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Saturday, April 14, 2012

Breast Cancer Treatment and a Healthy Diet


Anti Estrogen 7 Day Diet Plan Breast Cancer Treatment and a Healthy Diet.

When researching breast cancer treatment, it is important not to overlook the need for a healthy diet. Studies have shown a definite link between low fat, plant based and high fiber diets and reduced risk for breast cancer. Findings also show that diet can reduce tumor growth and increase survival rates in cancer patients.

The diet research being done is also directly related to maintaining a healthy body weight. Higher fat percentages in the body increase estrogen levels which can affect the rate of tumor growth. A diet containing no more than 20 percent fat and 30 to 40 grams of fiber per day can be beneficial in reducing weight and body fat. Eating little to no red meat, fried foods or saturated fats will help to achieve this goal.

In order to plan your diet with breast cancer treatment in mind, you will need to make sure that you include several essential nutrients to your menu. These nutrients are easy to come by in the foods you eat and require no special supplements or vitamins.

Fiber

Fiber is reported in studies to reduce the amount of fats in the body. Fiber is found in many foods, but it may take some planning to get enough fiber to achieve the recommended daily requirement. Some great sources of fiber are:

o Whole Grains- Most breads, pastas and cereals offer whole grain varieties.

o Beans- Beans can be added to soups, salads and many other foods for a quick fiber boost any time. They hold their nutritive properties well, even after being canned, so they are a perfect pantry staple.

o Nuts- Nuts can be a quick snack on the go or a delicious addition to your favorite recipes. Walnuts, especially, have been proven to assist in breast cancer treatment.

Phytochemicals and Antioxidants

Pytochemicals or plant chemicals are essential to a healthy diet. They are the reason that a plant based diet is so important. Antioxidants are phytochemicals with specific properties related to fighting free radicals in the body. A healthy diet consists of at least six servings of fruits and vegetables a day.

This seems to be especially true in the case of onions, garlic and leeks. An Italian study showed that increased portions of these flavorful vegetables can significantly reduce the risk of breast cancer. Other great sources of phytochemicals and antioxidants are:

o Green Tea

o Blueberries

o Leafy Greens

o Oranges

o Sweet Potatoes

o Legumes

Monounsaturated Fats

Buying products with the label "No Trans Fats" will help you maintain a healthier fat balance in your diet. Fats should never be eliminated completely, however, as they are important to your body. Look for sources of healthy fats (Omega-3) such as:

o Nuts

o Olive Oil

o Flax seed

o Fish

Following these tips will make maintaining a healthy, well balanced diet easier than you may once have thought. With some changes to your habits you can have a diet that is beneficial to breast cancer treatment and prevention.

Anti Estrogen 7 Day Diet Plan.