BREAST CANCER: Foods To Have And Avoid During And After Treatment

Good nutrition is the key for cancer patients throughout the various phases of treatment and after. The treatment may affect the way your body metabolises certain foods and uses nutrients and this varies for each individual.

During the treatment process, your diet must help build up your strength. You must eat high-protein, high-calorie foods which will promote the following-

Better health and faster recovery.
Enhanced strength and energy.
Maintain a healthy body weight.
Help you overcome the side effects of chemotherapy and radiation therapy.
Lower your risk of infection.

Protein:
If you had surgery, chemotherapy or radiation therapy, you need a lot of protein to feel fit and fight off infections. The body loses substantial immunity in the process of breast cancer (and other cancer) treatment. Fish, poultry, lean meat, eggs, low-fat dairy products, nuts and nut butter, dried beans, peas, lentils and soya foods are all good sources of protein.


Grapes:
Grapes are a rich source of the antioxidant resveratrol, which has the potential to possibly stop cancer from starting in the breast. You must eat grapes with their skin intact as it has the most resveratrol.


Figs:
These have always been popular for their medicinal properties. They contain high levels of the flavonoid quercetin beneficial for lung and colon cancers. Figs can reduce inflammation which is the major cause of cancer. 

Garlic and onion:
The antimicrobial and antitumor properties of garlic and onion have been known for over 1000 years. They must be part of your daily diet.


Tea:
Tea (both green and black) has active antioxidants that keep the harmful effects of free radicals in check, which cause cellular damage. Fresh tulsi tea can be a good choice.

Foods to avoid when affected by breast cancer
Apart from the usual culprits like sugary foods, fatty foods and processed and preserved food, if you suffer from breast cancer, make sure you avoid the following:

• Caffeine
• Alcohol
• Raw or undercooked meat, fish or poultry.
• Raw or soft-cooked eggs.
• Unpasteurised dairy products or juice.
• Unwashed fruits and vegetables.
• Leftovers that are more than three to four days old, whether refrigerated or not.