Nutrition and Breast Cancer
Special diet for chemotherapy and radiotherapy: Is there a special diet for radiotherapy and chemotherapy?
During cancer treatment, it is desirable to use a healthy diet that provides adequate and reasonable nutrition to the body. Be sure that you are consuming enough protein (0.5 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight) from high-protein foods (fish, chicken, low-fat milk and legumes), emphasizing healthy fats (monovalent unsaturated fatty acids and Omega-3 fatty acids), whole grain foods and plenty of fruits and vegetables as well as plenty of water or/and other decaffeinated beverages.
Sometimes it may be difficult to consume this ideal diet again throughout the treatment period due to the side effects of the treatment. When your appetite is affected and you are experiencing nausea and vomiting, it is also very important to stick to your body’s essential nutrients. When available, you should consult a nutritional specialist who can evaluate your diet and provide some suggestions to improve your nutritional status. They can also recommend appropriate foods when you have dietary problems due to side effects of treatment.
Sugary foods encourage the growth of cancer tumors: Do sugary foods encourage the growth of cancer tumors? Should I completely avoid sugar during breast cancer treatment?
There has been a lot of concern about the effect of sugar on cancer. Recent studies suggest that foods high in simple sugars may increase the risk of cancer. Although this link between sugar and cancer has been noted, we still do not know exactly why. Whether foods high in simple sugars reduce the body’s nutrition in the battle with cancer or whether a diet high in simple sugars increases insulin levels, the latter of which may promote cancer cell growth.
Despite the lack of reliable and comprehensive evidence, some less sophisticated recommendations have been made in the past, such as recommending sugar-free foods as anti-cancer foods to cancer patients. However, it is not scientific to avoid all monosaccharide sources, as it includes fruits, vegetables and grains, which are essential sources of nutrition and these blended foods have shown to reduce cancer risk.
To prevent increased insulin levels, it is necessary to control the intake of foods high in simple sugars, such as candy and soda, or to combine simple sugars with other foods containing dietary fiber, protein, and fat, which can reduce the absorption of sugar. Based on the findings of many studies, with the aim of reducing cancer risk, the American Cancer Society has made the following recommendations for diets containing carbohydrates.
1. Eat different types of fruits and vegetables five or more times a day
2. Eat other sources of plant foods, such as whole grains, legumes and nuts, several times a day
3, limit the intake of refined carbohydrate foods, such as pies, sweetened cereals, soft drinks and sugar, etc.
Soy and flaxseed: Can estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer patients eat soy and flaxseed?
There is no reliable conclusion on the effect of soy and flaxseed foods on breast cancer. Phytoestrogens are found in soy-based foods and at even lower levels in flaxseed. It is theorized that phytoestrogens may bind competitively with estrogen in the body to the nuclear estrogen receptor, and that this binding has two possibilities: one is to activate the estrogen receptor to promote the growth of breast cancer cells, and the other is to act as an antagonist against endoestrogens to inhibit the growth of cancer cells.
Unfortunately, there is no definite conclusion on this. Given this situation, it is generally recommended that for estrogen receptor positive breast cancer patients should limit the intake of soy-based foods, which may have some amount of soy content in your food, but at least pure soy-based foods such as soy flour should be avoided.
For flaxseed foods a two tablespoon daily amount is considered safe due to their low estrogen content and it is also a great source of healthy fats (Omega-3 fatty acids).
Organic foods and breast cancer: Do I need to consume organic foods during breast cancer treatment in order to be protected from pesticide residues?
Many studies have been conducted on the effects of exposure to pesticide residues in fruits and vegetables in the marketplace. These studies show very little evidence that pesticide residues and other chemicals in food increase cancer risk. The scary talk about increased cancer risk from pesticide and other chemical residues is based on the findings of animal studies where the levels of pesticides and other chemicals are much higher than the residues in regular foods.
In addition, national food safety standards limit the amount of residual pesticides and other chemicals that are safe. In short the benefit we get from regular food far outweighs the risk of pesticide residues. So we don’t think you need to spend extra money on organic food. Of course, you should keep in mind to wash these foods thoroughly with water, which will remove the vast majority of residues. Special fruit and vegetable washers are not necessary and they are not necessarily more effective than water.
Alcohol consumption and breast cancer: Can breast cancer patients drink alcohol?
There is a large body of reliable research findings that show that alcohol consumption increases the risk of many malignancies, including breast cancer. Our recommendation is to avoid alcohol as much as possible, and if you continue to drink, limit it to no more than once a day and no more than 3-4 times a week on a small amount at a time basis.
Weight gain and breast cancer treatment: Is it common to gain weight during breast cancer treatment? What should be done to prevent it?
Many studies are still exploring the reasons for the weight gain often seen during chemotherapy for breast cancer patients. Studies have found that increased diet is not the cause of weight gain, but lack of exercise may be one of its causes. Muscle loss and fat gain may increase body weight by decreasing metabolic rate. Changes in hormones in the body may also play a role in weight gain. To prevent weight gain, you can eat a low-fat (lots of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy products) high-protein diet. However, if you have a poor appetite during chemotherapy, it is best to go on any food for nutritional maintenance of your weight, as weight loss during cancer treatment is not something we advocate.
Dietary advice for breast cancer patients: What is the general dietary advice for breast cancer patients?
In general, obesity and lack of exercise lifestyle are associated with increased risk of breast cancer. A diet high in fruits and vegetables reduces the risk of breast cancer, but the extent of the reduction and the specific nutrients they provide for protection are still being studied. The greatest nutritional benefit can be had from a fruit and vegetable diet of 5-7 servings per day. Alcohol consumption mildly increases breast cancer risk, so it should be avoided or consumed in moderation (limiting the maximum amount and number of times per day). The general principle recommendations are: eat more vegetables and fruits, limit foods of animal origin (meat, animal fat, whole milk products), moderate amounts of soy products, moderate alcohol consumption, and regular exercise to prevent weight gain and obesity.
Phytoestrogen intake: Should a patient with hormone-dependent breast cancer avoid foods with high phytoestrogen content during tamoxifen treatment? How much phytoestrogens can be consumed per day? Is there a standard intake limit?
Generally, a patient with hormone-dependent breast cancer should limit phytoestrogen-rich foods during tamoxifen treatment. Restrictions on legumes are the most common because they are the original source of phytoestrogens. Unfortunately studies in this area are very limited. It is not possible to provide a clear standard of intake. There is also a wide range of intake recommendations for legumes, ranging from two bags per day to four bags per week.
Progesterone creams, flaxseed and legumes and breast cancer: My surgeon recommended that I use topical natural progesterone creams, flaxseed and legumes to reduce the risk of breast cancer recurrence. Is this safe?
Phytoestrogens are found in soy-based foods and at even lower levels in flaxseed. It is theorized that phytoestrogens may bind to the body’s estrogen competitive nuclear estrogen receptors, and that this binding has two possibilities, either activating the estrogen receptors to promote breast cancer cell growth, or acting as an antagonist to inhibit the growth of cancer cells against endoestrogens. Unfortunately, there is no definite conclusion on this. The current general recommendation is to limit the intake of phytoestrogen-rich foods to no more than 50 grams per day for patients with hormone-dependent breast cancer.
There are few studies on the topical application of progesterone and so far there is no more information on the effect of progesterone cream application on breast cancer. However, we do not recommend the use of progesterone creams in breast cancer patients, especially in progesterone receptor positive breast cancer patients.
What are the benefits of proper nutrition during breast cancer treatment?
It is very important to maintain a good nutritional status during breast cancer treatment because breast cancer itself and its treatment can affect the patient’s appetite and the body’s hunger to absorb and utilize certain foods.
Each patient’s nutritional needs are different, and your doctor, nurse, and dietitian can help you determine your nutritional pathway and nutritional strategy. Good nutrition during breast cancer treatment helps to.
1. Feel good about yourself physically
2.Maintain good physical strength and power
3.Maintain reasonable weight and energy reserves of the body
4.Improve tolerance to side effects of treatment
5.Reduce the risk of infection
6.Promote the healing of postoperative wounds and body recovery
By eating well I mean going for a variety of foods that your body needs to help your body recover during treatment, not one or a few specific foods. These include proteins, carbohydrates, fats, water and various vitamins and minerals.
Protein
Protein ensures the body’s growth and tissue repair as well as normal immune function. Without adequate protein nutrition the body will take longer to recover from the disease and will be less resistant to infection. Therefore, breast cancer patients need more protein than a healthy body. With surgery, radiation and chemotherapy, more protein is needed for wound healing and to fight infection. Good sources of protein include lean meat, fish, poultry, dairy products, nuts, and legumes.
Carbohydrates and fats
Carbohydrates and fats provide the majority of the body’s caloric supply. Each person’s caloric needs depend on his or her age, weight, and activity level. Sources of carbohydrates include fruits, vegetables, rice, flour, grains and legumes. Sources of fats include animal fats, cooking oils, nuts, dairy products, meat, poultry and fish.
Vitamins and minerals
Vitamins and minerals also play an important role in the growth, development and repair of the body, as well as in the efficient use of food energy by the body. A person can get enough vitamins and minerals if he or she eats a balanced diet that contains adequate amounts of protein and calories. However, when breast cancer patients are undergoing treatment, especially when the side effects last for a long time, consuming balanced foods can be challenging. In this case, your doctor or dietitian may suggest that you take some vitamin or mineral supplements.
Water or fluids
Water or fluids are essential for the health of the body. Dehydration can occur if you do not consume enough water or when vomiting and diarrhea occur. Consulting your doctor and dietitian about how much fluid you should consume can prevent dehydration from occurring.
Loss of appetite: I have lost my appetite and weight since being diagnosed with breast cancer. Is there anything I can do to improve my appetite?
As breast cancer develops and is treated it may change your eating habits and loss of appetite. If this happens, please try the following approaches.
1.Eat small amounts several times, every 1-2 hours.
2.Avoid combining too much liquid when eating (unless to match food swallowing or dry mouth) to prevent feeling full too soon.
3.Create a good eating environment through various methods, such as using favorite tableware, placing flowers on the table, with favorite music or TV, and eating with family and friends.
4, always have high-calorie, high-protein convenience food on hand, such as boiled eggs, lunch meat, ice cream, cookies, cakes, etc., want to eat both eat.
5.You can use some digestive foods or herbal medicines to reduce the side effects of treatment and improve your appetite.
6, consult your doctor to use the appropriate drugs to improve nausea and vomiting, constipation and pain and other side effects.
Abnormal taste during chemotherapy: What should be done when abnormal taste occurs during chemotherapy for breast cancer?
Taste and smell abnormalities may occur during breast cancer and its treatment. If this happens, you can try to adjust your food and drinks. You can also clean your mouth with water and a toothbrush, which may help improve your sense of taste.
1, If you have a metallic taste when eating you can try using plastic utensils
2, try some acidic foods or condiments, such as lemonade, vinegar, citrus fruits and pickles (if you have a sore mouth or throat, you should avoid these foods).
3, chewing lemon candy, mint or gum helps to remove the residual dislike of oral odor after the meal (if you have diarrhea, you should avoid sugar-free candy and gum).
4, try some condiments, such as onion, garlic, mustard, various sauces and chili peppers.
5, according to preference can also add sugar to the food to increase the sweetness and reduce the saltiness, bitterness and sourness.
6, choose to rinse your mouth with tea, light salt water, soda or water before eating to help remove oral odor.
7, appropriate low temperature or room temperature preservation of food, which can reduce the taste and smell of food, better to eat.
8, such as watermelon, melon, grapes and oranges and other fruits can be chilled and eaten.
9, from the taste, eating fresh vegetables may be better than canned or frozen vegetables.
Constipation (weakened bowel movement): I used to be constipated, but didn’t think it was a problem until I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I would like to know what I can do to make my stools more normal?
Pain medications, changes in diet, and decreased activity can cause decreased bowel movements and difficulty with bowel movements. If you have this condition, eat more high-fiber foods, which include: whole grains, fruits and vegetables, legumes, nuts, and dried fruits. Drink more water, more soup in your food, eat regularly, increase your activity level, etc.
1.Eat regularly every day and make a diet plan.
2, 8-10 glasses of water a day, if the doctor agrees to increase the amount of water consumption. Use some calorie-containing drinks, such as hot juice, hot lemonade, hot tea, etc.
3.Limit the consumption of gas-producing foods and drinks For example, carbonated beverages, cabbage, fried beans and garlic, etc. Pay attention to swallowing to reduce the swallowing of air, do not talk during meals, avoid using straws to ingest drinks and chewing gum, etc.
4, eat high-fiber foods, such as cereals, fruits and vegetables, popcorn, etc.
5.Apply hot drinks and high-fiber foods for breakfast.
6.If you need more high-calorie, high-protein, high-fiber diet, you should consult a dietitian to get professional help.
7.Light cathartics should only be used under the advice of a doctor.
Sore mouth and throat or mucosal ulcers: I am undergoing chemotherapy for breast cancer and have developed oral pain during the recent treatment.
First of all, you should tell your doctor about this condition. Your doctor may reduce the dosage of chemotherapy drugs if this chemotherapy side effect is more severe. Chemotherapy patients may have sore mouths and throats or mucosal ulcers. If you have this problem, you should eat a soft, less irritating, low-temperature diet that can reduce symptoms. You should also avoid dry and coarse foods, foods with high acidity and saltiness, and harsh food and drinks such as alcohol. Regular gargling with light salt water and light soda can prevent sore mouth and throat or mucous membrane ulcers, and can promote ulcer healing.
1.Avoid pickled and acidic food and drinks, such as citrus juices (including grapefruit juice, orange juice, lemon juice, etc.), tomato sauce, pickled vegetables, etc.
2.Avoid rough food, such as dry bun slices, dry bread slices, raw fruits and vegetables, etc.
3, choose soft, less irritating, moderate temperature diet can reduce the symptoms, but the temperature is too high too low food can also cause discomfort.
4, avoid contact with tobacco, alcohol, caffeine, etc., these can dry the mouth and throat and aggravate the symptoms.
5.Avoid irritating seasonings, such as chili powder, mustard, curry, garlic juice, etc.
6.Eat soft, paste-like or liquid food.
Diarrhea and breast cancer treatment: I have developed diarrhea during breast cancer treatment and have already taken antidefecation agents as recommended by my doctor. Is it possible to improve the diarrhea symptoms by adjusting my diet?
Breast cancer treatment and certain medications may stimulate bowel movements and cause diarrhea symptoms. You should avoid high-fiber foods if you have this phenomenon to help improve diarrhea symptoms. These foods include: nuts, whole grains, legumes, dried fruits and raw fruits and vegetables. Avoid high-fat foods (including fried and fatty foods), which can promote diarrhea. Avoid aerated foods and carbonated beverages. Ensure adequate daily fluid intake to prevent the onset of dehydration. Once the diarrhea has stopped, slowly start eating foods containing fiber.
1, drink light non-carbonated beverages to prevent dehydration, generally at room temperature, too hot or too cold is not easily tolerated by the body.
2, a small number of times to eat.
3.Avoid fried and fatty foods and stimulating foods.
4.Limit milk intake.
5, avoid gas-containing drinks and food, such as carbonated drinks, chewing gum, and some gas-producing vegetables (such as cabbage, cabbage, kale, bean vegetables, etc.). If you want to drink carbonated beverages, be sure to open the package and leave it for more than 10 minutes before drinking.
6, consume foods high in sodium, such as broth, sports drinks, cookies, etc.
7, consume foods high in potassium, such as fruit juices, cloud’s drinks, potatoes with skin and bananas, etc.
8.Consume foods high in gelatin, such as applesauce and bananas
9.Drink at least one glass of water after each diarrhea.
10.Avoid chewing gum.
11.Contact your doctor if diarrhea persists or worsens, and if the color and smell of the stool are abnormal.
Breast cancer treatment and nausea: I always feel nauseous during breast cancer treatment. I know I have to maintain nutrition during treatment, how can I overcome this phenomenon?
Some breast cancer patients feel nauseous and experience vomiting during treatment. If you have this problem, first make sure to ensure adequate fluid intake to prevent dehydration. You may tolerate slightly cooler drinks or foods better than a diet that is too hot or too cold. After vomiting has stopped, try eating easily digestible foods such as light fluids, crackers, toast, etc.
1.Eat small and frequent meals 5-8 times a day instead of three regular meals.
2.Eat small amounts of dry snacks, such as crackers, slices of toast, etc., several times a day.
3.Eat foods without strong odor.
4.Eat slightly cooler foods instead of hot, stimulating foods.
5.Avoid overly sweet, fatty, fried and stimulating foods, such as desserts and French fries after meals.
6.After each meal rest, do not lie down immediately, but sit down or half lie down for more than one hour.
7.Ensure sufficient fluid intake to prevent dehydration.
8.Use necessary medications to reduce nausea and vomiting symptoms.
9.Try mild, slightly soft and easily digestible food during chemotherapy, such as chicken noodle soup with some sprinkled salt crackers, etc.
10.Avoid eating in a house with high room temperature or the smell of pinch cooking, this environment may induce or aggravate the symptoms of nausea and vomiting.
11.Rinse your mouth before and after meals.
12.If you feel bad taste in your mouth, you can contain some mints or lemon candy.
13.If possible, drink more than 8 glasses of water a day, half a glass to a glass of water in between each vomiting to prevent dehydration of the body.