Food Is Medicine

You may have heard the phrase “Food is Medicine”. If you are someone who has been diagnosed with breast cancer and you are in treatment or beyond, this adage can be especially true. What you put in your body can make a difference in your health and longevity.

Because Thanksgiving is typically centered around eating, it’s the perfect time to consider the value of the food you are putting on the table - for yourself and others. As you think about preparing your holiday meal this year, think about how food can naturally support wellness (and happiness!).

Consider what you typically eat at Thanksgiving and what you might add to make your meal more beneficial. Here is a look at nutrients that hold superpowers for a healthy immune system and strengthening body:

Bioflavonoids

Foods to try: Cranberries (all berries), celery, parsley, herbs, pomegranates, red wine, soybeans, legumes, onions, leeks, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, tea, beans, and apples.

Benefits: Decreases inflammation in the body. Increases immunity, fights free radicals, and create blood vessel stability. Cranberries, especially, are super high in Vitamin C and bioflavonoids which in general are antioxidants.

Tryptophan/ Protein

Foods to try: Turkey, eggs, cheese, fish, peanuts, pumpkin and sesame seeds, milk, chicken, tofu and soy.

Benefits: Increases quality of sleep and also helps to relieve depression and anxiety because it creates niacin and serotonin.

Carotenoids/ Vitamin A

Foods to try: Orange and yellow vegetables (brightly colored) such as carrots, sweet potatoes, yams, pumpkin and other winter squash.

Benefits: Helps with vision, immune function and reproductive health. Vitamin A is a fat-soluble nutrient which the body absorbs just as it does fats. They provide antioxidants to the body.

Indoles

Foods to try: Cruciferous vegetables like brussels sprouts, broccoli, cauliflower and turnips.

Benefits: Indoles help with estrogen metabolism and are being studied for their cancer preventative properties.

If you are thinking about how to adapt holiday eating to support your health goals, nutrition is a topic I am most passionate about. I want to equip you with the information you need to maintain optimal health and make eating easier.

Want to learn more about naturopathic approaches to your wellness? Please contact Dr.

Laura James ND, FABNO, to explore integrative solutions that can support you before, during and after treatment.