As we all know, the importance of eating a balance diet cannot be underrated.
Eating a balance diet is especially vital when you have breast cancer as proper nutrition may help your body heal from different treatment of cancer side effect which include low appetite, vomiting nausea, and mouth sores. In the long term, healthy diet with regular exercise can improve your overall health, keep the immune system strong, keep the body tissue healthy and reduces fatigue.
Taking healthy diet will help your body get what it needs to repair cells and help your system to function well.
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Food to consume
According to research, 50 percent of people with cancer have depression and these a because breast cancer have significant effect on both mental and physical health and which may have negative impact on the appetite level.
Research also shows that there Is no particular diet that is recommended for people with breast cancer. More broadly, it further shows that when people with breast cancer eat more fruits and vegetable, especially green leafy calciferous vegetables, their risk of survival may be higher.
If you don’t have nutritional related side effect from your cancer treatments that limit your ability to eat and digest food, the following healthy diet can be followed
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1 Fruits and Vegetables
Fruits and vegetables contain antioxidant and anti estrogen properties. Calciferous vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, and Brussels sprouts are especially good to include and are rich in phytochemicals
2 Whole grains are unprocessed food that are high in complex carbohydrates, fiber, phytochemicals as well as vitamin and mineral. Research shows that high fiber intake may have a positive effect by altering hormonal actions of breast cancer and other hormone dependent.
3 lean protein and soy
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For best protein sources, increase the intake of poultry , fish, and legumes like beans and milk. Soy in moderate amount can also be included. Report from American Institute for Cancer research that animal metabolize sit differently than humans. Not only is soy safe in moderate amount, but it contains isoflavones, a phytonutrient with anti-cancer properties.
Tips for healthy diet
If you choose a healthy diet, one rich in vegetables, whole grains, chicken you may boost your chances of living longer after breast cancer. Here are some tips to for a healthy eating.
1) Reduce the size of your meal
You may not have the appetite to eat three large meals in a day. To get the calories you need, gaze on smaller portions five or six times daily. You can add snacks like hard-boiled egg, yogurt with berries and peanut butter on crackers.
2) Meet with a dietitian
A dietician can help you design a healthy meal plan that suits your food preferences and nutritional needs.
3) Add more fluid or stay hydrated
If your month bursts to eat solid foods, get your nutrition from liquids like smoothies or natural beverages. Drink at least 8 to 12 glasses of water a day
4) use different utensil
Chemotherapy at times may leave bad taste in your mouth that gives food unpleasant flavor. To improve the taste of your food, avoid using metals utensil and use plastic cutlery instead.
Food to stay away from
Food that may increase the risk of different cancer include
- A) Alcohol
Studies have identified a link between regular alcohol consumption and on increased risk of breast cancer. A report from Breastcancer.org shows that alcohol may increase the risk of cancer. They also note that women who drink three alcoholic beverages per week increases their risk of developing breast cancer by 15 percent.
- B) Fat
Studies suggest that not all fats are bad. Although fat from processed food appear to increase the risk of breast cancer. Some plant-based fats may help reduce it.
Trans fat are a type of fat that is common in processed and premade food, and scientists have linked it with a higher risk of breast cancer. These fat is commonly found in food such as fried food, donuts, and pastries.
- C) Red meat
Some studies have found a link between red meat and increased risk of breast cancer, especially if a person cooks the meat at high temperatures, which can trigger the release of toxins.
Types of diet
know the type of diet available may help support your cancer recovery.
1) Mediterranean diet
Multiple studies shows that adhering to this diet may reduce breast cancer risk and may have a positive effect on breast cancer mortality. This diet includes olive oil, beans, dairy, chicken, eggfruits and vegetables.
2) Plant-based diet
These diet include food like fruits, vegetables, grains, legumes, nut, and seeds. American institute for cancer research recommends plant-based diet for cancer prevention. Their research shows that cancer survivors may benefit from this diet as well.
Conclusion
Following a healthy diet that is rich in fruits and vegetables and low in added sugar and trans fat may reduce the risk of breast cancer.