“Basing our diets around plant foods (like vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and beans), which contain fiber and other nutrients, can reduce our risk of cancer.” – World Cancer Research Fund and the American Institute for Cancer Research, Cancer Prevention Recommendations.
A diet with a focus on plant-based foods along with regular exercise will help cancer patients keep a healthy body weight, maintain strength, and decrease side effects both during and after treatment.
In 2018, the World Cancer Research Fund and the American Institute for Cancer Research published a report called Diet, Nutrition, Physical Activity and Cancer: a Global Perspective, which analyzed data from 51 million people to create a global blueprint for preventing cancer. According to the report, following a healthy diet and lifestyle can prevent approximately 40% of all cancer cases!
Plant-based diets (vegan diet) are high in natural fiber. This has been shown to reduce cancer risk and moderate insulin levels. Young women who ate the most fiber-rich diets were 25% less likely to get breast cancer later in life.
Proper nutrition may help your body heal from cancer treatment, which can have numerous side effects such as mouth sores, low appetite, nausea, and vomiting. Regular exercise and eating a healthy, balanced diet are recommended for all, as they can help prevent many health conditions, including heart disease, diabetes and many forms of cancer.
Studies have looked at the link between cancer and diet, and although there are no definite conclusions, there are benefits for people who:
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Exercise regularly
- Have a low intake of saturated fat
- Do not drink alcohol
- Keep body tissue healthy
- Keep your immune system strong
- Maintain your strength and reduce fatigue
- Improve your Quality of Life (QoL)
Keep reading for more health tips !