What should her2 patients and survivors eat

[ElaineM]

http://foodforbreastcancer.com/articles/what-should-her2-slash-neu-breast-cancer-patients-and-survivors-eat%3f
I don't know how reliable this is, but it is certainly interesting and worth a read and the foods listed are pretty nutritious.

[TanyaRD]

Elaine,
I don't see any problem with the "Recommended" list. I don't agree with everything on the "avoid" list but it is just 2-3 items. Overall, as you also said, it is a pretty nutritious list of foods.

[sdstarfish]

Hi, Elaine:
From my nutrition studies, I'd have to agree with Tanya that the 'good' list is truly beneficial. But there are some items on their 'avoid' list that I don't agree with. Thx for starting this discussion.
Lisa
http://www.pinkkitchen.info

[barbarahart]

I'd like to know what on the "avoid" list you don't agree with? I'm new to this and trying to figure out what I should eat. Thanks.

[TanyaRD]

I don't believe it is necessary to eliminate low fat dairy, peanut products (peanut oil, natural PB, peanuts), avocado, coffee (though not in excess), sesame oil, ginger, sage, saffron (all 3 in cooking not supplement form). The list provided on the website is based on the idea that these are estrogenic foods or may stimuate the growth of breast cancer. However, many of these studies are very limited and are difficult to apply to the population. These foods are not an absolute necessity in the diet so if you feel strongly about avoiding the entire list I wouldn't see any nutritional issue with it. However, there are certain foods in the list I made above that can offer some real benefit in the diet such as calcium from low fat/fat free dairy, monounsaturated fats from avocado and peanuts (products).

Overall, the most important area we know with certainty is for breast cancer survivors to avoid saturated fat and avoid carrying excess weight. At this point, whether one chooses to follow a very low fat, low animal product diet or a more Mediterranean-plant based diet is still up for debate.

Best wishes.

[sdstarfish]

Hi, Barbara:
One item on the 'avoid' list that I don't agree with is avocados. The few studies on this tend to omit taking into account that the women may have been overweight, which is a huge breast cancer risk factor on its own.

Another is pickled papaya. I can't find a single study as to why this would be a risk factor. If anything, papaya is a huge cancer-fighter and great for settling the stomach during chemo.

Also, beans are an area which requires much more study. Yes, they do have estrogenic effects. However, we need some estrogenic effects in our body in order to occupy the estrogen receptors. Phytoestrogens (those from plants) are weak estrogens, so in general when they bond to our receptors, it is helpful in blocking harmful estrogens from attaching. (This is what Tamoxifen is meant to do, but synthetically rather than naturally).

That said, it is best for us all to keep on learning, being careful to always find out where reports are acquiring their information.

Lisa
www.pinkkitchen.info (http://www.pinkkitchen.info)

[pibikay]

Hi All
I follow that list to the last dot.But it is difficult convinsing Hema on the avoid list

[ElaineM]

Can you and Hema save the things on the avoid list for special occassions? We all need a little treat once in awhile. I used to love cookies. I used to eat them everyday. Refined sugar is not good for cancer patients. I decided to try to eat one or two cookies on special occassions. Now I don't even think of them or have a desire for them. I would rather have some yoghurt and fresh fruit for a snack or dessert. I still have Christmas cookies a friend made in the refrigerator !!!!!!!! Smile.

[pibikay]

Hi Elaine It is seasme oil.In the state where she grew up that is the cooking mediunm.I have switched over to Canola from the recommended list.

[ElaineM]

I think sesame oil has alot of the omega 6 oil,which isn't the best oil for us. However, if our platelets are low a little sesame oil used temporarily will help bring them up. It works. I learned that from my natuopathic physician.
Canola oil is good for cooking, because it has a high heat point, but olive oil and flax are good for salads. If I want olive oil in cooked food I add it towards the end of the cooking process after I have turned off the stove.