Eat a Healthy Diet After Diagnosis

If you have an early stage breast cancer, it hasn't spread outside your breast or the lymph nodes in your armpit. The outlook with treatment is excellent, and your doctor will talk to you about your treatment plan. You may be wondering if there's anything you can do yourself. The answer is yes.

For one, focus on staying healthy by eating a balanced diet, which can help boost the immune system, increase stamina and energy level, reduce inflammation, possibly improve mood and outlook. Eating well can help you feel better physically and mentally, so you're equipped to manage the many emotions you may have after diagnosis, as well as side effects of some treatments.

Many of us know what a healthy diet is, but exactly what's best for you as an individual can vary. Consider talking to a qualified nutritionist who can figure out your specific nutritional needs and take into account things like your age, your BMI, any other health conditions, and possible side effects of your treatment plan.

Basically, a good diet for early stage breast cancer is one that includes plenty of colorful fruits and veggies, complex carbs, like oatmeal and sweet potatoes, lean proteins, like poultry and seafood, plant-based proteins, like beans and nuts, and healthy fats like olive and walnut oil. Your calorie needs may go up during treatment. So ask your doctor or nutritionist if you should be looking for nutrient-dense foods, like avocados, nut butters, salmon, lentils, and yogurt.

Be aware that some dietary supplements can affect medications, including hormone therapy, which may include red clover, St John's wort. Your best bet is to check in with your medical and nutritional teams. They can help you find a diet that could benefit you and tell you what to stay away from if you have early stage breast cancer.