What to eat when you have prostate cancer
Focus on heart-healthy, plant-based eating
Limit saturated and processed fats
Choose healthier fats instead
Fill your plate with fruits, vegetables and whole grains
Avoid red and processed meats
Eat eggs in moderation
Consider soy foods
Limit added sugar and refined carbohydrates
Adopt a Mediterranean diet
What about other diets, such as ketogenic or paleo diets?
Special nutrition considerations depending on treatment type
Hormone therapy
Radiation therapy
Surgery
Supporting treatment through nutrition
Fill your plate with fruits, vegetables and whole grains
Plant foods are rich in vitamins, minerals, fiber and other nutrients that support overall health. Eating a variety of fruits, vegetables and whole grains has been linked to improved survival after prostate cancer treatment.
Some plant compounds show particular promise:
- Cruciferous vegetables — such as broccoli, cauliflower and Brussels sprouts — contain sulforaphane, which may help reduce prostate cancer recurrence risk.
- Tomatoes and watermelon contain lycopene. Early research suggests lycopene may help lower PSA levels, but more research is needed.
During treatment, side effects such as nausea, taste changes or digestive issues can make some foods hard to tolerate. This includes raw vegetables, especially cruciferous vegetables such as those listed above. It's OK to adjust food choices and eat what you can during this time. As symptoms improve, gradually work toward including a wider variety of fruits and vegetables.
Eating more fruits and vegetables also tends to be filling, so you have less room for other foods that aren't as healthy. When you're able, aim for about 2 to 3 cups of vegetables and 2 cups of fruits every day.
