protect against aggressive prostate cancer.
Fiber of all kinds also helps enrich the gut by feeding and diversifying good bacteria. Keeping your gut microbiome could keep your immune system in tip-top shape and also help decrease inflammation. Inflammation has been linked to cancer growth, according to an August 2020 article in Gut.
4 foods to limit or avoid
Undercooked foods
In general, you need to make sure you adhere to food safety rules first, as you don't want to deal with a foodborne illness in addition to cancer. This is especially important if your cancer is in an advanced stage or if you undergo more aggressive treatments, as these can weaken your immune system and make you more vulnerable to these diseases.
Always cook your meat at the proper temperature and avoid raw meat and fish. Also, you should always wash fruits and vegetables.
Red meat
Red meat is the food most consistently linked to prostate cancer, according to the July 2018 Cancer Therapy and Oncology review. In fact, the Prostate Cancer Foundation (PCF) recommends keeping red meat to a minimum in your diet, as studies have linked it to an increased risk of developing advanced prostate cancer.
Red meat includes beef, veal, lamb, mutton, and pork .
Red meat should be eaten in moderation, about six servings 85 grams a week. Avoid charred meat especially, as it has been shown to have cancer-promoting properties, according to the PCF.
The best high-protein options are fish, lean poultry (skinless chicken breast), and plant-based options like nuts and beans.
Low fiber foods
Foods rich in fiber are the best option, as we told you before. When you eat low-fiber foods, such as white bread and pasta, white rice, snack foods and desserts, you leave fruits, vegetables, and whole grains out of your diet.
Highly processed foods and beverages
In terms of cancer prevention and survival, it is suggested to limit the consumption of fast foods and other foods rich in fats, starches or sugars.
You are also advised to limit sugary drinks, such as soda, and processed meats, including bacon, hot dogs, hot dogs, lunch meat, and ham.
