If you’re a man dealing with prostate cancer, your diet could play a crucial role in managing treatment side effects. Recent research suggests that limiting red meat and dairy while increasing plant-based foods might lead to better outcomes, including less erectile dysfunction, urinary incontinence, and hormonal issues.
“Our findings offer hope for those looking for ways to improve their quality of life after undergoing surgery, radiation, and other common therapies for prostate cancer, which can cause significant side effects,” lead researcher Dr. Stacy Loeb, a professor of urology and population health at the NYU Grossman School of Medicine in New York City, said in a news release.
Check out these tips to improve your diet and better your chances of managing prostate cancer treatments:
1. Embrace a Plant-Based Diet
Men who consumed more plant-based foods experienced eight to 11 percent better sexual function and up to 14 percent better urinary health compared to those who consumed less. Incorporate plenty of fruits, vegetables, grains, and nuts into your daily meals.
Previous research by the same team also found that eating a plant-based diet full of vegetables, fruits, grains and nuts reduces a man’s overall risk of developing prostate cancer.
Researchers found that eating more plant-based foods produced sexual, urinary and vitality benefits for men regardless of other factors like financial status, lifestyle and medical history.
“These results add to the long list of health and environmental benefits of eating more plants and fewer animal products,” she said. “They also clearly challenge the historical misconception that eating meat boosts sexual function in men, when in fact the opposite seems to be the case.”
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2. Reduce Meat and Dairy Consumption
Cutting back on red meat and dairy products can significantly improve your quality of life during prostate cancer treatment. Aim to replace these with plant-based protein sources like beans, lentils, and tofu.
3. Focus on Hormonal Health
A plant-based diet was associated with 13 percent better scores in hormonal health, which can