By Dr. David Samadi
Upon receiving a diagnosis of prostate cancer, embracing a diet rich in wholesome foods becomes a pivotal ally in the battle against this disease. Prostate cancer places significant demands on the body, not only necessitating the fight against cancer cells but also requiring additional efforts to repair healthy cells damaged by treatments such as radiation. Empowering food as a frontline defense against prostate cancer is a wise approach every man should consider.
Men who adopt a nutritious dietary regimen experience a significant boost in resilience throughout their treatment journey. They are better equipped to manage treatment-related side effects, undergo quicker recoveries, and bolster their ability to fend off infections, resulting in a strengthened sense of vitality and well-being.
Choosing nutrient-dense foods like fruits, vegetables, nuts, and whole grains, packed with antioxidants and phytochemicals, is a powerful way to take control of your health. Lean proteins from low-fat dairy, fish, and poultry provide essential minerals such as calcium and iron. Making these informed dietary choices while combating prostate cancer is a fundamental lifestyle adjustment crucial for optimal health.
20 practical recommendations to combat prostate cancer effectively
Here are 20 practical recommendations to ensure your diet is fortified with the essential nutrients, vitamins, and minerals necessary to combat prostate cancer effectively:
- Monitor calorie intake to discourage cancer growth.
- Prioritize heart-healthy foods, including avocados, salmon, flaxseed, oatmeal, berries, and dark chocolate, with at least 70% cacao.
- Embrace dietary diversity to maximize nutritional benefits.
- Approach supplements as supplements, not replacements for health-promoting, nutrient-dense foods. Discussing them with your doctor before use is crucial to ensure they are safe and beneficial for your specific health needs.
- Reduce consumption of highly saturated animal fats, which studies suggest may stimulate prostate cancer.
- Avoid trans fats in margarines, microwave popcorn, and certain baked goods.
- Increase omega-3 fatty acids intake by consuming cold-water fish, like salmon, sardines, and trout, prepared through poaching, baking, or grilling.
- Incorporate a variety of fresh fruits, vegetables, herbs, leafy greens, nuts, berries, and seeds, known for their potent anticancer properties.
- Limit high-calcium diets, which may promote prostate cancer growth, to 1-2 servings per day.
- Berries, citrus fruits, spinach, cantaloupe, sweet peppers, and mango boost natural vitamin C intake.
- Integrate green tea into your routine several times per week.
- Minimize consumption of preserved, pickled, or salted foods.
- Enjoy red grapes, 100% grape juice, or red wine regularly.
- Include dark, leafy greens in your meals frequently.
- Benefit from the cancer-protective properties of cruciferous vegetables such as cabbage, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts.
- Harness the power of lycopene in tomatoes and tomato products like sauce, paste, and ketchup.
- Shop for healthy fats such as extra virgin olive oil and avocados, which are rich in vitamin E and antioxidants.
- Consult your physician about supplementing with vitamin D3 (2000 IU daily) to fortify the immune system against cancer.
- Consider the potential benefits of moderate coffee consumption (up to 4-5 cups daily) in reducing overall prostate cancer risk and incidences of aggressive forms.
- The Mediterranean diet, rich in fresh fruits, vegetables, garlic, tomatoes, red wine, olive oil, and fish, and low in red meat, has shown promise in lowering the risk of prostate cancer.
By integrating these dietary strategies, men can proactively support their treatment efforts and enhance their overall health in the fight against prostate cancer.
Dr. David Samadi is the Director of Men’s Health and Urologic Oncology at St. Francis Hospital in Long Island. He’s a renowned and highly successful board certified Urologic Oncologist Expert and Robotic Surgeon in New York City, regarded as one of the leading prostate surgeons in the U.S., with a vast expertise in prostate cancer treatment and Robotic-Assisted Laparoscopic Prostatectomy. Dr. Samadi is a medical contributor to NewsMax TV and is also the author of The Ultimate MANual, Dr. Samadi’s Guide to Men’s Health and Wellness, available online both on Amazon and Barnes & Noble. Visit Dr. Samadi’s websites at robotic oncology and prostate cancer 911.