A Plant-Based Nutrition Regime Could Strengthen Prostate Cancer Survival Rates
Key Takeaways:
- A plant-based diet following a diagnosis of prostate cancer may aid in preventing disease advancement or recurrence. Males following such a regimen experienced a significant reduction in the risk of cancer progression and recurrence.
- Plant-based diets are beneficial as they are loaded with antioxidants, anti-inflammatory components, and dietary fiber that improves glucose control and reduces inflammation. These diets also reduce exposure to harmful substances present in animal-based foods linked to prostate cancer.
- The research findings indicate a correlation between a high consumption of plant-based foods and a reduced risk of prostate cancer progression and recurrence, applicable across varying age groups, activity levels, and cancer severity.
- While encouraging, the findings do not provide concrete evidence that a plant-based diet directly improves prostate cancer outcomes, highlighting an association instead. It’s essential to consider holistic healthy lifestyle habits, like regular exercise, abstaining from smoking, moderate drinking, stress management, alongside a healthy diet.
Embracing a wholesome, plant-based eating regimen following a diagnosis of prostate cancer might aid in preventing the disease from advancing or recurring, according to recent research.
Males who consumed a diet abundant in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains experienced a 52% reduction in the risk of cancer advancement and a 53% decrease in chance of recurrence, as opposed to men who incorporated the minimal quantity of plant-based foods in their diets, the study identified.
The importance of plant-based diets in cancer management
“The concern of evolving into a more serious disease state is a fundamental worry among patients living with prostate cancer, their loved ones, care providers, and their doctors,” stated the primary researcher, a clinical research coordinator at an esteemed medical university.
“These insights may directly impact medical care by offering dietary guidelines for managing their wellbeing and lessening disease rates for the most widespread cancer affecting men in the U.S. Besides, it has beneficial health effects for preventing other chronic diseases,” the researcher added.
Why are plant-based diets beneficial?
A plant-based diet is advantageous as fruits and vegetables are loaded with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory components, supplemented by dietary fiber that enhances glucose control and reduces inflammation. This diet also minimizes potential exposure to harmful substances present in animal-based foods, such as hormones and heterocyclic amines produced during high-temperature cooking, both linked to prostate cancer.
In addition, high-animal protein diets may boost insulin resistance, while milk and dairy consumption might elevate the levels of the growth factor IGF1, known to increase prostate-cancer risks.
The comprehensive study methodology
For this research, the scientific team leveraged information from a study accumulating details on over 2,000 men diagnosed with prostate cancer.
Following a median duration of seven years, the scientists discovered that men, who reported the highest consumption of plant-based foods, were at a decreased risk of both advancement and recurrence as opposed to men with minimal plant intake. This correlation remained consistent across different age groups, walking paces, or cancer severity.
“A healthful plant-based diet after diagnosis, incorporating vegetables, fruits, legumes, and whole grains may be related to a reduced risk of prostate cancer progression and recurrence. This aligns with a range of other health benefits, including a reduction in diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and overall mortality,” the researcher concluded.
The research findings were made public at a recent high-profile medical conference. However, findings divulged at medical seminars are considered preliminary until officially published in a peer-reviewed journal.
Considerations and cautions
While the findings are encouraging, they do not provide concrete evidence that a plant-based diet directly improves prostate cancer outcomes; there is simply an association between the two. However, there is biological justification to suggest that plant-based diets are healthier and can boost the immune system.
“The additional consideration is that those following a plant-based diet also tend to indulge in regular exercise, another proven booster of the immune system,” another medical expert commented.
A healthy lifestyle also decreases the risk of cancer recurrence and progression as patients can better tolerate treatments, are more likely to receive complete treatments and are more inclined to adhere to medical directives, the expert said.
While not discrediting these findings entirely, it’s essential not to view this as definitive proof. It’s key that people consider the whole picture – they engage in regular exercise, they refrain from smoking, they do not excessively drink, they eat healthily, and they reduce stress – all of which can contribute significantly to improving health.
Moving forward – additional resources
For additional details on prostate cancer, you can access resources from reputable cancer research organizations.
SOURCES: Leading clinical research coordinator, esteemed medical university; Chief, Division of Genitourinary Radiation Oncology, prominent cancer research institute; Recent medical conference.
