4 Essential Food Tips For Breast Cancer Patients
By Catherine M, Staff Editor
Last Updated on March 6th, 2023 / Published on October 11, 2018
The cause of breast cancer is never as simple as one would like it to be. So, it becomes hard to prevent and manage this type of cancer. However, if there is one thing one must never doubt, it is the fact that eating right is a must in case a woman is diagnosed with breast cancer or for that matter in general to maintain sound health.
Keep reading to get acquainted with some healthy eating tips for patients who are diagnosed, getting treated, or recovering from breast cancer and how they can manage the prognosis of breast cancer by eating right.
Say yes to fruits
Not a fruit person? Well, doesn’t matter. If one wants to eat right, then one must begin by including fruits in their diet. It is found that women in the countries that have a plant-based diet are less prone to breast cancer than those who have a high dietary intake of meat. The thing about fruits is that they are low in fat and at the same time high in fiber, which works perfectly for a person who is diagnosed with breast cancer as fiber helps to get rid of the toxins in the body.
Variety is indeed the spice of life. Choosing to include a variety of fruits in one’s daily diet is not only essential but also highly beneficial. Note that it is better to ditch fruit smoothies and have whole fruits, as this way one can get every bit of the dietary fiber that the fruits have to offer.
Be conscious of the fat intake
For this, one first needs to learn the difference between good fat and bad fat. While saturated or trans-fat, which are present in fried items and canned food items, qualify as bad fat, omega-3 fatty acids are considered as the good fats. It is believed to help prevent breast cancer. So, try to include soybeans, salmon, sardines, flaxseed, and other such food rich in omega-3 fatty acids in the everyday meals. However, it should be noted that having too much of omega-3 fatty acids is also not good, as it can increase the chances of developing prostate cancer.
Try to go organic
One might have seen a lot of people these days going organic and turning a new chapter in their life. Many of these people have realized that it is a cause of concern where the foods that are consumed every day are grown. Tons of pesticides, artificial colors, preservatives, and harmful chemicals are used today to make foods grow faster and look good. By going organic and buying natural authentic products, one will be doing their body a big favor for which the body will be thankful forever.
Embrace the Mediterranean style
Many doctors and researchers believe that the Westernized food that most people are surviving on these days is the worst thing to eat, especially, if one is diagnosed with breast cancer. The body of someone suffering from breast cancer is even more vulnerable than someone who isn’t suffering from this illness. So, which is the best diet to follow? While there is no particular diet that will magically cure breast cancer or completely make it vanish, it is observed that a Mediterranean diet is as close as it gets when it comes to an ideal diet plan for breast cancer patients. A typical Mediterranean diet comprises of lots of vibrant fruits and vegetables, nuts, legumes, olive oil, whole grain, fish, and garlic. It serves as a balanced diet and helps to not only reduce the chances of falling prey to breast cancer but also get a healthy heart.
Keep in mind that eating right, exercising regularly, and managing stress are some other positive changes which one can make to their lifestyle to ensure good health.