What are the dietary precautions and recipes for patients with breast nodules?

Generally, dietary considerations for patients with breast nodules include avoiding high-estrogen foods, controlling fat intake, increasing dietary fiber intake, moderately consuming protein, and avoiding spicy or stimulating foods and beverages. Recommended dishes for patients with breast nodules include vegetable salad, steamed sea bass, red date and wolfberry porridge, steamed pumpkin, and tofu stir-fried with vegetables. Details are as follows:

I. Dietary Considerations

1. Avoid high-estrogen foods: The occurrence of breast nodules is closely related to estrogen levels; therefore, patients should avoid consuming foods containing high levels of estrogen. Common high-estrogen foods include tofu, royal jelly, mangoes, etc. These foods may promote the secretion of estrogen and progesterone, thus worsening symptoms of breast nodules.

2. Control fat intake: Excessive fat intake can elevate estrogen levels in the body, which is detrimental to patients with breast nodules. Patients should control their fat intake, especially saturated and trans fats. Common high-fat foods include fried chicken, pork liver, and chocolate. It is recommended that patients choose low-fat, high-quality protein diets such as lean meat, fish, and eggs.

3. Increase dietary fiber intake: Dietary fiber can enhance intestinal motility, reduce fat absorption, and thus lower estrogen levels in the body. Patients with breast nodules should consume more fiber-rich foods such as celery, apples, and whole wheat bread.

4. Consume protein in moderation: Protein is an essential component of the body; however, excessive intake may also elevate estrogen levels. Breast nodule patients should moderately consume protein and choose high-quality protein sources such as fish, chicken, and eggs. At the same time, attention should be paid to maintaining nutritional balance and ensuring adequate intake of vitamins and minerals.

5. Avoid spicy and stimulating foods and beverages: Patients with breast nodules should avoid consuming raw, cold, spicy, or stimulating foods and beverages, such as ice cream, chili peppers, pepper powder, coffee, and strong tea. These foods and beverages may irritate the mammary glands and worsen symptoms. Patients are advised to drink plenty of water to promote metabolism and eliminate harmful substances from the body.

II. Recommended Recipes

1. Vegetable salad: Ingredients include lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, carrots, olive oil, etc. Wash and cut the vegetables into pieces, place them in a bowl, and season with olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Mix well before serving.

2. Steamed sea bass: Ingredients include sea bass, ginger slices, scallion segments, soy sauce, and salt. Clean the sea bass and place it on a plate. Add ginger slices and scallion segments, pour over soy sauce and salt, and steam over high heat for 10–15 minutes.

3. Red date and wolfberry porridge: Ingredients include red dates, wolfberries, rice, and water. Wash the rice, place it in a pot with water, bring to a boil, then add red dates and wolfberries, and simmer over low heat until it becomes porridge.

4. Steamed pumpkin: Ingredients include pumpkin and salt. Peel and cut the pumpkin into pieces, place in a bowl, sprinkle with a small amount of salt, and steam for 15–20 minutes.

5. Tofu stir-fried with vegetables: Ingredients include tofu, carrots, green peppers, onions, salt, and light soy sauce. Cut the tofu into cubes and wash and cut the vegetables. Heat oil in a pan, sauté the onions until fragrant, add carrots and green peppers and stir-fry. Then add the tofu cubes, season with salt and soy sauce, and stir-fry until evenly mixed.

Patients with breast nodules should maintain dietary diversity and balance, avoiding picky eating or overeating. Regular breast examinations should be conducted to detect and manage breast problems promptly.