Reading Corner - Cancer

CANCER

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Just hearing the word "cancer" or hearing about someone who has cancer puts a lump in the throat and an uneasy feeling in the air. That is because cancer is a very dangerous, deadly and difficult disease to treat. Cancer is the uncontrolled reproduction of abnormal cells, with the body's inability to destroy these harmful cells in time. In addition, cancer cells put a high amount pressure on normal functions of the body and vital internal organs, which causes deterioration of the body, weakness and even death.

Only until recently did scientists begin to understand the nature of cancer and the process by which cancer cells grow and reproduce. With the increasing understanding of the cause of cancer, there exists a large body of evidence showing that foods and lifestyle choices play a major part in risk, process and prevention. There is so much that science and modern medicine does not know about controlling and effectively treating cancer, and there are certainly many avenues of medicine, food therapy, nutrition and lifestyle factors to venture. The importance is to put into practice what is already known to achieve optimum health and reduce the risks.

WHAT IS CANCER?

Cancer is a neoplastic disease in which the natural course is usually fatal. It is a dangerous disease that kills aggressively and successfully. Cancer cells, unlike benign tumor cells, exhibit the properties of invasion and metastasis and are highly anaplastic. This is very dangerous to the normal framework and function of the body, and both patients and doctors will agree, it is very difficult to completely tackle. Cancer includes the two broad categories of carcinoma and sarcoma but in normal use, it is often used synonymously with carcinoma.

In 1993, the American Cancer Society predicted that about 33% of Americans would eventually develop some form of cancer. In the early 1990’s, nearly six million new cancer cases and more than four million deaths from cancer were being reported worldwide each year, according to Time Magazine, fall 1996 issue. In the United States during the early 1990’s, more than one-fifth of all deaths was caused by cancer. In children, the common types of cancers are bone tumors, leukemia, brain tumors and lymphomas such as Hodgkin's lymphoma.

For adults, it is lung cancer, colon cancer, breast cancer, and prostate cancer. In 1996, there were an estimated 158,700 lung cancer deaths, 56,040 colon and rectum cancer deaths, and 27,800 pancreas cancer deaths. That same year, about 44,300 females died from breast cancer, 14,800 died from ovarian cancer, and 41,400 males died from prostate cancer.

FACTORS AFFECTING CANCER RISKS

Cancer is largely related to dietary choices and lifestyle factors. The new international report on cancer prevention from the American Institute for Cancer Research found that 30% to 40% of all cancers are directly linked to food, exercises and weight. And when coupling a healthful diet and correct lifestyle choices with not smoking, the report finds that as many as 60% to 70% of cancers could be prevented. This is an astoundingly large number proving that there are direct ways control the onset and development of cancer.

Exercise

An important factor leading the fight against cancer is exercise. Exercise is essential for the body and beneficial for vital internal organs, cardiovascular system and immune system. Exercise should be utilized regularly, especially in the United States where a sedentary lifestyle and obesity is on the rise. After a 10-year study, the Centers for Disease Control reported that only 8% of adults ages 18-65 do any regular exercise, i.e., 20 minutes or more of vigorous exercise three times or more per week.

People who exercise are less likely to get colon cancer. Also, women who do not exercise have more than two and one-half times the risk of developing cancer of the reproductive system and almost twice the chance of getting breast cancer. These facts should be enough incentive to make everyone want to exercise. Exercise falls under two main categories, aerobic and anaerobic, but for cancer patients, the exercise of choice would be the aerobic.

Weight

The United States is a blessed nation, rich and abundant in food. Therefore, it has been referred to as the "fattest nation". This is because over 50% of adults are 20 pounds or more overweight. According to the Metropolitan Life Insurance Tables, obesity is approximately 20% above the normal body weight. The main reasons so many people are overweight are: 1) Too many people lead sedentary lives without regular exercise. 2) Americans watch too much television, and “couch potato” numbers continue to rise. 3) The diet consists of too much fats, calories, sugars, junk foods, processed foods, and wrong foods.

Diet plays an important role in weight management. It is clear from recent studies that both increased fat and calorie consumption plays a role in weight gain, initiating cancer and promoting cancer. There are two phenomena going on. When people consume excess calories, it stimulates the metabolic overdrive into making cells divide faster. This increases the risk that something can go wrong, resulting in cancerous cells. Also, obese individuals have more cells, so there is an increased statistical chance that some of those cells might become cancerous.

Due to the awareness of the relationship between increased weight and cancer, the American Cancer Society put their dietary guidelines to the test by trying them out on an entire U.S. Navy crew that was shipped to the Mediterranean for a six-month deployment in 1990. Before they went to sea, the ship's cooks were instructed on how to prepare menus designed to conform to the new guidelines and the crew was educated about them as well as the importance of exercise.

Before and after the mission, the 350 members of the crew on the USS Scott underwent tests to determine their overall health. For comparison, similar data were collected from the crew on a separate ship on which standard Navy menus were served. Preliminary results showed immediate health benefits for the USS Scott crew. They lost an average of 10 pounds and took nearly two inches off their waists. The crew on the other ship gained an average of 7 pounds and their waist sizes grew one to two inches. In addition, of those USS Scott members who weighed 200 pounds or more at the start of the mission, 74% lost weight. Only 26% of the similar group lost weight on the other ship, and 74% of the 200 pound-plus group gained weight.

For meals, sailors were served foods like oven-roasted lean meats, vegetables and baked potatoes in place of fried steaks and mashed potatoes with gravy. Low-fat desserts were offered in place of other higher-fat desserts. The USS Scott commander was concerned that a change of diet would adversely affect the crew's morale, so he insisted that the ship's commissary continue to sell candies and other snacks. However, those occasional foods did not interfere with the overall benefits of the ACS diet. In addition, many sailors on the USS Scott preferred the new diet and 44% said they would maintain similar eating habits on land.

Smoking

Smoking is the most publicized of cancer risks, and there is no question that smoking or using tobacco in any form is one of the worst choices to make from a health perspective. Not only does the use of tobacco greatly increase the risk for lung cancer, but it also influences other forms of cancer and significantly increases the risk for cardiovascular disease and stroke. Over half a billion people alive today will die from tobacco induced diseases, and half of these will be in middle age. It is strongly urged to do one of the following: quit smoking or don’t start to smoke.

For those that wish to stop smoking, there is more help available to quit than ever before. From nicotine patches and gum, natural methods to special counseling programs, there are a variety of aids that have successfully helped millions of people stop smoking. However, as with virtually anything related to health, the first step is always the hardest, and each individual has to take that step. 

Diet

Diet is one of the most, if not the most important factor in preventing against cancer. Scientists have long thought that dietary choices play a crucial role in the cancer process, but it has only been until recently that this area of research has been given more attention and has attracted the levels of funding that can bring about results. Today the increased understanding of the role carbohydrates, protein, fats, water, vitamins, minerals, fats, fiber, phytochemicals play in controlling cancer offers the opportunity to make simple changes to lower the risks.

Food and nutrition are important participants in the prevention and treatment of cancer. Possessing and using the knowledge of nutrition can help cancer patients feel better and stay stronger as the body is combating this tough disease. Increasingly, patients are turning to doctors, dietitians, nutritionists and nurses for help in maintaining proper nutrition and food intake. This shows the direction that medicine is headed, as more and more people are taking charge of their own physical wellness and playing an active role in health.

The main reasons why good food and proper nutrition are especially important for cancer patients in treatment are: 1) Patients who eat well during treatment are able to cope better with the side effects of treatment and may be able to handle a higher dose of certain treatments. 2) A healthy diet can help prevent body tissues from breaking down and rebuild tissues that cancer treatment may harm. 3) If unable to eat enough food or the right kind of food, the body uses stored nutrients as a source of energy, which weakens natural defenses and reduces the ability to fight infection.

Eat A Variety of Foods

Most Americans eat a diet too far high in fat and calories. Even more important is what the average U.S. diet is lacking - a variety of fruits, vegetables and high fiber foods.
It is highly recommended to eat a variety of different foods every day, because no one individual food or group of foods contains all of the nutrients the body needs. To help Americans learn how to choose a healthy diet, the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services designed a Food Guide Pyramid. The Food Guide Pyramid gives the amounts and types of foods most Americans should try to eat each day.

A diet to keep the body strong will include daily servings from the following food groups: 1) Fresh fruits and vegetables provide certain vitamins (such as A and C) and minerals the body needs. Choose a diet rich in a variety of plant-based foods and eat plenty of fresh vegetables and fruits. 2) Protein foods help the body heal itself and fight against infection. 3) Grains, such as bread, pasta, rice, and cereals, provide a variety of carbohydrates and B vitamins. 4) Carbohydrates provide a good source of energy, which the body needs to function well. These food groups should be consumed on a daily basis.

However, the Food Guide Pyramid is not a set rule that everyone has to follow because it may not meet the requirements of individuals with special dietary needs, such as cancer patients. In fact, the best foods for the body will vary with changes in condition, treatment, status of the body, and the body's current needs. Some patients may be at a state when the body needs more calories and more high-protein foods, while others need more high-fiber foods, such as vegetables, fruits, cereals, and whole grains. Some patients may need to add dietary supplements to the diet while undergoing treatment or recovering from an illness. As the body changes, so will the needed foods and nutritional ingredients.

Proper Healthcare

            It is essential for cancer patients to receive the proper health care, therefore, natural medicine  is strongly recommended. Acupuncture, herbal medicine, and food medicine help strengthen the immune system, alleviate pain, balance vital internal organs, facilitate healing and recovery, and reduce side effects of modern drug medicine treatment. Modern drug medicine offers treatment methods, such as surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, hormonal therapy, and biological therapy to treat cancer. However, they pose many undesirable side effects, risks and complications. Our clinic offers help to cancer patients who only utilize natural medicine for healing and recovery. We also assist patients who choose to undergo modern medicine treatments and need help coping with the side effects.

Consult A Qualified Doctor and Nutritionist

It is strongly encouraged for cancer patients to seek the help and advice of a healthcare provider who has achieved proven methods of success in the area. Cancer patients are generally weaker and present more physiological imbalances. Bodily systems and internal organs are dealing with greater amounts of stress due to the disease. Therefore, they need to pay special close attention to their bodies and if certain symptoms develop, to approach it directly, effectively and knowledgeably. For example, if nausea makes certain foods seem unappealing, then eat more of the foods that are easier to handle. If the patient get nauseous from eating fruits but can tolerate vegetables, they may be recommended to eat more fresh vegetables and less fruit. Also changing the form of a food will make it more appetizing.

Our clinic offers quality food and nutrition consultations, seminars, and a PERSONALIZED FOOD MEDICINE manual to help cancer patients with dietary guidelines. We recommend the essential nutrients needed by the body as well as educate the patient on proper food care for recovery. Please consult a healthcare professional before using natural medicine.

COPING WITH THE SIDE EFFECTS OF MODERN MEDICINE TREATMENT

All modern methods of cancer treatment, including surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and biological therapy (immunotherapy) are very powerful. Although treatments target the cancer cells in the body, they also damage normal, healthy cells. For this reason, patients experience unpleasant side effects that may hinder eating, prevent successful dietary management, and bring about weight loss. Side effects of cancer treatment vary from patient to patient. The part of the body being treated, length of treatment, and the dose of treatment also affect whether side effects will occur. The good news is that only about one-third of cancer patients have side effects during treatment, and most side effects go away when treatment ends.

Cancer treatment also may affect eating in another way. When some people get upset, worried or afraid, eating problems may arise. Loss of appetite and nausea are two normal responses to emotional feelings of nervousness or fear. Before undergoing treatment, the patient and/or family members should consult the doctor or registered dietitian on help to solve physical or emotional eating problems. Don't be afraid to ask questions and remember that not all patients have problems with eating during cancer treatment. Even those who have eating problems have days when eating is a pleasure.

The following suggestions have helped cancer patients at our clinic manage eating problems that may be frustrating to handle. We encourage them to try all the ideas in order to determine what works best and share needs and concerns with their family, friends and those preparing meals.

Loss of Appetite

Loss of appetite or poor appetite is one of the most common problems that occur with cancer and its modern medicine treatment. Many things affect appetite, including nausea, vomiting and being upset or depressed about having cancer. A person experiencing these feelings, whether physical or emotional, may not be interested in eating. The following suggestions may help make mealtimes enjoyable:

1)      Stay calm and relaxed and enjoy mealtimes. Do not rush or hurry.

2)      Try changing the time, place, and surroundings of meals. A candlelight dinner can make mealtime more appealing. Set a colorful table. Listen to soft music while eating.

3)      Eat with caring friends, family, and loved ones. This will facilitate the emotional recovery and enhance appetite.

4)      Eat when hungry. Five to six small meals throughout the day will be even better on the metabolic and digestive system than three large meals.

5)      Add variety to the menu and try new recipes and foods.

6)      Eat foods often during the day. Have healthy snacks handy. Taking just a few bites of the right foods or sips of the right liquids every hour will help the patient get more protein and calories.

Sore Mouth or Throat

Mouth sores, tender gums, and a sore throat or esophagus often result from radiation therapy, anti-cancer drugs and infection.  If sore mouth or gums develop, allow a doctor to determine that the soreness is a treatment side effect and not an unrelated dental problem. Certain foods will irritate an already tender mouth and make chewing and swallowing difficult. By carefully choosing the foods consumed and by taking good care of the mouth, eating will usually be much easier. Here are some suggestions that may help:

1)  Try soft foods that are easy to chew and swallow, such as applesauce, peach, pear, plums, watermelon, soy cheese, mashed potatoes, tofu, custards, puddings, gelatin, scrambled eggs, oatmeal, porridge, cooked cereals, and pureed or mashed vegetables such as beets, radishes and carrots.

2)  Avoid the foods that can irritate the mouth, such as spicy or salty foods; rough, coarse, or dry foods; citrus fruits such as oranges, grapefruits, tangerines.

3)  Cook foods until they are soft and tender.

4)  Cut foods into small pieces.

5)  Mix food with thin gravies and sauces to make it easier to swallow.

6)  Use a blender or food processor to puree food.

7)  Use a straw to drink liquids.

8)  Try foods at room temperature. Hot and warm foods can irritate a tender mouth and throat.

9)  If swallowing is hard, it will help to tilt head back or move head forward.

10)  If heartburn is a problem, try sitting up, walking, or standing for about an hour after eating.

11)  If the teeth and gums are sore, a dentist may be able to recommend a special product for cleaning teeth.

12)  Rinse mouth with water often to remove food and bacteria and to promote healing.

13)  Take Aloe Vera to facilitate healing of sore mouth and throat.

Changed Sense of Taste or Smell

A cancer patient's sense of taste or smell may change during the illness or treatment. A condition called "mouth blindness" or "taste blindness" may give foods a bitter or metallic taste, especially meat or other high-protein foods. Many foods will simply have less taste. Chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or the cancer itself may cause these problems. Dental problems also may change the way a food taste. Because each person is affected differently by illness and treatments, there is no guaranteed way to improve the flavor or smell of food. However, the tips given below should help make food taste better:

1)  Choose and prepare foods that look and smell good.

2)  Try using small amounts of flavorful seasonings such as basil, oregano, or rosemary.

3)  Try tart foods such as oranges or lemons that may have more taste. (Do not try this if you have a sore mouth or throat.)

4)  Serve foods at room temperature.

5)  Try using onion and garlic to add flavor to vegetables.

6)  Stop eating foods that cause an unpleasant taste.

7)  Visit the dentist to rule out dental problems that may affect taste or smell of food.

8)  Ask the dentist about special mouthwashes and proper oral hygiene.

Dry Mouth

Chemotherapy and radiation therapy in the head or neck area can reduce the flow of saliva and often cause dry mouth. When this happens, foods are harder to chew and swallow. Dry mouth can also change the way food tastes. The suggestions below may be helpful in dealing with dry mouth. Also, some of the ideas for dealing with a sore mouth or throat that can make foods easier to swallow:

1)  Try tart foods and beverages such as adding fresh squeezed lemon juice to water; these foods may help your mouth produce more saliva. (Do not try this if you also have a sore mouth or throat.)

2)  Use soft and pureed foods, which may be easier to swallow.

3)  Keep your lips moist with lip salves.

4)  Eat foods with sauces and gravies to make them moist and easier to swallow.

5)  Have a sip of water every few minutes to help you swallow and talk more easily. Drink plenty of water.

6)  If the dry mouth problem is severe, ask a doctor or dentist about products that coat and protect the mouth and throat.

7)  Take Aloe Vera for its moisturizing properties.

Nausea

Nausea, with or without vomiting, is a common side effect of surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy and biological therapy. Cancer or other conditions unrelated to the disease and treatment may cause nausea. Whatever the cause, nausea can keep the patient from getting enough food and needed nutrients. Here are some ideas that may be helpful:

1)  Try whole wheat toast and crackers, oatmeal, fruits and vegetables that are soft or bland, and clear liquids sipped slowly.

2)  Avoid fatty, greasy, fried, spicy or hot foods, foods with strong odors, and sweets such as candy, cookies or cake.

3)  Eat small amounts often and slowly.

4)  Avoid eating in a room that is stuffy, too warm or has foul cooking odors

5)  Drink fewer liquids with meals. Drinking liquids can cause a full, bloated feeling.

6)  Drink or sip liquids throughout the day. Use a straw to help.

7)  Eat foods at room temperature; hot foods may add to nausea.

8)  Don't feel forced to eat favorite foods when experiencing nausea. This may cause a permanent dislike of those foods.

9)  Rest after meals. It's best to rest sitting up for about an hour after meals.

10) If nausea is a problem in the morning, try eating dry toast or crackers before getting up out of bed.

11) Wear loose-fitting clothes.

12) Avoid eating for 1 to 2 hours before treatment if nausea occurs during radiation therapy or chemotherapy.

13) Try to keep track of when nausea occurs and what causes it, such as specific foods, events, or surroundings. If possible, make appropriate changes in the diet or schedule and share the information with a doctor or nurse.

Vomiting

Vomiting may follow nausea and may be brought on by treatment, food odors, gas in the stomach or bowels, or motion. In some people, certain surroundings, such as the hospital, may cause vomiting. If vomiting is severe or lasts for more than a few days, contact a doctor. Very often, if nausea is controlled, vomiting will be prevented, but at times, neither can be prevented. Relaxation exercises, quiet concentration, deep breathing, and rest may be able to help alleviate the symptoms. If vomiting occurs, try these hints to prevent further episodes:

1)  Do not drink or eat until the vomiting is under control.

2)  Once you have controlled vomiting, try small amounts of clear liquids. Begin with 1 teaspoonful every 10 minutes, gradually increase the amount to 1 tablespoonful every 20 minutes, and finally try 2 tablespoonfuls every 30 minutes.

3)  When able to keep down clear liquids, try a full-liquid diet. Continue taking small amounts as often as the body is able to keep them down. If a full-liquid diet is fine then gradually work up to a regular diet. If the patient has a hard time digesting milk, try a soft diet instead of a full-liquid diet. When the body accepts a soft diet, gradually add more foods to facilitate the return to a regular diet.

Diarrhea

Diarrhea may have several causes, including chemotherapy, radiation therapy to the abdomen, infection, food sensitivity, and emotional upset. Long-term or severe diarrhea may cause other problems. During diarrhea, food passes quickly through the bowel before the body absorbs enough vitamins, minerals, and water. This may cause dehydration and increase the risk of infection. Contact a doctor if the diarrhea is severe or lasts for more than a couple of days. Here are some ideas for coping with diarrhea:

1)  Drink plenty of liquids during the day. Drinking fluids is important because the body may not get enough water when there is diarrhea.

2)  Eat small amounts of food throughout the day instead of three large meals.

3)  Eat plenty of foods and liquids that contain sodium and potassium. These minerals are often lost during diarrhea. Foods that are high in potassium and do not cause diarrhea include peach, apricot nectar, and boiled or mashed potatoes.

4)  Eliminate greasy, fatty, or fried foods, raw vegetables and fruits and strong spices, such as hot pepper, curry and Cajun spice mix.

5)  Drink liquids that are at room temperature.

6)  Avoid very hot or very cold foods and beverages.

7)  Avoid foods and beverages that contain caffeine, including coffee, strong tea, sodas, and chocolate.

8)  Be careful when using milk and milk products because diarrhea may be caused by lactose intolerance.

10) After sudden, short-term attacks of diarrhea (acute diarrhea), try a clear-liquid diet during the first 12 to 14 hours. This lets the bowel rest while replacing the important body fluids lost during diarrhea. 

Constipation

Some anticancer drugs and other drugs, such as pain medicines, may cause constipation. This problem also may occur if the diet lacks enough fluid or bulk or if the patient is bedridden. Here are some helpful suggestions to prevent and treat constipation:

1)  Drink plenty of liquids, eight 8-ounce glasses every day. This will help keep the stools soft.

2)  Take a hot drink about half an hour before the usual time for a bowel movement.

3)  Eat high-fiber foods, such as whole-grain breads, cereals, and pastas; fresh fruits and vegetables dried beans and peas; and whole-grain products such as barley or brown rice.

4)  Get exercise, such as walking, every day. Talk to a doctor or a physical therapist about the amount and type of exercise.

5)  Add wheat bran to foods such as cereals, casseroles, and homemade breads.

Weight Gain

Sometimes patients gain excess weight during treatment without eating extra calories. For example, certain anticancer drugs, such as prednisone, can cause the body to hold on to fluid, causing weight gain; a condition is known as edema. The extra weight is in the form of water and does not mean over consumption of foods. Therefore, it is important not to go on a diet. If anticancer drugs are causing the body to retain water, it is important to seek proper medical help. The doctor can teach you how to limit the amount of salt, which is important because salt causes the body to hold extra water

Tooth Decay

Cancer and cancer treatment can cause tooth decay and other problems for teeth and gums. Changes in eating habits may also add to the problem. With the increase in frequency of meals, brushing needs to follow consistently and frequently. Brushing after each meal or snack is a good idea. Here are some ideas for preventing dental problems:

1)  Be sure to see a dentist regularly. Patients who receive treatments that affect the mouth (e.g., radiation to the head and neck) may need to see a dentist more often than usual.

2)  Use a soft toothbrush. Ask a doctor or dentist to suggest a special kind of toothbrush and/or toothpaste for sensitive teeth and gums.

3)  Rinse mouth with warm water when the gums and mouth are sore.

4)  Limit the amount of sugar in your diet.

5)  Avoid eating foods that stick to the teeth, such as caramels or candy bars. 

Lactose Intolerance

Lactose intolerance means that the body can't digest or absorb the milk sugar called lactose. Cow's milk, dairy products, and foods to which milk has been added contain lactose. Lactose intolerance may occur after treatment with antibiotics, radiation to the stomach, or any treatment that affects the digestive tract. The part of the intestines that breaks down lactose may not work properly during treatment. For some people, symptoms of lactose intolerance, such as gas, cramping and diarrhea may disappear a few weeks or months after the treatment ends or when the intestine heals. For others a permanent change in eating habits may be needed. Consult our clinic to advise a diet plan low in foods containing lactose. If cow's milk had been a main source of protein in the patient's diet, it will be important to get enough protein from other foods. Products, such as soybeans and spirulina, are excellent sources of protein and other nutrients.

Saving Time and Energy

The recovering cancer patient needs both rest and nourishment during and after treatment for cancer. Here are some suggestions for saving time and energy in preparing meals.

1)  Let someone else do the cooking when possible.

2)  If the recovery time from treatment is going to be longer than 1 or 2 days, prepare a helper list. Decide who can help shop, cook, set the table, and clean up. Write it down, discuss it, and post it where it can easily be seen.

3)  Write out menus. Add instructions so that others can help.

4)  Use shopping lists.

5)  Don't be shy about accepting gifts of food and offers of help from family and friends.

6)  Always date the food when they are put it in the refrigerator or freezer.

7)  Have as few dishes, pots, and pans to wash as possible. Cook in dishes and pans that can also make attractive servers. Use paper napkins, disposable dishes, paper cups, and pans.

8)  When preparing soft dishes, choose foods that the whole family can eat, such as omelets, scrambled eggs, beans, tofu, steamed vegetables, tuna salad sandwiches, or tuna casseroles. Set aside enough food to be pureed in the blender or food processor.

9)  Share information with others for ideas for food selection and preparation.

SPECIAL DIETS

A doctor or nutritionist may prescribe a special diet based upon the patient's illness or treatment. They may suggest dietary supplements to help meet nutritional needs. Special diets are an important tool for correcting nutritional problems that occur during cancer treatment. For example, a soft diet may be best for the mouth, throat, esophagus, or stomach if sores are present. Or, if the treatment makes it difficult to digest dairy products, a soy protein diet may be best.

Some diets are well balanced and can be followed for long periods of time. However, some special diets should be followed for only a few days because they may not provide enough nutrients for the long term. Only a doctor or nutritionist should decide whether a special diet is needed and for how long. Common special diets include clear-liquid diet, full-liquid diet, soft diet, fiber-restricted diet and low-lactose diet.

Clear-Liquid Diet

Clear-liquid diets are useful if the body cannot handle the softest foods, heavy liquids, or thick liquids. Patients usually follow this type of diet after surgery or before stomach or bowel surgery. Patients with severe nausea and vomiting may also have this diet. A clear-liquid diet lasts 1 to 2 days or until the body is ready to drink or eat other beverages and foods. It cannot meet the daily servings, but it helps ensure that the body does not lose too much fluid during recovery and before being ready for a regular diet.

Full-Liquid Diet

A full-liquid diet is recommended when the body is able to digest all liquids but cannot handle solid foods. The doctor may prescribe this diet after surgery or when the patient experiences difficulty chewing and swallow food. All liquids served at room or body temperature are part of this diet. Soybean milk is included to ensure adequate protein. When planned properly, this diet can be used for long periods of time. In these instances, the doctor may prescribe a dietary supplement and/or certain vitamins. If a full-liquid diet is used over a long period of time, it is important to increase the protein and calorie content of the diet.

Soft Diet

A soft diet is useful when the body is ready for more than liquids but still unable to handle a regular solid diet. Soft foods are easier to eat than regular foods when the mouth, throat, esophagus, and/or stomach are sore. This soreness usually occurs to these parts of the body during and after radiation therapy or during chemotherapy. A soft diet can be used for long periods because it contains all needed nutrients. The diet consists of bland, lower fat foods that are softened through cooking, mashing, pureeing, or blending.

Fiber Restricted Diet

The doctor may recommend a fiber-restricted diet if the patient's gastrointestinal (GI) tract cannot digest fiber in foods. This type of diet is often used after GI surgery before patients return to their regular diet. A fiber-restricted diet also may be needed when treatment, such as radiation, damages the bowel or when the GI tract becomes irritated. A fiber-restricted diet limits the amount of vegetables, fruits, cereals, and grains that are consumed. It also limits the amount of cow's milk and cow's milk products, such as cream, yogurt and cheese. Cow's milk does not contain fiber, but it leaves a residue in the gastrointestinal tract that can irritate the bowel and cause diarrhea and cramping. The diet also is helpful for the many cancer patients who have a hard time digesting the milk sugar, lactose. A fiber-restricted diet can be changed easily, depending on how the patient feels after eating certain foods.

There may be times when a low-residue diet, which is more limited than a fiber-restricted diet, is needed. On the low-residue diet, the patient may be able to eat most strained vegetables and fruit juices, such as white potatoes without skin. All other forms of vegetables and fruits may be excluded from the diet. The low-residue diet also limits the amount of fat and dairy products. A doctor or nutritionist will let the patient know if a low residue diet should be utilized.

Low-Lactose Diet

The doctor may recommend a low-lactose diet to the patient after radiation therapy to the intestines, which often makes lactose hard to digest for a time. All milk products contain lactose or milk sugar therefore soy products are easier to handle than dairy products. Lactose is often used as fillers in many products such as instant coffee and certain medicines. It is important to carefully read labels on commercial foods to see if they contain lactose or any milk products or milk solids. Lactose intolerance varies from person to person.

SUPPLEMENTS

If not enough calories and protein are derived from the patient's diet, nutrition supplements, such as formulas and instant breakfast powders, may help. These products may be added to boost calorie content. These meal supplements are high in protein and calories and have extra vitamins and minerals. They are convenient and inexpensive additions to homemade preparations. Our nutritional supplements contain no lactose – making it easy on the digestive system.

Vitamins, minerals and trace elements may also be supplemented into the daily diet. They are needed for normal functioning of the body and to achieve homeostasis. The best way to ensure intake of these substances is by eating a wide variety of foods, or to supplement with a liquid multi-vitamin and mineral complex.

1)  Vitamin A (Beta Carotene) - Vitamin A enhances immunity and protects against cancer formation, especially lung cancer. It helps reduce the risks of tumor formation and acts as an antioxidant.

2)  Vitamin B Complex - B Vitamins, such as thiamin and niacin, help the digestive system work properly. Some B Vitamins, such as folic acid and B12 are essential for blood cell production (often a problem during cancer treatment). In addition, B Vitamins, such as thiamin, riboflavin and niacin are key factors in the production of energy from carbohydrates and fats.

3)  Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) -  It enhances immunity and prevents cancer.

4)  Vitamin E - It helps prevent against cancer, tumor formation, cardiovascular disease, and cell damage. It enhances circulation, aids in tissue repair and in normal clotting and healing.

5)  Vitamin K - It is useful in the prevention and treatment of cancer.

6)  Chromium - Chromium helps transport amino acids to where the body needs them, control the appetite, and medical research has shown that persons with low levels of Chromium in their bodies are more susceptible to cancer, heart problems and diabetes.

7)  Copper is necessary for the absorption and utilization of iron. Copper aids in the formation of red blood cells and helps proper bone formation.

8)  Iron combines with protein and copper to make hemoglobin, which is its major function. Hemoglobin transports oxygen in the blood from the lungs to the tissues, which need oxygen to maintain basic life functions. Iron builds up the quality of the blood and increases resistance to stress and disease.

9)  Magnesium - Magnesium maintains normal heart rhythm necessary for proper calcium and vitamin C metabolism and converts blood sugar into energy. It is essential for lymphocyte growth.

10) Molybdenum is needed in extremely small amounts for nitrogen metabolism, which enables the body to use nitrogen. It promotes normal cell function.

11) Selenium is a major antioxidant that protects cell membranes and prevents free radical generation thereby decreasing the risk of cancer and disease of the heart and blood vessels. Also, increased selenium intake can decrease the risk of breast, colon, lung and prostate cancer. Selenium also preserves tissue elasticity, slows down the aging and hardening of tissues through oxidation.

12) Zinc is an antioxidant that is necessary for protein synthesis and wound healing. It is important for blood stability and maintains the body's alkaline balance.

Thinking about cancer is something most people would usually rather avoid, but today people are encouraged to paying more attention to preventing cancer and decreasing its risks. With almost 1.4 million new cancer cases in the United States each year and more than 500,000 deaths from this disease, programs which can produce even a small reduction in cancer rates offer enormous savings in lives, suffering and medical expense.

Researchers tell us that the majority of cancers we face in this country are preventable - not through new drugs or medical breakthroughs, but through what we choose to and not to do. As scientific knowledge about the role dietary and lifestyle choices play in both promoting and preventing cancer, it has become increasingly evident that simple changes will have significant impacts on reducing cancer rates. This is hopeful information for everyone to hear and pay attention to.

After learning more about cancer and the role exercise, weight management, smoking, nutrition and food play, it has proven to be promising. If 60-70% of the risks can be diminished simply by obeying the above directions, that leaves only 30-40% risk of getting cancer. This number will have to be closer to 0% to put our minds completely at ease, but there are other factors to consider in order to further diminish cancer risks:

• Avoid sun damage by wearing sun block and not getting sun burnt

• Decrease pollution from smog, dust mites and bacteria by getting an air filter.

• Avoid x-rays, MRI, and harsh diagnostic procedures when possible.

• Avoid radiation from computer monitors, cell phones, microwave ovens and television sets.

• Avoid radiated foods and buy organic fruits and vegetables that are free from pesticides and chemical fertilizers.

• Avoid drug medications and synthetic chemicals whenever possible.

• Avoid hormone, steroid and antibiotic raised meats.

• Avoid charcoal and burnt foods.

• Avoid tap water with heavy metals and toxic chemicals.

• Do not let symptoms go untreated. They are a way the body hints of imbalances, possible diseases, and areas we need to pay attention to.

• Make sure the bowels move 2-3 times each day.

• Get plenty of sleep and go to bed early.

• Learn to rest, relax and manage stress.

• Learn proper ways to prepare and store foods.

            In addition, be knowledgeable and gather many sources to compare data, research and tips before concluding on which ones to follow. Don't be afraid to ask questions to doctors, nurses, pharmacists, nutritionists, and all people who work in the healthcare industry, and don't be afraid to challenge sources. We are all in this together and the more people that take on an active role, the quicker solutions and possible cures will arise. Staying on top of the latest findings and reports will prove beneficial to health and healing.