Nutrition & the Cancer Patient

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Nutrition & the Cancer Patient

JoAnn Guest

Apr 17, 2003 13:14 PDT

 

 

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 compllex

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 pure 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