Diet After RP!!

TonyJr
TonyJr Member Posts: 33
edited March 2014 in Prostate Cancer #1
Hello to all,

I'm curious if anyone here can tell me how your diet has changed post surgery, I'm still not sure what I can or can't eat. I realize I need to stay away from red meats, dairy and fatty substances ie: transfats, saturated fats.....but I'm not sure what is good or not good to eat...Are peanuts ok, what about shakes, I'm a cereal lover so does that mean no milk at all or I love burgers and steaks. Should I stop all together or eat these things sparingly...I spoke with my doctors office and they said of course I should eat healthy but since I no longer have a prostate, prevention of prostate cancer is no longer an issue...but I want to be certain regarding what I should and shouldn't be eating...I do have a life of PSA lab work test in my future...any direction would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks Again,
TonyJr.

Comments

  • BRONX52
    BRONX52 Member Posts: 156
    #2
    TONYJR.
    I HAD A RP IN FEB. FOLLOWED BY ADJUVANT RADIATION IN APRIL. I WONDERED ABOUT DIET ALSO AND ASKED A COUPLE OF DOCTORS ABOUT IT. BASICALLY. THEY TOLD IF YOU FOLLOW A HEART HEALTHY DIET YOU SHOULD BE OK. THEY DIDN'T RULE OUT MEAT AND DAIRY BUT SAID I SHOULD LIMIT MY INTAKE. HEAVY ON THE FRUITS AND VEGGIES AND EVERYTHING ELSE IN MODERATION SEEMED TO BE THEIR MESSAGE. I'M SURE THAT SOME ON THIS WEBSITE CAN GIVE YOU A MORE DETALED PERSPECTIVE ON WHAT THEY DID PERSONALLY AS FAR AS DIET IS CONCERNED.
  • Kongo
    Kongo Member Posts: 1,166 Member
    #3
    BRONX52 said:

    TONYJR.
    I HAD A RP IN FEB. FOLLOWED BY ADJUVANT RADIATION IN APRIL. I WONDERED ABOUT DIET ALSO AND ASKED A COUPLE OF DOCTORS ABOUT IT. BASICALLY. THEY TOLD IF YOU FOLLOW A HEART HEALTHY DIET YOU SHOULD BE OK. THEY DIDN'T RULE OUT MEAT AND DAIRY BUT SAID I SHOULD LIMIT MY INTAKE. HEAVY ON THE FRUITS AND VEGGIES AND EVERYTHING ELSE IN MODERATION SEEMED TO BE THEIR MESSAGE. I'M SURE THAT SOME ON THIS WEBSITE CAN GIVE YOU A MORE DETALED PERSPECTIVE ON WHAT THEY DID PERSONALLY AS FAR AS DIET IS CONCERNED.

    Diet
    Tony, there is a growing body of evidence that dairy and red meat have a positive correlation to several types of cancer. I'd recommend Jane Plant's books on breast and prostate cancer to get a compelling perspective. Compared to Asian countries where there is virtually zero dairy in the diet, the rate of prostaste cancer is about 1 in 100,000 compared to about 1 in six in Western countries. When Asian men immigrate to the West and adopt Western diets, their PCa rate approaches other western men. The growth hormones fed to dairy and feedlot cattle to increase yield may be making matters even worse. After weaning, humans don't need milk and cow's milk, while good for baby cows that double in size in 47 days (compared to 180 for humans), bovine milk has much more Insulin Growth Factors (IGFs) than human milk.

    I was diagnosed with PCa in March and within a week eliminated all dairy and red meat from my diet. Six weeks later my PSA had dropped from 4.3 to 2.8.

    Not surprisingly, there are other studies (many sponsored by the dairy industry) that show little or no correlation to diet.

    As others have suggested, a diabetic or heart-healthy diet has other benefits besides reducing cancer risk.

    I substituted soy or rice milk and found that after a day or two I couldn't tell the difference. There's also lots of soy cheese, ice cream, and other products that make switching easy. I find it's harder to stay on a dairy free diet while traveling but at home, it's pretty easy.

    Good luck.
  • TonyJr
    TonyJr Member Posts: 33
    #4
    BRONX52 said:

    TONYJR.
    I HAD A RP IN FEB. FOLLOWED BY ADJUVANT RADIATION IN APRIL. I WONDERED ABOUT DIET ALSO AND ASKED A COUPLE OF DOCTORS ABOUT IT. BASICALLY. THEY TOLD IF YOU FOLLOW A HEART HEALTHY DIET YOU SHOULD BE OK. THEY DIDN'T RULE OUT MEAT AND DAIRY BUT SAID I SHOULD LIMIT MY INTAKE. HEAVY ON THE FRUITS AND VEGGIES AND EVERYTHING ELSE IN MODERATION SEEMED TO BE THEIR MESSAGE. I'M SURE THAT SOME ON THIS WEBSITE CAN GIVE YOU A MORE DETALED PERSPECTIVE ON WHAT THEY DID PERSONALLY AS FAR AS DIET IS CONCERNED.

    Diet
    Thanx Bronx I kindof figured that, but your confirmation confirmed it for me...I really appreciate it..

    TonyJr.
  • TonyJr
    TonyJr Member Posts: 33
    #5
    Kongo said:

    Diet
    Tony, there is a growing body of evidence that dairy and red meat have a positive correlation to several types of cancer. I'd recommend Jane Plant's books on breast and prostate cancer to get a compelling perspective. Compared to Asian countries where there is virtually zero dairy in the diet, the rate of prostaste cancer is about 1 in 100,000 compared to about 1 in six in Western countries. When Asian men immigrate to the West and adopt Western diets, their PCa rate approaches other western men. The growth hormones fed to dairy and feedlot cattle to increase yield may be making matters even worse. After weaning, humans don't need milk and cow's milk, while good for baby cows that double in size in 47 days (compared to 180 for humans), bovine milk has much more Insulin Growth Factors (IGFs) than human milk.

    I was diagnosed with PCa in March and within a week eliminated all dairy and red meat from my diet. Six weeks later my PSA had dropped from 4.3 to 2.8.

    Not surprisingly, there are other studies (many sponsored by the dairy industry) that show little or no correlation to diet.

    As others have suggested, a diabetic or heart-healthy diet has other benefits besides reducing cancer risk.

    I substituted soy or rice milk and found that after a day or two I couldn't tell the difference. There's also lots of soy cheese, ice cream, and other products that make switching easy. I find it's harder to stay on a dairy free diet while traveling but at home, it's pretty easy.

    Good luck.

    Diet
    Thanx Kongo, I appreciate the feedback, I never tried the soy or rice thing before so I guess its about time I did....hopefully that'll help me stay in the 0 column...thanx again.

    TonyJr.
  • randy_in_indy
    randy_in_indy Member Posts: 496 Member
    #6
    Hey I have to be honest
    I have not really changed my diet much at all...I still eat Red Meat..love it and will continue but probably less than before...I have tried to cut out fat....I have tried to increase salmon...or fish.....but I ate much chiken and fish already... but one thing I will not ever give up is Mexican food...I just had a Pork burrito last night with a ton of very hot habenero sauce on it...I love things very hot...so far no ulcers or any side affects and I have been eating really, really HOT stuff all my life....it's an addiction with me...and they say it really is an addiction because when your mouth is burning up with fire your brain releases a natural narcotic endorphine that will calm the pain... Another thing I refuse to give up is very good homecrafted beer...with high hops...Like IPA's those are my two weaknesses....
  • DanKCMO
    DanKCMO Member Posts: 42
    #7
    TonyJr said:

    Diet
    Thanx Bronx I kindof figured that, but your confirmation confirmed it for me...I really appreciate it..

    TonyJr.

    RP a wake up call for better diet
    I don't know exactly why I got motivated after my operation, but for 4-5 years prior to the operation, I just could not shed the 15-20 pounds I needed to (even with regular exercise). Lack of will power + I just ate too much of the wrong things (eating out a couple of times a week usually with dessert, lots of coffee drinks, soda pop and pastries a few times a week).

    Since the operation, where my digestive system was cleaned out and shut down for a few days, it was almost easy to resume a healthier diet and cut out all the junk that I didn't have the will power to give up before. Don't know why but I like it. I lost 5 lbs the first 5 days after the operation (due solely to the operation) but I have not had the same desire for junk food or big dining out portions even since my digestive system is pretty much back to normal. I have lost an additional 6 pounds and hopefully will reach my goal weight in another 6 weeks. I have not become a health food fanatic, but just cutting out the junk and cutting out eating out seemed to do it. Dan
  • bdhilton
    bdhilton Member Posts: 866 Member
    #8
    Tony Jr... Lots of good
    Tony Jr... Lots of good information out there one of my favorite places for updated information are the web sites for UCSF and Prostate Cancer Foundation (give often to these guys…they fund the cutting edge and have done more for PCa than any group) –

    What I get out of all of this is that we should eat better quality food (less fat, less red meat, less salt, less sugar, less alcohol and more fruit, veggies, fish, nuts, whole grains, fiber and antioxidants) and exercise more for improved health, but there were still some interesting details.

    Generally, a "healthy" diet is recommended for cancer patients in order to: 1) reduce the risk of chronic disease, 2) help to inhibit cancer growth, 3) enhance the immune system, 4) increase energy levels and 4) to facilitate recovery from cancer treatment.

    The following were specifically recommended for a "Cancer Protective Diet" from UCSF:
    1) 8-10 "colorful" fruit & veggie servings daily
    2) 30-40 gms of fiber daily from beans/legumes & whole grains
    3) Limit consumption of processed and refined foods (eg., white rice & bread)
    4) Limit meat & daily products; avoid processed meats ( I eat wild cold water fish only)
    5) Increase healthy fats (omega 3 fatty acids) from cold water fish, nuts, etc.)
    6) Drink 1-4 cups of green tea daily
    7) Avoid or limit alcohol consumption (I drink 2-3 glass of wine frequently per instructions from oncologist)
    8) Get tested for Vitamin D and take supplement as needed (up to 1-2gm daily)
    9) Increase daily intake of antioxidant rich foods, which include lycopene, selenium & Vitamin E.
    10) And, lastly, exercise at least 30-60 mins daily to achieve an acceptable BMI. (I exercise 90-120 minutes a day 5x week)

    No real surprises here and no evidence that following these suggestions will "cure" or prevent reoccurrence of your cancer. However, it certainly can't hurt you and will definitely make you a healthier person. I also find no issues when I travel to keep to this diet...It is nothing more than a comitment and lifestyle change IMHO...

    So, there's no reason not to follow this diet, provided you can actually do all of the things suggested, which is really the question. Most people can't, even if they want to and I don't think I can either but I'll do what I can to eat as healthfully as I can and that's all any of us can expect to do, regardless of its effect on your cancer.

    Best to all fighting this beast....
  • TonyJr
    TonyJr Member Posts: 33
    #9
    randy_in_indy said:

    Hey I have to be honest
    I have not really changed my diet much at all...I still eat Red Meat..love it and will continue but probably less than before...I have tried to cut out fat....I have tried to increase salmon...or fish.....but I ate much chiken and fish already... but one thing I will not ever give up is Mexican food...I just had a Pork burrito last night with a ton of very hot habenero sauce on it...I love things very hot...so far no ulcers or any side affects and I have been eating really, really HOT stuff all my life....it's an addiction with me...and they say it really is an addiction because when your mouth is burning up with fire your brain releases a natural narcotic endorphine that will calm the pain... Another thing I refuse to give up is very good homecrafted beer...with high hops...Like IPA's those are my two weaknesses....

    LoL Randy
    I hear you there, I'm a lover of mexican food myself...my crytonite is Carne Asada, with redbeans and rice with a cheese enchilada on the side....lol...but thanks I'm with you on that I've started limiting myself also but who can stop totally....

    TonyJr
  • TonyJr
    TonyJr Member Posts: 33
    #10
    bdhilton said:

    Tony Jr... Lots of good
    Tony Jr... Lots of good information out there one of my favorite places for updated information are the web sites for UCSF and Prostate Cancer Foundation (give often to these guys…they fund the cutting edge and have done more for PCa than any group) –

    What I get out of all of this is that we should eat better quality food (less fat, less red meat, less salt, less sugar, less alcohol and more fruit, veggies, fish, nuts, whole grains, fiber and antioxidants) and exercise more for improved health, but there were still some interesting details.

    Generally, a "healthy" diet is recommended for cancer patients in order to: 1) reduce the risk of chronic disease, 2) help to inhibit cancer growth, 3) enhance the immune system, 4) increase energy levels and 4) to facilitate recovery from cancer treatment.

    The following were specifically recommended for a "Cancer Protective Diet" from UCSF:
    1) 8-10 "colorful" fruit & veggie servings daily
    2) 30-40 gms of fiber daily from beans/legumes & whole grains
    3) Limit consumption of processed and refined foods (eg., white rice & bread)
    4) Limit meat & daily products; avoid processed meats ( I eat wild cold water fish only)
    5) Increase healthy fats (omega 3 fatty acids) from cold water fish, nuts, etc.)
    6) Drink 1-4 cups of green tea daily
    7) Avoid or limit alcohol consumption (I drink 2-3 glass of wine frequently per instructions from oncologist)
    8) Get tested for Vitamin D and take supplement as needed (up to 1-2gm daily)
    9) Increase daily intake of antioxidant rich foods, which include lycopene, selenium & Vitamin E.
    10) And, lastly, exercise at least 30-60 mins daily to achieve an acceptable BMI. (I exercise 90-120 minutes a day 5x week)

    No real surprises here and no evidence that following these suggestions will "cure" or prevent reoccurrence of your cancer. However, it certainly can't hurt you and will definitely make you a healthier person. I also find no issues when I travel to keep to this diet...It is nothing more than a comitment and lifestyle change IMHO...

    So, there's no reason not to follow this diet, provided you can actually do all of the things suggested, which is really the question. Most people can't, even if they want to and I don't think I can either but I'll do what I can to eat as healthfully as I can and that's all any of us can expect to do, regardless of its effect on your cancer.

    Best to all fighting this beast....

    Mr. BDHilton
    Thank you sooooo very much, thats a beginning I'll try to live by, but we'll see how it turns out...I'll have modify my lifestyle....but your information will be well taken. Every little bit helps...thanks much...

    Tony Jr.
  • TonyJr
    TonyJr Member Posts: 33
    #11
    DanKCMO said:

    RP a wake up call for better diet
    I don't know exactly why I got motivated after my operation, but for 4-5 years prior to the operation, I just could not shed the 15-20 pounds I needed to (even with regular exercise). Lack of will power + I just ate too much of the wrong things (eating out a couple of times a week usually with dessert, lots of coffee drinks, soda pop and pastries a few times a week).

    Since the operation, where my digestive system was cleaned out and shut down for a few days, it was almost easy to resume a healthier diet and cut out all the junk that I didn't have the will power to give up before. Don't know why but I like it. I lost 5 lbs the first 5 days after the operation (due solely to the operation) but I have not had the same desire for junk food or big dining out portions even since my digestive system is pretty much back to normal. I have lost an additional 6 pounds and hopefully will reach my goal weight in another 6 weeks. I have not become a health food fanatic, but just cutting out the junk and cutting out eating out seemed to do it. Dan

    Thanks Dan
    Thanks Dan I appreciate the response, I'll definitely look into your suggestions....man as if my life hasn't changed already...now my love of everyday food has to go...lol...it is what it is right?

    TonyJr.
  • randy_in_indy
    randy_in_indy Member Posts: 496 Member
    #12
    TonyJr said:

    Mr. BDHilton
    Thank you sooooo very much, thats a beginning I'll try to live by, but we'll see how it turns out...I'll have modify my lifestyle....but your information will be well taken. Every little bit helps...thanks much...

    Tony Jr.

    I gotta tell ya Tony Jr.
    BD is the poster child of doing what is right and 100% all good for you...I'm envious of his ability to maintain the routine he does with both exercise and diet...he will outlive us all!

    Here's to you BD and your very good lifestyle you live!

    Randy in Indy
  • bdhilton
    bdhilton Member Posts: 866 Member
    #13
    randy_in_indy said:

    I gotta tell ya Tony Jr.
    BD is the poster child of doing what is right and 100% all good for you...I'm envious of his ability to maintain the routine he does with both exercise and diet...he will outlive us all!

    Here's to you BD and your very good lifestyle you live!

    Randy in Indy

    Thanks for the positive
    Thanks for the positive comment but at the end of the day LIVE YOUR LIFE is the best advice and path for anyone to take…Just because I believe that diet and exercise will add quantity and quality of life does not mean it is true for everyone…

    As far as Mexican food…it is one of my favorites and you can have an extremely good diet with just food from South of the Border…My wife has always had her fresh and homemade salsa and chile (red and green) in the refrig for me all the times…I love hot food too…

    Best to all
  • steckley
    steckley Member Posts: 100
    #14
    Diet After Rp
    TonyJr

    I've used Mike Milken's Cookbook "The Taste For Living". It's full of recipes for fighting cancer.

    I liked the introduction and preface that answered a lot of my questions concerning what I should and shouldn't be eating and explained why I should eat more soy, green tea, fiber and less fat. You might be able to read these parts at the local library.

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