I am often asked – can you cure cancer with a healthy diet? While cure is a strong word, what one chooses to eat can have profound effects on health. Consulting a naturopathic doctor about a cancer-fighting diet is where you will receive the most knowledgeable information. Common topics addressed are:
- what are the best foods to eat after I am diagnosed with cancer?
- what types of protein are the best for cancer?
- does sugar feed cancer, and how much carbohydrate should I eat?
- what does the medical evidence suggest about meat and dairy consumption?
- why are whole grains and fats important for cancer risk reduction?
- what quantity of fruits and vegetables can reduce the risk of cancer recurrence?
- what is therapeutic fasting, and how can it reduce the side effects of chemotherapy?
- how can I safely lose weight (reduce fat, preserve/gain muscle) to reduce my risk of recurrence?
- what is the ketogenic diet, should I be juicing, and should I be a vegetarian?
With respect to cancer, diet alters the process of carcinogenesis (cancer growth) through a variety of pathways, all the way down to our genes. Food influences our immune system, as well as growth factors, such as insulin, that can contribute to cancer growth and spread. Our food also influences our systems of anti-oxidation and anti-inflammation. Food can also affect genes that signal apoptosis (cancer cell death).
Food as Medicine
Modern research has revealed hundreds of bioactive constituents in food that are involved in cancer prevention. For example:
Colorful foods: Beets, spinach, carrots, tomatoes and peppers contain bioflavonoids and carotenoids, that are powerful antioxidants.
Green leafy vegetables: Broccoli, cauliflower, kale, brussel sprouts and cabbage contain two powerful antioxidants, lutein and zeaxanthin. They also contain indole-3-carbinol that can help balance hormone levels.
Mushrooms: Some varietals available in the grocery store that you should pick up are shiitake and maitake. These contain lentinan and beta-glucans, which help build immunity.
Berries: Raspberries, cherries, blueberries and blackberries contain ellagic acid and anthocyanidans that help protect against cancer.
Green tea: contains catechins that have anti-cancer properties.
Flax: contains lignans, which have anti-oxidant properties and suppress cancerous changes.
Nutrition Matters
There is no shortage of “nutrition experts” or people purporting to know the secret about the best way to eat. This can lead to individuals receiving mixed messages and feeling utterly confused about what to eat. I truly believe that the stress about what to eat is likely worse than what you are actually eating!
The good news is that nutrition for cancer is quite simple, but nutrition is also very individualized. We all have different tastes and abilities to tolerate foods. Come talk to me today to discuss how nutrition can best serve you during your treatment, and for long-term health.