New research reveals a deadly diet for prostate cancer patients
(NaturalHealth365) They are staples of the Western diet: meat and potatoes, bread and butter, and fast food burgers and fries, among other favorites. But a new study finds that a daily diet dominated by conventionally-raised red meat, refined grains, processed foods and toxic dairy products could be putting prostate cancer survivors at increased risk of death.
That was the conclusion by researchers at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, whose study results show a typical Western diet could more than double the risk of death from recurring prostate cancer. Instead, the researchers suggest prostate cancer survivors follow the dietary guidelines recommended for cardiovascular health to lessen risk of death by cancer and other diseases.
Tragic food linked to cancer recurrence
The study involved 926 men aged 40 to 84 who were diagnosed with prostate cancer that had not yet metastasized. Subjects were asked questions about their diets five years after receiving a diagnosis of prostate cancer, then monitored for about 10 years.
Their findings showed men who ate a Westernized diet were 2.5 times more likely to die of prostate cancer than those who ate the healthiest diets among the subjects. The results also found that those eating such a diet were 1.5 times more likely to die of any cause than those subjects following a healthy diet that included cancer fighting foods.
Want to avoid getting cancer – again? Keep this in mind …
Rather than the typical fare favored by most Americans, the study suggests that a heart-healthy diet rich in vegetables, fruits, fish, whole grains, and healthy fats can help avoid recurrence of deadly prostate cancer and other complications. Fewer antibiotic-laced dairy products and less red meat are also advised for prostate health.
Editor’s note: Much of this article is intended to alert you to the dangers of factory farming and modern food production techniques. There is a growing awareness and focus on QUALITY food. So, no matter what food you eat, remember better quality food equals a better life.
There are also more specific changes men can make in their eating habits to lessen the chance of prostate cancer recurrence or the risk of other serious illnesses. In addition to the general recommendations listed above, you can add these cancer fighting foods to your diet to promote prostate health:
- Eat wild-caught fish: Good quality fish can help to protect against recurrence of prostate cancer because they contain ample supplies of smart fat, particularly omega-3 fatty acids. By contrast, foods like margarine that contain trans fatty acids are detrimental.
- Incorporate more tomatoes: Tomatoes are known to contain lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that is thought to reduce risk of prostate, lung and stomach cancer risks. Eat tomatoes cooked in olive oil for added benefits.
- Enjoy some watermelon: Like tomatoes, watermelon is a good source of the antioxidant lycopene. Its vitamin C and beta-carotene can help rid your body of harmful precancerous cells.
- Pick broccoli: Broccoli is like a super food, brimming with vital nutrients like vitamin A, vitamin C, folate and calcium. For an added bonus: Broccoli is also rich in fiber, which can lower risk of colon cancer.
- Drink green tea: Green tea delivers antioxidants that can help cleanse your body of toxins and block abnormal cells from becoming cancerous. Green tea’s many cancer-fighting nutrients are known to prevent or slow the development of cancer cells in your prostate, as well as liver and colon.
Naturally, there are many other anti-cancer foods, just be sure you know the source of your grocery items and, whenever possible, support your local organic farmer.
References:
https://www.lifeextension.com/magazine/2015/9/in-the-news/page-01
Western diet may increase risk of death after prostate cancer diagnosis
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/prostate-cancer/in-depth/prostate-cancer-prevention/art-20045641