Foods That Help Heal After Prostate Cancer Treatment

How Nutrition Supports Healing After Prostate Cancer Treatment

Recovering from prostate cancer treatment—whether surgery, radiation, or hormone therapy—requires more than rest and follow-up appointments. What you eat plays a crucial role in how your body heals, how you feel day to day, and even your long-term risk of recurrence.

Dr. David B. Samadi, world-renowned prostate cancer surgeon and urologic oncologist, encourages a proactive nutritional approach to support recovery and overall prostate health. Here’s a patient-friendly guide to the top foods that help heal your body after treatment.

Why Food Matters During Recovery

After treatment, your body is working hard to repair tissue, manage inflammation, and regain strength. A well-balanced, anti-inflammatory diet can:

• Speed up healing
  
  
• Boost immune function
  
  
• Reduce fatigue
  
  
• Support urinary and digestive health
  
  
• Lower risk of prostate cancer returning
  
  

Top Healing Foods After Prostate Cancer Treatment

1. Cruciferous Vegetables

Examples: Broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, kale

• Rich in sulforaphane, which supports detoxification and may slow cancer growth
  
  
• Anti-inflammatory and high in fiber
  
  

Aim for 1–2 servings per day.

2. Berries

Examples: Blueberries, strawberries, raspberries

• Packed with antioxidants like vitamin C and flavonoids
  
  
• Help reduce oxidative stress from treatment
  
  

Add them to smoothies or oatmeal.

3. Fatty Fish

Examples: Salmon, sardines, mackerel

• High in omega-3 fatty acids, which reduce inflammation and may support hormone balance
  
  

Try to eat fatty fish 2–3 times per week.

4. Tomatoes (Cooked or Raw)

• Rich in lycopene, a compound linked to prostate health and lower cancer risk
  
  
• Lycopene is more bioavailable when cooked (e.g., tomato sauce)
  
  

Add to soups, stews, or pasta dishes.

5. Nuts and Seeds

Examples: Almonds, walnuts, flaxseeds, chia seeds

• Provide healthy fats, protein, and fiber
  
  
• Walnuts may help slow prostate cancer cell growth
  
  

A handful a day is a great snack.

6. Green Tea

• Contains catechins, which may inhibit cancer cell growth
  
  
• A soothing, low-caffeine beverage for healing
  
  

Drink 1–2 cups daily.

7. Legumes

Examples: Lentils, chickpeas, black beans

• High in plant-based protein and fiber
  
  
• Support blood sugar regulation and digestion
  
  

Great as a meat substitute in stews and salads.

Foods to Limit During Recovery

Avoiding certain foods can reduce inflammation and support prostate healing:

• Red and processed meats (linked to higher cancer recurrence risk)
  
  
• Sugary drinks and snacks (can promote inflammation)
  
  
• Alcohol in excess
  
  
• Highly processed foods with added preservatives or dyes

Simple Meal Tips for Recovery

• Eat the rainbow – Variety ensures broad nutrients.
  
  
• Go whole – Focus on unprocessed, whole foods.
  
  
• Stay hydrated – Water supports healing and urinary health.
  
  
• Smaller, frequent meals – Help ease digestion and prevent fatigue.
  
  

Dr. Samadi often works with patients to create sustainable lifestyle changes—not just short-term diets—so that healing continues long after treatment ends.

Talk to Your Care Team Before Starting a New Diet

Every patient is different. Be sure to speak with your doctor or a registered dietitian before making major dietary changes, especially if you're experiencing side effects like weight loss, bowel issues, or fatigue.

Healing Begins with the Right Choices—Including What’s on Your Plate

A prostate-healthy diet can give your body the support it needs to recover and thrive after cancer treatment. Combined with expert follow-up care, good nutrition is one of the best tools for long-term wellness.

Recover Stronger with Expert Care from Dr. David Samadi

If you’re navigating prostate cancer recovery and want to optimize your healing—nutritionally and medically—Dr. David Samadi is here to help with expert guidance and individualized care.

Schedule a consultation today
Call: 212-365-5000