Clarity on what and how to eat for prostate cancer with Dr. Geo -EP 139
Guest Bio
Dr. Geo is the host of the Dr. Geo Prostate Podcast, where he shares insights on prostate health, testosterone, erectile function, and overall well-being. With over 30 years of experience in health and wellness, including a background in naturopathic medicine, he aims to clarify confusing information about diet and prostate cancer. He combines research, clinical experience, and personal observations to empower men to take charge of their health. Dr. Geo is also affiliated with NYU Langone Health, although his podcast and content are separate from his faculty position.
Prostate Podcast Media
Show Notes
Episode Summary:
In this powerful solo episode, Dr. Geo tackles the confusion around diet and prostate cancer head-on. With over 30 years of research, clinical experience, and personal experimentation, he cuts through the noise—from meat myths to sugar scares—and gives you a practical, empowering approach to eating for prostate health. Whether you're navigating a diagnosis, recovering from treatment, or focused on prevention, this episode will help you feel informed and in control.
Key Takeaways:
Meat & Prostate Cancer: Understanding the difference between red meat and processed meat, how cooking methods impact risk, and the truth behind meat myths
Carbohydrates & Cancer: Clarifying the role of complex carbs, the impact of sugar and insulin, and how production methods affect food safety (e.g., arsenic in rice)
Vegetables & Fiber: Why vegetables matter, how they support your microbiome, and the cancer-fighting potential of plant-based phytochemicals
Protein Intake: Recommended daily protein goals, differences between animal and plant sources, and the unique benefits of salmon and beans
Intermittent Fasting: Pros and cons of common fasting windows (12:12 vs. 16:8) and how they support prostate health
Fats Explained: Distinguishing between healthy fats (omega-3s, monounsaturated) and harmful ones (trans fats), plus how fat intake affects inflammation
“F-It” Day Strategy: How allowing planned indulgences can help make your diet sustainable and reduce guilt
Building a Lifestyle: Moving beyond restrictive diets to create a pattern of eating that supports long-term prostate health
Mindful Eating: Addressing food addiction, emotional eating, and strategies for becoming more intentional with your nutrition choices
Curated Transcripts
[00:00:00] Introduction Welcome to the Dr. Geo Prostate Podcast. In this solo episode, Dr. Geo addresses one of the most debated and confusing topics for men with prostate cancer: diet. Drawing from over 30 years of experience, including clinical practice, scientific research, and personal observation, Dr. Geo brings clarity to what kind of eating pattern supports prostate health, counters misinformation online, and helps patients feel empowered.
[00:02:00] The Confusion Around Diet and Cancer Dr. Geo explains that dietary science is often observational, not causal, which can lead to misinterpretation. Nutritional studies can't always control for all variables (like exercise or genetics), making it difficult to say definitively that a single food causes or cures cancer. However, these studies still offer valuable insights.
[00:04:00] Personal and Clinical Experience with Diet From his work in the restaurant industry to decades of clinical care, Dr. Geo reflects on his evolving understanding of how people relate to food. He has personally experimented with every major diet trend—from veganism to raw foods—and applies science plus real-life observations to craft his dietary recommendations.
[00:06:00] The Problem with Diet Extremes He warns against the "diet wars," like carnivore vs. vegan, and the belief that one food group or ingredient (like sugar or red meat) is solely to blame or praise. There is no single superfood or villain. What matters more is overall eating patterns.
[00:08:00] Empowerment Through Diet Whether you’re newly diagnosed, on active surveillance, or post-treatment, food choices can make you feel more in control of your health. Dr. Geo emphasizes the mental and emotional benefits of taking proactive steps.
[00:10:00] Key Dietary Principles
No single food causes or cures prostate cancer. It’s about long-term patterns.
Eat less overall. Overeating is a major issue, especially in the U.S.
Consider time-restricted eating. Aim for a 12:12 (eating:fasting) schedule.
Older men or those on ADT may need more protein to retain muscle mass.
Half your body weight in grams of protein per day is a reasonable goal.
[00:15:00] Macronutrients Simplified
Protein: Lean meats, especially wild-caught salmon, are preferred. Quality matters (grass-fed vs. conventional).
Carbohydrates: Complex carbs from vegetables and legumes are essential. Limit white rice, use caution with brown rice due to arsenic (opt for organic brands).
Fats: Favor omega-3s (from salmon, flaxseed) and monounsaturated fats (olive oil, avocado). Avoid trans fats and excess saturated fats.
[00:25:00] The Role of Vegetables and Fiber Cruciferous vegetables and plant foods are rich in phytochemicals that support the microbiome and have potential anti-cancer effects. Light steaming helps with digestion and nutrient absorption.
[00:30:00] The Power of a Flexible Plan Dr. Geo recommends an "Eff-it Day"—either one full day or three meals per week where you eat what you love, guilt-free. This helps make healthy eating sustainable and prevents falling off track.
[00:35:00] Final Thoughts You don't need perfection—just consistency. Empower yourself through knowledge, eat mindfully, and take control of your journey. Whether you're thriving post-treatment or seeking prevention, your dietary habits can be a cornerstone of your prostate health.
[00:39:00] Closing Dr. Geo wraps up the episode by encouraging listeners to share the podcast, leave reviews, and subscribe for more evidence-based, empowering content on men’s health.
Resources
Robert Newton, PhD – Exercise and Prostate Cancer Expert
ECU Exercise Medicine Research Institute
https://www.ecu.edu.au/schools/medical-and-health-sciences/our-staff/professor-robert-newton
Nutrition and Prostate Cancer - American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR)
https://www.aicr.org/cancer-types/prostate-cancer/
Environmental Working Group – Clean Rice Guide (Arsenic in Rice)
https://www.ewg.org/foodnews/arsenic-in-rice.php
Bergh Brown Rice (Low-Arsenic Option)
https://www.lundberg.com
(Note: Lundberg Farms is commonly cited for lower arsenic levels in brown rice.)
Lycopene-Rich Foods and Prostate Cancer Prevention
NIH Article: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11931874/