Your uniqueness is true in your everyday life, especially when it comes to your diet and how it impacts your individual health.
Everyone has different dietary needs. And, in the cancer realm, there are a number of factors that go in to determining a proper dietary regimen for each individual patient.
The recipe for preventing cancer?
Research has shown that there is no food that will definitively cure or treat cancer. However, we do know that there are foods that will help reduce risk of development, like certain fruits or vegetables. We also know that there are certain foods that will increase the development of certain cancers.
In broad terms, a varied diet is crucial. Emphasize whole grains, legumes and a brightly colored variety of fruits and vegetables.
Growing up, you may have heard the saying “Eat across the rainbow.” Well, to stay one step ahead of a prospective cancer diagnosis, it is advised that you do just that. There are different phytochemicals in a red fruit versus a green vegetable, so it’s good to consume the spectrum of fruits and vegetables to ensure a balanced diet.
All foods should be enjoyed in moderation with the caveat that there are a few specific types of foods that have been linked to cancer. The first is processed meats, such as bacon, ham or any meat that has added ingredients — like nitrates. The second is alcohol. Sure, a slice of ham on Easter or a glass of wine at a party will not hurt you. But, three slices of bacon every Saturday morning for 30 years, or an average of five drinks per day could be cause for dietary concern.
Approximately one-third of common cancers in the United States may be prevented with the right diet and an active lifestyle. When you look at digestive and colorectal cancers, the impact of one’s healthy eating and habits ultimately correlate to higher rates of cancer prevention. Whereas, there are certain cancers, such as prostate or hematological, where 10 percent of instances are linked to diet and lifestyle.
A cancer patient’s diet
When working with a cancer patient, there are a number of key metrics that are monitored contingent on their state. For example, if we are working with someone in the middle of a chemotherapy regiment, we may focus on monitoring certain lab levels to ensure they are well hydrated. Weight is a particularly interesting metric — a patient may need to gain weight if they are on an intense chemotherapy routine and/or malnourished, or may need to lose weight if they are completing treatment or have no evidence of disease.
Another item we look at for all patients are what we call nutrition impact symptoms. These are side effects from treatment that may prohibit a patient from having a nutritious diet, such as nausea, pain or anything that negatively impacts one’s ability to take in adequate calories, proteins or liquids. These are important symptoms to watch as they can lead to more complications beyond malnutrition.
As for vitamins and supplements: In general, they are not necessary in the prevention and treatment of cancer. Once diagnosed with cancer, a supplement may be deemed necessary but as the American Institute for Cancer Research says, “don’t use supplements to protect yourself against cancer.”
Healthy habits
There are a number of healthy practices to complement wholesome meals. Physical activity is paramount in reducing the risk of obesity-related cancer as well as heart disease and diabetes. Also, smoking cessation can help lower blood pressure as well as the risk for serious diseases, including cancer.
In terms of nutrition and cancer, there is one final tip in today’s modern world: Don’t believe everything you read on the Internet. Not all cancers are the same in terms of dietary parameters and there is so much information out there based on limited research or a non-comprehensive recommendation. Always look for information from reputable sources, like the National Cancer Institute, that provide evidence-based recommendations.
It’s important to make the effort to make healthful food choices the majority of the time. This doesn’t mean you can’t have a cookie here or there, but weave that cookie into a broader, healthy diet and lifestyle.