Dietary considerations for individuals with triple negative breast cancer: Recommended and prohibited foods
In the journey of managing Triple-Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC), diet plays a crucial role. Here's a guide to the recommended dietary changes and foods to avoid for TNBC patients.
The ketogenic, or keto, diet - a high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet - may enhance treatment effectiveness and improve quality of life, according to a 2019 review of ketogenic diets in treating cancer [1]. However, further studies are necessary to confirm these effects, and there is currently no research on the keto diet specifically for people with TNBC.
For TNBC patients, it's essential to focus on consuming foods with potential chemopreventive effects. Fresh garlic, ginger, various types of grapes (red, black, muscadine), grape juice (purple), green tea, leafy greens, and herring are foods that contain beneficial compounds that might reduce the risk or aggressiveness of TNBC [1]. It's recommended to obtain these nutrients from whole foods rather than supplements unless medically necessary, as high-dose supplements can have unpredictable effects [1].
Vitamin D supplementation (1000 to 2000 IU/day) is recommended if levels are low, as suboptimal vitamin D is associated with more aggressive TNBC and a higher risk [1]. Fish oil supplements from wild-caught fish (1000 to 2000 mg/day) and CoQ10 (100 to 400 mg/day) may also be beneficial, particularly if recommended by an oncologist [1].
When it comes to foods to avoid specifically for TNBC, red and processed meats should be limited or avoided due to their association with increased cancer risk [3]. Emphasizing a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, fish, and whole grains aligns with general breast cancer nutrition guidance [3].
Some clinical approaches also explore controlled dietary interventions, such as low-calorie diets before and during chemotherapy to potentially improve treatment efficacy and reduce toxicity, though these are under investigation [4].
In summary, TNBC patients are encouraged to adopt a nutrient-dense diet rich in plant-based foods, certain fish, and antioxidants while considering vitamin D status and consulting their oncology team before using supplements or making significant dietary changes [1][3][4]. A doctor or dietitian can advise a person on how to consume enough calories, protein, vitamins, and minerals to support their overall health during and after cancer treatment.
- In the management of Triple-Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC), a ketogenic diet, -- a high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet -- may boost treatment effectiveness and improve quality of life.
- However, more scientific research is needed to confirm the keto diet's effects on TNBC patients, as there is currently no study focusing solely on TNBC and the ketogenic diet.
- For TNBC patients, it's essential to focus on consuming foods with potential chemopreventive effects, such as fresh garlic, ginger, various types of grapes, grape juice, green tea, leafy greens, and herring.
- These beneficial compounds in the mentioned foods might help in reducing the risk or aggressiveness of TNBC.
- It's recommended to obtain these nutrients from whole foods rather than supplements unless medically necessary, as high-dose supplements can have unpredictable effects.
- Vitamin D supplementation is recommended if levels are low, as suboptimal vitamin D is associated with more aggressive TNBC and a higher risk.
- Fish oil supplements from wild-caught fish and CoQ10 may also be beneficial, particularly if recommended by an oncologist.
- When it comes to foods to avoid specifically for TNBC, red and processed meats should be limited or avoided due to their association with increased cancer risk.
- It's advised to emphasize a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, fish, and whole grains in line with general breast cancer nutrition guidance.
- Some clinical approaches also explore controlled dietary interventions, such as low-calorie diets before and during chemotherapy, to potentially improve treatment efficacy and reduce toxicity.
- A doctor or dietitian can advise a person on how to consume enough calories, protein, vitamins, and minerals to support their overall health during and after cancer treatment.
- Adopting a nutrient-dense diet rich in plant-based foods, certain fish, and antioxidants while considering vitamin D status and consulting their oncology team before using supplements or making significant dietary changes is encouraged for TNBC patients.
