Fighting Prostate Cancer with a healthy overall Plant-based Diet: a study
A recent peer-reviewed study published in JAMA Network Open has explored the relationship between plant-based diets and disease progression in men with prostate cancer. The research suggests that higher consumption of healthy plant-based foods may be associated with a lower risk of prostate cancer progression.
Study Setup
The study analyzed data from 2,038 men with localized prostate cancer over a median follow-up period of 7.4 years. Participants’ diets were assessed using a food frequency questionnaire, and plant-based diet indices were calculated to evaluate adherence to plant-based eating patterns.
Key Findings
• Healthy Plant-Based Diets: Men who consumed higher amounts of healthy plant-based foods, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, exhibited a 52% lower risk of prostate cancer progression compared to those with lower consumption.
• Unhealthy Plant-Based Diets: No significant association was found between the intake of less healthy plant-based foods (e.g., refined grains, sugary beverages) and prostate cancer progression.
What does that mean for Phytotherapy?
These findings highlight the potential role of diet, particularly the consumption of healthy plant-based foods, in managing prostate cancer progression. For practitioners in phytotherapy, this underscores the importance of dietary recommendations that emphasize whole, unprocessed plant foods as part of a comprehensive approach to prostate cancer care.
Conclusions
Adopting a diet rich in healthy plant-based foods may offer a promising strategy for reducing the risk of prostate cancer progression. Further research is warranted to explore the mechanisms underlying this association and to establish dietary guidelines for prostate cancer patients.
REFERENCE
Liu VN, Van Blarigan EL, Zhang L, Graff RE, Loeb S, Langlais CS, Cowan JE, Carroll PR, Chan JM, Kenfield SA. Plant-Based Diets and Disease Progression in Men With Prostate Cancer. JAMA Netw Open. 2024 May 1;7(5):e249053. doi: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.9053. PMID: 38691361; PMCID: PMC11063803.