A Guide to Diet and Exercise for Breast Cancer Patients
When diagnosed with breast cancer, the life of the patient has changed dramatically. In addition to actively cooperating with doctors in their treatment, a reasonable diet and proper physical exercise are also essential for rehabilitation.
Dietary care
Breast cancer patients are weak during treatment and need adequate nutrition to support their recovery. The diversity of diets should therefore be ensured and foods rich in proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins and minerals should be consumed. Protein is an important nutrient for body repair and maintenance of normal physiology and can be obtained from foods such as skinny meat, fish, eggs, beans, dairy products, etc. Carbohydrates are the main source of energy, with the choice of diet-rich foods such as whole grains, vegetables and fruits. Fats should be utilised, with priority given to unsaturated fatty acids such as olive oil, fish oil, etc.
2. Increasing the intake of vegetable fruits and vegetables, which contain nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, dietary fibres and antioxidants, is of great benefit for the rehabilitation of breast cancer patients. Antioxidants such as Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Beta-Carrotin can help to remove free radicals in the body and reduce cell damage. Dietary fibres can promote intestinal creeping and prevent constipation. It is recommended that at least five vegetables and fruits be consumed per day, as diverse as possible.
Controlling fat intake High fat diet is closely related to the incidence and development of breast cancer. Excessive fat intake leads to higher estrogen levels in the body and increases the risk of re-emergence of breast cancer. Patients should therefore control fat intake, especially saturated and trans-fat. Reduce the intake of high-fat foods such as animal fats, fried foods, pastries, and choose low-fat foods such as skinny meat, fish, low-fat dairy products, etc.
Protein is an important component of the body cell and is important for healing and increased immunity. Breast cancer patients require appropriate intake of quality proteins, such as skinny meat, fish, eggs, beans, dairy products, etc. during treatment. At the same time, care should be taken that protein intake is not too high to increase the kidney burden.
5. Avoiding spicy, greasy, irritating foods can stimulate gastrointestinal tracts and cause discomfort. Breast cancer patients should avoid eating these foods during treatment, so as not to affect appetite and digestive function. At the same time, it is necessary to stop drinking and reduce adverse effects on the body.
6. Adequate water intake is important for the metabolic and excretion of the body. Breast cancer patients should maintain sufficient water intake during treatment and drink at least eight cups of water a day. If the patient suffers from such symptoms as vomiting, diarrhoea, timely water and electrolyte should be replenished to prevent dehydration.
II. Physical exercise
1. When choosing the appropriate mode of exercise, breast cancer patients shall choose between them according to their physical condition and their preferences. Appropriate sports methods include walking, jogging, swimming, yoga, Tai Chi boxing, etc. These movements are relatively mild and do not impose an excessive burden on the body, while improving the body ‘ s flexibility and balance.
2. Control of motor strength and time In general, the patient can start with a low-intensity movement and gradually increase the strength and time of the movement. It is not appropriate for the duration of each exercise to be too long, and it is generally appropriate to control it in about 30 minutes. If the patient suffers from disorders during the exercise, the exercise shall be stopped immediately and the doctor shall be consulted.
Physical exercise takes a long time to be effective. Breast cancer patients should have a reasonable sports programme and maintain regular sports. It is possible to choose a fixed time per day, such as morning or evening. At the same time, attention should be paid to the safety of the movement and to avoiding its use in harsh weather conditions.
The treatment of breast cancer patients may be followed by upper limb oedema and restricted shoulder joint activities. Patients can therefore exercise their body in conjunction with rehabilitation training, such as upper limb stretching, shoulder joint rotation, etc. These rehabilitation trainings can help patients recover the function of upper limbs and improve their quality of life.
III. Interaction between diet and exercise
A reasonable diet and proper physical exercise are mutually reinforcing for the rehabilitation of breast cancer patients. On the one hand, a reasonable diet can provide adequate nutrition to the body, enhance its immunity and increase its physical resistance to physical activity. On the other hand, proper physical exercise can facilitate blood circulation, enhance CPR function, increase the metabolic level of the body and help digest and absorb nutrients. In general, breast cancer patients should, after diagnosis, give priority to food and physical exercise, and promote rehabilitation through a reasonable diet and appropriate physical exercise. In terms of diet, it is necessary to ensure a balanced diet, increase the intake of vegetables and fruits, control fat intake, appropriate intake of high-quality proteins, avoid stimulating foods, and pay attention to water intake. With regard to physical exercise, it is necessary to choose the appropriate mode of exercise, to control the strength and duration of the exercise, to maintain regular exercise and to combine rehabilitation training. At the same time, the patient ‘ s diet and physical exercise should be adjusted in accordance with his/her physical condition and the doctor ‘ s advice to ensure safety and effectiveness. It is believed that, with the active efforts of the patients, the disease will be overcome and health restored.
