Guest Post by Kate Flaherty of the Mesothelioma Cancer Alliance
Photo Credit: AndyRobertsPhotos
In our world of hyperpowered medical technology, there’s an arsenal of anti-cancer weapons from which we can choose in our fight against cancer. Beyond surgical procedures, chemotherapy, and other options from the world of medicine, we are discovering that some of the most potent anti-cancer treatments can show up right at the kitchen table.
All cancers respond in some way to an organic-based diet. Regardless of whether it’s a digestive-based cancer such as stomach cancer or a cancer that has its’ origins in the environment, such as mesothelioma, all benefit from the highly concentrated antioxidants in organic foods.
The average diet today lacks so many of the essential nutrients that our bodies need in order to experience complete health. The quality of our diet has an enormous impact on our every day health, but also on our capability to survive cancer and thrive.
Cancer treatments stress and challenge many systems in the body. Downing organic foods rich in antioxidants and free of pesticides that make further demands on our detoxifying organs increases our odds of survival. Choosing from the rainbow of fresh, organic vegetables and fruits, eliminating processed foods, and eating as close to nature as possible can and give someone struggling with cancer the foot-up that they need to tolerate their treatment. Since appetite is diminished during treatment, it’s critical that every bite of food is an organic powerhouse.
Dr. Andrew Weil, the guru of good health, specifically addressed the subject of an organic-based diet during cancer treatment:
“Treatments for cancer, either conventional, alternative or a combination of both, can be enhanced by some simple lifestyle, diet and nutritional supplement strategies. Eat generous amounts of vegetables and moderate amounts of fruit. Choose organic whenever possible to minimize exposure to pesticide residues that may put an extra detoxification load on the liver.”
If a totally organic diet isn’t doable, follow Environmental Working Group’s “Dirty Dozen” and “Clean 15” for which produce items should definitely be organic, and which ones aren’t high in pesticides and are ok to buy when not grown organically.
Dirty Dozen (buy organic): Celery, Peaches, Strawberries, Apples, Blueberries, Nectarines, Bell Peppers, Spinach, Cherries, Kale/Collard Greens, Potatoes, Imported Grapes.
Clean 15 (ok to not buy organic): Onions, Avocado, Sweet Corn, Pineapple, Mangos, Sweet Peas, Asparagus, Kiwi, Cabbage, Eggplant, Cantaloupe, Watermelon, Grapefruit, Sweet Potatoes, Honeydew Melon.
Other helpful tips include adding Asian mushrooms to the diet of the cancer patient, as well as drinking several cups of green tea each day, and supplementing with CoQ10, a powerful anti-oxidant, Omega 3 fatty acids and selenium, an important anti-cancer mineral.
Making the change to organics can make a positive impact on cancer prevention, treatment, life-expectancy, and survival. What are YOUR thoughts on organic foods and health?
Yay for Harvard! Noting that the USDA’s “MyPlate” is based on a mix of science and US agricultural interests (rather than just on science), the Harvard School of Public Health created a much easier to understand “Healthy Eating Plate“, which replaces dairy milk with water saying there’s little evidence that dairy protects bones, and even more evidence that dairy may be harmful to health, and also emphasizing healthier proteins and whole grains, and encouraging some healthy oils and exercise. Read more about both here.
Delish & Healthy-ish With Jen Reilly, RD 