Dear friends, 

This blog is for a friend on Iland who underwent a cancer surgery. I hope he finds it useful. I wish you Speedy Recovery dear friend. Do not lose hope, you will be fine. God takes care of all! I also request all friends to pass on the link to others who are suffering from Cancer. 

DIET IN CANCER

Certain dietary elements may help promote the development and spread of malignancies, while others slow or block tumour growth.  Researchers estimate that at least 35 percent of all cancers may be related to diet, especially the ones high in fat and processed foods; they also believe that many of these cancers could be prevented by dietary changes.

THE ANTI-CANCER DIET :

EAT PLENTY OF

Ø  Citrus and other fruits and dark green or yellow vegetables for Vitamin C, beta, carotene, bioflavonoid and the plant chemicals that protect against cancer.

Ø  Whole grains breads and cereals and other high fibre foods to promote smooth colon function.

LIMIT:

Ø  Fatty foods, especially those high in saturated fats

Ø  Alcoholic beverages.

Ø  Salt cured, smoked, fermented and charcoal broiled foods.

AVOID

Ø  Foods that may contain pesticides residues and environmental pollutants.

One should eat at least three different coloured vegetables and two different fruits daily.  Choose from among the dark green leafy vegetable and dark yellow, orange and red fruits and vegetables. Include one serving of citrus a day and strive to have crucifareous vegetables like: broccoli, brussels, sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, mustard, bathua, Chane ka Saag, Most fruits and Vegetables have more than one cancer fighting benefit.

TOP CANCER-FIGHTING FOODS :

Apples, berries, broccoli and other cruciferous vegetable and citrus fruits contain flavonoids which act as antioxidant.  Flavonoids are also thought to prevent DNA damage to cells.

Tomatoes and tomato Products: Contains Lycopene, which has been found to have protective effects against prostate cancer.

Onions and Garlic's: Contains sulfur compounds that may stimulate the immune systems natural defense against cancer and they may have the potential to reduce tumour growth.  Studies suggest that garlic reduces the incidence of stomach cancer by a factor of 12.

Green Tea contains EGCG a catechin that may help fight cancer.

Brazils, nuts, seafood, some meats and fish, bread, wheat bran, wheat germ oats and brown rice are the best sources of selenium, a trace mineral that is another powerful cancer fighter.

A high fibre diet reduces the risk of cancer as it speeds up the transit of waste through colon and also protects against obesity.

EATING WHEN YOU HAVE CANCER. 

In many instances, loss of appetite, nausea and other eating problems of cancer patients can be dealt by changing daily habits and routines.  The following tips will help:-

Ø  Plan your major meal for the time of day when you are least likely to experience nausea and vomiting. Otherwise eat small and frequent meals and snacks throughout the day.

Ø  Let someone else prepare the food; cooking odors often provoke nausea.  Food that is served cold or at room temperature gives off fewer odours that hot.

Ø  If mouth sores are a problem, eat bland pureed foods for example custard, rice and other pudding with egg, porridge and blended soups.  Avoid salty, spicy or acidic food.

Ø  Try to eat with others, in pleasant social atmosphere.

Ø  Get dressed to eat if possible and strive to make meals visually attractive.  A few slices of colourful fruits give visual appeal to a bowl of cornflakes or oats.

Ø  To overcome nausea, try chewing an ice chip or sucking on ginger candy or sour amla before eating. Sipping flat gingers or cola may also help.

Ø  Rest for half an hour after eating, preferably in a sitting upright position; reclining may trigger reflex, nausea and vomiting.

Ø  Pay extra attention to dental hygiene: Use diluted commercial mouthwash to freshen the breath. 

Ø  If a dry mouth makes swallowing difficult then liquefy foods in a blender or moisten them with low fat milk, sauces or gravies.

Ø  If diarrohea is a problem as is often the case during chemotherapy, avoid fatty foods, raw fruits, whole grain products and other foods that can worsen it.  Eat blend, binding food such as BRAT diet-Banana, Rice, Apple and Toast.