Written by:
CASEY ANDREWS, PT, DPT, OCS
Casey can be reached at casey@apexptwellness.com.
The goal of pelvic floor physical therapy is to help our patients restore good pelvic floor function in order to improve continence, decrease urinary frequency and urgency, reduce pain, and/or improve sexual function, just to name a few things! These are all symptoms that can affect men who are undergoing or have completed treatment for prostate cancer. Though my area of expertise lies in the realm of the musculoskeletal system and movement, it is important to understand how other important aspects of health and wellness contributes to healing and function. This is where nutrition comes in!
There is a good amount of research being done to determine how dietary choices impact prostate cancer cell growth. Though further research is needed to provide more definitive guidelines, following some principles that align with healthy dietary choices can help to reduce prostate cancer cell growth and promote overall health and well-being within the body as these patients undergo treatment.
We all know that fruits and vegetables are important in our diet for many reasons, however, there are specific benefits when it comes to prostate cancer.
Bottom Line: Aim to consume 8-10 servings per day of fruits and vegetables
A diet that is high in fiber is beneficial for many reasons but has been shown to be especially helpful for patients with prostate cancer. Foods that are high in fiber include fruits and vegetables (another reason to increase your intake!), beans, legumes, nuts and whole grains such as oats, barley, quinoa, amaranth, bulgur, and millet.
Bottom Line: Aim for 25-35 grams of fiber daily, ideally from a dietary source versus a supplement.
There is some evidence that shows that a high-fat diet increases testosterone levels which are associated with prostate cancer growth. To be clear, this is NOT to say that fats should be eliminated from the diet. Fats are essential to healthy cell function and serve an important role in our bodies, however, they should be consumed in moderation. Another important thing to keep in mind is that not all fats are created equal!
Bottom Line: Fats should make up about 20% of your daily calorie intake with no more than half of those fats being from saturated fats. Trans-fats should be avoided at all costs and Omega-6 Fatty Acids should be reduced. Increased intake of Omega-3 Fatty Acids have been shown to be beneficial in reducing the risk of prostate cancer or reducing cancer progression in those who already have prostate cancer.
Sugar can have harmful effects on our bodies in many ways, and for those who have been diagnosed with prostate cancer, there is another reason to avoid them.
Bottom Line: Sugar intake and refined carbohydrates such as those found in white bread and pasta should be decreased or avoided
Nutrition plays an essential part in our body’s ability to fight off disease and recover after illness or injury. For those who have been diagnosed with prostate cancer or who would like to do what they can to reduce their risk of developing prostate cancer, making some dietary changes can give your body the support it needs to stay happy and healthy!
Source: https://www.ucsfhealth.org/education/nutrition-and-prostate-cancer
CASEY ANDREWS, PT, DPT, OCS
Casey can be reached at casey@apexptwellness.com.
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