Wednesday, October 15, 2014

Prevention & Treatment of Cancer with Nutrition



Renee Gosselin, MS MBA RD
Nutrition Instructor

I don’t think I know one person who has not been affected by cancer in one way or another in their lifetime. Whether it is a family member or a friend, we all may have heard the words “I have cancer”. The reality of Westernization treatments rely on utilizing infusions or medications of all kinds. Nutrition plays a large role of prevention and treatment of cancers of all kinds. 

Cancer occurs when cells start abnormally dividing and have the potential to move throughout the body and spread. This could be spreading through tissues, fluids, and major organs.


 It is very important that an individual eats foods rich in phytochemicals to help prevent the spread of these cells. Phytochemicals are found in plants and maybe referred to as flavonoids, flavanols, carotenoids, isoflavones, polyphenols, anthocyanins, and antioxidants. Antioxidants are actual chemicals that fight against these cells that are known as free radicals.

 A short list of foods that are rich in antioxidants include berries including blueberries, blackberries, strawberries and red berries, nuts including walnuts and pecans, grapes, artichoke hearts, and green tea.   

Additionally, avoiding foods that are contain nitrates, nitrites, and nitrosamines may help decrease the occurrence of some cancer. We find these ingredients in foods such as cured meats, beer, bacon, and non-edible products such as rubber, pesticides, and some cosmetics.



There are many different types of diet plans and supplements that someone may follow if they had the diagnosis with cancer. 

Disclaimer: ***These are not recommendations; please contact your doctor before trying any new supplements or meal plans. Supplements are not regulated by the FDA and here is a good link to refer to http://ods.od.nih.gov/ ***

Just to name a few include:
Macrobiotic diet                 Vegetarian diet          Gerson therapy
Soy and soy products          Flaxseed                   Ginger
Shark Cartilage                   Coenyzme Q10         Milk Thistle
Teas                                     DHEA

Complementary treatments such as acupuncture, aromatherapy, and massage therapy have also been utilized as therapies to help cancer patients. 

Here is a good link to read up on supplements in general from the American Cancer Society: http://www.cancer.org/acs/groups/cid/documents/webcontent/002385-pdf.pdf

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