Your Diet and the Fight Against Male Breast Cancer

Foods You Can Use In The Fight Against Male Breast Cancer

While the go-to cancer treatment options are usually surgery, chemo, and radiation, new studies conducted by Otto Warburg have shown that nutrition plays a major role in preventing the progression of breast cancer. This is a welcome discovery, since even though only 1 in 833 men get breast cancer, men diagnosed with the disease have a higher mortality rate compared to their female counterparts. This is because they often fail to seek treatment because of the stigma associated with the male breast cancer, and when they do, the cancer is usually fully grown and harder to treat. Thankfully, progressive research regarding the use of metabolic therapy and diet in curing the disease has proven promising. Cruciferous vegetables, whole grains, healthy fats, and the keto diet have the potential to stop the progression of - and even kill - cancerous cells.

Cruciferous Vegetables

Cruciferous vegetables include Brussels sprouts, kale, cauliflower, arugula, and broccoli. Men who incorporate these vegetables in their diet reduce the intense spread of male breast cancer. A report by the New York Times indicated that cruciferous vegetables have protective elements such as carotenoids and plant pigments that help in controlling abnormality in cell growth. They also have folate, which helps in maintaining the DNA of the body, thus turning off any genes promoting cancer. The vegetables prevent the migration of tumor cells via blood vessels, a common process that aids in spreading cancer.

The Ketogenic Diet

Many people are aware of the keto diet as a brilliant weight loss strategy, but often don't know of its potential in treating breast cancer. Cancer cells heavily rely on glucose for fuel. The diet capitalizes on creating a macronutrient ratio of 10% carb, 70% healthy fats and 20% protein. This results in the body producing ketones as fuel instead of sugar. No sugar means cancerous cells lack a fuel source, and therefore shrink. The patient will, however, need to be on the diet for a while for this plan to work, which can be difficult, as it is a highly restricting diet. Thankfully,Lazy Keto is an option: providing patients keep their carb intake below 20 grams a day, they should be good to go.

Apart from creating an anti tumor effect, weight loss experienced while on the ketogenic diet has proven key in preventing cancer in the first place. Obesity is one of the most common controllable cancer risk factors. Obese people have an extremely thick adipose layer. Naturally, the adipose tissue secrets hormones. In lean people, these hormones are balanced. In obese people, however, the production rate of these hormones is higher. Elevated hormone levels cause inflammation and promote cancer growth. That said, by helping one loose excess weight, the ketogenic diet helps to reduce the chances of getting cancer.

Whole Grains

Consuming 25-30 grams of whole grains is critical for patients diagnosed with breast cancer. Whole grains are unprocessed foods, and tend to be high in fiber and complex carbohydrates, as well as minerals and vitamins. A report by Cleveland Clinic according to research done at Soochow University in Suzhou, China showed that those who consume more fiber have a higher chance of altering any hormonal actions of breast cancer.

Nutritious Fat

One needs to be careful with the kind of fats they consume. According to a study by the Karolina Institute in Stockholm, the type of fat consumed may lead to the spread of male breast cancer. Patients diagnosed with breast cancer should avoid the intake of any saturated fats like organ meats, cream and butter, amongst others. They should also limit the amount of food containing trans-fats, which are also known as hydrogenated oils, in their meals. Eating polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats, on the other hand, is advised. These can be sourced from nuts, avocados, olive oil and fatty fish such as tuna, sardines, salmon and herring. These fats should, however, be taken not more than 3 times a week, unless one is following the keto diet.

Men diagnosed with breast cancer are advised to moderate their alcohol intake. This is because it increases estrogen levels in the body, which is highly associated with the disease. They should also avoid cured, pickled or smoked foods. Lean proteins from poultry, legumes and fish come highly recommended, as they help preserve lean body mass. Additionally, eating 5 servings of colorful fruits and vegetables have been scientifically proven to help prevent the progression of breast cancer.