Healing Guides for Common Cancers- Breast Cancer
Breast cancer cells can begin in different areas of the breast such as the ducts, the lobules, or the tissue in between. It may be in- vasive, noninvasive, or metastatic, among a number of subtypes.
Best Foods to eat
Women who eat a diet supplemented with extra-virgin olive oil and mixed nuts may have a reduced risk of breast cancer.12 If you follow Cancer-Free with Food recipes, you’ll naturally choose sources of healthy fats such as these over saturated fats like butter. Also, flaxseeds may play a role in slowing breast cancer cell growth and may even improve the effectiveness of some cancer treatments. They are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, minerals, vitamins, and fiber. You can add flaxseed oil or flaxseeds to smoothies, soups, and salad dressings. For breakfast, add them to your eggs or cereal. You can add flaxseed meal to desserts and snacks like the Chocolate Balls.
In addition to healthy fats, focus on your intake of antioxidants and phytochemicals. When my mum was diagnosed with breast cancer a couple of years ago, she made fresh juice at home multiple times a day with lots of orange and lemon for vitamin C, to which she would add a whole clove of garlic. Johns Hopkins Breast Center recommends ve or more servings a day of fruits and vegetables, especially those high in fiber, as fiber may protect against the hormonal actions of breast cancer. Aim for 25 to 30 grams of soluble and insoluble per per day.
To prevent or heal cancer, try preparing meals that contain:
In addition to healthy fats, focus on your intake of antioxidants and phytochemicals. When my mum was diagnosed with breast cancer a couple of years ago, she made fresh juice at home multiple times a day with lots of orange and lemon for vitamin C, to which she would add a whole clove of garlic. Johns Hopkins Breast Center recommends ve or more servings a day of fruits and vegetables, especially those high in fiber, as fiber may protect against the hormonal actions of breast cancer. Aim for 25 to 30 grams of soluble and insoluble per per day.
To prevent or heal cancer, try preparing meals that contain:
- Coumarins, avones, and carotenoids (umbelliferous herbs and vegetables like carrots, celery, cilantro, dill, fennel, parsley, and parsnips15)
- Indoles and sulforaphane (cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, broccoli sprouts, brussels sprouts, cabbage, collard greens, kale, kohlrabi, mustard greens, turnips, turnip greens, and watercress16)
- Iso avones (non-GMO soy, legumes, and axseeds17)
- Lentinan (mushrooms, especially Asian varieties like shiitake and maitake)
- Lycopene (carrots, mangoes, tomatoes, and watermelon)
- Potassium, magnesium, iron, and various other nutrients (cucurbitaceous vegetables like cucumber, pumpkin, squash, zucchini, and watermelon)
- Protein (vegetarian options like legumes and lentils; poultry; and fish)
- Solanaceous vegetables (capsicum, chili peppers, eggplant, and potatoes)
- Sulfur (allium vegetables like garlic, chives, leeks, onions, and shallots18)
- Green leafy vegetables (beet greens; endives, romaine, and other lettuces; spinach; and Swiss chard)
- Non-GMO whole grains (barley, bulgur, oats, quinoa, and rye)
quick tips
If you’ve been diagnosed with cancer, take your time deciding what course of treatment you want to do. In a podcast on man- aging breast cancer, surgical oncologist Alexander Miller, M.D., says: “Breast cancer is not something that develops overnight, and so you should feel very comfortable taking a week or more to make a decision.”20
Avoid nonfermented soy products like tofu and edamame, which can raise estrogen levels. Fermented soy products like miso, natto, and tempeh, are acceptable—and good sources of vitamin K2.
Women’s health expert Christiane Northup, M.D., wisely insists: “All women can create healthy breasts.”21 In an article on creating optimal breast health, she explains that bolstering our immunity is critical. I love that her focus is on wellness, not fear! She offers several tips for creating healthy breasts.
Avoid nonfermented soy products like tofu and edamame, which can raise estrogen levels. Fermented soy products like miso, natto, and tempeh, are acceptable—and good sources of vitamin K2.
Women’s health expert Christiane Northup, M.D., wisely insists: “All women can create healthy breasts.”21 In an article on creating optimal breast health, she explains that bolstering our immunity is critical. I love that her focus is on wellness, not fear! She offers several tips for creating healthy breasts.
- Cultivate a practice of self-care and self-love. She says the most important factor in creating health is carving out time to care for and love yourself unconditionally.
- Get enough sleep. Sleep restores the body, and it’s during sleep that our bodies metabolize stress hormones. Aim for eight hours per night.
- Optimize your vitamin D intake. The best way to get your vitamin D is from safe exposure to sunlight, but many people need to take a supplement.
- Exercise regularly and eat a healthy diet.
- Get social. Get off your cell phone, computer, tablet, or whatever, and get out with friends. Volunteer in your community or at your church. Take up a new activity, such as dancing or yoga. Having a ful lling social life improves your immune system. When your immune system is healthy it naturally kills off pathogens and rogue cells that can lead to disease.22
