Nutrition is a crucial component in preventing and treating prostate cancer. Choosing the right foods before, during, and after treatment can significantly impact the patient’s ability to tolerate therapy and enhance recovery. Dr. David Samadi emphasizes the importance of maintaining a healthy diet to sustain energy, strength, and overall quality of life throughout and following prostate cancer treatment, which may involve surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, or a combination of these approaches.
Nutrition During Treatment
During treatment, the body’s utilization of nutrients may alter, necessitating specific dietary considerations. Here are essential tips to support nutritional health during prostate cancer treatment:
Weight Management
- Strive to maintain a healthy weight by ensuring adequate calorie intake daily. If you are already at a healthy weight, avoid weight loss, while overweight individuals may aim for gradual weight reduction.
- Moderate weight loss goals, approximately one pound per week, are advisable.
- Eat three meals a day and 1-3 snacks, depending on guidance from your physician.
Nutrient-Rich Diet
- Consume a balanced diet comprising protein, carbohydrates, fiber, vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients like carotenoids.
- Adequate nutrition not only optimizes bodily functions but also enhances overall well-being.
- Have a fruit and/or vegetable with every meal.
- For high-quality protein at each meal, choose lean cuts of poultry, beef, fatty fish, pork, and eggs.
- Choose whole grains such as farro, buckwheat, and oatmeal, and add beans and lentils to soups and casseroles.
Physical Activity
- Regular physical activity, such as daily walks, biking, or moderate exercise,
- Prolonged periods of inactivity may lead to muscle loss and increased body fat, irrespective of weight changes.
- Consider incorporating weight lifting and stretching/flexibility movement using yoga.
Individualized Nutrition Counseling
- Seek nutrition counseling if experiencing difficulty in meeting dietary requirements.
- Collaborate with healthcare professionals, such as a registered dietitian, to establish personalized nutritional goals and strategies for implementation.
Nutrition After Treatment
Post-treatment nutrition plays a pivotal role in recovery and long-term health maintenance. Adopting a diet rich in fresh fruits, vegetables, and unprocessed, low-fat foods is recommended to:
Promote Recovery
- Nutrient-dense foods aid in regaining strength and vitality after prostate cancer treatment.
- Healthy eating habits reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, obesity, and diabetes.
- Choosing more nutrient-dense foods ensures adequate nutrition, which helps fight infections, diseases, and other illnesses.
Reduce Recurrence Risk
- Research suggests that healthy dietary choices post-treatment may lower the likelihood of cancer recurrence and enhance longevity.
- Foods advocated for preventing prostate cancer are also beneficial in minimizing the risk of disease recurrence.
Conclusion
Prioritizing proper nutrition before, during, and after prostate cancer treatment is paramount for optimizing therapeutic outcomes and enhancing quality of life. By adhering to these nutrition guidelines, individuals can better manage treatment-related side effects, support recovery, and promote long-term health and well-being. Collaboration with healthcare providers and adherence to personalized dietary plans are essential steps in navigating the nutritional aspects of prostate cancer care.
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.
