According to the CDC, prostate cancer is the second-most common cancer for people with penises. Avoiding certain foods can greatly reduce the risk of prostate cancer for people with penises. While maintaining a diet rich in fruits, veggies, and fiber can maintain prostate health, steering clear of specific food groups can help you avoid prostate cancer and even potentially slow progression in its early stages. To stay as healthy as possible, avoid these ten worst foods for prostate health.
Table of Contents
- Why Diet Matters for Prostate Health
- Ten Worst Foods for Prostate Health (for every point list some healthy alternatives)
- 1. Processed Meats
- 2. Dairy Products
- 3. Fried Foods
- 4. Red Meat
- 5. Alcohol
- 6. Sugary Foods
- 7. Salty Snacks
- 8. Caffeinated Beverages
- 9. Refined Carbohydrates
- 10. High-Fat Foods
- Additional Tips for Prostate Health
- Conclusion
Why Diet Matters for Prostate Health
Prostate conditions have many causes. While some factors are out of our control, such as family history and age, the health of the prostate gland can be positively impacted by diet and steering clear of certain foods. Improving your diet won’t just boost prostate health – it has a domino effect of positive impacts on your overall health that can prevent future illnesses and conditions down the line.
Avoiding the ten worst foods for prostate health (and using physical techniques like regular prostate massage) is a manageable lifestyle habit that you can integrate into your day-to-day routine. Here’s where you can start, as well as healthy alternatives to replace these bad habits.
Ten Worst Foods for Prostate Health
1. Processed Meats
Based on research from Frontiers in Nutrition, processed meat like bacon and deli meats may be associated with a higher risk of prostate cancer due to high levels of preservatives, sodium, and nitrate. Instead of these chemically processed meats, consider a lean protein like chicken or turkey. You can season sliced tofu to make for a hearty, protein-packed replacement, and there are also many plant-based sliced deli meats available.
2. Dairy Products
Consuming a large amount of dairy can affect hormone levels (especially whole milk and rich cheeses) and have a high saturated fat content. Opt for low-fat or plant-based milk and cheeses as an alternative. The vegan options are often derived from nuts or grains like almonds, oats, and cashews, which makes for a creamy and decadent cheese replacement.
3. Fried Foods
Deep-fried foods can contain trans fats and harmful compounds that increase inflammation in the body, hence increasing the risk of cancer. One study said that eating fried food weekly can increase the risk of prostate cancer by up to 37%. Replace that fried chicken or French fries by investing in an air fryer, which still provides that delicious crunch. You can bake or grill foods if you don’t have access to an air fryer.
4. Red Meat
For some people, there’s nothing more mouthwatering than a juicy steak. And while steak keeps up your iron levels, it also forms carcinogenic compounds during cooking. Replace meats like beef with leaner white meats like chicken and turkey as well as fish rich in omega-3s, which fights inflammation. Beans and lentils are rich in fiber and protein and can keep up iron levels, making them some of the best foods for prostate health.
5. Alcohol
Multiple studies have found that chronic alcohol consumption increases the risk of aggressive prostate cancer. Start by reducing the amount of alcohol per week or swapping hard alcohol for a glass of antioxidant-rich red wine occasionally. Ideally, replace it with a non-alcoholic beer, wine, or spirit so you can still imbibe in the companies of others without the negative health impacts.
6. Sugary Foods
If you have a sweet tooth, it can be tough to give up sugary desserts and beverages, which have been connected to prostate issues. Instead, replace sugary drinks with herbal or fruity teas and freshly squeezed juices. To keep PSA levels down, consider baking or buying sweet treats sweetened with monkfruit or stevia. Swap processed breakfast cereals for oatmeal.
7. Salty Snacks
Salty snacks can be tempting, but like sugar, excessive salt consumption can cause inflammation and hypertension and harm prostate health. To minimize prostate enlargement, choose low-sodium alternatives. Instead of flavoring with salt, bake your own snacks like potato chips, popcorn, or roasted chickpeas with fresh herbs and seasonings like cayenne, ginger, black pepper, paprika, and nutritional yeast.
8. Caffeinated Beverages
While it might give you the energy boost you’re craving, drinking an excess of affeinated tea or coffee daily can irritate the prostate. Tea and coffee act as a diuretic and increase urine production, and they also have a high acid content, which can irritate a prostate further, especially an enlarged one. Instead, try to drink more water and replace your vices with decaffeinated or herbal alternatives.
9. Refined Carbohydrates
As we discussed previously, excessive sugar intake can inflame the prostate, and refined carbs are packed with sugar. Foods like white flour, white bread, and white rice can all spike your blood sugar. Therefore, it’s better to stick with whole grains and low glycemic index foods that contain “good carbs,” like whole wheat bread, quinoa, and brown rice.
10. High-Fat Foods
A diet filled with high-fat foods can affect the balance of hormones in the prostate, lead to inflammation, and cause prostate cells to proliferate erratically, which can all increase the risk of prostate cancer. Swaps foods high in saturated fats like butter, cheese, and cream with monounsaturated fats like avocados, olive oil, seeds and nuts.
Additional Tips for Prostate Health
Beyond staying away from the ten worst foods for prostate health, these additional tips can help you stay fit as a fiddle.
- Prostate Massage: Prostate massage is a surprising way to reduce the risk of prostate cancer as it releases prostatic fluid build-up, reducing swelling and pressure. To empty the prostate, you can gently massage it with fingers or a LELO massager. Use water-based lubricants to enhance comfort.
- Regular Check-Ups: Going in for regular prostate screenings is crucial for early detection and other prostate-related health issues. Routine screenings can catch any abnormalities and usually include a digital rectal exam and prostate-specific antigen.
- Do pelvic floor exercises: These exercises, otherwise known as Kegels, can promote pelvic health and prevent prostate issues. They improve urinary control, which is vital for an enlarged prostate, and can improve symptoms of chronic prostatitis.
Conclusion
Although some prostate cancer risk factors might be beyond our control, being mindful of the right lifestyle choices, like diet modification, can play a major role in preventing the likelihood of prostate health, which only increases with age.
It goes beyond cutting back on fatty, processed foods and replacing inflammatory ingredients with nutrient-rich meals. By getting screenings and incorporating prostate massage and stress management into your self-care routine, these little changes will add up to make a big difference.
Keep your prostate healthy for years to come with a prostate massager like the HUGO or LOKI Wave.
