Posted by Deanna Kidd on Wed, May 19, 2010
Nutritionist and Cancer survivor, Conner Middelmann Whitney, shared the following information on her blog. “Nutrition plays a crucial role, both in preventing and in overcoming cancer. In its landmark Expert Report, the most comprehensive report ever produced on the links between lifestyle and cancer risk, the World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF) estimates that up to 30% of all cancers could be prevented by eating an optimal diet, getting regular physical activity and maintaining a healthy body weight.
“Some experts even suggest that some of the commonest forms of cancer, such as breast-, colorectal and prostate cancer, could be reduced by 60-70% and lung cancers by 40-50% if people ate an anti-cancer diet. Even cancer patients undergoing treatment may find this type of diet helpful, some studies suggest.
“By the way, healthy eating isn't just for cancer patients. There are benefits to everyone in a diet that boosts general health and well-being. Thus, an "anti-cancer" diet can potentially help prevent or relieve a long list of other medical conditions, including diabetes, heart disease, dementia, arthritis and even depression.
“In addition to helping improve overall health, the anti-cancer diet has no known negative side-effects. In my experience, if there are any "side-effects," they are increased energy, fewer colds and sore throats, clearer skin, better digestion and a happier disposition. Fine with me!”
The Anti-Cancer Diet follows these main concepts:
- Focus on plant-based foods
- Buy organic or local produce, if possible
- Bulk up on natural fiber
- Cut down on meat
- Choose your fats wisely
- Choose cancer-fighting foods (Eating a colorful variety gives you the best protection.)
- Prepare your food in healthy ways
We’ll look deeper into their suggestions in future posts
Posted by Deanna Kidd on Fri, May 14, 2010
The Anti Cancer Diet recommends not only a plant-based diet, but one with an emphasis on organic or locally grown fruits and vegetables. They explain that “Some pesticides found in commercially-grown produce are also suspected carcinogens. Organic foods are free of these pesticides, and locally grown produce is less likely to have been treated with chemicals to prevent spoilage.”
According to beyond pesticides.com, in addition to lacking the toxic residues of conventional foods, organic food is more nutritious with higher total phenolics, important for their anticancer and antioxidant properties.
The American Heart Association recommends a diet high in food sources of antioxidants and other heart healthy nutrients, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains and nuts to reduce the risk of Cardiovascular Disease. That’s because allowing oxidation of LDL (or "bad") cholesterol develops fatty buildups in the arteries. This process, called atherosclerosis, can lead to heart attacks and strokes.
Phenolics also help prevent clog formation in vessels, preventing delivery of blood and oxygen to tissues beyond the clog. This is called ‘infarction,’ which can be life threatening if it occurs in your heart or brain.
Children are particularly susceptible to the effects of pesticide exposure because they have developing organ systems that are more vulnerable and less able to detoxify toxic chemicals. Pesticide exposure occurs through exposure to chemically treated lawns and food, so switching to an organic diet is an important step in reducing this exposure.
Some foods tend to have lower pesticide residues either because fewer pesticides are used in their production or because they have thicker skins and, when peeled, contain smaller amounts of pesticides than more thin-skinned products. Others hold on to the pesticides they’re exposed to, so you should make sure you get these organically grown: Spinach, Apples, Potatoes, Cherries, Celery, Imported grapes, Bell peppers, Nectarines, Strawberries, Peaches, Raspberries, and Pears.
For more info on what foods to buy organic, go to Organic.lovetoknow.com .
Posted by Deanna Kidd on Wed, May 12, 2010
Plant-based foods are cancer-fighting powerhouses. They’ve got less fat, more fiber, and more nutrients. These three elements work together to support your immune system and help your body fight off diseases for heart health, diabetes and cancer.
A nice visual reminder is for two-thirds of your plate to be full of colorful natural foods – the more colors the better. Vegetables, beans, and fruit are the most colorful and then whole grains and nuts can round it out.
Dairy products, fish, and meat are items that should take up no more than a third of the plate. At the same time, reduce the amount of processed foods you eat and replace them with a healthy alternative. For example, eat an apple instead of drinking a glass of apple juice, for more fiber and less sugar.
Here are some ways to incorporate more good stuff into every meal:
Breakfast: Add fruit and a few seeds or nuts to your whole grain breakfast cereal (oatmeal!).
Lunch: Eat a big salad filled with your favorite beans and peas or other combo of veggies. On sandwiches, order whole grain bread and load it with as many veggies you can.
Snacks: Grab an apple or banana on your way out the door. Raw veggies such as carrots, celery, cucumbers, jicama, peppers, etc. are great with a low-fat dip such as hummus. Keep trail mix made with nuts, seeds and a little dried fruit on hand.
Dinner: Add fresh or frozen veggies to your favorite pasta sauce or rice dish. Top a baked potato with broccoli and yogurt, sautéed veggies, or with salsa. Replace creamy pasta sauces, with sautéed vegetables or tomato sauce made with healthy olive oil.
Dessert: Choose fruit instead of a rich dessert. Or a single square of dark chocolate.
If you’re diabetic, you’ll want to choose fruits and vegetables that have less natural sugar.
Posted by North Ohio Heart Center and Ohio Medical Group on Mon, Oct 05, 2009
Though you might think you're getting enough Vitamin D through your diet or by exposure to sunlight, chances are you may still need more.
Vitamin D deficiency is an increasing common problem which is often not even diagnosed.
We all know that Vitamin D has many beneficial effects on bone and muscle health. But did you know that deficiency of this vitamin has also been associated with other problems, especially as we get older? Some of these include higher incidents of falling, increased pain, autoimmune diseases, heart disease, cancer, and memory disturbances.
Having adequate levels of Vitamin D is important to your overall health. The only way to know if you are deficient is to see your doctor for a simple blood test, as this will decide if a simple over-the-counter supplement or prescription replacement will be needed.
Talk to your doctor today about Vitamin D deficiency.
About the author: Dr. Sandeep Patel has been a doctor with NOHC and OMG since June 2009 and practices at our OMG Elyria office. His special interests include diabetes, hypertension and care of patients in nursing facilities. His primary specialty is Internal Medicine.
Articles by Dr. Patel.
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