Foods that are bad for the prostate

1. Meat

People with prostate disease are said to be advised to avoid foods such as beef, goat, and lamb, as they may be harmful to the prostate. This includes processed meat products like sausages and corned beef. Cooking red meat at high temperatures can produce carcinogenic compounds or cancer-causing substances, namely heterocyclic amines (HCA). According to the National Cancer Institute, HCAs are formed when amino acids, glucose, and creatinine react during grilling or roasting meat.

This is definitely contraindicated for prostate patients because it can induce the growth of cancer cells and increase the risk of prostate cancer. Therefore, experts recommend switching to better protein sources such as chicken, fish, soy, tempeh, or tofu.

​

2. Milk and Dairy Products

Calcium is an important nutrient for the body. However, people at risk of prostate disease may need to limit their daily calcium intake. Processed products rich in calcium such as milk, cheese, yogurt, ice cream, and butter are considered foods that may cause prostate disease. According to studies, drinking large amounts of milk may increase the risk of prostate cancer growing and spreading.

Nevertheless, there is no known restriction on the ideal amount of milk intake to prevent prostate disease. Experts generally recommend consuming less than 2000mg of calcium per day or about 1.6 liters of milk. Prostate patients can switch to free or low-fat dairy products, but it is important to follow a doctor's diagnosis.

3. Foods high in saturated fats

Saturated fats are often associated with high cholesterol, stroke, and heart disease risk. Patients with prostate disease should limit their intake of saturated fats, which increase the risk of developing aggressive or advanced prostate cancer. Food types classified as high in saturated fats include meats, dairy products, fried or baked foods, and processed foods, and these are considered harmful to the prostate.

According to other studies, consuming more unsaturated fats such as fish and nuts tends to reduce the risk of prostate cancer. Nevertheless, further research is needed to determine the relationship between fats and prostate health risks.

​

4. Foods high in sugar

Other dietary restrictions for people with prostate disease suggest that sweet foods such as candies, chocolates, and ice cream are not recommended. High sugar intake can worsen inflammation in the body. It can also lead to the development of cancer cells in the prostate gland. According to a study published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences, consumption of sugar and carbohydrates may increase the risk of obesity-related cancers, including prostate cancer.

​

5. Alcohol

Alcohol should be limited or avoided in excessive consumption. Studies have found that drinking more than 4 glasses a day or more than 20 glasses a week increases the risk of developing advanced prostate cancer in men. Therefore, it is better to replace alcohol with alternatives such as water, sparkling water, fresh fruit juice, tea, or coffee.

Additionally, alcohol consumption is closely related to smoking. Of course, to reduce the harmful effects of smoking, one must quit smoking. Besides dietary restrictions for patients with prostate diseases, there are many other precautions to maintain the health of the prostate gland. Consuming foods that are good for prostate health and exercising help prevent obesity.