Nutrition and Cancer

Dear readers

I was contacted by Ms Jillian McKee who has worked as the Complementary Medicine Advocate at the Mesothelioma Cancer Alliance since June of 2009.  She is a passionate lady reaching out to cancer patients and spreading cancer awareness by integrating complementary medicine in conjunction with contemporary cancer treatment.  The following article by Ms Jillian McKee was forwarded to me to be posted in this blog. 

Read more: http://www.mesothelioma.com/blog/authors/jillian/bio.htm#ixzz254zoN4NA

Nutrition and Its Impact on Cancer

Most people know the importance of a healthy diet.  Without doubt, the nutritional value of the foods humans eat has a large impact on our energy levels, moods, and the very regeneration of our cells. It is hugely important to furnish this intricate machine we call a body with the very best fuel to keep it running smoothly. Although nutrition plays a role in keeping us healthy, it can also be an important factor in helping people living with diseases such as breast cancer, mesothelioma cancer, lymphoma, and melanoma improve the quality of their lives.

Hearing the diagnosis of cancer can be enough to cause mental and emotional stress, and the physical onslaught brought about by the very treatments meant to heal can leave the body wasted and injured. Studies have found that proper nutrition can improve energy levels and even may increase the likelihood of survival in some cancer patients. One study in breast cancer patients showed that women who ate more vegetables high in fiber had a greater chance of surviving than those who did not.  Another study showed that women who obtained high amounts of vitamin C from food also had a higher rate of surviving breast cancer. Bell peppers, broccoli, guava, strawberries, and oranges are all packed with vitamin C.

For people going through chemotherapy, a greater intake of calories and protein may be needed to maintain their energy levels. It is important to remember that patients should strive to receive the bulk of their protein through foods low in saturated fat and high in fiber such as nuts, seeds, and legumes. Likewise, some patients may find their iron depleted by cancer treatments and become anemic. It is important to eat iron-rich foods if this happens. Some foods that contain both iron and fiber are leafy greens, dried fruits, and lentils.

Whether one is living one’s life with or without cancer, the benefits of a healthy diet are numerous, but for the cancer patient, the results of receiving the proper nutrition can improve the quality of life while undergoing treatments and also during remission.  A diet high in fiber, vitamin C, iron, and plant based protein can promote higher energy levels and help people experiencing or healing from cancer improve the quality of their lives.