Animal Products
Limit your animal products to two or three small (2 oz.) servings
per week. White fleshed fish (preferably cod, haddock, salmon, or trout), or
white meat poultry are preferred. Poultry and meat should be raised free
range without additional hormones, antibiotics, and pesticides. The
Center for Advancement in Cancer
Education recommends no red meat, however, Dr Gonzalez of New York says
this depends on the person’s own biochemistry. Certainly no processed meats
should be consumed. Poached or soft-boiled eggs from flax fed, free range
chickens are best.
Depending on who you talk to, some red meat can be permitted on a
cancer diet, however, red meat is high in iron, which reacts with oxygen to
create free radicals. Thus some small amounts (in stir fries and soups) are
recommended, along with antioxidants such as vitamin C and vitamin E.
Liquids
Avoid drinking any liquids 15 minutes before a meal, and for
3 hours following a meal. If you must drink with your meals, our research
tells us that what is best is hot green tea.
A Chinese study of over 900 middle-aged individuals showed that
drinking green tea cut the risk of esophageal cancer by as much as 60%. [Journal
of the National Cancer Institute, June 1, 1994]
The phytochemicals (chemicals from plants) in green tea most
responsible for its anti-cancer effect are polypherols, and in addition to
preventing cancer of the esophagus, are also thought to prevent cancer of
the stomach, liver, skin, and lung. (Japanese men smoke more than Americans
but have a lower incidence of lung cancer.) Researchers in China believe
that green tea also helps to lower blood pressure and blood cholesterol,
stabilize blood sugar, kill decay-causing bacteria and block the action of
many carcinogens. (Green tea extracts are now found in many health food
stores.)
Black tea too seems to have the same effect, however, analysis shows
that there are 4 times the active compounds in green tea than black tea.
Researchers at Rutgers State University showed that over a 31 week period
with mice exposed to two carcinogens known to trigger skin cancer, the
experimental group, drinking tea, experienced 70% to 90% fewer skin cancers.
Black tea worked as well as green tea, and decaffeinated teas, though
showing a slightly smaller anti-cancer effect, were still significantly
high. [Environmental Nutrition, November 1994].
An estimated 80% of Americans walk around in
a state of virtual dehydration. The color of your urine should range from clear to a light yellow. A
dark yellow shows signs of dehydration, even though your throat and mouth
feel just fine. For every caffeinated drink, you need to drink one more cup
of water. Be sure to empty your bladder as soon as you feel the need to do so.
Dr Frank Charles (from Natural Wellness Group in Minneapolis) reminds us
that the longer urine is confined to the bladder, the more concentrated it
gets. Studies show that persons who hold in their urine get bladder cancer
at greater rates than those who go when the urge hits.
Whole fruit juices are good in
moderation (with added filtered water). Raw vegetable juices are excellent,
especially carrot juice.
Grains
20 percent of your diet should be whole grains. Avoid all
refined, polished grains and flours and products made from them. Brown rice, kashi, millet, rye, buckwheat, barley, oats and oat brans, corn (on the cob
or corn grits), and quinoa are recommended. Whole grain pasta can be used
with limitations.
One important note on grains: unprocessed, whole grains, as well as
seeds and nuts, contain volatile oils that can go bad quickly. It is best to
keep them refrigerated or in your freezer once you’ve opened them.
Seeds and Nuts
5
percent of your diet should be seeds and nuts. They must be consumed raw,
though some say the best way to eat them is sprouted (alfalfa, radish,
sunflower) though keep in mind what we've said earlier about sprouts.
Because seeds and nuts can put a strain on your digestive system, when your
immune system is down, you will probably want to pulverize them in a grinder
and sprinkle them over soups and salads. If you do not want to strain your
digestive system, avoid nuts until your immune system is responding better.
As mentioned in
Foods to Avoid - No peanuts! Peanuts are not nuts, but
legumes; they are considered indigestible by some, and can contain
carcinogens from a very common mold often found on them.
Legumes
10 percent of your diet should be legumes and should be cooked
well. Aduki, mung, kidney, navy, black, turtle, red, garbanzo, and pinto
beans, as well as peas, black-eyed peas and lentils are excellent.
Fermented soy products (miso is one) are a must on a cancer diet (unless
your breast cancer is estrogen receptive). Remember to combine your legumes
with grains for more complete proteins.
Soups
Soups are an excellent means of breaking down the fibers in veggies
and getting more of their nutrients and should include a variety of veggies,
seaweeds, and legumes. Miso, tamari, or bean broth can serve as a base
(check with your doctor/nutritionist if your breast cancer is estrogen
receptive).
Condiments
Salt should be kept to a minimum; seaweeds are sold as salt
substitutes. If you must use a salt, make sure it is naturally processed sea
salt, tamari, or something high in potassium. Garlic is a must; Dr Schulze
recommends 5-7 cloves a day, though this could upset your stomach if taken
all at once. Use your judgment.
Try some of the herbal seasonings at your local health food store;
it won’t take long to develop a liking to them. And keep in mind that herbs
from the mint family, like oregano, are great on salads and contain a goodly
amount of antioxidants, as well as many other nutrients.
Fish Oil
In 1989, the USDA found that fish oils reduce the production of the
prostaglandin E2, which has a tendency to cause appetite loss. It is this
appetite loss that brings on cachexia, the wasting syndrome that causes
eventual death in cancer patients. (See
cachexia for more information).
Monounsaturates (olive and sesame seed oil) are highly recommended, but they
must be unrefined (cold or expeller pressed) and they must be kept capped
and refrigerated.
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Foods
that fight cancer
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legal disclaimer
Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug
Administration. The products and information contained herein are not
intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any diseases
or medical problems. This is not intended to replace your
doctor's recommendations. The information is provided for educational
purposes only. Nutritional benefits may vary from one person to another.
