Nutrition Matters: Eating for Health with Prostate Cancer
Session 1 - Fueling Through Treatment: Nutrition Basics for Prostate Cancer
- Key Nutrients (protein, energy, fluids)
- Meal Timing, Appetite Tips
- Managing side effects (e.g. fatigue, poor appetite)
- Role of nutrition in recovery and treatment response
Session 2 - Fighting Fatigue and Supporting Strength: Body Composition and Protein Needs
- Muscle loss and fat gain with ADT
- High-protein foods and distribution
- Resistance exercise and protein synergy
- Sample snack and meal ideas to support muscle maintenance
Session 3 - Optimizing Bone & Heart Health on ADT
- Calcium and vitamin D needs + food sources
- Foods that support heart health (Mediterranean-style diet)
- Reducing saturated fat, choosing healthy fats
- Label reading for sodium and fat
Session 4 - Anti-Inflammatory Eating & Lifestyle for Long-Term Wellness
- Phytochemicals, fiber, and healthy fats
- Reducing red and/or processed meat and sugar
- How to implement an anti-inflammatory diet
- Supplements: what is evidence-based and what to avoid
Microbiome Matters: Optimizing Gut Health During Cancer Treatment
Session 1 - Gut Feeling: Understanding the Microbiome & Cancer Connection
Objectives:
- Introduce the gut microbiome: What it is and its role in health
- Explain the emerging evidence on how the gut microbiome influences cancer development, progression, and response to treatment
- Discuss how cancer treatments (chemotherapy, radiation, antibiotics) may impact gut health
Key Topics:
- Microbiome 101: gut bacteria, diversity, dysbiosis
- Microbiome and immune modulation in cancer
- Impact of treatment on the microbiome and gut function
Session 2 - Feeding Your Gut: Food and Lifestyle Changes That Support Microbiome Health
Objectives:
- Identify microbiome-supportive foods that are feasible during cancer treatment
- Explore how to gradually increase fiber and fermented foods in a tolerable way
- Address nutrition-related side effects and symptom management
Key Topics:
- Prebiotics, probiotics, and polyphenols: What they are and where to find them
- Practical strategies to nourish the gut despite appetite loss, nausea, or GI symptoms
- Safety considerations with probiotics during immunosuppression
Session 3 - Long Game Gut Health: Sustainable Strategies for Survivorship & Beyond
Objectives:
- Reinforce long-term benefits of a healthy gut microbiome post-treatment
- Identify sustainable dietary and lifestyle habits to support gut and overall health
- Address survivorship nutrition and reduce cancer recurrence risk through gut health
Key Topics:
- Anti-inflammatory eating patterns (e.g. Mediterranean-style)
- Role of movement, stress, sleep, and diversity in gut health
- Creating realistic, individualized gut-health goals
Nourish to Thrive: Nutrition Support During Cancer Treatment
Session 1 - Fueling Your Body During Cancer Treatment
- Why nutrition matters during treatment
- Signs of malnutrition and how to monitor them
- High-calorie/high-protein foods & snacks
Session 2 - Fighting Fatigue and Supporting Strength: Body Composition and Protein Needs
- Strategies for managing nausea, constipation, diarrhea, taste changes, mouth sores.
- Creative food prep tips to enhance intake
Session 3 - Optimizing Bone & Heart Health on ADT
- Protein needs and balanced meals for strength
- Meal timing for energy and fighting fatigue
- Cooking and eating strategies for low-energy days
Session 4 - Anti-Inflammatory Eating & Lifestyle for Long-Term Wellness
- Fiber, healthy fats, phytochemicals & immunity
- How to implement an anti-inflammatory diet
- Use of supplements: evidence-based guidance
