After being diagnosed with breast cancer , women tend to reevaluate their eating habits and health practices. Many wonder what exactly caused the cancer and what lifestyle and dietary changes should be made to increase therapy.
A vegetarian diet is one of the recommended diets for breast cancer patients. Meat can also be consumed, but it must be certified as organic (bio-meat), because in this production animals are kept in natural conditions, without injecting hormonal or antibiotic drugs.
Foods that breast cancer patients should avoid
Poultry meat (because in most cases, hormonal preparations and antibiotics are injected during the breeding of birds. In order to increase their growth in a relatively shorter time).
Semi -produced (saturated) fatty acids. Therefore, hydrogenated fats cannot be used as building materials for cell membranes and remain circulating in the bloodstream forming the aforementioned atherosclerotic plaques or are stored as reserve fats, causing obesity.
Caffeine and nicotine must also be eliminated because of their carcinogenic effects.
Recommended food for breast cancer patients
Food with little fat, rich in fiber, has a beneficial effect. Vegetables and fruits should be eaten raw in order to preserve the vitamins in them. They are very useful:
- spinach,
- cabbage,
- carrots ,
- pumpkin,
- sweet potato,
- red and green peppers,
- turnip,
- tomatoes,
- broccoli ,
- cauliflower,
- Brussels sprouts,
- avocado,
- fish,
- brown rice,
- corn,
- alfalfa,
- soy,
- algae,
- onion,
- berries,
- raw walnuts,
- horseradish,
- yogurt.
Recommended spices and natural products for breast cancer patients
Dishes should be seasoned with the following spices:
These spices have a beneficial effect on the whole body by improving metabolism, normalizing the function of the endocrine glands, through their detoxification properties. Therefore, it is assumed that they most likely have an antitumor effect.
Garlic against breast cancer
Garlic contains alkaline sulfur compounds that make it a good anti-cancer agent. Causes apoptosis of malignant cells. Apoptosis is programmed cell death. This reduces the number of malignant degenerated cells. Garlic also plays a role in sensitizing (activating) immune cells against cancer cells. In addition, it is very rich in trace elements and vitamins, which has a tonic effect. Garlic is best eaten raw!
Grapes against breast cancer
Grapes contain compounds known as proanthocyanidins , which are said to reduce estrogen production in women. According to numerous scientific studies, the normalization of estrogen levels has a positive effect in the treatment of breast cancer.
Wheat germ against breast cancer
Wheat germ improves the condition of cancer patients by strengthening the immune system and detoxifying the body.
Seeds against breast cancer
Sunflowers, cashews, flax seeds and peanuts are rich in biologically active compounds, commonly called lignans. These active substances reduce the progression of estrogen-dependent tumor cells, such as breast cancer tumor cells. Daily consumption of these nuts is recommended.
Soy against breast cancer
A soy diet is one of the essential foods for breast cancer patients. According to MD Anderson Cancer Center scientists, soy contains phytoestrogens and other biologically active substances that block the absorption of estrogen in cancer cells. Soy also contains isoflavones, which are needed to reduce the progression of cancer in the early stages. It can be taken as sprouts or cooked in soup.
Body weight and breast cancer
Overweight women have higher circulating estrogen levels than normal weight women. Numerous studies have shown a link between body weight and breast cancer in postmenopausal women. For this reason, it is recommended to lose weight with a healthy diet and exercise. This can reduce the risk of developing the disease and help the therapy in the presence of the disease.
