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Posted by Dr. Stephen Scionti on Mar 14, 2016 10:03:53 AM

Nutrition and Prostate Cancer
Stephen M Scionti, MD
Scionti Prostate Center, Sarasota, Florida
Medical Director, Vituro Health

You may know there is a connection between healthy eating and reducing your risk for conditions such as obesity, heart disease and high blood pressure, but did you know eating well is also connected to prostate health?

Studies have shown that good nutrition can help reduce prostate cancer risk. Vituro Health Medical Director Stephen Scionti, M.D., says once a man is diagnosed with prostate cancer, it is more important than ever that they focus on proper nutrition to help slow disease growth.

“There is no universally accepted prostate cancer diet, but most nutritional experts who have studied prostate cancer would advise a Mediterranean-type diet. We think that has value,” Scionti said.

The Mediterranean-style eating approach Dr. Scionti encourages to his patients puts a strong emphasis on eating:
• Fruits
• Vegetables
• Healthy nuts
• Whole grains
• Limited red meat (only a few times per month)
• Fish and chicken (at least twice per week)
• Healthy fats, such as olive oil

“Patients are also encouraged to avoid starches, sugars and high calorie foods,” Scionti added. “Eating healthy will contribute to reducing or keeping their body mass index down to healthy levels, which is part of prostate cancer long-term management.”

“This diet is also good for heart health, making it a win-win for prostate cancer,” Scionti says.

“Cardiac health and prostate health are related. Men who are at high risk for heart disease and are diagnosed with prostate cancer tend to have more severe cases of prostate cancer and higher recurrence risk after treatment than men who have normal body weight (BMI), no diabetes and exercise regularly,” Scionti said. “Remember this, a diet that is heart healthy is prostate healthy.”

Also, Dr. Scionti encourages staying active as a partner to eating well.

“I also advise my prostate cancer patients to exercise for at least 150 minutes per week, which is the same recommendation a cardiologist would give their patients,” Scionti explained. “Any exercise is better than none, but 150 minutes per week should be a goal.”

Topics: Dr Scionti Blogs about prostate cancer