
You can lower your risk of breast cancer by eating certain fruits and vegetables, fatty fish, fermented foods, legumes, whole grains, walnuts, and herbs and spices. Avoid processed meats, fried foods, fast food, alcohol, added sugar, and refined carbohydrates.
Breast cancer may result from genetic mutations and DNA damage. Obesity and inheriting mutations in specific genes, including BRCA1 and BRCA2, can further raise your risk.reliable source.
Lifestyle is also very important. A higher risk of breast cancer has been linked in studies to smoking, hormone exposure, heavy drinking, and specific dietary patterns, such as Western diets heavy in processed foods.
Notably, research links a lower risk of breast cancer to other eating habits, such as the Mediterranean diet. Furthermore, some meals may even offer protection from this illness.
These 12 foods, along with several to avoid, may help lower your risk of breast cancer.Remember that the development of breast cancer is linked to numerous factors. Although eating better can help you feel better overall and lower your risk of developing cancer, it's just one aspect of the problem.
You still require routine breast cancer tests, such as mammograms and physical exams, even if you eat a diet high in nutrients. After all, survival rates are considerably raised by early diagnosis and identification. Consult a medical expert for guidance on breast cancer screenings.
However, there is evidence that some meals may reduce your risk.
1. Leafy green vegetables
arugula
spinach
mustard greens
chard
kale
Cruciferous vegetables
Allium vegetables
Citrus fruits
5. Berries
6. Peaches, apples, pears, and grapes
Fatty Fish
8. Fermented foods
9. Beans
10. Herbs and spices
11. Whole grains
12. Walnuts
Foods and beverages to limit or avoid
While certain foods may protect against breast cancer, others may increase your risk. As such, it’s best to reduce your intake of the following foods and beverages—or avoid them altogether:
Alcohol: Alcohol use, especially heavy drinking, may significantly increaseTrusted Source your risk of breast cancer.
Fast food: Eating fast food regularly has many downsides, including an increased riskTrusted Source of heart disease, diabetes, obesity, and breast cancer.
Fried foods: Research shows that a diet high in fried foods may significantly increase your risk of breast cancer. Indeed, in a study involving 620 Iranian women under 50 years old, fried food intake was the largest risk factor for breast cancer development.
Added sugar: Eating a lot of added sugar might greatly increase your chances of elevating inflammation and the production of certain enzymes linked to the development and metastasis of breast cancer.
Refined carbohydrates: The standard Western diet and other diets heavy in refined carbohydrates may raise the risk of breast cancer. Try substituting wheat beer for refined carbohydrates.
Breast cancer and soy
A lot of people are also curious about how soy products, such as edamame, tofu, and soy milk, may impact their risk of breast cancer. There is conflicting research.
Consuming large quantities of isoflavones, a substance present in soy, may raise the chance of developing breast cancer, according to a section of research conducted on animals and in test tubes (Trusted Source). The effects of estrogen are mimicked by isoflavones.
Nevertheless, human research has actually shown that consuming more soy is associated with a decreased risk of breast cancer. Furthermore, eating soy may really help those with breast cancer avoid recurrence and improve their prognosis.
Lifestyle considerations
Without a doubt, a healthy diet can help prevent breast cancer and other chronic illnesses. However, your chance of developing cancer may also be impacted by numerous other lifestyle decisions.
For instance, there is substantial protection against breast cancer with regular exercise, adequate sleep, and quitting smoking. Another way to lower your risk is to maintain a moderate body weight.
Additionally, some studies indicate that using specific skin care products may raise your risk of developing breast cancer. For instance, parabens, a class of chemical that may contribute to the development of breast cancer, are found in a lot of moisturizers, cosmetics, and hair products. Since parabens are endocrine disruptors, your hormones may be adversely affected.
The bottom line
Overall, the risk of cancer is complicated, but nutrition undoubtedly plays a role.
A healthy diet that includes foods like citrus fruits, leafy greens, and fatty fish may help lower the risk of breast cancer. Limiting or avoiding things like alcohol, highly processed meats, and sugary foods and drinks could be just as crucial.
Remember that early identification and diagnosis of breast cancer depend on routine medical checkups and screenings. If you have any queries concerning the screening procedure or your risk of breast cancer, consult a healthcare provider.
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DISCLAIMER
This article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. It is purely for educational and informational purposes. You should not rely on this information as a substitute for, nor does it replace, professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any concerns or questions about your health, you should always consult with a physician or other health-care professional.
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