In stage 2 prostate cancer, the cancerous growth is contained within the prostate gland, although it is more advanced than in stage 1. Doctors can see the growth on a sonogram or feel it during a rectal examination. The National Cancer Institute explains that cancer patients need to base their diet on foods and drinks that help them keep up strength and help handle treatment side effects.
Strength-Building Foods
The NCI explains that some cancer patients may need a larger amount of protein and calories to give them strength to rebuild tissue. It recommends extra milk, cheese and eggs. Eat these foods separately, or add them to recipes. Meal replacement shakes provide the same benefits. It is most important to consult your doctor or a dietitian for a complete list of appropriate foods. Depending on your specific health history and present condition, there may be certain foods you should include or avoid.
Foods for All Side Effects
The NCI reports that chemotherapy and other cancer treatments may cause side effects. Loss of appetite, dry mouth, lactose intolerance or inability to digest dairy products, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, changes in weight, sore throat or trouble swallowing could occur and lead to eating problems. The institute recommends certain foods to help alleviate some of the discomfort and complications associated with those side effects. Some examples are clear liquids such as bouillon soups or water, fruit juices and non-caffeinated tea. In many instances, patients can tolerate meal replacement or nutritional supplement beverages.
Foods for Specific Side Effects
The NCI finds other foods to be helpful for more specific symptoms. If you experience vomiting and weight loss, some of the foods you may find helpful are hot cereals such as cream of wheat or cream of rice, custard, frozen desserts and gelatin. If you have a lot of nausea and vomiting, avocado, tender beef, baked or boiled fish, chicken and turkey, pasta and potatoes may be easy on your stomach and increase weight once the vomiting subsides. To help stop diarrhea, eat low-fiber foods such as white bread, white rice, cooked carrots and string beans. Eat high-fiber foods if you are constipated; whole grains, beans, fresh fruit and vegetables, nuts and granola are popular examples. You may have dry mouth, a sore throat or difficulty swallowing. In that case, eat baby food, pureed food, casseroles, cooked cereal, eggs and mashed potatoes.
Foods for the Prostate Gland
Dietitian and nutritional researcher Stacey Bell advises prostate cancer patients to maintain a whole-food diet that is rich in antioxidants, lycopene, zinc and omega-3 fatty acids. She has found that foods containing high amounts of antioxidants and lycopene protect the body from free radicals, organisms that damage cells. Bell explains that zinc is a vital nutrient for the prostate gland and the immune system. Essential fatty acids help rebuild and produce new cells. Eat apples, fresh berries, melons, grapes, cherries, plums and walnuts for rich sources of antioxidants. For lycopene, eat watermelon, tomatoes and grapefruit. Seafood, spinach, pumpkin, sunflower seeds and whole grains contain large amounts of zinc. Cold water fish such as salmon, herring, sardines and mackerel are rich in omega-3 fatty acids.
References
- National Cancer Institute; What You Need to Know About Prostate Cancer; November 2000
- National Cancer Institute; Eating Hints: Before, During and After Cancer Treatments; September 2009
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing, 5th Edition"; Phyllis A. Balch, CNC; 2010
