Nutrition and Cancer – Nutrition is incredibly important for everyone who wants to live a healthy and long life. Nutrition is one of the pillars of longevity, along with exercise, sleep and mindset. It is also even more important for people dealing with cancer and cancer treatment. Many of the current treatments for cancer directly affects appetite, absorption and immunity. Furthermore, food choices can have a direct effect on avoiding cancer, but this article will focus on nutrition during cancer treatment.
Cancer can cause malnutrition as well as weight gain because cancer, as well as the treatment, can change the way the body uses proteins, carbohydrates, glucose and fat depending on where the cancer is located. If it causes malnutrition, it compromises the body’s ability to fight infection and cancer. It is critical that the body receive adequate nutrition to keep it as strong and healthy as possible.
There are a lot of opinions about what foods to eat to avoid cancer or heal cancer, as well as a lot of quackery. Anyone facing a cancer diagnosis needs to consult with a nutritional or medical professional to determine what is best for them. There are some foods that have been shown to support your immune system and heal cancer. Because both cancer and its cures place a terrible strain on the body, simply eating the same foods that got you here will not be adequate.
The micronutrients which need to be consumed include proteins, fat, carbohydrates, fiber, vitamins and minerals (especially trace minerals). High protein and high calorie foods may be necessary to maintain the energy necessary to cope with the challenges cancer and its treatments present.
These foods include:
Cruciferous vegetables
Broccoli contains sulforaphane, a compound that has been shown to cause tumor cell death and reduce tumor size in test-tube and animal studies. Broccoli, Cabbage, Collard greens, Kale, Cauliflower and Brussels sprouts are all cruciferous vegetables. This vegetable family contains powerful phytochemicals, including carotenoids, indoles and glucosinolates and isothiocyanates, which have been studied and shown to slow the growth of many cancers. They are also loaded with miracle compounds diindolylmethane, sulforaphane, and the element selenium, all helpful in preventing and healing cancer.
Legumes
Lentils are filled with phyto-chemicals, vitamins, folate, minerals and dietary fiber. Research has shown that lentils protect against cancer, diabetes and metabolic syndrome (obesity, high blood pressure, insulin resistance, elevated triglycerides and lowered HDL cholesterol). Lentils have been shown to help repair damaged DNA which is one of the main causes of cancer.
Fruits (especially berries)
Berries are high in anthocyanins, which are plant pigments with antioxidant properties that may be associated with a reduced risk of cancer. Fruits are high in fiber, vitamins and minerals, all crucial for health. Apples are high in polysaccharides and quercetin. Both may help fighting cancer. Bananas are a good source of vitamin B6, manganese, and vitamin C. Blueberries have plenty of fiber, antioxidants, vitamin C, and manganese into and have been well studied for their cancer-fighting effects.
Grapefruit contains vitamin C, provitamin A, and potassium and lycopene. Lycopene is a carotenoid with potent anticancer properties. Some research suggests that it may reduce certain negative side effects of cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy and radiation. Mulberries are high in vitamin C and iron, which can help reduce the risk of anemia. They also contain lignins, which may increase immune function and possess anticancer properties.
A medium orange can meet and exceed your daily needs for vitamin C as well as all while supplying other important nutrients like thiamine, folate, and potassium. Vitamin C plays a key role in immunity and can help strengthen your immune system during and after cancer treatment. Research suggests that vitamin C may reduce the growth and spread of cancer cells and act as a therapeutic against certain types of cancer. Strawberries are rich in antioxidants and may help decrease cancer cell growth. Ripe berries are also soft, making them suitable for patients who have difficulty swallowing.
High fiber foods
There are two types of fiber: soluble and insoluble. Both are part of a healthy diet that can help lower your cancer risk.
Soluble fiber attracts water and turns to gel during digestion, slowing the digestive process. Foods high in soluble fiber include oats, barley, nuts and seeds, peas, avocado, oranges, and Brussels sprouts. Insoluble fiber helps food pass more quickly through the stomach and intestines. Foods high in Insoluble fiber include apples, whole grains and wheat bran. These should come from whole food sources. Foods with at least 2.5 grams of fiber per serving are considered good sources of fiber. And foods with at least 5 grams or more per serving of fiber are considered excellent sources of fiber.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is a proto-hormone that blocks cancer growth. Many studies on humans have shown vitamin D is instrumental in reducing the risk of colon and breast cancer and improving the survival rates of lung cancer. The best way to get it is through sunlight or supplements. It can be consumed through fatty fish (salmon, mackerel, sardines and cod live oil). Fatty fish has its own set of problems and you should do your research before consuming high levels of fatty fish.
Spices
Turmeric is a spice well known for its health-promoting properties. Curcumin, its active ingredient, is a chemical that has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and even anticancer effects.
Cayenne pepper contains capsaicin, a powerful antioxidant that helps with weight loss and is an anti-inflammatory food. Cayenne also contains beta-carotene. It is known to be toxic to cancer cells and helps prevent the growth of cancer cells.
Garlic is part of the cancer-fighting allium group (onions, shallots, scallions, leeks, chives). Garlic helps boost the immune system to help fight diseases, as well as colds and flu. It also decreases the growth of cancer cells. Oregano slows cancer growth and promotes apoptosis (cell death). It carries antibacterial properties and is a natural disinfectant.
Saffron may be the most expensive, but it packs a good punch. It contains crocins (water-soluble carotenoids) that may inhibit tumor growth and progression of cancer.
Any nutrition plan needs to be reviewed by your physical health professional. It is important to be aware that whatever you consume after your cancer diagnosis will influence your chances of recovery.
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