I had the privilege of speaking at the Living Beyond Breast Cancer conference at the end of September this year. They asked me to discuss “Breast Cancer Nutrition Myths & Truths”, which is one of my favorite topics. Not only do I get to bust them myths, but more importantly, I get to share the evidence-based truths that survivors need to know!
To listen to the recording, click here!
Here is the quick and dirty busted myths!
MYTH: Sugar Feeds Cancer.
FACT: All our cells, cancerous or not, use glucose for energy. Our body doesn’t pick and choose which cells get what fuel.
MYTH: Breast Cancer Survivors Should Avoid Soy.
FACT: Eating soy in moderate amounts (1 to 2 standard servings a day) does not increase a woman’s risk for recurrence or death. The human evidence overwhelmingly shows isoflavone exposure is not harmful for, and may even benefit breast cancer patients.
MYTH: Meat and dairy causes cancer, you should never eat it.
FACT: It does not appear that vegetarian or vegan diets are any more protective than plant-based diets that include moderate to small amounts of animal foods.
MYTH: Acidic diets cause cancer.
FACT: There’s no good evidence to prove that diet can manipulate whole body pH, or that it has an impact on cancer.
MYTH: Superfoods prevent cancer.
FACT: There’s no such thing as a ‘superfood’. It’s a marketing term used to sell products and has no scientific basis. It’s gross oversimplification to say that any one food, on its own, could have a major influence over your chance of developing cancer.
If you want to hear the full recording of the talk including the Q&A afterwards – check it out here.
Thank you, LBBC! I had a wonderful time meeting survivors and enjoying Philadelphia, especially all the delicious food at the Terminal Market. YUM!
– Julie
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