Understanding the Enemy: Cancer from the Inside
Dr. Garcia reminds us that cancer is not an alien invader, but a cell in our own body that has mutated. This altered cell still needs nutrients to grow, making diet a key factor in the whole process.
Incidence Increases, Prevention Becomes Vital
Both in Panama and worldwide, we see an increase in cases of cancer, including breast cancer. This underscores the importance of taking preventive measures from an early age and not waiting for the onset of symptoms.
Know Your Risks: A Personalized Approach
Dr. Bartoliche explains that the risk factors are diverse: hereditary (although less common, they tend to be more aggressive) and modifiable (our diet, weight, alcohol and tobacco consumption). Identifying our risks allows us to focus prevention more effectively.
Nutrition: A Tailor-Made Suit for Every Stage
Food is not the same for everyone. Dr. Bartoliche emphasizes that the nutritional plan must be personalized, considering the type of cancer, its stage, and the patient’s genetics.
Key Tips for Prevention and Wellness:
- Meats: Minimize processed meats (sausages) and limit red meat to no more than three small servings a week. Prefer fish and poultry.
- Fats: Avoid fried foods and saturated fats.
- Dairy: Opt for fat-free dairy and consider plant-based drinks, especially in postmenopausal women.
- Carbohydrates: Control the consumption of foods with a high glycemic index (refined flours). It prefers whole grains, tubers and beans for their fiber.
- Soy: Eat it in moderation, especially if your diet has never included it on a regular basis (the answer may vary between Western and Eastern populations).
- Antioxidants: Include a wide variety of fruits and vegetables in your daily diet. Consider green tea for its antioxidant properties.
- Supplements (with caution): During active treatment, check with your doctor before taking supplements, as some can interfere with chemotherapy or radiation therapy. In prevention and follow-up, omega-3s, vitamin D3, and zinc may be beneficial.
- Sweeteners: Prefer stevia over artificial sweeteners such as splenda, which could affect the gut microbiota.
- Cooking: Avoid cooking food at high temperatures, smoked or burned, as they can generate carcinogenic substances.
- Green Juices: They are a good option to incorporate vegetables, but prefer whole vegetables for their higher fiber content.
- Sugary drinks: Avoid consuming them, including energy drinks such as Ensure for their high sugar content.
- Alcohol and Tobacco: Avoid consumption altogether.
- Gut Microbiota: Maintaining a healthy microbiota through a balanced diet is key to prevention.
The Importance of a Comprehensive Approach
Both Dr. Garcia and Dr. Bartoliche agree that the fight against cancer requires a comprehensive approach, including nutrition, psychological and spiritual well-being, and medical treatment.
Your Health is Your Priority
This blog is an invitation to take charge of your health. Get informed, consult with experts and adopt habits that strengthen you in prevention and at every stage of the journey. Together we can make a difference!
If you have any further questions or would like to delve into a specific topic, please do not hesitate to contact us. We’re here to support you.
