Breast cancer can start in different places, grow in different ways, and require different types of treatment. But you have questioned how fundamental it is to accompany this medical process with a good diet. The nutritionist specialized in oncology, Geovi Arcos ,shares everything about a correct diet, and talks about the foods that the body can reject due to chemotherapies or different processes that a person faces in the battle against cancer.
What dietary plans should a patient who has been diagnosed with cancer follow?
“Each patient needs a specific dietary plan. The adaptations will vary depending on the stage of your diagnosis, the type of treatment you will follow, whether it is chemotherapy, radiotherapy or surgical treatment. The diet of a cancer patient must also be based on increasing their energy, so they must have enough calories, cancer patients must eat several times a day. However, what I always recommend to my patients is a diet composed mainly of plants. This diet could reduce the risk of developing breast cancer by 15% if we want to consume it as prevention, but if we do it when we are undergoing chemotherapy or radiotherapy, we will see really positive results as patients.
The following foods may play a role in an overall healthy diet, and also help prevent the development or progression of breast cancer:
- Variety of fruits and vegetables
- High-fiber foods, such as whole grains, beans, and legumes
- Low-fat milk and dairy products
- Soy-based products
- Foods rich in vitamin D and other vitamins
- Foods particularly spices with anti-inflammatory properties
- Foods, mainly of plant origin, that contain antioxidants
Also read: Benefits of Ballerina tea for Weight Lose
Fruits and vegetables
- Dark green leafy vegetables, such as kale and broccoli
- Fruits, especially berries (red berries) and peaches
- Beans, legumes, fish, eggs and some meat
How healthy is it to have a fiber-based diet?
“A high-fiber diet has a large effect on breast cancer, although it does not yet have a scientific basis, several small studies have shown that it can help protect against the disease. On the other hand, some dietary procedures aim to prevent estrogen from interacting with cancer cells”, according to the nutritionist.
Fiber supports the digestive system and the regular elimination of waste, including excess estrogen. Fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes provide fiber, but they also contain antioxidants, such as beta-carotene and vitamins C and E.
What foods should be stopped?
According to the specialist, the foods that can increase the risk in a process such as cancer, especially breast cancer, are alcohol, cigarettes and other types of drugs and processed foods. However, a person can control other factors, their level of physical activity, body weight and diet.
According to a study by the American Cancer Society, there are foods that should be eliminated from the daily diet of a person who has been diagnosed with cancer.
If you want more information about this related topic visit Discover health tips blog.