These 5 Eating Tips Can Help Protect You From Ovarian Cancer!

According to the American Cancer Society, ovarian cancer only accounts for about 3% of cancers among women, but it causes more deaths than any other cancer of the female reproductive system. While the exact cause of ovarian cancer is still unknown, one of the noted risk factors is diet.

The American Cancer Society recommends eating a variety of healthy foods, with an emphasis on plant sources, to help reduce the risk of developing ovarian cancer. The disease often goes undetected until the advanced stages, as it may not show symptoms in the early stages. The most common symptoms include:

Bloating
Pelvic or abdominal pain
Trouble eating or feeling full quickly
Urinary urgency
Fatigue
Pain during sex
Menstrual changes
Abdominal swelling with weight loss

Keeping your body healthy by eating a balanced and nutritious diet, avoiding alcohol and smoking, and staying active will keep your body strong and your immune system working properly. Here are five food tips to follow to keep your body healthy and lessen your chances of developing ovarian cancer:

1. Think Fiber

Choose foods that are high in fiber and nutrients that will keep you full with fewer calories. Green leafy vegetables such as kale and broccoli are high volume foods that provide plenty of health benefits without overdoing calories. Fiber can also reduce your chances of developing colon cancer, as it keeps your digestive system healthy and moving to allow toxins and waste to be released.

2. Limit Red Meat

Processed meats such as bacon and sausage should always be avoided to keep your body in tip-top shape. Limiting your intake of red meats such as beef, pork and lamb will help lower your risk of ovarian cancer. When you are consuming meat, make sure you’re buying quality organic meats without harmful growth hormones.

3. Avoid Added Sugar

You probably know about all of the serious health risks involving too much added sugar in your diet. It can lead to obesity, diabetes, heart disease, cancer and much more. Sugar is an inflammatory, and it also feeds cancer. Skip the sugary sodas, juices and energy drinks, and stick to drinking water throughout the day. If you find the taste of water a little bland, add some fruit or herbs for some extra flavor.

4. Eat More Veggies

Plant foods should always be a part of a cancer-fighting diet. Cruciferous vegetables such as cabbage, broccoli and kale contain compounds known as glucosinolates that have shown anti-cancer effects. You’ll be getting vitamins and other nutrients, staying full, eating healthy, and fighting cancer all at the same time!

5. Drink Tea

If you’re craving a beverage other than water, try some green tea. It contains polyphenol compounds, such as epigallocatechin gallate, that has been shown to inhibit ovarian cancer. Be sure to check the ingredients in your tea to make sure it’s healthy and natural.