Prostate Health and Nutrition

Dr. Dean Elterman, MD, MSc, FRCSC Urological Surgeon

Duration: 2 minute 50 seconds

Food is the key to weight management and reducing the risk of heart attack, stroke, and other problems. It’s also an important part of any treatment plan when dealing with health conditions such as prostate cancer and other cancers. Many fruits and vegetables contain vital nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and fibre.

Staying a healthy weight is one of the best things you can do for your overall health. It can lower your risk of many health problems, including heart disease, type-2 diabetes and some cancers. It may also be important for men with prostate cancer, as there is strong evidence that being overweight raises the risk of aggressive or advanced prostate cancer. Eating a balanced diet and introducing a wide variety of vegetables into your diet is a great way to help manage weight and get the essential vitamins and nutrients your body needs.

Being a healthy weight may mean your prostate cancer is less likely to spread after surgery or radiotherapy. Hormone therapy might also be less effective if you're very overweight. Also, staying a healthy weight may help you manage or reduce some of the side effects of treatments, such as urinary problems after surgery. Eating a balanced diet of healthy fats, protein and a wide variety of healthy vegetables can help you manage your weight and subsequently may also help men with prostate cancer.

Eating a variety of different fruits and vegetables is an excellent way to get the maximum nutrient content that your body needs.

Healthy eating in conjunction with strength training and cardiovascular exercise, such as cycling, walking or running, is a great way to improve your overall health and wellness.

Presenter: Dr. Dean Elterman, Urologist, Toronto, ON

Local Practitioners: Urologist