It’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Now remember I may be many things including a Fitness expert, but I am a Radiographer first, that still performs Mammograms and I will share a quick story.
I have a cousin who called me years ago very concerned about a lump in her left breast that she felt when she was drying off, coming out of the shower. Her Mom died from Breast Cancer, so there’s a family history. I told her doing a Mammogram as soon as possible was the first step. She did it, read me the report and before doing the suggested biopsy I told her to prepare herself, because based on how the lump was described with irregular, asymmetric, undefined edges etc., it was likely to be cancer. I also told her she had to adjust her lifestyle IMMEDIATELY. No Alcohol, No Meats, No sugars and she complied, going Vegetarian as Breast Cancer was confirmed with the biopsy and her journey to beating Breast Cancer began, which she did well. She was almost 50 at the time and after her Mastectomy, removing the left breast, she came out in high spirits, telling jokes, hardly in any pain… Even later down the road serving her friends breakfast SHE cooked after Chemo. Her roommate though, when she did the Mastectomy, was much younger for the same surgery, probably in her thirties. Her family brought her fast food before the surgery and she said that was her regular diet. Made her happy. After the surgery she was in excruciating pain and crying for hours. We said to ourselves, wow, diet must have had a significant impact.
Here are Foods to Have and Foods to Avoid:
Foods to Have:
Citrus fruits, berries, grapes
Leafy green vegetables such as kale, arugula, spinach; other vegetables such as cauliflower, cabbage, and broccoli
Fatty fish like Salmon
Fermented foods like Yogurt, Kimchi
Beans
Herbs and spices e.g. oregano
Whole grains and walnuts
Foods to Avoid:
Fast food
Alcohol
Fried foods
Processed meats
Added sugars
Refined carbs
I will leave you to keep in mind that many factors are associated with Breast Cancer development. So while improving your diet can improve your overall health and reduce your cancer risk and pain during recovery, it is only one piece of the puzzle.
You still need to do annual Breast Cancer screenings like Mammograms and your manual checks, standing AND laying down. Early Detection Saves Lives.
YOU’RE WELCOME!
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By: Gabrielle Burgess (CEO, Suga Lifestyle, Certified Personal Trainer & Sports Nutritionist)
***Awarded by the Jamaica Chamber of Commerce for Entrepreneur of the Year and Nominated for Best in Chamber (Micro Enterprise)***
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