Breast cancer is cancer that develops in breast cells and forms in the lobules or ducts of the breast. The lobules are glands that produce milk and ducts are the pathways that bring milk from the glands to the nipple. Breast cancer can also develop in fatty tissue or fibrous connective tissue within the breast. The most common symptoms patients notice can include a lump or thickened breast tissue, breast pain, swelling, changes in the breast skin, and a lump or swelling under the arm.

There are different types of breast cancer and each type is determined by the kind of cells that grow out of control. Breast cancer patients can get some relief from this condition by utilizing dietary tips to help bring about healing. Here are some important dietary tips for breast cancer patients:

1. The importance of eating healthy for breast cancer patients

Breast cancer patients are strongly encouraged to eat a healthy diet for the rest of their lives. Sound nutrition plays a crucial role with the further development of breast cancer. It is also necessary to keep the cancer under control if it does not go away completely. Fruits, vegetables and whole grains play a key role in breast cancer reduction. Breast cancer patients should avoid or severely restrict processed foods, red meat, and other foods that have poor nutritional value.

2. Fruits, vegetables and whole grains

Fruits, vegetables and whole grains are beneficial to breast cancer patients because of their wholesome ingredients. These foods contain antioxidants, phytochemicals, and antiestrogen, which are important in the fight against cancer. They even have chemopreventive properties that work to alleviate the negative side effects of chemo and radiation treatments. Plant based food products are naturally better for people in general. They are lower in calories and fat, which can help to keep a person’s weight under control. This is also important for breast cancer patients. Even if a woman has a damaged BRCA gene, the gene that makes some women more susceptible to breast cancer, she should still continue to eat a wholesome diet to reduce the chances of developing breast cancer.

3. Superfoods for combating breast cancer

Some of the best foods that women can consume for a breast cancer diet include kale, bok choy, brown rice, garlic, onions, kidney beans, celery, broccoli, and rutabaga. These foods are packed with lots of nutrients and other healthful ingredients. Fruits, such as blueberries, strawberries, bananas, oranges, apples, and apricots, are also very important for fighting against the scourge of breast cancer.

4. A final thought about nutrition and breast cancer

No one is telling breast cancer patients that they cannot have the occasional cheat food, but let’s be realistic, people are going to want to eat a piece of cake or a bag of chips every now and then. However, that is the point. If you are a person with breast cancer, you can eat “bad foods” but just make sure you do so sparingly. Not eating any type of junk or processed food doesn’t work for every breast cancer patient, however, they should not get into a habit of eating a diet loaded with processed foods. Otherwise, they could end up getting breast cancer again or never completely getting rid of this problem.