Aug 26, 2008 7:28 pm US/Eastern
Health Watch: Nutrition And Breast Cancer
NEW YORK (CBS) ―
Research suggests that proper nutrition can significantly improve the health of women at risk for developing breast cancer, and for those already battling the disease.
When Dorothy Golebuski began chemotherapy and radiation treatments for breast cancer, she also changed her diet dramatically. "I'm sure the reason that I've felt as good as I have even during treatment over the years is because of my nutrition," she said.
"I still had my energy, and I really think that with the different diet and supplements, it enabled me to get through all my treatments, still jogging every day and doing everything I always did."
Oncologist Dr. Mitchell Gaynor believes diet plays a critical role in warding off cancer. "Every organ system in your body has detoxifying enzymes. These are enzymes that break down everything from second-hand cigarette smoke to car exhaust fumes to pesticide and herbicide residues left on food and in our water. And you need the proper nutrition to up regulate those enzymes."
In addition to a basic healthy diet low in fat and high in vegetables and fiber, Dr. Gaynor says certain foods have cancer fighting abilities. "Green tea has been associated with a lower risk of breast cancer and an improved prognosis in breast cancer in women that already have breast cancer. Green tea is loaded with compounds called phenols and polyphenols."
These compounds are thought to prevent carcinogenic free radicals from forming. There is scientific support behind the benefits of rosemary, turmeric, broccoli, flaxseed, and even olive oil.
"It just becomes your way of new living, and you don't even think that you're changing anything because it becomes your lifestyle," Golebuski said.
No matter what eating plan you choose, you should aim to maintain a healthy weight. This has been shown to reduce the risk of first-time breast cancer and also help prevent the cancer from coming back in survivors.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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