Nutrition and Breast Health: How Your Diet Helps Prevent Breast Cancer

How is cancer prevented?  It’s a difficult question because there is no one correct answer.  Two people can live the same lifestyle but still end up with different results when it comes to this disease.  That being said, there are things you can do to help prevent cancer and stay healthy in general, such as not smoking, exercising regularly, and getting enough sleep.

Diet plays a big factor when it comes to health.  Good nutrition is important for preventing all kinds of sickness and disease.  There are some cancer-fighting foods that doctors have found to be especially helpful in keeping the body healthy and strong.  But how does a breast cancer diet even work?

How is cancer prevented with a healthy diet?

While there are no foods that directly cause cancer, certain diets can make your body more susceptible to disease.  Maintaining a healthy lifestyle keeps your body strong, which means your immune system can better fight infection.  Many cancers, including breast cancer, are genetic.  Inheriting certain gene mutations can cause cancer to develop.  While cancer-fighting foods won’t stop this from happening in all cases, they can help.

Following a breast cancer diet also lowers your risk for other medical issues such as obesity.  People who never develop obesity are much less likely to get cancer in their lifetime than those who do.  Even those who have already survived cancer can benefit.  Keeping the extra weight off can prevent cancer from returning.

What is included in a breast cancer diet?

If you have a high risk for breast cancer because of your family history or other factors, it is a good idea for you to avoid foods that cause cancer.  Talk to your doctor about making a diet that best suits you.  In general, some cancer-fighting foods include fruits, vegetables, fish, beans, and whole grains.

A breast cancer diet is all about the nutrients you are getting from your food.  It is important to consume enough fiber when you’re trying to prevent cancer.  This can be found in everything from whole grains to fruits and veggies to legumes.  Fiber is good for your heart, blood sugar, and digestion and may help prevent breast cancer.

Vitamin D is another nutrient to focus on.  Fish such as salmon, oysters, herring, mackerel, and sardines have this vitamin, as do milk, yogurt, and orange juice.  Antioxidants are also vital.  Most produce items have this nutrient, especially leafy green vegetables and citrus.

Are there foods which cause cancer?

While no one food can give you breast cancer, there are some you should avoid in trying to prevent the disease.  These include alcohol, sugar, fat, red meat, and processed foods.  A diet high in these ingredients puts you at risk for developing both obesity and breast cancer.

Added sugar is especially problematic when it comes to poor health, as are processed foods.  Sugar has been linked with tumor development and growth.  Processed foods are high in fat, salt, and preservatives, many of which are not natural.  Your body is not meant to process these things, and forcing it to do so often can cause harm down the line.

Looking for a doctor’s perspective on breast health?

Thinking of starting a breast cancer diet, or worried about a sign that could be cancer?  Bass Medical Group is here to help.  They know all about cancer prevention and can help you live a healthy lifestyle.  Whether you are looking for a primary care provider or a specialist, Bass Medical has the knowledge and talent you need to live your healthiest life.  Call (925) 350-4044 to schedule an appointment.

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