What Do Your Diet, Inflammation, and Breast Cancer Have in Common?

Breast cancer is not just a cancer that affects women, men can get breast cancer too. And if that isn’t enough, we all have women in our lives who we love dearly. So, Instead of just going about our lives and hoping for the best, there are steps we can take to prevent the development of cancers in our bodies. Here, I will share with you some of the ways an anti inflammatory, diet can help to prevent breast cancer. 

Fresh Produce

Fresh fruits and vegetables are an obvious (and delicious) first choice. The fiber and phytonutrients found in green leafy vegetables like spinach and cabbage offer your body what it needs to form a great digestive foundation. Eaten in addition to berries and fruits, you will be creating an anti inflammatory environment ready to absorb the essentials needed to allow your immune system to work at maximum capacity. Choosing organic when you can (see previous post on choosing in season and organic produce) will change the way your body performs too. And it changes the way your body naturally fights off an illness before you even know you have one. If you think about it, our bodies are fighting for us before we even know we have come in contact with an illness.

Protein

Going whole foods plant based may seem like a dramatic step, but it’s one in the right direction. The truth remains that plant based proteins are abundant, they are filling, and they are the healthiest way to nourish your body. Plant proteins from legumes (beans and peas) are the greatest anti inflammatory gift you can give your body, with organic non-gmo soy at the top of the list.  According to Dr. Thomas Lodi, Dr. Kristi Funk, Dr. Will Bulsiewicz, Dr. Dean Ornish and Dr. William Li (all experts in preventing, reversing and/or fighting cancer),  there is a very short list of NON-GMO, preferably organic, soy based products recommended to be consumed on a regular basis.  They are –

• soy beans
• edamame
• natto
• miso
• tamari
• tofu
• tempeh
• unsweetened minimally processed soy milk.  The ingredients should say soy beans and water.

**all of the above mentioned must be consumed non-gmo and preferably organic.  It should be noted that if you eat animal based protein that is NOT organic, you are also consuming genetically modified corn, soy and wheat, as they are the main staple foods used to feed the majority of commercially raised animals.

Non-gmo soy is essential for women, especially for post menopausal women, as it can reduce their risk of developing breast cancer by 30%! And for those who are in remission, it can also reduce their risk of reoccurrence.

There are hundreds of studies available for you to research and learn from regarding soy and breast cancer.  Here’s a link to just one of them https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2874068/

Aside from the complete proteins available with beans, the fiber content will have your digestive system working like a well oiled machine. If you absolutely must consume animal products, Dr. William Li (author of Eat to Beat Disease and world’s leading authority on how to starve cancer) recommends organic grass fed dark meat poultry or wild caught fish/seafood as your only options that should be considered. Since Ki’s Kitchen is a healing foods company we only serve anti-inflammatory meals, we do not use animal based foods. 

Fats

Yes, fats. I’m not talking about cupcakes and chips here. More like the good fats found in nuts, seeds, avocado and coconut.  Toss out your canola oil!  Start using extra virgin organic cold pressed olive oil and small amounts of organic cold pressed coconut oil. Your body needs healthy fats to maintain optimal functioning of your digestive system, leading to less inflammation in the gut and bowels. A whole foods plant based diet is an important piece of the anti inflammatory transition. This is because it will help your body recover its self healing abilities, and to ultimately protect your body from cancers.

Carbohydrates

Let’s get one thing clear ALL PLANTS ARE CARBOHYDRATES, from blueberries to seaweed to chickpeas.  But the diet industry has turned Carbs into a bad word.  Starchy foods like sweet potatoes and yams,  whole grains such as millet and black rice, beans and lentils all great sources of carbohydrates that your body needs to get through the day. When eaten as whole foods and combined correctly, these complex carbohydrates are a part of a well balanced and anti inflammatory diet. Choosing carbohydrates with a low glycemic index is always a good way to ensure you are treating your body right, and allowing it room to maintain a strong immune system. What you want to do is AVOID REFINED AND HIGHLY PROCESSED carbohydrates made from refine flours like white flour and refine sugars such as table sugar.  Don’t forget to leave out the prepackaged snack foods and boxed foods. 

Spices

Are often overlooked as just ways to add flavour to your food.  When in truth they are super power houses laced with anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antifungal, anti-angeogenetic and analgesic characteristics, which are vital to the fight against cancer.  In addition, turmeric tea has become a popular after dinner tea, and the health benefits are immeasurable.  You must try Ki’s exclusive Ayurvedic Adaptogenic Turmeric Tea Blend.

Breast Cancer is The Second Leading Cause of Cancer Deaths

Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer death among women. Although there are conflicting reviews on breast cancer prevention, the bottom line is a healthy and active immune system will afford your body the strength to fight. Being in the best health possible will help you or your loved ones reduce the risk of developing diseases. The combination of an anti inflammatory diet and an increase in physical activity will have you looking, feeling, and functioning better. As a result, if nothing else you will have peace of mind knowing you are doing your best to remain healthy.

I’ve Done The Research For You

A strong immune system is your greatest defense against all illnesses. At Ki’s Kitchen I have carefully researched, tested, and loved the work put into creating our meals. The goal was to ensure the foods created are exactly what I said they would be. Through battles with my own illness, and those of the people closest to me, it became my mission to provide you all with the best anti inflammatory foods and combinations. What started as a labour of love has turned into a mission to help as many people as I can live the best quality of life.

Cancer is a massive topic, one that requires more time.  Feel free to reach out if you would like to learn more.

_________________________________________________________
Thank you so much for visiting! I hope you have found some valuable information, if so, I’d love to hear about it! Please feel free to share this post with anyone who might benefit, and comments are always welcomed and appreciated. 

I look forward to connecting with you next time!

Anxious to learn more?  Ask about our signature program Feed Your Joy!

Follow us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/kitchenki

and instagram at http://www.instagram.com/kis_kitchen

From our kitchen to yours,

Love + Joy

Kiran