If you've been diagnosed with prostate cancer, your doctor may recommend hormone deprivation therapy. The male hormone testosterone can increase the growth of prostate cancer cells. By blocking or limiting production of testosterone, hormone therapy can sometimes shrink or slow prostate cancer.

While limiting testosterone production may be good at stopping cancer, it can also cause various side effects like hot flashes, night sweats, weight gain, loss of libido and brittle bones.

Bone formation already decreases with age, so additional bone loss from hormone therapy can increase risks for breaks or falls. Exercises like resistance training may help prevent bone loss and increase muscle mass.

Diet can also help fortify the body with bone-building nutrients to prevent or slow bone loss. In addition to making the diet consistent with a plant- based approach, daily consumption of nutrients like calcium, magnesium, and others from the foods listed below can help support good bone health. Individual dietary supplements are generally not recommended unless advised by your doctor.

Boron

Apples, Avocados, Beans, Milk, Peanuts/ peanut butter, potatoes, prunes

Calcium

Beans, Leafy greens (especially bok choy, kale, collard greens), tofu, almonds, canned fish, dairy, and fortified products such as soy milk and cereals

Magnesium

Whole grains, nuts, seeds, spinach, and most fruits and vegetables

Phosphorus

Meat, poultry, fish, eggs, milk products, legumes, and nuts

Potassium

Bananas, strawberries, prunes, tomatoes, potatoes, spinach, and beans

Vitamin D

Cold-water fish and fortified products such as soy milk

Vitamin K

Dark leafy greens, liver, tomatoes, soybeans, and garbanzo beans

Zinc

Fish, oysters, chicken, turkey, tofu, whole grains, black-eyed peas, and wheat bran and germ

Medical nutrition therapy is an essential part of your care plan and is offered to every patient at The Christ Hospital Cancer Center. A Registered Dietitian is available to meet with you to establish an individualized diet plan and manage issues that can come along with cancer treatment such as weight loss, digestion problems, or taste alterations. 

Ask your physician or nurse if you are interested in meeting with our dietitians.