How to fuel your body for fighting breast cancer

Sharmela Devi

Sr. Onco-Dietitian
4baseCare

Fighting against any cancer is never easy, the patient has to battle every single day to survive this war. Therefore, providing awareness of diet and nutrition will enhance the body’s activity to defeat cancer.

Statistics studies in India suggest that every 4 minutes, a woman gets diagnosed with breast cancer, and therefore, breast cancer warriors must concentrate on nutrition and diet as the studies have highlighted the requirement of fueling the body every 3-5 hours to sustain a healthy life.

Phytochemicals – The Fuel You Need

Food that contains phytonutrients helps in preventing and treating cancer. These phytonutrients are obtained in plant-based foods and therefore are considered the first line of defense in cancer management. Let’s remember that what we fuel should enhance our body’s system to fight against cancer and not catalyze cancer.

Similarly, alcohol and canned foods have their roles in producing carcinogens. The inner lining of the canned contains BPA which is linked to breast cancer. Factors like being overweight, increased fat consumption, refined foods consumption, and lack of physical activity can increase the risk of having breast cancer. So, make sure to prevent canned food as fuel to provide the source of your energy.

Now coming to the right fuels, “phytochemicals are the anti-cancer agents that help you provide energy to fight breast cancer. Phytochemical such as Terpenes in tomato, orange, and spinach inhibits tumor growth. Lycopene, lutein, and zeaxanthin from tomatoes help reduce the risk. Isoflavones present in beans and other legumes act as tumor suppressors, antioxidants, and carcinogen blockers. Flax seeds, wheat bran, and barley contain lignans that are protective against hormone-sensitive cancers. Vegetables and fruits have strong evidence in fighting breast cancer. Adding vitamin D-rich mushrooms to meals boosts the immune system. Regular walnut intake reduces the rate of tumor growth. Carotenoids in carrot, yellow pumpkin, and sweet potatoes repair and regulates cell growth. Ellagic acid in pomegranate suppresses estrogen production and prevents breast cancer cell growth. Similarly, green tea, broccoli, peaches, turmeric, pepper, and leafy vegetables also have a few compounds that fight against breast cancer. Limited coffee intake protects against cell damage.

On the route to fuel your body, do not forget to monitor your other side effects such as fluid electrolyte imbalance, anemia, taste-appetite changes, and hypercalcemia.

Fuels to Fight Against Breast Cancer

Some of the food that can fight against breast cancer are :

Spices infused water
Millets or whole grains-based dishes
Tomato soups/ chutneys
Fresh fruits like oranges, peaches, pomegranates, or their juices
Turmeric pepper added to milk
Boiled vegetables
Mushroom pulao
Nuts such as walnuts and almonds
Boiled eggs
Chicken soups
Broccoli soup
Poha

Conclusion

It is important to maintain normal blood sugar, blood pressure, and lipid values for much faster recovery. Consume something fuelling every 2-3 hours in small quantities to maintain the energy level. Ensure to avoid canned food or fast food items to boost your recovery.

To understand more about a healthy diet, check out our blog on How to reach a healthy weight after cancer treatment

REFERENCES :

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How to fuel your body for fighting breast cancer

Sharmela Devi