What to eat and what not to eat if you have breast cancer?
If a woman (in some cases men) is diagnosed with breast cancer, many questions arise, one of which is diet. What should a patient eat and what not to eat in case of breast cancer, what kind of diet should be taken so that it gets more benefits and causes less problems.
There is no doubt that breast cancer is a complex disease, due to which there is a risk to life. Apart from poor lifestyle, age, family history and genetics are some of the factors that increase the risk of breast cancer. In such a situation, our lifestyle choices can play an important role in dealing with this risk. Nutrition works to provide essential nutrients to the body and is important for everyone. With the help of pure diet, one can protect oneself from other diseases besides breast cancer.
Breast cancer starts in different places and grows in different ways and due to these things, it is treated in different ways so that the patient can get better benefits. But during this period, maximum attention is given to diet, because compared to medicines and other treatment measures, diet is special. In this article, information has been provided about what kind of diet should be taken and what kind should not be taken in case of breast cancer.
Special diet for breast cancer
No single food or diet can prevent or cause breast cancer, but a person’s dietary choices can make a difference in their risk of developing breast cancer or their overall well-being while living with the condition.
Eating a balanced diet is especially important when you have breast cancer. Proper nutrition can help your body heal from cancer treatment, which can have many side effects such as mouth ulcers, reduced appetite, nausea and vomiting. A healthy diet can help you :-
Adopt this type of food (Foods to eat)
Just as certain types of cancer respond better to certain treatments, some cancers respond well to specific foods. The following foods may play a role in a generally healthy diet, and they may also help prevent or slow the development or progression of breast cancer:
Include fruits and vegetables in the diet
The American Institute for Cancer Research recommends following a plant-based diet for cancer prevention. Their research suggests that cancer survivors may also benefit from this diet. The diet allows you to get fiber, vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals from plant foods, while also getting protein and nutrients from animal products.
Ultimately, any diet you try should contain a healthy balance of nutrients, protein, calories, and healthy fats. Going extreme in any direction can be dangerous. Before you try any new diet, check with your dietitian and doctor to make sure it’s safe for you.
For example the following:-
Ultimately, any diet you try should contain a healthy balance of nutrients, protein, calories, and healthy fats. Going extreme in any direction can be dangerous. Before you try any new diet, check with your dietitian and doctor to make sure it’s safe for you.
Dietary fiber and antioxidants
Research on dietary fiber and its effects on breast cancer is currently inconclusive, but several studies have suggested that it may help protect against the disease.
Excess estrogen may be a factor in the development and spread of some types of breast cancer. Some treatments aim to prevent estrogen from interacting with breast cancer cells. Eating a high-fiber diet may support this process and accelerate the elimination of estrogen.
Fiber supports the digestive system and regular elimination of waste, including excess estrogen. It helps the body eliminate toxins and limit the damage they can do. The way fiber binds estrogen in the gut may also help prevent the body from absorbing too much estrogen. These factors may help reduce the risk of breast cancer.
Fruits, vegetables, whole grains and legumes provide fiber, but they also contain antioxidants including beta carotene and vitamins C and E. Antioxidants may help prevent many diseases by reducing the number of free radicals, which are waste substances that the body naturally produces. A 2013 meta-analysis found that people who eat more whole grains may have a lower risk of breast cancer.
Good fat
Fatty foods can cause obesity, and obese people have a higher risk of developing cancer, including breast cancer. Some dietary fat is necessary for the body to function properly, but it is important to consume the right kind, so consuming healthy fats is essential. Polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats can be beneficial in moderation. Following are some options for healthy fats:-
Cold-water fish, such as salmon and herring, contain a healthy polyunsaturated fat called omega-3. This fat may also help reduce the risk of breast cancer. If you want to take desi ghee, then talk to your doctor about it, also keep in mind that you should take only cow’s ghee.
Must include protein (Don’t forget protein)
Protein helps in keeping our muscles healthy. Therefore, always include enough protein in your diet. For protein, you can get it from meat (not red meat), fish, seafood, eggs, beans, lentils, nuts, seeds, soy and dairy products. You can also take protein from vegetables and whole grains, but keep in mind that these contain less amount of protein.
The amount of protein you should take depends on several factors, such as: age, weight, height and activity level. During this time, the doctor will also see how your digestive system is, if it has become weak then perhaps your diet should be reduced a bit.
Stay hydrated
Whenever we are sick, we often do not feel like drinking water, due to which the problem of dehydration occurs. But it is very important to take balanced amount of water when you are sick, because when you are sick, you often have the problem of vomiting and diarrhea which promotes dehydration in the body.
Some common side effects of cancer treatment may include vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, or fever, all of which can contribute to dehydration. Staying hydrated will help you regulate your body temperature, blood pressure and electrolyte balance, prevent or reduce constipation, and help your organs filter out wastes and toxins. Your fluid needs are higher during cancer treatment, so drink fluids throughout the day, mostly water. Aim for at least 2 liters to 3 liters of fluids per day, about 66 ounces to 99 ounces, and caffeine-free fluids. If you do not want to take water, you can take fresh juice of fruits or vegetables instead, stay away from canned juices.
Stay away from these diet options (Foods to avoid)
When you are suffering from any disease, doctors advise you to take light food which can be easily digested. Or you are advised to take such a diet which will help you fight the disease. In such a situation, doctors advise you to especially stay away from certain types of diets so that you do not have to face any kind of problem. Your doctor may advise you to stay away from the following specific foods and drinks:
Alcohol: Beer, wine, and liquor can interact with the cancer medications you take. There is also some limited evidence that drinking alcohol may increase the risk of recurrence and mortality of existing breast cancer.
Spicy, crunchy, or acidic foods: These can increase mouth pain, which is a common side effect of chemotherapy. This kind of diet can also increase your blood pressure.
Undercooked foods:- If you have breast cancer, you are at a higher risk of developing infections. Avoid raw foods such as sushi and oysters during your treatment. Cook meat, fish and poultry to safe temperatures before eating. Along with this, you should avoid consuming raw dry fruits, expired or moldy foods, or leftover foods that have been in the refrigerator for more than 3 days. You should always eat fresh food only.
Red and processed meat: Lower levels of diet quality have been linked to increased mortality risk. Red and processed meats correspond to lower diet quality.
Sugar-sweetened beverages: Consuming less sugar can help you maintain a healthy weight. When you consume less sweets, your diabetes level comes under control and it provides relief from problems like swelling and urination.
Along with all this, a breast cancer patient should stay away from all canned food products like jams, chutneys, pickles, noodles, chocolates, ready-to-eat food products etc. Because many types of chemicals are used in this method, so that the product does not spoil quickly. At the same time, this type of diet contains high amount of strong spices, salt and sweets, due to which your blood pressure and diabetes level can increase.
Note, please consult your doctor for specific information related to diet and treatment. Because the condition of every cancer patient is different due to which their diet is different from that of other cancer patients. For example, if a cancer patient has diabetes he would be advised to stay away from sweets. If someone does not have diabetes, he can be given sweets in balanced quantity. Keep in mind, along with diet, it is also important to take medicines on time and also visit the doctor from time to time.