Nutrition & the Cancer Patient

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Nutrition & the Cancer Patient JoAnn Guest Apr 17, 2003 13:14 PDT

Nutrition &

The Cancer Patient

 

Nutrition is the foundation of good health. When illness strikes,

nutrition is the first line of defense. Cancer is a complex disease that

entails interaction between the body and external factors such as

chemical carcinogens or viruses. Cellular DNA can be altered by mutagens

which can cause the alteration of a healthy cell into a malignant cell.

 

The human diet contains a large number of macro and micro nutrients,

vitamins and chemical compounds. We need to consume carbohydrates,

essential fatty acids, proteins, vitamins and minerals for growth and

maintenance. Dietary factors may be initiators or promoters of disease.

 

Fiber is a generic term describing dietary components that are not

degraded during the digestive process. In the context of diet, a high

fiber regimen is most often low in fat and calories. Fiber functions in

many ways that help to reduce cancer risk. It dilutes contents in the

colon, thus limiting contact between any carcinogens that may be present

and the colon's mucosa. It reduces the concentration of carcinogens. It

lowers fecal pH and reduces the levels of fecal mutagens.

 

Protein intake, especially protein of animal origin, is correlated with

fat intake. Animal protein is high in saturated fat. It is important to

limit the consumption of animal products, especially if you have cancer.

Carbohydrates may be simple or complex. Both are included in a healthy

diet as long as they are not refined foods. And the intake may vary

between 55% to 65% of total calories.

 

At Oasis Hospital, we pay special attention to the diet and the

preparation of the food we offer to our patients. Our diet is an organic

vegetarian diet with plenty of raw fruits, vegetables and fresh juice.

The food is quite delicious and the food preparation staff adds a touch

of love to all of their dishes. This wonderful diet provides all of the

wonderful enzymes, vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates and calories needed

for a nutrition plan to overcome illness.

 

Healthy Tips

* It is important to maintain a desirable body weight. If possible,

exercise.

* For people who are obese, weight reduction is a good way to lower

cancer risk. Weight maintenance can be accomplished by reducing intake

of total calories and by maintaining a physically active lifestyle.

* Eat a varied diet. Eat more vegetables and green leafy foods than

anything else.

* Fruits are important too.

* Eat more higher fiber foods, such as whole grain cereals (brown rice,

pearl barley, oats, oat bran, millet, amaranth, quinoa, spelt, kashi,

multi grains).

* Legumes provide complex carbohydrates and protein (family of beans:

pinto, black, navy, lima, garbanzo, dry pea, lentil).

* Cut down on total fat intake.The easiest way to do this is to cut out

meat and dairy products.

* Avoid consumption of salt-cured, smoked and nitrite-preserved food.

Conventionally smoked foods, such as hams, some varieties of sausage,

fish and so forth, absorb some of the tars that arise from incomplete

combustion in the smoking process. These tars contain numerous

carcinogens. There is chemical evidence that nitrates and nitrites can

enhance nitrosamine formation, both in foods and in our digestive

tracts.

* Drink liquids at least 30 minutes before a meal and not with the meal.

This includes water, teas, and fruit/vegetable juices.

 

Luz María Zorrilla is the nutritionist at the Oasis of Hope Hospital.

 

http://www.oasisofhope.com/resources/health/nutrition.htm

 

 

The complete " Whole Body " Health line consists of the " AIM GARDEN TRIO "

Ask About Health Professional Support Series: AIM Barleygreen

 

" Wisdom of the Past, Food of the Future "

 

http://www.geocities.com/mrsjoguest/AIM.html

 

 

 

 

 

 

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