Diet for Prostate Cancer Radiation

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among men in the United States. In fact, of every six men in the U.S., the American Cancer Society estimates that one will develop this type of cancer. One of the most common treatments for cancer--including prostate cancer--is radiation therapy. Such treatment can be helped along when the patient consistently sticks to a balanced diet, eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, and healthy grains, beans and nuts, while avoiding fats, harmful beverages and too much sugar or dairy.

Grains, Beans, Nuts

For those going through radiation therapy for prostate cancer, rice is highly recommended---particularly brown rice. The inclusion of other grains in one's diet, like millet, buckwheat and amaranth, can also be beneficial. Kidney beans and pinto beans are great, too, as are lentils, garbanzo beans, and mung beans. Any nuts or seeds (minus the salt) are recommended, too---though try to avoid peanuts and peanut butter.

Vegetables, Fruit

All sorts of fruit, whether frozen and thawed or fresh from the plant, are recommended for those going through radiation therapy for prostate cancer. As for vegetables, any fresh vegetable will do. However, some vegetables are considered slightly more effective in keeping up your health. These latter include broccoli and broccoli sprouts, beets, red and green veggies, artichokes, cauliflower, and especially garlic.

Fats, Drinks

Fatty foods are obviously out when it comes to maintaining a healthy diet during prostate cancer radiation therapy. So too is junk food, in any quantity. As a rule too, avoid coffee, other caffeinated drinks, and especially, alcohol.

Sugar

Anything that contains sugar (look on the ingredients for corn syrup, dextrose, sucrose, or brown sugar) is usually not a good idea while undergoing radiation therapy---and that includes artificial sweeteners. Avoid dairy products as a rule, including milk, cream cheese, sour cream, butter and yogurt. Grains that contain gluten, including wheat, barley and rye, should also be avoided. The basic rule when it comes to radiation therapy--avoid the obviously unhealthy things, and keep it all balanced.