Now that you’ve finished active treatment, think you’re ready to kiss fear and anxiety goodbye?
Think again.
Post-treatment survivorship is filled with scary things. Like PHYTOESTROGENS.
How scared are you?
As a survivor of hormone-driven breast cancer, you’re likely terrified.
And confused.
You’ve been trying to follow a plant-based diet, but so many plant foods have phytoestrogens in them.
What should you do?
Use facts to squash your phytoestrogen food fears.
THE MYTH: there’s estrogen in food and it will make your cancer come back, so you have to eat a low-estrogen diet.
THE FACT: phytoestrogens (plant estrogens) aren’t the same as naturally-occurring (endogenous) hormones in your body.
PHYTOESTROGEN INTRODUCTION
Dietary phytoestrogens are bioactive plant-derived compounds that are structurally similar to estradiol, the primary female sex hormone.
Evidence from preclinical studies suggests these compounds may have an effect on hormones and health, although the results of human trials are unclear.
The effects of dietary phytoestrogens depend on exposure (phytoestrogen type, concentration, bioavailability), ethnicity, hormone levels related to age, sex and physiological condition, and overall health status.
While there are five different classes of phytoestrogens, it’s common to think of soy as the only type.
In Part II, I’ll go into more detail about phytoestrogens and hormone-driven breast cancer.
For now, I want to leave you with this.
Food fears are real. They’re paralyzing. And they’re thieves.
THIEVES
Food fears steal your joy of eating. Remember, before your diagnosis, when you loved to eat?
When really good food made you really happy?
Now? Food freaks you out.
It doesn’t have to be that way. Fear comes from a place of uncertainty. Or lack of information. Or MISinformation.
As always, I give you facts that help you lose the fear, so stay tuned for Phytoestrogen Fears Part II!
In the meantime, tell me in the comments below, what’s your number one food fear as a post-treatment survivor of hormone-driven breast cancer?
______________________________________________________________________________
Thanks for reading my blog post! Inspired and/or enlightened by what you read? Be sure to subscribe so you never miss a new post.
Subscribe by CLICKING HERE to get your FREE copy of The Five Foods Survivors Should Eat
CLICK THIS LINK and watch my 2-minute Peaceful Plate program video!
Follow me on Instagram @hormone.breastcancer.dietitian
This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Please consult your dietitian or doctor for guidance specific to your needs.
I have exact same diagnosis as you.
Hi Rosemary, thanks for sharing that. I hope you’re doing well and continue to do so!
Collagen and soy
Debbie, I apologize for my delay in responding! Thanks for sharing your food fears; soy is common, collagen less so. Hope you found the article helpful (both part I and II).
Excellent explanation, Cathy. You always create a sense of normalcy which feels so good! Thank you!
Libby, thank you so much! That’s the goal. . .xx
Hey Cathy
I came across your website and find it very informative….and calming! I have had my surgery and now in a further “holding pattern” awaiting test results to inform next steps in treatment plan. I am hormone positive, HER2 negative, hence your blogs/site is close to this heart of mine! 🙂
Diet wise, there is a plethora of info out there on the net – damn there’s always a bad side to everything, eh? 😉 As you mention many a times, what does a layperson believe/trust?
From my perspective, dietwise, I am a vegetarian so fruits/veggies are kind of a staple. Besides the usual fight with phytos, I tend to question the nutrient amounts, once the veg is cooked – does that not change the nutritional value of the foods? I have been asked to put on weight in prep for the radio/chemo therapy (whatever is due next). How does one do that “safely”!
Thanks for your informative website!
Rekha, thank you for your comment. So glad the website is helpful and calming! Best of luck to you as you continue your treatment path.
Hi Cathy, thank you for the valuable blog. I admire chickpeas and consume this like 2-3 times a week. I also eat poultry around 2-3 times a week. I’m trying my best to avoid sugars, diary products and red meat. i’m of normal BMI but not very exercise driven.
Hi Sarah, thanks for your comment and I’m glad you enjoy the blog!