A balanced diet is especially important for breast cancer. Proper nutrition can help your body recover from cancer treatment, which has many side effects such as mouth sores, loss of appetite, nausea, and vomiting. It can keep your body tissues healthy, reduce cancer symptoms and side effects of treatment, keep your immune system strong, keep you fit, reduce fatigue, and improve your quality of life.

If you have breast cancer, you are most likely taking chemotherapy, hormone therapy, or HER2-targeted drugs. Treatment depends on the type and stage of cancer. Radiation may also be required. Among the various side effects, you may lose your appetite. These treatments are usually given after breast-conserving surgery (BCS) (also called lumpectomy, partial mastectomy, or total mastectomy). Coping with treatment and body changes can be difficult. Studies show that about 50% of breast cancer patients experience depression and anxiety. Because breast cancer can have a huge impact on your physical and mental health, it can negatively affect your appetite. We've created this guide to make eating right easy.

There is no specific diet recommended for breast cancer patients. Your nutritional needs depend on many factors, including other medical diagnoses, weight, nutritional deficiencies, medications, and current symptoms. A medical team, including a nutritionist who specializes in oncology nutrition, can help you create the right nutritional plan for your needs and general health.

The following foods are based on general recommendations for maintaining overall health while living with breast cancer.

• Nutrient-rich foods such as fruits and vegetables, whole grains, legumes, protein sources such as chicken and turkey, fatty fish such as trout and salmon, and vegetable protein sources such as lentils and nuts.
• Foods high in healthy fats and proteins. If you need to maintain or gain weight, add healthy fat sources like nuts and seeds, avocados, and olive oil, and protein sources like eggs, chicken, lentils, and fish. Protein-rich foods are especially important for maintaining muscle mass.
• Milkshakes, smoothies, juices, soups, and other liquid mixtures for when you don't feel like it eating solid foods
• High fiber foods such as whole grains, flaxseeds, legumes, vegetables and fruits to treat constipation

Eating foods that contain certain compounds known as phytochemicals can help your body fight cancer. These chemicals are mainly found in plant foods.

However, there is a caveat. Although some studies have shown that these compounds may help reduce cancer risk or recurrence, the precise effects of these compounds on existing cancers and cancer risk are more research is needed to determine the For example, blueberry consumption has been shown to be strongly associated with lower mortality from breast cancer and other causes. On the other hand, drinking lots of fruit juices (other than orange juice) has been linked to decreased survival from breast cancer and other causes. Researchers believe that in addition to phytochemicals in agricultural products, the glycemic index of vegetables and fruits may also be a factor in breast cancer survival, but more research is needed. If you feel sick because of side effects, you may only tolerate certain foods. It's best to follow a nutrient-rich diet that includes healthy fats such as avocados, olive oil, and nuts. .

You may need to avoid or reduce your intake of certain foods and drinks, such as:

• alcohol. Beer, wine, and spirits may interact with the cancer drugs you are taking. There is also limited evidence that alcohol consumption may increase the risk of pre-existing breast cancer recurrence and death.
• Spicy, chewy, or sour foods. These can increase sore mouth, a common side effect of chemotherapy.
• Uncooked food. If you have breast cancer, you are at a higher risk of developing an infection. Avoid raw foods such as sushi and oysters during treatment. Heat meat, fish and poultry to a safe temperature before eating. For similar reasons, avoid raw nuts, expired or moldy foods, or leftovers that have been in the refrigerator for more than 3 days.
• Red and processed meat. Mortality risk is associated with poor dietary quality. Red meat and processed meat corresponded to a decline in nutritional value.
• Sugary drinks. Reducing your sugar intake can help you maintain a healthy weight.
• Highly processed and refined foods.A 2018 potential study found a 10 percentgrowth in breast cancer risk for persons who eat ultra-processed diets.

Eating a healthy diet when you have breast cancer has several health benefits. Not only can it make you feel well faster, but it can increase your immune system and keep you strong. If you’re considering trying a different diet or are having trouble sticking to a well eating plan, discuss this to your dietician or a doctor.

DMO II Karla P. Calapardo, RND

Reference:

https://www.healthline.com/health/metastatic-breast-cancer/nutrition