After completing treatment for breast cancer, a big question may come to your mind, "Do I need to take vitamins or other supplements now?" Sometimes friends and relatives may tell you to drink and eat different things. It is normal to feel very confused at times like this. Today, let's talk about what exactly you need to know about this.
First of all, talk to your doctor.
Before you start taking any vitamins, minerals, or herbal supplements, you should definitely talk to your treating doctor, especially your oncologist. This is the most important thing.
Why is it so important? Because your medical team knows your complete medical history, the types of treatments you've been given, your symptoms, and your overall health. Some supplements can interact with other medications you take. So, only your doctor can tell you exactly what's best and safest for you.
The value of getting nutrition from meals
Many doctors and nutritionists recommend that following a balanced, healthy diet is the best way to stay healthy after cancer treatment. It is much better to get the nutrients you need from natural foods than from supplements.
Research has shown that eating more fresh fruits and vegetables, lean proteins like chicken and fish, and whole grains, and reducing refined sugars, oils, red meat, and processed meats is very beneficial for your health. Eating a diet high in fiber has also been linked to a reduced risk of breast cancer.
Simply put, it's much better for the body to try to get everything it needs from a good, nutritious diet than to take a few vitamins from a supplement.
Types of supplements your doctor may recommend
In some cases, your doctor may recommend certain supplements depending on your health condition. These are usually given to address a specific nutritional deficiency.
| Supplement type | Why is it important? |
|---|---|
| Calcium & Vitamin D | Treatments like chemotherapy can weaken your bones. Calcium is essential for strong bones. But without vitamin D, the body can't absorb calcium properly. So your doctor may recommend a supplement that contains both. |
| Probiotics | These help improve the body's immunity. They can help rebuild the body after treatment. There is also a belief that they have anti-cancer properties, but research is still being done on this. |
| Vitamin D | Research has found a link between low vitamin D levels and breast cancer. While there is no evidence that taking a vitamin D supplement will prevent cancer from coming back, your doctor may recommend it to help maintain your overall health. |
| Multivitamin | A simple multivitamin can provide your body with the essential vitamins and minerals it needs and help improve your overall health. But you should always consult your doctor about this. |
Types of supplements that should definitely be avoided
Some supplements can do more harm than good for you. In particular, they can interact with medications, chemotherapy, and radiation that you are taking.
Be especially careful if you are taking Tamoxifen.
If you are taking the hormone therapy drug `Tamoxifen`, taking certain supplements may reduce the effectiveness of that drug.
- Avoid taking things like Red Clover, St. John's Wort, and Black Cohosh .
- Avoid taking things like DHEA, licorice, and soy supplements as they can affect your hormone levels. Instead of soy supplements, it's okay to eat some natural soy foods like tofu, but don't overdo it.
Things to avoid during treatment
If you're still undergoing treatment, such as chemotherapy, your doctor may advise you to avoid taking antioxidant supplements. A recent study found that patients who took antioxidants during chemotherapy had a higher risk of cancer recurrence.
- Antioxidants include things like vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, carotenoids, and coenzyme Q10 .
Can supplements prevent cancer from coming back?
This is the biggest question on everyone's mind. The simplest answer to this is, "Not yet."
Keep in mind: No scientific research has proven that any vitamin, mineral, or herbal supplement can prevent breast cancer from coming back. They may help reduce the symptoms of treatment, but there is no evidence that they can prevent the cancer from coming back.
However, there are many other things you can do to reduce the risk of cancer coming back. These are the things that really matter:
- Eat a healthy diet.
- Exercise regularly.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Limit alcohol consumption.
- Avoid smoking completely.
- Reduce stress.
- Attend the clinics and tests prescribed by your doctor on time.
- If you notice any unusual changes in your body, inform your doctor immediately.
These lifestyle changes are the best investment you can make in your health.
Take-Home Message
- Before you start taking any vitamins or supplements for any reason, be sure to talk to your doctor.
- The best nutrition comes from a balanced diet. Supplements are just a supplement to that.
- If recommended by your doctor, certain supplements, such as calcium and vitamin D, can help your bone health.
- Some supplements can interact with your cancer treatment (especially Tamoxifen) and cause serious harm. So don't take anything based on what others say.
- There is no scientific evidence that any supplement will prevent cancer from coming back. Instead, reduce your risk by following a healthy lifestyle .
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