Breast cancer: omega-3s fight post-sickness fatigue and fatigue
Breast cancer: less post-disease fatigue with fish oil supplements
The sense of tiredness and fatigue felt by women survivors of breast cancer can be combated by an Omega-3 diet. This is shown in a study conducted by Dr. Rachel Ballard-Barbash, of the US National Cancer Institute. The findings were published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology. The author explains that Omega-3 fatty acid intake increases daily energy stores and alleviates the feeling of tiredness, heaviness and fatigue produced by cancer therapy. This state of discomfort can in fact persist even years after the end of medical treatment. Omega-3s are found in high concentration mainly in fish:
- salmon
- mackerel
- sardines
- anchovies
- herring
- tuna
- halibut
- swordfish
- brook trout
- seeds and linseed oil
- nuts and cereals
- green leafy vegetables
- legumes
- seaweed
Breast cancer fatigue/omega-3 nutrition: the study
The"Omega-3 intake/diminishing fatigue" relationship was clarified with a study of 633 cancer survivors. A total of 42% of them reported experiencing symptoms of fatigue and exhaustion even 3 years after the end of treatment. In contrast, patients who took more Omega-3s, particularly fish oil capsules, said they felt less discomfort (only 23% noted no particular improvement).
Breast cancer: Omega-3 to improve quality of life
This study opens up a new scenario on the role of healthy eating, particularly with foods containing Omega-3s, as a remedy for the post-disease exhaustion and fatigue that patients experience. "It isnecessary to eat fish at least 2 times a week," Dr. Ballard-Barbash specified at the end of her talk. To this should be added regular exercise and sleep. This research also adds another piece to the picture of Omega-3 benefits for breast cancer.
