Hundreds of thousands of women are diagnosed with breast cancer each year. Aside from skin cancer, breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in the United States. This year alone, the American Cancer Society (ACS) 297,790 new cases of invasive breast cancer is diagnosed. Important lifestyle considerations become essential for women with these diagnoses, even in perfect health. Foremost among these considerations is maintaining a balanced diet consisting of vitamins and nutrient-dense foods (these will support bodily functions and provide energy during chemotherapy and radiation therapy). (This is important for stabilizing levels.) Keep reading to learn more about why restructuring your diet is essential after a breast cancer diagnosis.
What role does diet play in your journey to breast cancer?
in general, healthy diet Promotes longevity, strengthens bones and boosts immune function. Staying healthy with a balanced diet is important for everyone, but it’s especially necessary after being diagnosed with breast cancer. Eating mineral-rich foods can help provide the energy and nutrition you need to endure.
according to National Cancer Institutecancer and its treatments (including chemotherapy and radiation therapy) often affect the ability to taste and consume enough food. malnutritionwith your body not receiving enough nutrients, they can cause side effects Anything that makes eating difficult, such as nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting.
Therefore, adjusting your diet after receiving a breast cancer diagnosis is important for feeling your best. increase. breast cancer.
What foods should I enjoy or avoid after being diagnosed with breast cancer?
Oncology nutritionist Lisa Stutner (MS, RDN) agrees that a nutritious diet is essential to coping with a breast cancer diagnosis. “Food is an important part of quality of life, but during cancer treatment, it’s helpful to think of food as another part of your healing plan,” she said. KeckMedicine.orgBelow are Dr. Statner’s recommendations for evaluating your diet after a cancer diagnosis.
- Make a nutrition plan before treatment. Statner recommends allowing women to have a comprehensive nutritional assessment by a registered dietitian before starting cancer treatment. “This assessment assesses your nutritional status—how your body is absorbing and using nutrients at the time you are diagnosed with cancer,” she explains. “This assessment will also include your age and any pre-existing conditions, such as diabetes or malnutrition.” can.
- eat a rainbow Statner suggests eating colorful fruits and vegetables, such as blueberries and red peppers, as they are reported to be rich in antioxidants. anti-inflammatory effectEating lots of protein-rich foods such as yogurt, chicken, and lentils can lead to sarcopenia (or muscle loss) can occur as a result of cancer or cancer treatment. Statner also suggests keeping your calorie and protein needs in mind: “Avocados, peanuts, almonds, she’s trying to eat high-calorie or high-protein, low-volume foods like butter and honey.” please,” she suggests.
- Stay away from contaminated food. Certain cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy and radiation, can adversely affect the immune system, increase the risk of infectionStatner says it’s imperative to avoid contaminated foods that can expose you to bacteria. Thoroughly heat meat, poultry, and eggs. “Good food safety practices are important during cancer treatment. Don’t leave it to chance,” she says.
Conclusion
These helpful dietary tips provide food for thought, especially after being diagnosed with breast cancer. Although there is no “cure” for breast cancer yet, treatment can prolong and improve quality of life. (Relative survival depends on whether disease is advanced. localized, regional, or remote stages(So talk to your doctor about how these numbers apply to you.) Incorporating healthy foods into your diet is an easy way to address problems throughout the course of breast cancer. It’s an essential method.
This content is not a substitute for professional medical advice or diagnosis. Always consult your doctor before proceeding with any treatment plan.
