A Cancer Phyting Diet
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A Cancer Phyting Diet Research Basics 1. The literature suggests that 30% and perhaps as much as 70% of all cancers may be related to what we eat. In particular, phytochemicals (natural plant-based chemicals) have specific properties for preventing/treating cancer. 2. Being proactive about your diet is one way to be “involved” in your cancer treatment. Patients who are involved typically demonstrate greater progress than those who are not. 3. The research for this diet began in early 2000, shortly after Ernie was diagnosed with stage D prostate cancer. However, many of the foods are appropriate for treating heart disease and a variety of cancers. 4. This diet focuses on whole foods, not additives. I want to stress this as even my limited research indicates synergies between chemicals/nutrients in a specific food as well as between foods. In addition, additives should be considered medicines and discussed with your doctor as they may adversely interfere with prescribed drugs. 5. Good research on foods is hard to come by; so some of the literature is contradictory. If you look hard enough, you can probably find an article that discounts the benefits ascribed by other studies. I’ve tried to go with the majority opinions. 6. This diet is based primarily on articles found on the internet. It is not intended for use in place of treatment advised by your physician. I am not a professional dietician. Use this diet as a starting point, discuss it with your physician, and modify to fit your specific needs. In particular, understand that some items in the diet will have to be eliminated/restricted if their effects counteract certain medications. (For example, broccoli florets are high in vitamin K which offsets the blood thinning purpose of Coumadin.) 7. This list continues to evolve, so if you share the file with someone please keep the revision date so people getting multiple copies know which one is the most current.
1. Low fat. The goal is no more than 20% of total calories from fat. Fat can interfere with the absorption of some phytochemicals and may directly promote prostate cancer tumor growth. Reduce consumption of animal products (in particular, red meat, cheese, and ice cream); skin your poultry; use olive/flax oil, etc. 2. High fiber (found only in plant foods). Water-insoluble fiber aids laxation and reduces risk of colon cancer. It expedites removal of oil soluble wastes such as excess hormones and toxins such as pesticides residues, which alleviates potential liver problems as well as acne and fatigue. Water-soluble fiber binds up cholesterol and removes it from the body, helping to lower total cholesterol. A high fiber diet helps prevent hypoglycemia and evens out blood sugar levels in diabetics. The goal is to eat 25-35 grams of fiber a day. This may seem impossible at first, but hang in there. Tips: · Ease into a high fiber diet over a number of days to avoid initial digestion problems. We found this out the hard way. · Drink more fluids as you add more fiber; you should be drinking at least 8 cups a day. · Read the labels and phase out low fiber cereals and add high fiber ones. Oatmeal is great (4g/serving). We’ve been pleased with the Health Valley Organic Amaranth Flakes and Fiber 7. · Phase out white bread, white rice, and empty-calorie cereals. The whole wheat and multi-grain breads are a delight, and I really like the texture of the brown rice that looks kind of wild. Surprisingly, white pasta isn’t as “bad” as white rice, although whole wheat pasta is higher fiber. Also, try using Bulgar wheat (7g/serving) in place of rice in side dishes. Again, be careful to read the labels; don’t buy bread/rice/cereals that doesn’t give you 3+ grams per slice or serving.
· Eat more (5+) servings of fruits & leafy green, red, and yellow vegetables EACH DAY. Most servings are 1-4 g each, e.g., 1 c. strawberries 4g, 1 medium apple 3g, 1 raw carrot 2g. Note ½ c of most fruit juices have < ½ g, but a 6 oz can of V8 has 1.4 g. 3. Reduce sugar. It took me a while to find anything to indicate sugar would defeat a cancer diet except that most foods that are high in sugar are also high in fat and that sugary foods have empty calories. (Well, we all knew that.) Unfortunately, I have since found articles indicating that sugar feeds cancer and suppresses the immune system. If you must cheat, try dark chocolate has the same flavonoids found in teas, but keep it minimal and read the labels. Look for dark chocolate with no milk fat; cocoa butter is OK. 4. Drink lots of (filtered) water. You need to help your body wash out the cellular debris. 8-10 cups a day or more if you are drinking caffeinated fluids. Specific Foods
· An excellent source of the isoflavanoids genistein & daidzein, phyto-estrogens which block estrogen receptors/reduce production of testosterone. Women with estrogen receptive breast cancer should avoid soybean products, as the soybean contains a plant form of estrogen. (Prostate and some breast cancers) This is questionable · Inhibits angiogenesis, the growth of new blood vessels in cancerous tissues. (Various cancers). · Like other legumes contains saponins which may prevent cancer cells from multiplying. · Helps lower both total and LDL cholesterol. (Heart disease) · Has a modest effect on bone density. (Osteoporosis) · Reduces inflammation. · Also contains polyphenols (see green tea below) and folic acid (reduces neural tube disorders in unborn babies and reduces risk of heart disease in post-menopausal women). · Goal 40+ g./day. · Tips: · Start with soy nuts. You can eat these like peanuts. By the time you get through the first bag, you’ll be addicted. Maybe some, but we didn’t like very well, although we really like pumpkin seed · Use soy milk in your cereal. We started using ½ soy and ½ regular 2%, but now we use all soy—the vanilla favored kind. The non-fat kind is still too watery for us. We use lite soy milk, tastes great, we don’t use regular milk at all · Soybeans take longer to cook than most legumes. Cook a full bag of soybeans almost completely. Then bag and freeze to complete cooking & add to dishes later. · Tempeh has the consistency of hamburger and can be added to lots of recipes and actually tastes good even though it sounds horrible. Can’t do, we tried boca burgers and soy hot dogs but it won’t work for us · Keep a container of miso in the refrigerator and add on the fly to sauces, soups, casseroles, etc. Not really tried · Use soy flour as a replacement for part of the flour called for in recipes. · Soy protein isolate can be used as a thickener or for “smoothies”. Ernie’s makes his smoothies using 2 c. vanilla flavored soy milk, 1c fruit necter (e.g., mango, guava), 3 heaping Tbl soy protein (e.g., Soylicious), 2 tsp. modified fruit pectin, 1-2 T ground flaxseed, a banana, ½-1 c fresh pineapple, and one other fruit (e.g., ½-1 c frozen berries). (Note: measurements are approximate; makes a full blender.) · Veggie burgers, soy cold cuts and soy hot dogs. Not all brands are equal; be prepared to pitch a few. Also, read the labels. Look for soy protein “isolate” or “textured” soy protein; avoid soy protein “concentrate”. · Tofu. Well, I’m convinced lots of people like it.
· An excellent source of polyphenols, which restrict the activity of cancer-related enzymes inhibiting growth and promoting apoptosis (cancer cell death). (Various cancers) · Antioxidant. (General cancer prevention and rheumatoid arthritis). · Green tea is typically lower in caffeine than black teas. · How much? Literature is uncertain. We are drinking 4-6 cups/day.
· An excellent source of lignans which are phyto-estrogens. (See discussion on soy isoflavanoids.) (Prostate and breast cancer) · Inhibits cancer cell proliferation. · Oil contains essential fatty acids, the base for the omega-3s, which strengthen the cell and help reduce allergy-related problems, inflammations, and risk of heart disease. · Tips: · Grind in a coffee grinder as the seed form is undigestable. · Buy small amounts from a whole foods store as flaxseed is very perishable. I’m buying a bag, grinding, & freezing. · Add to cereal, soups, chili, etc. · Goal: 1-3 tbsp/day. This goal has been hard. We do well to remember to sprinkle it on cereal in the AM.
· See fiber discussion in “General” section above.
· Excellent source of allyl sulfides. · Strengthens healthy cell membranes. (General cancer prevention) · Helps prevent infection and boosts the immune system. (General health) · Helps detoxify some carcinogenic compounds; facilitates carcinogen excretion; and enhances t-cell binding to cancerous cells. (Various cancers) · Helps lower both total and LDL cholesterol and reduces thickening of artery walls. (Heart disease) · Source of quercetin, which suppresses tumor formation. Quercetin also inhibits release of histamines and reduces asthmatic responses. Note: quercetin may be a poorly absorbed nutrient (see discussion on Pineapple). (Other sources include red & yellow onion, broccoli, red apples, cranberries, cherries, red grapes, kale, and purple cabbage.) (Various cancers, allergies, rheumatoid arthritis, and asthma) · Tip: Most effective raw. If used in cooking, crush and let stand 10 minutes first. · Goal: 1-3 cloves/day.
· Good source of Glucosinolates, which promote immune response and inhibit tumor growth. In particular, broccoli sprouts are very high in sulforophane, a glucosinolate found to reduce the growth of tumors. (Other sources include brussel sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, kale, mustard greens, radishes and turnips.) (Various cancers) · Glucosinolates are metabolized to produce indoles found to bind chemical carcinogens and activate detoxification enzymes in the gastrointestinal tract. Indoles also neutralize active estrogen molecules that trigger tumor growth in breast tissue. (Breast cancer) · Broccoli also contains Glutathione, a sulfur-based antioxidant. (Other sources are asparagus, avocados and watermelon.) · Flavanoids in broccoli are antioxidants. (General cancer & heart disease prevention) · Broccoli is a good source for quercetin. (See discussion for garlic.) · Broccoli is a good source for vitamin C. · Goal: 1 pkg broccoli sprouts & 2 cups florets/week.
· Contains lycopenes, the red member of the carotene phytochemical family, which are particularly attracted to prostate cells. One study found that men with higher blood lycopene levels had sixty percent lower risk of fast-growing prostate cancer. (Prostate cancer) · Antioxidant. (General cancer & heart disease prevention) · Strengthens healthy cell membranes. (General cancer prevention) · In general, carotenes behave as antioxidants, enhance immune response, and protect against UV radiation. · Tip: Heating in olive oil seems to help release the lycopenes. Similarly, canned tomato/spaghetti sauces are good sources. · Goal: 1 serving/day.
· Excellent source of beta-carotene. · In general, carotenes behave as antioxidants, enhance immune response, and protect against UV radiation. · Goal: 1 serving/day.
· Contains vitamin C, folic acid, potassium and pectin in addition to 60+ flavonoids with properties including anti-inflammatory and antitumor activity, inhibition of blood clots and strong antioxidant activity. · Pink grapefruit is also a good source of lycopenes. (See discussion for tomatoes.) · Be careful with pink grapefruit. It should not be eaten if you are on certain medications. · Lemon peel has Limonene which has anti-cancer activity for various cancers including squamous cell skin cancer. Nibble on that piece the restaurants put in your water glass. Spearmint is another good source. · Tangerines have tangeretin which inhibits tumor cell growth. · Goal: 1+ servings/day.
· My favorite part of this diet. · Strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, cranberries, red grapes, pomegranates, walnuts and pecans contain ellagic acid, a polyphenol which exhibits anticarcinogenic activity and may cause apoptosis. Note: the literature is unclear -- ellagic acid may be poorly absorbed. (Various cancers) · Strawberries, cherries, cranberries, raspberries, blueberries, purple/red grapes and black currants contain anthocyanins -- water soluble, reddish pigments, which are anti-inflammatory, promote blood flow and reduce cholesterol, in addition to being antioxidants. · Oats, apples, and cranberries are a good source for quercetin. (See discussion for garlic.) · Blueberries & strawberries contain flavonoids that are powerful antioxidants. · Purple grape flavonoids are similar to those in red wine. · Almonds are an excellent source of vitamin E (antioxidant, reduces risk of heart disease, strokes, cataracts, and asthma; slows Alzheimer's disease; boosts immune system; relieves hot flashes). · Goal: 1-2 servings/day.
· Contains sulfur compounds which may be active against cancer. (Various cancers) · Contains bromelain, which is a protein-digesting enzyme that increases the absorption of quercetin. (See discussion for Garlic.) · Bromelain also has anti-inflammatory properties. · Contains p-coumaric acid and chlorogenic acid, which reduce the production of nitrosoamines, thus reducing potential for carcinogenic activity. (Other sources are tomatoes, strawberries, and green peppers.) · I haven’t a clue as to how much. We’re going to shoot for 3-4 times a week due to the possible connection with quercetin.
· Ernie’s favorite part of the diet. · Contains polyphenols shown to reduce the levels of LDL cholesterol. · Contains anthocyanins as discussed for berries. · Contains flavonoids that may make blood less likely to clot. (heart disease) · If you don’t drink, don’t start for this purpose. If you do drink, limit yourself to 0-2 glasses a day; you’ve got to keep your liver healthy. · See fiber discussion in “General” section above. · Contain many of the phytochemicals previously discussed for soybeans, but do not have the concentrations of isoflavanoids genistein & daidzein that soybeans have.
· Mushrooms are sources of minerals, vitamin D (ergosterol), thiamin (B1), riboflavin (B2), and niacin (B3). · Shiitake contains lentinan approved by the Japanese equivalent of FDA shown to have powerful antitumor activity; maitake has also been shown to have antitumor activity. · Mushrooms are also used as a remedy for upper respiratory diseases, poor blood circulation, liver trouble, fatigue, etc.
· Hot peppers, and spices derived from them (chili powder, paprika) provide capsaicin, a compound that appears to block carcinogens and prevent them from binding to DNA. · Tumeric, cumin, and ginger contain curcumin (a phenolic compound), which inhibits cancer. Curcumin also inhibits excessive inflammatory response. · Rosemary, sage, oregano, and thyme possess strong antioxidative activity. · Licorice root has anti-inflammatory and anti-viral properties. It is under investigation for anti-tumor properties. NOTE 1: there are precautions on licorice root. It may not be advisable while you are on steroids nor if you have heart conditions, liver disease, hypocalemia. NOTE 2: licorice candy does not have licorice root, but you can find licorice root teas.
· Artichokes, beets, plums, parsley (as well as carrots, sweet potatoes, onion, garlic, cumin, tumeric, coriander) for your liver. It is important that this organ be tip-top if you’re fighting cancer. · Kale, spinach, collard and turnip greens are rich sources of calcium, iron, folic acid, and carotenoids. Spinach is also a good source of protein. · Avocado contains the “good” kind of fat as well as antioxidants. Try using it in place of butter/mayonnaise on sandwiches. · Tip: the more color, the better.
Nutraceuticals and Phytochemicals in Plants Can Fight Cancer
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General
Diet Goals
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Eat more legumes. Black beans are very high in fiber (soluble & insoluble),
15g/serving, and lentils have 9g/serving. They are also good sources of protein,
which you will need as you cut back on red meat.
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