Eating a healthy diet is good for all of us. We do not know if a particular diet can prevent breast cancer or recurrence, though studies are ongoing to see how diet impacts breast cancer.
Obtain and maintain a healthy weight
Being at a proper weight, of course, is good for you. However, you should not go on an aggressive weight-loss diet while you are being treated for breast cancer. If you are overweight you can try to cut back a bit -- make some better food choices and cut back on calories somewhat -- so that you lose weight slowly. But save the serious weight loss for after you have completed treatment.
Choose a low-fat diet
Most people eat a diet that is 30-35 percent fat (as a percentage of total calories). A much healthier option is a diet that is only 20 percent fat. Choose monounsaturated fats whenever possible, rather than polyunsaturated and saturated fats.
Choose a high-fiber diet
The average American diet contains only about 12 grams of fiber a day. Try to consume 25 - 35 grams of fiber each day. Remember, when you add fiber to your diet, you must drink plenty of water also. Examples of high fiber foods are whole grain cereals and breads, nuts, peas, beans, and legumes, and seeds.
Eat fruits and vegetables
Eat 5 - 9 servings of fruits and vegetables a day, including at least two servings of fruit and three of vegetables.
Drink alcohol only in moderation
If you drink alcohol, limit it to less than one serving per day.
Consume soy products in moderation
Soy products may have a role in preventing the development of breast cancer. Soy products, such as tofu, tempeh, miso (a soybean paste), soy milk, and soy flour contain phytoestrogens (plant estrogens). These phytoestrogens may help reduce breast-cancer risk by binding to estrogen-receptor sites in the breast in place of the body's potent estrogens. In addition, most soy and soy products are excellent sources of two potent flavonoid phytochemicals, genistein and diadezein.
Scientists don't know if therapeutic amounts of soy products are helpful or harmful in the treatment of breast cancer. Early evidence suggests that women who are estrogen receptor + should not take excessive amounts of soy. Until further studies are done, eat soy products in moderation. Consume them as part of a healthy diet, but eat no more than two to four servings per week. Don't take soy supplements such as genistein and diadezein.
Be wary of dehydration
If you develop nausea and vomiting or diarrhea, you may easily become dehydrated. Drinking Pedialyte® or Gatorade® can help restore electrolyte balance.
Think of food safety
You may be more vulnerable to infection while being treated for breast cancer. Avoid possible salmonella and E coli contamination by eating only thoroughly cooked eggs and meat at home and in restaurants. Don't eat at salad bars -- they may carry germs from other people and some salads may not have been properly refrigerated. Don't eat sushi or raw meats. Wash your fruits and vegetables thoroughly. Don't eat any foods that look less than perfect -- avoid anything, such as fruit, that has breaks or bruises in the skin.
