What Can I Eat with Prostate Cancer

The speaker discusses the relationship between diet and prostate health, focusing on the impact of glucose and certain meats. They mention that restricting glucose intake may help with prostate cancer, but emphasize that more research is needed. They also highlight the negative effects of processed foods, which are often high in hidden sugars, unhealthy fats, and sodium. Processed meats, such as bacon and deli meats, contain preservatives linked to a higher risk of certain cancers, including prostate cancer. The speaker suggests opting for lean proteins like poultry, fish, and plant-based sources. They also provide cooking tips, such as using grilling alternatives and marinades to reduce harmful compounds. Overall, they emphasize the importance of making mindful dietary choices that support prostate health. Hey there. So you've been really digging into all this stuff about prostate health, and how what you eat like actually affects it. It's pretty amazing how much we're learning about that connection, right? Yeah, like especially when it comes to glucose and certain meats, right? Yeah. There's a lot to unpack there. I know. Just looking at the research you sent over, some of it is... Is it eye-opening? Yeah, it's pretty wild. Yeah. So are you ready to get this deep dive started? Absolutely. You know, what I find so fascinating is how much we're learning about how directly what we eat can impact our prostate health. Right. It's not just about genetics anymore. Exactly, yeah. We can actually make choices that can really make a difference. It's empowering in a way, isn't it? Totally. Okay, so you've been looking into this idea, right? That like restricting your glucose intake could actually help with prostate cancer. Yeah. And then on top of that, there are certain foods like, well, we should just avoid altogether. And this is all about prostate health specifically. And the research you've got here, it's really cutting edge stuff. Like we're talking about really new information. So we're gonna break it all down, make sure it all makes sense. Okay. Let's talk glucose. I think we've all heard that cancer cells, they love sugar, right? They do. Almost as much as I love like a big slice of cake. But it turns out there's a real reason for that, like a scientific reason. Right, yeah. It all comes down to how those cancer cells, how they fuel themselves. They use glucose for energy. Oh. You know, it's almost like a car uses gasoline. Oh, okay. So if you restrict that glucose, you're essentially cutting off their fuel supply. Makes sense. And some studies are even suggesting that these low carb diets, they could actually improve outcomes for certain types of cancers. Wow. So are we talking about ditching carbs, like completely asking for a friend? Well, not necessarily. Okay. You know, glucose restriction, it's really complex. And the research, especially on this link to prostate cancer, it's still ongoing. We're learning more all the time. It's not a guaranteed cure-all. Of course. And it is absolutely critical that you talk to your doctor before you make any major dietary changes, especially if you are currently undergoing cancer treatment. Yeah, working with your healthcare provider, not trying to replace them. Right. So important. But even if we're not, you know, saying goodbye to carbs forever, the research you sent, it does highlight a lot of these processed foods that, you know, maybe we should think twice about. Yeah, definitely. I mean, processed foods, they're often just loaded with hidden sugars, unhealthy fats, way too much sodium. And all of that can have a negative impact on our health in general. Right. And that can potentially lead to things like insulin resistance, which then impacts prostate health. Yeah. Yeah, and they're sneaky. That's what's so interesting about this, right? It's like they're hidden in everything. They are. How many of us are reaching for a soda in the afternoon, just like, oh, I need a little pick-me-up? Or, you know, you're busy, you're running around, and you just grab something quick for lunch, but it's like, it's processed. And all that stuff really adds up. You're exactly right. I think it's about recognizing those patterns in our own lives, and then figuring out, well, are those patterns actually serving me? Right. You know, take those sugary drinks. You drink that soda, your blood sugar spikes, and then that puts stress on your body. Could lead to insulin resistance over time. Yeah, and then there's like refined carbs. They're everywhere. Everywhere. White bread and pastries. I mean, come on, those are like designed in a lab to be irresistible. I know, and they're often lacking the fiber and nutrients that you find in whole grains. And it's the fiber and nutrients that help regulate our blood sugar. They keep us fuller for longer, too. Yeah. It's amazing what a difference, like just switching from white bread to whole grain, like how different you feel. Huge difference. It's such a simple swap, but it makes you realize how much those little things matter. Okay, so we're making these little swaps. We're going for nutrient-dense whenever we can. Speaking of nutrient-dense, the research you sent over, it also mentioned processed meats, specifically. So we're talking bacon, sausage, deli meats, all that good stuff. Right. What is it about those processed meats that make them, I don't know, maybe not so good for prostate health? Well, they often contain these preservatives, nitrates, and nitrites. And those have been linked to a higher risk of certain cancers, including prostate cancer. Oh, wow. Okay, so it's not just about limiting red meat in general. It's about being aware of how it's prepared and what else is in it. Exactly. Red meat itself can be a great source of protein, but some studies show that it might be linked to a higher risk of prostate cancer, especially processed varieties. Okay. And then there's how you cook it. If you're cooking it at really high temperatures. Right, right. Because you also mentioned fried and charred meats, which is tough because who doesn't love a good char on their steak? It's all about that balance, right? But those charred bits, as delicious as they are, they contain these compounds called heterocyclic amines. It's a mouthful. It is. HCAs. They form when you cook meat at those high temperatures. And those HCAs, they've also been linked to a higher risk of certain cancers. It's like there's so much science behind our barbecue. Right, science. Okay, so if we're watching out for those processed meats, being mindful of the red meat that we eat, how we're cooking it, what are some healthier ways that we can get that protein? Plenty. Poultry. Okay. Skinless chicken and turkey. Great source of lean protein. Yeah, and it's so easy to swap out chicken or turkey in recipes. What about fish? That's supposed to be good for you, right? All those omega-3s. Oh, absolutely. Fish is fantastic. Yeah. Especially the fatty kinds. So we're talking salmon, mackerel, sardines. Okay. They're packed with those omega-3 fatty acids, which are, I mean, they're good for your heart, your brain, and they can even help produce inflammation throughout your body. Wow. So we've got poultry, fish. What about plant-based protein? Anything stand out there when it comes to like prostate health specifically? Definitely. Plant-based proteins can be really powerful. Beans, lentils, tofu, those are all great sources of protein and fiber, of course. But they've also got these compounds called phytoestrogens, which might actually have some protective benefits for the prostate. So instead of looking at this, like a huge list of things you can't eat, it's really about understanding those connections, right? Like what's actually going on in my body. Exactly. It's a holistic thing. Your diet impacts your whole system. Yeah. And even small changes can make a difference. Okay, so small changes, right? What about like how we cook? Are there little tweaks we can make to be healthier? We talked about those HCAs before with the grilling. Yes. What else can we do? So grilling alternatives. Baking, roasting, using a slow cooker. Right. Those can really reduce the formation of HCAs. Yeah, and those methods can bring out so much flavor. They can. And don't forget about marinades. Not only do they taste great, but some research suggests that certain ones, especially the ones with herbs and spices, can actually help reduce those HCAs during cooking. It's like adding flavor and being healthy at the same time. I love it. Exactly. It's about being mindful. Making choices that support your health, but not making it feel restrictive. And remember, everybody's different. What works for one person might not work for another. So talking to your doctor or maybe a registered dietitian, that could help you figure out a personalized plan. Something that really meets your individual needs. Such a good point. This whole deep dive has been honestly really eye-opening for me. Just seeing the connection between glucose, processed food, the types of meat we eat, and how it all ties back to prostate health. Even small changes can make a difference. I think this kind of awareness, it makes you think about all the other areas of your life where you can be more in tune with your body. Absolutely. Well, on that note, thank you. Thank you so much for diving into all this research with me and thank you to everyone listening. Until next time.