What is the primary focus of the Ornish diet for those newly diagnosed with prostate cancer?

The primary focus of the Ornish diet for individuals newly diagnosed with prostate cancer is the emphasis on low fat, plant-based foods. This dietary approach is designed to promote overall health and potentially slow the progression of prostate cancer. The Ornish diet encourages a significant reduction in fat intake, which is thought to be beneficial in managing cancer and reducing disease progression.

A plant-based diet is rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and seeds, all of which are loaded with antioxidants, vitamins, and phytochemicals that can combat oxidative stress and inflammation in the body—factors that are often linked to cancer development and progression. The low fat content also aims to reduce the intake of saturated fats, which are commonly found in animal-based products and can contribute to an increase in cancer risk.

In contrast to this plant-based focus, high protein intake or increased animal-based products do not align with the principles of the Ornish diet, as they could potentially counteract the diet's goals of reducing fat and promoting health through plant foods. Similarly, while dairy products can be part of a diet, the Ornish approach typically emphasizes whole plant foods over such categories, especially when considering the implications for prostate cancer patients.