TAMPA, FL -- What roles do diet and nutrition play in breast cancer? You've heard a lot of myths and rumors. ABC Action News has teamed up with a dietitian at Watson Clinic in Lakeland to set the record straight and take action against breast cancer.
Experts tell me the most important thing you can do to protect your health, if you're at high risk of developing breast cancer, is to maintain a healthy body weight.
Watson Clinic Registered Dietician Rhonda Avery explains why. "They found in studies that women who are obese tend to have a 30% increased chance of developing breast cancer. They think it is related to the higher estrogen levels with the higher fat levels."
So a diet rich in fruits and vegetables is a no brainer. A colorful basket like this is not only low in calories for the most part, but also high in antioxidants.
But you need those antioxidants in real food. Avery says supplements, in some cases, may do more harm than good. Take beta carotene, and cancer. "When they did a study looking at supplements versus food intake, with the supplements, it actually increased the risk of developing lung cancer."
Alcohol has often been associated with an increased risk of breast cancer as has a high fat diet.
Avery also says, "They found when your fat intake is reaching 40% of your total calories there may be an increased risk of breast cancer."
Your vegetable type fats are better for you: that's your avocados, olive oil and nuts.
And finally, vitamin D matters. "We are finding a link with Vitamin D in cancers. So if you haven't gotten your levels checked, it’s a good idea to have them checked to find out what your vitamin D level is."
Avery says it's actually hard to get enough vitamin D in food. Taking a multi-vitamin with D-3 will help, as will spending time in the sun.
The Watson Clinic has set up a breast cancer help phone line. The Health line is 863-680-7555. Healthcare professionals are available Monday through Friday from 8:30 am to 5 pm during October.
