Surviving breast cancer means a new chance at living a healthy lifestyle and living life to the fullest. Unfortunately, cancer has a way of resurfacing, and therefore it is essential that those who have beat it stick to a healthy diet, one that has been shown to reduce the risks of cancer reoccurring. The post breast cancer diet is similar to any cancer prevention diet. Being careful to adhere to the right principles can make the difference and keep you in top form.
Step 1
Eat high fiber foods. Foods such as whole grains, vegetables and legumes are packed with fiber and may help to reduce the reoccurence of breast cancer. The Breast Care Site explains that the exact reason is unclear, but there may be a relationship between low fiber diets and higher estrogen levels, which may be linked to the reoccurence of breast cancer.
Step 2
Up your fruit and vegetable intake. Plant-based foods are the best for your diet, as they contain phytochemicals, a class of chemicals that may inhibit the growth of cancer and improve the prognosis for cancer survivors. There is some evidence that these chemicals protect against breast cancer.
Step 3
Lower your fat consumption. While few studies have shown any relationship between dietary fat and the development of cancer, The Breast Care Site says that some have found a link between lower fat diets and the return of breast cancer to survivors, as well as better survival rates among those who do get it again.
Step 4
Add Vitamin E, from foods, not supplements. A 2005 study published in "Nutrition and Cancer" found that certain foods caused less oxidative damage to the body, which is believed to be a major cause of cancer. One of the key elements of reducing oxidative damage was found to be high intake of vitamin E from food sources.
Step 5
Limit soy. Research has shown conflicting data as to whether consuming too much soy can actually lead to cancer or prevent it. Soy contains isoflavins, a chemical compound that may be similar to estrogen, which in abundance can lead to breast cancer. A study published in the June 2008 edition of "Nutrition Journal" concluded that soy is not harmful when eaten in normal quantities, about one or two servings a day.
Step 6
Eat less meat. The" Nutrition and Cancer" study found that a type of fat called arachidonic acid, which is mostly in meat, seems to increase the oxidative damage in the body.
Tips and Warnings
- Keep cans of vegetable juice and beans on hand for quick snacks. Add berries to your morning cereal for an antioxidant kick.
- Don't let your BMI get too high; high BMIs are linked to increased oxidative damage.
References
- The Breast Care Site: Eating Healthy After Breast Cancer Surgery
- Caring 4 Cancer: Effects of Healthy Diet After Breast Cancer
- American Institute For Cancer Research: Soy and Breast Cancer: The Emerging Consensus
- Nutrition Journal: Soy isoflavones, estrogen therapy, and breast cancer risk: analysis and commentary
