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Diet During Tamoxifen Treatment

Breast cancer is a disease which will affect an estimated one out of every eight women, according to information from the medical website Medline Plus. Because it is a cancer which is often hormone (estrogen) dependent, treatment methods that reduce of impede cancer's access to the sex hormone estrogen are quite effective. One medication often used for this purpose is Tamoxifen. Tamoxifen is a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM), which prevents estrogen from attaching to breast tissue, interfering with the development of cancer.

  1. Tamoxifen Treatment Dieting

    • Consume a diet that is rich in soy-based products, whole grains, fresh fruits, vegetables, omega-3 fats, and lean protein while avoiding excessive consumption of saturated and trans fats, especially during Tamoxifen treatment. According to information from the American Cancer Society, this type of diet will provide the best chances of tipping the scales in your favor in your fight against breast cancer, as you will be simultaneously increasing your consumption of proven cancer-fighting foods while avoiding those foods that might exacerbate your condition. To make things simple, aim for each meal to contain a fruit or vegetable, a whole grain, a lean protein source (whether from soy or another type of protein), and two or three grams of omega-3 fats from a fish oil supplement. Good protein sources to include are poultry, lean beef, seafood and some soy-based products like tofu or mizo. Avoid processed foods, fatty foods, sugars and sugary items, refined flour goods, and alcohol.

    Dieting Considerations

    • Tamoxifen treatment for breast cancer is often prescribed for periods as long as five years, so be prepared to make this type of dieting a lifestyle in order to provide yourself with the best odds of beating breast cancer for good. Beyond merely following a prescribed diet, attempting to reach a healthy weight level can increase your odds of besting cancer, so aim to drop between 1 and 2 pounds per week if you have excess weight to lose. Keep yourself motivated by focusing on the ultimate goal--forcing your cancer into permanent remission.

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