It is so refreshing whenever I hear of a medical doctor who believes in anti-cancer foods (foods that can help prevent and/or stop cancer growth). Just a couple of months ago during a breast exam, my own doctor (at Yale Breast Center) completely rejected any connection between a healthy diet and preventing breast cancer. Five anti-cancer foods were highlighted in a recent article on a course called “The Best Diet Ever,” taught by Dr. John Farquhar of Stanford University Medical School:
- soy
- onions (garlic, leek, scallions)
- cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, kale, cabbage)
- tomatoes
- berries (especially blueberries)
While I think this list should include more categories (e.g., whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds), the general idea is that fruits and vegetables are nature’s anti-cancer medicine. The only item on the list that is still really controversial is soy. More research is needed to determine the affect of isoflavones, the phytoestrogen that soy contains, on breast tissue. Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center recommends no more than 2-4 servings of soy foods per week.
According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), being overweight or obese increases the risk of certain cancers. That’s because when you’re overweight, your body produces more hormones (estrogen and insulin) that stimulate cancer cell growth. Body weight can be controlled through a combination of diet (think more fruits and vegetables, less fatty meats) and exercise. ACS also recommends a diet rich in plant foods, including 5+ servings of vegetables and fruits a day, choosing whole grains over processed grains and sugars (pastries, sweetened cereals), and limiting the amount of processed meats and red meats you eat.
Given the amount of information available supporting anti-cancer foods, why don’t more doctors encourage a healthier diet? While medicine certainly has its place, I believe patients can build up their immune systems through healthy eating so they can fight cancer and other diseases.
Next time you have a mammogram, ask for your doctor’s opinion on anti-cancer foods and let me know what they say.
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