Plant-Based Diet Linked to Enhanced Sexual Health in Prostate Cancer Survivors
Men, either with prostate cancer or are survivors of the disease, will be happy to know and should strongly consider eating more plant-based foods to improve their sex life. That’s because researchers from NYU Grossman School of Medicine and Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health conducted a recent study that underscores the beneficial effects of a plant-based diet on the sexual health of men who have undergone treatment for prostate cancer.
Specifics of the study
The study, encompassing over 3,500 prostate cancer patients, examined the correlation between dietary habits and post-treatment quality of life issues. Dividing participants into quintiles based on their plant versus animal food consumption, the researchers discovered significant benefits for those who consumed more plant-based foods.
Results revealed that individuals in the highest quintile of plant-based diet intake experienced 8% to 11% better sexual function scores than those in the lowest quintile. Similarly, urinary health showed improvement, with up to 14% better scores, including reduced incontinence and irritation. Additionally, hormonal health saw enhancements of up to 13% among those favoring a plant-centric diet.
Eating more foods from plants enhances sexual health
These findings offer promising prospects for prostate cancer survivors seeking ways to mitigate the side effects of treatment. Incorporating more healthy foods like fruits and vegetables into their diet while limiting meat and dairy consumption presents a straightforward approach for patients to enhance their quality-of-life post-treatment.
Prostate cancer ranks among the most prevalent and lethal cancers affecting American men, according to the American Cancer Society. Previous studies from the same research team had already highlighted the potential of a plant-based diet in lowering a man’s risk of developing prostate cancer.
This groundbreaking study, published online in Cancer, marks the first to demonstrate improved urinary health in prostate cancer patients based on dietary choices.
Using information from the ongoing Health Professionals Follow-Up Study, initiated in 1986, the researchers meticulously analyzed the dietary patterns and health outcomes of male professionals. The study participants, predominantly early-stage prostate cancer patients, provided valuable insights through periodic questionnaires regarding their diet and health status.
Notably, the research accounted for various factors such as weight, physical activity, and medical history, ensuring robust conclusions regarding the impact of a plant-based diet on quality of life.
The study findings underscore the manifold benefits of a plant-centric diet, not only for individual health but also for environmental sustainability. Moreover, they challenge misconceptions regarding the relationship between meat consumption and sexual function in men.
In conclusion
However, it’s essential to acknowledge the study’s limitations, primarily focusing on a predominantly White cohort of healthcare professionals. Future research endeavors aim to broaden the scope to encompass more diverse patient demographics and advanced disease stages.
Dr. David Samadi is the Director of Men’s Health and Urologic Oncology at St. Francis Hospital in Long Island. He’s a renowned and highly successful board certified Urologic Oncologist Expert and Robotic Surgeon in New York City, regarded as one of the leading prostate surgeons in the U.S., with a vast expertise in prostate cancer treatment and Robotic-Assisted Laparoscopic Prostatectomy. Dr. Samadi is a medical contributor to NewsMax TV and is also the author of The Ultimate MANual, Dr. Samadi’s Guide to Men’s Health and Wellness, available online both on Amazon and Barnes & Noble. Visit Dr. Samadi’s websites at robotic oncology and prostate cancer 911.