How does nutrition influence prostate cancer? There are countless prescribed do’s and don’ts when it comes to staying healthy and reducing your risk of cancer. In addition, both nutrition and lifestyle choices contribute to the rate of prostate cancers.
Staying Healthy And Living Longer
That is succinctly the goal of most everyone. We already know that improved nutrition reduces the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and obesity. It is estimated that one third of cancer deaths can be linked to diet, whereas a healthy one contributes to increased energy levels and an enhanced immune system.
Two cultures have proven that nutrition keeps them healthy and alive longer than most others, certainly ours. Their nutrition practices are similar.
Not only does the Japanese and southern Mediterranean diet help keep people healthy and alive, but they also reduce the risk of prostate cancer. Let’s look more closely.
Aim For A Plant-Based Diet
This includes lots of fruits, veggies, and whole grains with beans and legumes. They contain cancer fighting substances and inflammation reducing nutrients.
Start eating broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, and other dark leafy vegetables. Carrots, tomatoes, mushrooms, grapefruit, apples, grapes, and berries are just a few examples of how plant-based foods can fight prostate cancer. Mom wasn’t wrong when she insisted you eat your fruits and vegetables.
Limit Animal Protein
Avoid red meats and all processed foods. Limit your consumption of red meat, pork, and lamb as these are associated with stimulating aggressive prostate cancers.
Increase Fresh Fish In Your Diet
Eat more salmon, sardines, mackerel, and trout. They contain high levels of anticancer nutrients and alpha omega- 3 fatty acids. Poach, grill, or bake, but do not fry.
Make Friends With A Low Fat Diet
Olive oil is rich in Vitamin E and antioxidants.
Avoid trans fatty acids like margarine, baked goods, and pies. Avoid foods with labels showing hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated fats. In short, less fat is better, and olive oil is preferred.
Fluids Are Healthy
Of course that depends on what kinds of fluids. Water is best. It carries nutrients and waste products, acts as a lubricant around joints, and helps keep our body temperature regulated. Caffeine increases water loss, so it should be consumed on a limited basis.
Incorporate Whole Grains
Brown rice, oatmeal, corn, whole wheat bread and cereals are all excellent sources of fiber and protein.
Additional Tips
- Drink green tea several times a week
- Avoid high calcium diets
- Limit simple sugar including sugary carbonated drinks
- Grow your own herb or vegetable garden
Are you ready to make some changes? Your dietary choices can reduce your risk of prostate cancer, suppress the growth of cancer cells or slow them down.
Schedule a Prostate Cancer Consultation in The Woodlands, TX
Contact Dr. Miguel Mercado at (281) 351-5174 with additional questions about your own diet and what changes to make to reduce your own risk of prostate cancer.
Sources:
Nutrition and Prostate Cancer | Patient Education | UCSF Health