Anti-inflammatory foods may support general health, but they have not been shown to treat Peyronie's disease, remove the scar tissue inside the penis, or straighten a curve. Eating more vegetables, fruit, whole grains, nuts, and fish can be part of a balanced diet, yet it should not replace medical care. A urologist can explain which treatments may help with pain, curvature, or erection problems.
How are inflammation and Peyronie's disease connected?
Peyronie's disease is a condition in which scar tissue, also called plaque, forms under the skin of the penis. The affected tissue may not stretch normally during an erection, which can cause the penis to bend. Some people also experience pain, a change in penile length, or difficulty with sexual activity.
According to the Mayo Clinic's explanation of Peyronie's disease, the condition may develop following injury to the penis, although many people do not recall a specific injury. The exact cause is not fully understood. Inflammation is involved in the process that can lead to scar tissue, but this does not mean that eating foods described as anti-inflammatory will stop the process or remove an existing plaque.
Can anti-inflammatory foods reduce penile curvature or scar tissue?
There is currently no established diet that has been shown to dissolve Peyronie's disease plaque, reliably reduce penile curvature, or prevent the condition from progressing. Although certain foods contain nutrients and plant compounds associated with general health, their effects on inflammation throughout the body cannot be assumed to translate into improvements in penile scar tissue.
A 2024 evidence review available through the U.S. National Library of Medicine's PubMed database examined research and clinical guidance on nutritional supplements used for Peyronie's disease. It found that the evidence for these products was inconsistent, with the overall approach offering limited support as a treatment. Research on supplements is not the same as research on whole foods, and neither establishes that an anti-inflammatory eating pattern can correct penile curvature.
This distinction matters because a healthy diet can be worthwhile without being a treatment for a particular condition. Food choices may help support general well-being, but they should not be relied on to shrink an established plaque or replace treatments recommended by a urologist.
Which anti-inflammatory foods can be part of a healthy diet?
There is no single food that treats Peyronie's disease, and no special menu is required for the condition. However, a balanced eating pattern that includes a variety of minimally processed foods can support overall health. The Johns Hopkins Medicine guide to anti-inflammatory eating describes a pattern that emphasizes plant foods, healthy fats, and sources of omega-3 fatty acids.
Practical food choices include:
- Fruit: Berries, oranges, apples, and other whole fruits provide vitamins, fiber, and plant compounds.
- Vegetables: Leafy greens, broccoli, tomatoes, peppers, and other colorful vegetables add a range of nutrients to meals.
- Whole grains: Oats, brown rice, whole-wheat bread, and other whole grains provide fiber and help make meals more balanced.
- Nuts and seeds: Walnuts, almonds, chia seeds, and flaxseeds provide unsaturated fats and other nutrients.
- Fish: Salmon, sardines, and other oily fish provide omega-3 fatty acids as part of a varied diet.
- Healthy sources of fat: Olive oil and other unsaturated-fat sources can be used in place of some foods high in saturated fat.
- Legumes: Beans, lentils, and chickpeas provide plant protein, fiber, and useful minerals.
These foods can be combined in familiar meals, such as oatmeal with fruit and nuts, lentil soup with vegetables, or fish with brown rice and greens. The goal is to build a sustainable eating pattern rather than depend on a particular ingredient or food combination.
There is no need to eliminate entire food groups or follow a restrictive diet solely because of Peyronie's disease. If you have another medical condition that affects your food choices, a registered dietitian or healthcare professional can help adapt your diet to your needs.
Do fish oil, vitamin E, or other supplements help?
Supplements are often marketed for their antioxidant or anti-inflammatory effects, but a nutrient's role in normal health does not prove that taking extra amounts will treat Peyronie's disease. The American Urological Association's clinical guideline for Peyronie's disease recommends against offering oral vitamin E, omega-3 fatty-acid supplements, and certain other oral therapies as treatments for the condition because the evidence does not establish sufficient benefit.
Eating fish as part of a balanced diet is different from taking concentrated fish oil capsules specifically to treat penile curvature. Similarly, getting vitamin E from foods is not the same as taking high-dose supplements. Neither distinction changes the lack of established evidence that these dietary approaches can reverse the scarring.
Before starting a supplement, discuss it with a healthcare professional, particularly if you take prescription medicines or use several supplements at once. Do not stop a prescribed treatment or delay an assessment in favor of a nutritional product advertised as a natural remedy.
What can help manage Peyronie's disease besides diet?
When penile curvature, pain, or changes in sexual function are causing concern, a urologist can assess the symptoms, medical history, examination findings, and changes over time. The best approach depends partly on whether the condition is still changing and how much it affects erections or sexual activity.
According to the Mayo Clinic's treatment guidance, care may involve monitoring the condition, penile traction therapy, injections into the scar tissue, or surgery in selected cases. Some options are more suitable at particular stages of the condition, and not everyone needs the same treatment. A clinician may also discuss options to manage pain when it is present.
A balanced diet can complement this care by supporting general health, but it should not be treated as a substitute for an evidence-based management plan. If you notice a new or worsening bend in the penis, persistent penile pain, a lump or area of firm tissue, or difficulty with erections, arrange an assessment with a healthcare professional. Seek advice promptly if the changes interfere with sex or cause ongoing distress.
What is the practical takeaway?
Anti-inflammatory foods are reasonable choices for general health, but current evidence does not show that they can treat Peyronie's disease or straighten the penis. There is no specific food, meal plan, or supplement proven to remove the scar tissue. Focus on a balanced diet and discuss persistent or changing penile symptoms with a urologist so that appropriate treatment options can be considered.