- Researchers are reporting that a plant-based diet can ease side effects from prostate cancer treatment, including erectile dysfunction and urinary problems.
- They added that people on plant-based diets also showed better hormonal health, which can help when dealing with depression.
- They noted that the study limitations included the fact that the data came mostly from white healthcare professionals.
A new study links a plant-based diet to fewer side effects experienced by people being treated for prostate cancer.
Researchers said limiting meat and dairy while eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, nuts, and grains can lessen erectile dysfunction, urinary incontinence, and other common side effects experienced by men after treatment.
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The researchers found the group consuming the highest proportion of plants scored 8% to 11% higher in measures of sexual function, compared with the group consuming the least.
Results also showed up to 14% higher scores for urinary health, with fewer examples of irritation, obstruction, and incontinence.
The highest group of plant eaters also demonstrated up to 13% higher scores in hormonal health, assessing symptoms such as depression, hot flashes and low energy, compared to the lowest group on plant-based diets.
“Our findings offer hope for those looking for ways to improve their quality of life after undergoing surgery, radiation, and other common therapies for prostate cancer, which can cause significant side effects,” said Dr. Stacy Loeb, a urologist and the study’s lead author, in a statement.
Loeb, a professor in the Departments of Urology and Population Health at NYU…
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