Diet for Breast Cancer Prevention and Recovery - Discussion

What are the elements of a good diet for breast cancer prevention and recovery?

You have probably heard the old saying, “You are what you eat.” That is somewhat true. In reality, eating a banana does not make one a banana or a banana tree, but what we ingest does affect our overall health in the long run. In almost every study done on diet and a specific disease, there is a direct correlation to what foods are eaten and the disease itself.

Prevention is better than cure

As for breast cancer, if you have female relatives who have had breast cancer, a serious look at changing your diet may be just the protection you need. If you have not been diagnosed with breast cancer, but have a high risk, there are some changes you can make now to reduce your risk.

Probably the most important step in any good diet for breast cancer prevention is an increased amount of fruits and vegetables consumed everyday. Organically grown fruits and vegetables are your best bet, if they are readily available in your area. Fruits and vegetables are antioxidant rich and will reduce the amount of free radicals in your system.

Watch out for fats - trans-fats and saturated fats. A simple way to cut down on unhealthy fats is to eat less red meat and stay away from fast food burgers and fries. Unhealthy fats can actually contribute to higher concentrations of free radicals and can damage cell DNA. DNA damage is where cancer begins.

In a diet for breast cancer prevention, it's also about what poisons not to consume. Alcohol consumption should be limited. Studies show that there is a direct link between many cancers, breast cancer included, and those who drink. Although the studies vary in amount and risk, it is definite that alcohol consumption can work as a catalyst for other carcinogenic chemicals that may enter our bodies.

Fighting cancer and healing from it

Diet is just as important, if not more so, after a person has been diagnosed with breast cancer. A healthier diet for breast cancer sufferers can increase longevity and promote a stronger immune system, which is essential in the battle against the disease.

A post-cancer diagnosis diet is very similar to a pre-cancer diet - increasing fruits and vegetables and decreasing unhealthy fats. Fruits and vegetables have lots of vitamins and minerals that help keep your body running at its peak. A nutritional supplement, preferably one made from whole foods, is also a good idea at this point. However, getting your vitamins and optimal nutrition from the foods you eat is always the best route to take.

Whole grains in your diet for breast cancer recovery are very important. Whole wheat, barley, oats, rice, and other whole grains should make up at least 30% of your daily dietary intake. The principle behind whole grains is that they keep potentially harmful substances moving out of your body. If these chemicals or other carcinogenic substances do not get a foothold, your cancer risk is decreased.

It is also thought that consuming adequate amounts of whole grains affects hormone production; therefore, it directly affects hormone-related cancers such as breast and prostate cancer.

Good fats

We have talked about reducing the intake of unhealthy fats. Now, let’s look at healthy fats and their role in your cancer risk and survival. Normal cell function depends on getting enough healthy fats. Healthy fats include olive oil, which has been shown to reduce cancer risk. Essential fatty acids such as omega 6 and omega 3 are the two most beneficial fats we can have. These come from sources such as fish, fish oil, and green vegetables like spinach. Omega 3 has been laboratory tested and shown to be anti-carcinogenic.

Exercise

Also, remember to get exercise before and after a breast cancer diagnosis - this is important for supplementing your diet for breast cancer prevention or recovery. Exercise boosts your immune system, oxygenates your body, helps with detoxification, as well as improves your quality of life, self-esteem, and sleep patterns. Those who get regular exercise may experience less nausea and fatigue from conventional cancer treatments.

Conclusion

Regardless of what treatment you choose to take for breast cancer, and even if you choose to undertake the conventional medical route, it is imperative that your efforts are supported by a healthy lifestyle and dietary protocol. Indeed, a good lifestyle and diet for breast cancer healing go a long way toward improving your longevity and boosting your chances of winning the battle.

Important Point to Note: There are many theories regarding diets and nutrition for fighting cancer and good health in general. This article presents one particular point of view.

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