What to eat? What not to eat? Keeping your perspective

The research on copper depletion has captured a lot of readers' imaginations.  But, some worry that this might mean we have to watch out for foods that might have high copper levels.  And that, of course, goes against much of what we have heard about healthy diets overall. 

High on the list are canned foods (canned mollusks top one list), veal, beef, liver, coffee, and carbonated beverages.

I am fine giving up veal, but have to admit that I used to love it BC—before cancer.  So, that did give me pause. I have largely given up beef and seldom have canned anything.  I think there is ample evidence in other research that supports these moves.

But farther down the list of high-copper foods, we come to spirulina,  mushrooms, teas, Swiss chard and—get this—water.  

Aurghhhhhhh!   

But I think what we take from this is that we should go with moderation in everything.  Make sure your diet is balanced.  Your goal is to keep your immune system strong so it can fight any disease that starts to weasel its way into your body.  A healthy plant-based approach is best.

But I would work on your focus. Look at your diet as strengthening you body overall with all the right nutrients from a variety of sources.  Don't look at it as only a way to combat one disease. Recognize that your body is unique and complex and that it needs a balance of healthy goodies.  Too much kale can make you as unbalanced as too little.  And I really have to watch myself not to overdo it on the nuts.  If 5-8 are healthy, why can't I have three handfuls?   

I personally have discovered that, while I love mushrooms, I have to limit my consumption because they cause me stomach problems.  I have a green drink every morning with mushrooms (and spirulina) in the mix, but then I only have actual mushrooms 1-2 times a week.  But that is my body telling me something—I just have to work to listen.

Here's what to ask yourself:  How do you feel? Do you have energy?  Good digestion?  Good skin?  Those are all signs that your system is balanced.  If you have a problem that you can't explain right now (chemo and radiation are not great for the skin), it might make sense to sit down with a nutritionist and chart a plan for healthy overall eating.  

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Read more about diet and TNBC in my book, Surviving Triple-Negative Breast Cancer.