When I refer to diet for prostate cancer , I am not just referring to food, but everything that provides nourishment and support. As outlined in an earlier article, our current definition of diet is too restrictive.
Image credit: Unsplash photos, Joshua Earle
The overall diet for prostate cancer
- Look after your total self. Consider all health and wellbeing requirements for your mind and body.
- Work in partnership with your doctor and other health care practitioners to create a management plan for you.
- Set aside time daily for a mindfulness practice, such as meditation.
- Eat mostly plant foods.
- Eat mindfully
- Enjoy regular exercise, such as walking.
- Have some time in the sunshine to top up your vitamin D. See safe sun guidelines via the vitamin D link.
- Aim for restful sleep of 7 to 9 hours every night.
- If you are interested in taking herbal or nutritional supplements, discuss your specific requirements with your doctor and other health care practitioners. You might like to refer to my earlier post on supplements.
Eating guidelines for prostate cancer
Fruits and vegetables
Include coloured fruits and vegetables at every meal and for snacks too. To reach 5 or more serves of vegetables a day, we need to eat them with at least 2 meals. Check out my tips here, and the recommended serve sizes for fruit and vegetables too.
Protein foods
Choose mostly plant sources of protein. For example you might have bake beans (or other legumes) at breakfast, a chicken sandwich at lunch and tofu stir-fry at night.
People over 65 years of age are encouraged to eat more protein. Aim for 3 to 4 serves of dairy or alternatives a day and other protein-rich foods in at least 2 meals a day. See suggested serve sizes here.
To better meet your health requirements for prostate cancer, research suggests choosing mostly vegetable based protein foods and choosing non-processed and lower saturated fat red meat options, as well as fish and poultry.
Try my simple and flavoursome vegetarian recipes:
For individual guidance I recommend talking with an accredited practising dietitian. You can book an online consult here or you might prefer a face-to-face consult with an accredited practising dietitian near you, check here.
Flavour your foods with herbs and spices
Enjoy a new flavour experience that doesn’t rely on salt or sugar. You might like to read my suggestions for alternatives to salt and sugar from earlier posts.
Choose whole grains
The amount of whole grains recommended is dependent on how active you are. I would consider at least 4 or more serves. For a traditional breakfast try my mixed grain porridge, which includes added spices.
Supplements and specific foods for prostate cancer
A number of supplements and foods have been highlighted through research, but further studies are required to assess whether they actually alter cancer growth and contribute to longevity and wellbeing. Research includes:
- Green tea
- Lycopene (food source tomatoes)
- Pomegranate
- Selenium
- Soy
- Vitamins
Remember our foundation for health and wellbeing comes from whole foods, rest, sleep, mindfulness, exercise and positive relationships with ourselves and others. A supplement cannot provide all of this, but your doctor and healthcare providers can provide guidance on supplements. In the mean time nourish yourself with whole foods, and include green tea, coloured fruits and vegetables, legumes and soy. But of most importance, eat mindfully.
Further information
Cancer Council Facts Sheet on Prostate Cancer
Cancer Council Complementary Therapies
Prostate Foundation of Australia