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Eat healthy to be healthy
By KATHY PORTIE
Traditional cancer treatments usually include a combination of surgery, radiation or chemotherapy. But in recent years, a fourth option has become an accepted part of the overall treatment package. Nutrition is the new drug in fighting cancer.
“We’re learning more and more about nutrition,” said Laura Dorr-Uyemura, director of clinical nutrition services at the City of Hope Cancer Center in Duarte, Calif. “Many studies have found that many natural sources can be more effective in treating cancer.”
Patients undergoing treatment must pay attention to nutrition because of suppressed immune systems, Dorr-Uyemura said. “For instance, a low iodine diet is needed for patients getting ready to undergo thyroid ablation therapy.” Thyroid ablation therapy includes radioiodine treatment to deactivate thyroid tissue.
Nutrition is preventative medicine, too. Good nutrition lowers risk in many forms of cancers linked to genetics. The City of Hope plans nutrition programs for patients’ families because many cancers are genetic in nature. Other foods may raise the risk of cancer, Dorr-Uyemura said.
Many vegetables and fruits are high in antioxidants, which have been proven to protect against damage to tissues, Dorr-Uyemura said. “We also recommend consumption of whole grains and cereals,” she said, adding that a good source of information on nutrition and physical activities for cancer prevention is available from the American Cancer Society.
Dr. Christopher Fagan of Bear Mountain Family Practice believes in good nutrition as preventative medicine. He cites a 1990s study that showed the benefits of grains and vegetables in the diet. “The transit from mouth to elimination is a lot faster for grain eaters,” Fagan said. “That means there is less potential for carcinogenics to remain in the system.”
Colo-rectal cancer is on the rise, so a healthy diet along with colonoscopies for people over age 45 is important, Fagan said. “Live healthy and stay healthy,” Fagan said.
There is the regular list of bad foods to avoid. “Choosing a healthy diet with healthy portion sizes and limiting consumption of processed and red meats, is important to consider,” Dorr-Uyemura said. It is also important to limit alcohol and tobacco use, she said.
Processed meats include lunch meats, many canned meats, hot dogs and sausages. These are some of the same foods on Fagan’s bad food list.
Some nutritional choices can have both good and adverse effects. Vegetables and fruits with beta-carotene are linked with a reduced risk of cancer. But according to the American Cancer Society, high doses of beta-carotene supplements may increase the risk of lung cancer in cigarette smokers.
Calcium is a mineral that can also create problems if too much is taken. A high intake of calcium supplements is linked with an increased risk of prostate cancer, according to the American Cancer Society. “You can get calcium naturally through dairy products, dark green vegetables and soy products,” Dorr-Uyemura said. Supplemented products like orange juice are also good sources, she said.
Getting enough physical activity and maintaining a healthy weight are also important factors in cancer prevention, Dorr-Uyemura said. But the first and most simple step is nutrition. “This is something that is safe for everybody to do,” Dorr-Uyemura said. “Good nutrition gives you better survival options.”
Fagan puts it in simpler terms. “Stay away from the junk food,” he said.
Contact reporter Kathy Portie at 909-866-3456, ext. 135 or by e-mail at kportie@bigbeargrizzly.net.
“We’re learning more and more about nutrition,” said Laura Dorr-Uyemura, director of clinical nutrition services at the City of Hope Cancer Center in Duarte, Calif. “Many studies have found that many natural sources can be more effective in treating cancer.”
Patients undergoing treatment must pay attention to nutrition because of suppressed immune systems, Dorr-Uyemura said. “For instance, a low iodine diet is needed for patients getting ready to undergo thyroid ablation therapy.” Thyroid ablation therapy includes radioiodine treatment to deactivate thyroid tissue.
Nutrition is preventative medicine, too. Good nutrition lowers risk in many forms of cancers linked to genetics. The City of Hope plans nutrition programs for patients’ families because many cancers are genetic in nature. Other foods may raise the risk of cancer, Dorr-Uyemura said.
Many vegetables and fruits are high in antioxidants, which have been proven to protect against damage to tissues, Dorr-Uyemura said. “We also recommend consumption of whole grains and cereals,” she said, adding that a good source of information on nutrition and physical activities for cancer prevention is available from the American Cancer Society.
Dr. Christopher Fagan of Bear Mountain Family Practice believes in good nutrition as preventative medicine. He cites a 1990s study that showed the benefits of grains and vegetables in the diet. “The transit from mouth to elimination is a lot faster for grain eaters,” Fagan said. “That means there is less potential for carcinogenics to remain in the system.”
Colo-rectal cancer is on the rise, so a healthy diet along with colonoscopies for people over age 45 is important, Fagan said. “Live healthy and stay healthy,” Fagan said.
There is the regular list of bad foods to avoid. “Choosing a healthy diet with healthy portion sizes and limiting consumption of processed and red meats, is important to consider,” Dorr-Uyemura said. It is also important to limit alcohol and tobacco use, she said.
Processed meats include lunch meats, many canned meats, hot dogs and sausages. These are some of the same foods on Fagan’s bad food list.
Some nutritional choices can have both good and adverse effects. Vegetables and fruits with beta-carotene are linked with a reduced risk of cancer. But according to the American Cancer Society, high doses of beta-carotene supplements may increase the risk of lung cancer in cigarette smokers.
Calcium is a mineral that can also create problems if too much is taken. A high intake of calcium supplements is linked with an increased risk of prostate cancer, according to the American Cancer Society. “You can get calcium naturally through dairy products, dark green vegetables and soy products,” Dorr-Uyemura said. Supplemented products like orange juice are also good sources, she said.
Getting enough physical activity and maintaining a healthy weight are also important factors in cancer prevention, Dorr-Uyemura said. But the first and most simple step is nutrition. “This is something that is safe for everybody to do,” Dorr-Uyemura said. “Good nutrition gives you better survival options.”
Fagan puts it in simpler terms. “Stay away from the junk food,” he said.
Contact reporter Kathy Portie at 909-866-3456, ext. 135 or by e-mail at kportie@bigbeargrizzly.net.
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