Can plant-based diets lower your risk of prostate cancer
Some research suggests that people with early-stage prostate cancer who switch to a plant-based diet can reduce their risk of advanced prostate cancer. Research also shows that a plant-based diet may reduce the risk of a prostate cancer diagnosis overall.
Though prostate cancer is a serious disease, some lifestyle changes, like switching to a plant-based diet, may improve outcomes and disease progression.
Here’s everything there is to know about plant-based diets, including how they can impact early-stage prostate cancer and how they may be used alongside mainstream treatments for the disease.
What is a plant-based diet?
A plant-based diet revolves around eating foods that come from plants. This includes fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, oils, whole grains, legumes, and beans.
Some people who follow a plant-based diet abstain completely from eating animal products, like meat, eggs, honey, and dairy. This is known as a vegan diet.
Others choose to do a mostly plant-based diet, still consuming small amounts of animal products. For example, vegetarians may choose to eat eggs and dairy but not meat or seafood. Others elect to incorporate seafood into their diet plant-based diet.
Research suggests that healthy plant-based diets may be associated with some benefits for men with prostate cancer.
It included data on more than 47,000 men found that those under the age of 65 who had greater overall plant-based consumption had a significantly lower risk of fatal prostate cancer.
When a plant-based diet may not be appropriate
So far, studies specific to prostate cancer research show no serious health risk for consuming plant-based diets, regardless of age group. However, if you have difficulty putting on weight, a plant-based diet may not provide enough substantial calories.
Unintentional weight loss, as sometimes results from cancer treatment, can make challenging. Significant weight loss may lead to fatigue, weakness, and lowered immunity. It’s important to speak to your doctor before making any major dietary or lifestyle changes.
