Cancer Nutrition

Index of Diseases / Health Conditions ... Medicinal Foods, Herbs, Spices & Household Items

The below provides a general overview on this topic and may not apply to everyone.

Note: Nutritional supplements are not recommended as the sole treatment for any ailment. Natural sources of nutrients (such as organic food items) are far better choices than synthetic supplements and are generally safer, too.

This being said, your condition may require you to avoid certain foods or supplements. It is important to consult a qualified health care practitioner with experience in supporting nutrition for a personalized treatment protocol ...

I can't over-emphasize the importance of finding and working with a practitioner who has knowledge of  and training in BOTH traditional and holistic health care -- or a physician who closely works with a holistic health practitioner. Please refer to:
Medical & Legal Disclaimer.

Cancer Inhibitors / Anti-Cancer / Cancer Protection:

Cancer-fighting Foods:

• Vitamin C Slows Cancer Down ... and, Doctors Say, Can Reverse It as Well





• Juicing healthy fruits and vegetables allows for concentrated nutrition. This method enables you to benefit from the nutrition provided by more veggies and fruits than you could ever physically eat. This will supercharge your body's immune system. This treatment program is recommended by the Gerson Institute - a non-profit organization located in San Diego, California. Many cancer survivors swear by this method -- and if you only want to follow a couple recommendations, this one would be the most important one - together with avoiding toxins.
  
  
  • Cancer Juicing or Juice Therapy

  
  

  • Raw Food: Max Gerson, M.D.  Dr. Gerson used a mostly raw food and fresh vegetable juice diet for cancer patients with remarkably good results. He also used substantial quantities of vitamin supplements. His entire program is set forth in a tremendously valuable book entitled The Gerson Therapy, by Charlotte Gerson and Morton Walker (2001) NY: Kensington Publishing Corp. (featured to the right)





• Fresh, organic fruits, vegetables and greens:
  

  Black Raspberries: Black raspberries contain many vitamins, minerals, phenols and phytosterols, which are known to individually prevent cancer in animals. Researchers examined the effect of freeze-dried black raspberries on genes altered by a chemical carcinogen in an animal model of esophageal cancer. The carcinogen affected the activity of 2,200 genes in the animals’ esophagus in only one week. However, 460 of those genes were restored to normal activity in animals that consumed freeze-dried black raspberry powder. Source: Cancer Research August 1, 2008, 68, 6460-6467

  Concentrate on anticancer cruciferous veggies like broccoli, cauliflower and cabbage, as well as high-antioxidant berries. Cauliflower, for example, is loaded with nutrients that are essential for keeping the immune system strong. One study found that eating just four servings of cruciferous vegetables, such as broccoli or cauliflower, a week slashed the risk of dying from ANY medical cause by 26%! (From "The Doctors Book of Food Remedies," page 149).

  • Click here for information on organic foods -- a listing of the most and the least contaminated food items, as well as handling tips.

  • Paw Paw extract contains acetogenins which modulate the production of ATP in mitochondria of cancer cells. This reduces the growth of blood vessels that nourish cancer cells. It also inhibits the growth of Multiple-Drug-Resistance (MDR) cells. Dr. McLaughlin found that the highest concentrations and most powerful acetogenins were in the Asimina triloba species of the paw paw. He found that there were even differences in the actual geographical location of the trees--noting during his research that some groves of trees were more potent than others.

  
  

  • Watercress: According to Professor Graham Packham (Expert in molecular oncology at the University of Southampton), a plant compound in watercress may have the ability to suppress breast cancer cell development by turning off' a signal in the body and thereby starving the growing tumour of essential blood and oxygen. Professor Packham performed a pilot study in which a small group of breast cancer survivors underwent a period of fasting before eating 80g of watercress (a cereal bowl full) and then providing a series of blood samples over the next 24 hours. The research team was able to detect significant levels of the plant compound PEITC in the blood of the participants following the watercress meal, and most importantly, could show that the function of the protein HIF was also measurably affected in the blood cells of the women. The two studies, which have been published in the British Journal of Nutrition and Biochemical Pharmacology, provide new insight into the potential anti-cancer effects of watercress.





• A special group of vegetables called cruciferous vegetables have excellent cancer fighting properties.
  • Research suggests that these cruciferous vegetables contain a kind of phytochemical known as isothiocyanates, which stimulate our bodies to break down potential carcinogens. They work by preventing the transformation of normal healthy cells into cancerous cells. Some examples of cruciferous vegetables are:
    • Arugula, Bok choy, Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, Cabbage, Cauliflower, Chinese cabbage, Collard greens, Daikon, Kale, Kohlrab,i Mustard greens, Radishes, Rutabaga, Turnips, Watercress





• Broccoli contains sulforaphane, which is a natural chemical that stimulate our bodies to produce enzymes and destroy carcinogens. This substance is particularly rich in broccoli sprouts and about 20 to 50 times richer in mature broccoli. Researchers believe a substance called isothiocyanate in the broccoli sparks hundreds of genetic changes, activating some genes that fight cancer and switching off others that fuel tumors. The benefit derived from broccoli would likely also be available from other cruciferous vegetables that contain isothiocyanate, including Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, cabbage, arugula, watercress and horseradish.

At the Harbor UCLA Medical Center in Torrance, California, a study was conducted to document the effects of eating broccoli among men and women aged 50 to 74. The results showed that those who consumed more broccoli (average: 3.7 half-cup cooked servings weekly) were 50 percent less likely to develop colorectal cancer than those who never ate broccoli.

At the John Hopkins University in Baltimore, scientists also tested the effects of broccoli sprouts on rats. The rats were first fed broccoli sprouts. A few days later, they were injected with carcinogen. The results showed that the rats that ate broccoli sprouts developed smaller, fewer and slower-growing tumors than the rats that were on a regular diet.

At the Fred Hutchison Cancer Research Center, researchers discovered that men who consumed three or more half-cup servings of cruciferous vegetables a week were 41 percent less likely to develop prostate cancer. These men were between the ages of 40 and 64.

Many cruciferous vegetables also contain a compound called indole-3-carbinol. This compound is said to reduce the risk of hormone dependent cancers such as prostate, breast and ovarian cancer.

• Onions are a major source of both phenols and flavonoids, two types of phytonutrients that numerous studies have shown are protective against cancer and cardiovascular disease. Among varieties of onions, shallots were found to have the most phenols, and Western Yellow onions the most flavonoids. When tested against liver and colon cancer cells, Western Yellow, New York Bold and shallots were most effective in inhibiting their growth. Summer onions such as Walla Walla, Vidalia and Maui Sweet Onions are high in sugar content, are not as high in nutritional value and do not provide the same health-promoting properties.





• Teas:

Green Tea; Powerful antioxidants shown to function as anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer agents. Women who drink six to 10 cups of green tea per day lower their risk of breast cancer.

Essiac Tea: A Canadian nurse named Rene Caisse first discovered this herbal formula when one of the patients in the hospital where she worked was cured of cancer. She found this tea to be very effective in helping many ailments including cancer. Her success storied prompted the Ontario government of Canada to become involved. By 1938, Essiac Tea came within three votes of being legalized by the Ontario government as a treatment for terminal cancer patients.

Turmeric:


The No. 1 anticancer spice and a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. Add 1/4 teaspoon at the end of cooking to almost any food.

When researchers added Curcumin (which gives the bright yellow color to the Indian spice "turmeric" ) to cancerous pancreas cells, and found that production of cancerous cells practically shut down. This is attributed to a clampdown on cytokines - the chemicals linked to tumor growth and cell survival.

• Chlorophyll is found in dark green plants, such as spinach, kale, green beans, arugula, and leeks. Michael T. Simonich of the Linus Pauling Institute stated that chlorophyll actually helps fight cancer cell growth and acts as an antioxidant. It protects against various chemical carcinogens found in fungus-contaminated food items, the toxic materials created when meat has been overcooked, and carcinogens in polluted air. It blocks the metabolism of chemicals that damage DNA, thus inhibiting and prevening cancer. Because of the contaminated food, many Chinese people suffered from liver damage and cancer. After supplementing with chlorophyllin –- the synthetic counter part of chlorophyll –- at 300mg (100mg three times daily), the incidence of liver cancer among that population decreased significantly. Chlorophyll can be supplemented with a substance known as chlorella - a green algae. It is a preferable source of chlorophyll than dietary sources because it is a more concentrated supply of chlorophyll. But supplementation isn't always advisable or necessary, and would be recommended mainly for the chronically ill. For all others, simple dietary changes would suffice. Taking chlorophyll before a meal greatly reduces the carcinogenic effects of food. Chlorophyll blocks the absorption of the carcinogen by forming a molecular complex too large to be assimilated in the small intestine. If chlorophyll is consumed after having cancer-causing food items, however, there will be little benefit because the carcinogen has been ingested. So it is recommended to eat your greens (salad) before your main course to counteract any carcinogenic effects.





• Ginger:
  

  Ginger possesses two cancer-inhibiting compounds, 6-gingerol and 6-paradol, and it lends a warm, pungent twist to dishes, especially fish - click here to find the best and the worst fish to eat. For the most benefit, choose fresh over pickled whenever possible; simply peel, shred, and mince the root into foods

  *Ginger can decrease blood clotting and should not be taken by people with bleeding disorders.

• Organic whole grain:
  

  Whole grains are rich in cancer-fighting antioxidants, vitamins, trace minerals, fiber and lignants.

  
  

• Immune-enhancing Maitake Mushrooms





• Flaxseeds:

Health-promoting fats, such as omega-3 fatty acids from two to three tablespoons of ground flaxseeds daily. Flax Seeds: A study involving 50 women with breast cancer showed that 25 women who were fed with 25g of milled flax daily before surgery had slower-growing tumors than the other 25 women who were not fed milled flax at all.



• Seaweed:

Wakame is high in iodine, which may be more effective at killing cancer cells than many common chemotherapy drugs.

Spirulina has strong anti-cancer properties. Tests have discovered that Spirulina supercharges the immune system for better disease resistance and increased fertility. Studies also indicated that it increases metabolic rate, promotes the beneficial types of digestive tract flora, has strong anti-cancer and anti-viral properties, reduces serum cholesterol, protects against kidney damage and has radio protective effects. The National Cancer Institute has announced that sulfolipids in spirulina are remarkably active against HIV. You can buy it in pill form or as a powder.

• Other Cancer-fighting Foods:

  • Vinegar & Fructose: Vinegar is considered a “weapon” against cancer according to scientists at the A.P. John Institute for Cancer Research: Fructose and vinegar are added as supplements to the CAAT protocol because of their acetic acid properties that help shut down glycolosis, shutting off cancer cells energy supply and causing them to die off. (click on above link for more info)
  • Apples: Rui Hai Liu, Associate Professor at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York, isolated ne cancer-fighting compounds - triterpenoids - in 230 pounds of apple peel and tested their efficacy in combating cancer-cell growth in the lab. "They all show very potent anticancer activities and should be studied further," Liu says. According to previous research at Cornell, whole apples also possess cancer-fighting flavenoids and phenolic acids, but with this new evidence of the power of the peel, it's more important than ever to shop for organic applies -- because more pesticide residues exist on the peel.
    
  • Nuts are highly valued for its anti-cancer and heart-protective properties.They aid in insulating and storing food for the body and are necessary for the normal utilization of the fat-soluble vitamins.
    
  • Aloe vera has anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory properties as well as lowering high cholesterol, and boosting oxygenation of the blood.
  • Garlic: The National Cancer Institute is currently researching it for its anti-tumor properties.
  • Brown Rice: Anti-diarrheal and contain anti-cancer protease inhibitors.
  • Beans: High in fiber, reduces cholesterol and regulates blood sugar levels. Bean consumption has been linked to lower cancer rates.
  • Cod Liver Oil: In a study of Norwegian men and women, consumption of cod liver oil was found to protect against lung cancer.
  • Almonds
  • Blueberries have an oxygen radical absorption capacity value of 2,400 per 100 grams of antioxidant power and they are rich in anthocyanins, ellagic acid and phenolic acids. They help fight bacteria that can cause urinary tract infections, and blueberry extract may combat pain. Fresh and frozen (without added sugar) are comparable from a nutritional standpoint, but dried blueberries contain lower amounts of antioxidant anthocyanins.
  • Barley: An Ancient Super Food Rediscovered (colon cancer). However, barley contains gluten and must be avoided if you are celiac or allergic to barley ... Apples (breast and colon cancer)
  • Bananas (kidney cancer)
  • Beet Juice and Powdered Form: Early research in Hungary indicated that beet juice and its powdered form slowed the development of tumors. Heinerman reports that Alexander Ferenczi, M.D., observed beets aiding cancer patients and performed studies that indicated that beets may help animals fight cancer.... Broccoli ... Brown Rice ... Brussels Sprouts
  • Cabbage ... Carrots (lung and colon cancer) ... Celery ... Chili Peppers (prostate cancer) ... Collard Greens ... Corn (lung cancer) ... Cranberries (lung, cervical, prostate, breast and leukemia cancer cells)
  • Eggplant ... Eggs (breast cancer)
  • Fennel Bulbs ... Figs
  • Fish - click here to find the best and the worst fish to eat (breast cancer, leukemia, multiple myeloma, and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma)
  • Grapes (prostate, lung, liver and breast cancer) ... Grapefruit (lung and colon cancer) ... Green Beens ... Green Peas
  • Kale ... Kiwifruit
  • Leeks ... Lemons & Limes (cancers of the mouth, skin, lung, breast, stomach and colon)
  • Mushrooms ... Mustard Greens
  • Olive Oil (instead of other oils - breast & colon cancer) / Olives ... Onions ... Oranges (protection against skin, lung, breast, colon, stomach and mouth cancers)
  • Papaya (colon cancer) ... Parsley ... Peanuts ... Potatoes
  • Rasberries
  • Shiitake Mushrooms ... Sea Vegetables / Sea Weed ... Spinach ... Summer Squash ... Strawberries (organic only) ... Sunflower Seeds ... Sweet Potatoes / Yams
  • Tomatoes ... Turnip Greens (colon and rectal cancer)
  • Watermelon ... Winter Squash
  • Yogurt (colorectal cancer)

Cancer-fighting Supplements:

• Vitamin D: The findings of a study lead by Dr. William Grant, Ph.D. were that about 30% of cancer deaths could be prevented each year with higher levels of vitamin D. Click here for more info.





• Vitamin E: Achieves a 61% Reduction in Lung Cancer and showed effectiveness in the treatment of other cancers. Click here for more info.





• Vitamin C
  

  Vitamin C slows cancer down and may even reverse it. Vitamin C may help chemo and radiation kill cancer cells while protecting your healthy cells from harm. Dosage: at least 1 gram daily, taken with meals in divided dosages.

  Read more about Vitamin C's application in cancer treatments and Vitamin C - The Key for Good Health

• Beta-carotene:
  

  This carotenoid may decrease treatment side effects and improve your chance of surviving cancer. Ideally you want to get beta-carotene from yellow and orange fruits and vegetables, which also contain thousands of bioflavonoids and numerous other carotenoids - but supplemental beta-carotene still benefits you, too. Dosage: 20 to 30 mg daily, taken with meals in divided dosages, or eat as many fresh, colorful fruits and vegetables as your digestive system tolerates.

• A World Without Cancer - The Story Of Vitamin B17 57 Minutes
  

  Here is the full text:
  
  G. Edward Griffin marshals the evidence that cancer is a deficiency disease - like scurvy or pellagra - aggravated by ... all » the lack of an essential food compound in modern man's diet. That substance is vitamin B17. In its purified form developed for cancer therapy, it is known as Laetrile.
  
  Why has orthodox medicine waged war against this non-drug approach? The author contends that the answer is to be found, not in science, but in politics - and is based upon the hidden economic and power agenda of those who dominate the medical establishment.
  
  With billions of dollars spent each year on research, with other billions taken in on the sale of cancer-related drugs, and with fund-raising at an all-time high, there are now more people making a living from cancer than dying from it. If the solution should be found in a simple vitamin, this gigantic industry could be wiped out over night. The result is that the politics of cancer therapy is more complicated than the science.

• Selenium:

A daily supplement of 200 microgram of selenium, has been shown in a large placebo-controlled, double-blind clinical study -- the most prestigious type of scientific study of nutrients and drugs -- to cut the death rate from cancer in half.

Specifically, a large group of people who were given each day a yeast tablet enriched with 200 micrograms (mcg) of selenium had only half the number of deaths from cancer over a seven year period as a similarly large control group who were given a daily yeast tablet containing no selenium.

Yeast tablets enriched with 200 mcg of selenium are readily available at pharmacies as well as health stores across the U.S. for about $5 or so for a bottle of 50 to 100 tablets -- only 10 cents or less per day.

The results of this dramatic study were published in the medical profession's own journal: The Journal of the American Medical Association. Nevertheless, most doctors pay no attention to the results. Selenium (at 10 cents per day or less) has been shown in a large clinical study to cut the death rate from cancer in half and nobody tells the public about it.

• Coenzyme Q10:
  
  
  • Essential for the production of energy in cells, it may help contain or inhibit tumor growth.





• Folate for Breast Health:
  
  
  • Postmenopausal women who eat foods high in folate, such as leafy greens and legumes, like chickpeas and lentils, have a lower risk of breast cancer. (Source: "High Folate Intake as Associated with Lower Breast Cancer Incidence in Postmenopausal Women ..." by U. Ericson et al, Am J. Clin. Nutr. 8/07).





• Other Cancer-fighting Supplements:
  
  
  • Calcium, Vitamin D, Vitamin B12, Folate, and Lycopene.
  • Research about Vitamin E's effectiveness in Cancer Treatments

Prostate Health

Breast Health

Chemotherapy:

We associate hair loss with chemotherapy, but loss of appetite is a far more serious problem. Chemo and radiation therapies cause nausea, vomiting, altered senses of taste and smell, sore mouth and throat, diarrhea and constipation. Cancer patients frequently become underweight and malnourished. According to Patrick Quillin, Ph.D., RD, CNS - a clinical nutritionist in Encinitas, California, 40% or more of cancer patients actually die from malnutrition.

Mitchell Gaynor, MD, Clinical Assistance Professor or Medicine College of Cornell University and President of Gaynor Integrative Oncology in New York Cit, recommended including a cancer nutrition expert as part of your healthcare team, who determines your level of vitamins, heavy metal toxicity, and immune function. Armed with that information, they can customize a strategy to keep you well nourished. While individual needs vary, many experts list the following as top picks for nutritional support:

1. Fish / Fish oil: Omega-3, called EPA, may help immune cells recognize and destroy cancer cells and thus slow their spread, recommends Dr. Qillin.
   • Click here to find the best and the worst fish to eat
   • Also refer to health benefits of Cod Liver Oil

• Curcumin: Turmeric gets its yellow color from an antioxidant. This potent antioxidant has been shown to induce cancer cell suicide without damaging healthy cells. Dosage: 100 to 800 mg curcumin in capsule form daily or liberal use of turmeric in foods.

• Garlic: May improve appetite by reducing the side effects of chemotherapy and radiation. Garlic protects your healthy cells.

Selenium Cuts Death Rate from Cancer in Half!

A daily supplement of 200 microgram of selenium, has been shown in a large placebo-controlled, double-blind clinical study -- the most prestigious type of scientific study of nutrients and drugs -- to cut the death rate from cancer in half.

Specifically, a large group of people who were given each day a yeast tablet enriched with 200 micrograms (mcg) of selenium had only half the number of deaths from cancer over a seven year period as a similarly large control group who were given a daily yeast tablet containing no selenium.

Yeast tablets enriched with 200 mcg of selenium are readily available at pharmacies as well as health stores across the U.S. for about $5 or so for a bottle of 50 to 100 tablets -- only 10 cents or less per day.

The results of this dramatic study were published in the medical profession's own journal: The Journal of the American Medical Association. Nevertheless, most doctors pay no attention to the results.

Selenium (at 10 cents per day or less) has been shown in a large clinical study to cut the death rate from cancer in half and nobody informs the public about it.

According to the National Cancer Institute (NCI), research suggests that long-term use of selenium supplements may reduce men's risk of developing prostate cancer by 60 percent. Larger studies are underway.

Could it be that easy to cure cancer?

A World Without Cancer - The Story Of Vitamin B17 57 Minutes

Here is the full text:

G. Edward Griffin marshals the evidence that cancer is a deficiency disease - like scurvy or pellagra - aggravated by ... all » the lack of an essential food compound in modern man's diet. That substance is vitamin B17. In its purified form developed for cancer therapy, it is known as Laetrile.

Why has orthodox medicine waged war against this non-drug approach? The author contends that the answer is to be found, not in science, but in politics - and is based upon the hidden economic and power agenda of those who dominate the medical establishment.

With billions of dollars spent each year on research, with other billions taken in on the sale of cancer-related drugs, and with fund-raising at an all-time high, there are now more people making a living from cancer than dying from it. If the solution should be found in a simple vitamin, this gigantic industry could be wiped out over night. The result is that the politics of cancer therapy is more complicated than the science.

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