A healthy diet is one of the most effective tools for preventing cancer.
An unhealthy diet, on the other hand, is known to promote certain types of
cancer directly. Poor food choices may also indirectly contribute to the risk
of many other cancers. Broad recommendations from the USDA use advice from the
leading nutrition authorities to form a solid basis for food selection.
However, individuals have specific needs that are not addressed by broad
recommendations. Micronutrient deficiency, for instance, is now common amongst
people who grew up eating poorly regardless of their current diet.
An effect of many cancer treatments and some forms of cancer is to
radically alter eating habits and digestive capacity. This presents special
problems. A diagnosis of cancer is likewise sufficient to change habits due to
the added emotional stress. Since nutrition
plays a vital role in quality of life, treatment efficacy, and long-term
survival rates, every person diagnosed with cancer should take precautionary measures
immediately upon diagnosis as protection against malnutrition.
Cancer's Effects on Nutrition
Stress plays a strong role in both appetite and digestive capacity. The
emotional stress of diagnosis produces common symptoms, such as depression and
anxiety. Both of these lead to a combination of fatigue and loss of appetite.
They also depress the populations of beneficial bacteria in the gut. Reduced
absorption of food leads to rapid depletion of water-soluble micronutrients as
well as the body's famine response. Excess fat is stored, which places a
heavier burden on the detoxifying organs. The result is excess fat with less
fat-soluble vitamins and more toxins.
Certain treatments for cancer are similar to spectrum herbicides. They
are targeted to kill the cancer cells specifically, but they also kill healthy
cells. Unlike a cornfield genetically engineered to resist the effects of the
pesticide, the healthy cells in a human body are not capable of resisting
damage caused by chemotherapy, radiation, immunotherapy, hormone therapy and
surgery. This results in physical stress. Some of the common symptoms of this physical
stress are:
* Gingivitis
* Sore throat and mouth
* Nausea and vomiting
* Constipation or diarrhea
* Dry mouth
* Loss of appetite
* Sudden distaste for particular foods and beverages
Most of these side effects are managed by a combination of
pharmaceuticals, all of which introduce further risks of damaging the digestive
system. Some complimentary therapies are proven to manage side effects without
the risks. Choice of both healthy and nutrient-dense foods is essential for
those with the greatest risk of malnutrition. Most symptoms can be managed in
the same way according to research.
Role of Fats in the Cancer Diet
When considering nutrient-dense foods, most people think first of fats.
The evidence on fat's role in causing cancer is mixed but a cause for concern.
Saturated fats, such as those found in red meat, are not essential, and they
may increase the risk of some cancers. Other types, like the monounsaturated
fat in peanut butter and omega-3 fats in seeds and oily fish, are much better
choices for the cancer diet.
When denser foods are used to counteract a symptom-restricted diet, and
optimally combined with physical activity to the degree possible, there is
little risk of resulting obesity. The primary concern of too many calories is
that obesity is a known risk factor for increased treatment symptoms and cancer
recurrence. Seeds, nuts, and legumes should be combined with grains and natural
sweeteners, such as honey and molasses, for nutrient density.
Strengthening Intestinal Flora
The benefits of traditional diets rest heavily on their extensive use of
lacto-fermentation. The process enhances digestion by making the nutrients
readily available to the body. The bacteria in lacto-fermented products also
boost intestinal populations directly. Sauerkraut, kombucha, sour pickles, and
ginger ale are only a few products one can make at home easily. Many books have
been devoted to this topic.
The Benefits of Eating for Health
Guest Post Jillian McKee
