Action Steps to Beat Lung Cancer
Step One: Stabilize Your Weight Many people with lung cancer come into my office with some degree of malnutrition. Newly diagnosed lung cancer patients often have at least one abnormal nutritional parameter (low iron stores, lack of appetite, or rapid weight loss, for example). Why is malnutrition such a threat to your recovery? Cancer causes changes that can alter the level of nutrients your body requires for optimal functioning. Side effects associated with chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery can complicate your ability to eat, absorb, or utilize foods. The final insult comes when a malnourished body can’t support treatment goals. When you are poorly nourished, your current treatment may not be as effective, or you might not be able to tolerate further treatments. Over time, inadequate or improper dietary habits can wreak havoc on the healthiest individuals, even ‘healthy’ cancer patients. If you don’t address dietary deficiencies, cachexia ensues. Think of cachexia as a downward spiral. Every cell in your body requires many nutrients to work effectively. Without the proper fuel, cells can’t do their jobs, and debilitation begins. Without an opportunity for rebuilding, the chances of recovery are greatly reduced. Step Two: Lose Weight If You Need To The American Institute for Cancer Research recommends limiting weight gain to eleven pounds during adulthood. Most of us exceed this recommendation as we age. Often, changing what you eat can prompt weight loss and this jump-start to a leaner figure can be a strong motivational factor for continued adherence to a more healthful diet. Don’t forget the other part of the weight maintenance equation: Physical activity can help increase muscle mass and burn calories. Discuss with your medical doctor which forms of physical activity may be right for you. Step Three: Maintain a Healthy Gut There are many opportunities for cancer treatment, or the cancer itself, to affect the intricate functioning of the GI tract. Chemotherapy and radiation have the potential to interrupt the delicate chemical and physical mechanisms needed for the digestion and absorption of food. Because the gastrointestinal tract has rapid cellular turnover, it can be affected by cell-destroying treatments more severely than other parts of the body. Diarrhea, constipation, excessive bloating and cramping, and other uncomfortable and potentially serious side effects can be very challenging obstacles to health. Step Four: Cut the Fat Dietary fat can alter inflammatory conditions, immune system function, and impact lung cancer. Eating high-fat foods, especially those containing saturated fats and polyunsaturated fats, appears to be linked to lung cancer risk. Diets high in eggs and other cholesterol-rich foods possibly increase the risk of lung cancer. This doesn’t mean you should avoid eggs entirely, but they should not be consumed daily. Step Five: Eat Soy Consume an average of two servings of soy foods daily. Soy, which doesn’t contain saturated fat, is a high-protein alternative to animal foods that has slowed tumor growth and limited the metastatic properties of various cancer cells. Researchers found that the soy isoflavone called genistein was able to induce lung cancer cell death. Step Six: Cut the Sweets Have you ever heard that sugar feeds cancer? Limit refined sugar and flour intake to less than 10% of your total calories. Sugar, as well as other highly processed carbohydrates, can raise blood sugar levels, creating an environment favorable for cancer cell growth and suppressed immunity. Your blood sugar response to certain foods is very unique. Your own physiology has a lot to do with how quickly a food is digested and then released into your bloodstream. To balance blood sugar levels, avoid foods that trigger blood sugar peaks. Limit sugary confections, desserts, and other sweet treats. Step Seven: Drink Right A nationwide food consumption survey found that chronic mild dehydration was commonplace among Americans. To be well hydrated and flush your system of toxins, you should consume at least twelve cups of fluid per day if you are a man, nine cups of fluid per day if you are a woman. Drinking adequate fluid flushes toxins out of the body and allows for optimal nutrient movement in and out of the cells and tissues. I recommend drinking reverse osmosis treated or distilled water. Some studies show drinking green and black tea offers a protective effect against lung cancer. Step Eight: Detoxify Your Diet, One Step at a Time Avoid foods that contain antibiotics, hormones, artificial sweeteners, colorings, or harmful additives. Eat organically grown produce or use a commercial fruit and vegetable wash to remove pesticides and waxes. When grilled or cooked at high temperatures, meat forms potent carcinogens that may be harmful to lung tissue. Step Nine: Consider Dietary Supplementation Many nutrients are needed to support the function of organs directly involved in whole body cleansing. For example, psyllium husk and other soluble fibers, along with fructooligosaccharides, acidophilus culture, and L-glutamine promote a healthy gastrointestinal tract. You can support liver health with vitamins A, C, and E, and selenium, zinc, calcium, Lcysteine, and milk thistle. Kidney health is supported by vitamins A, C, B6, and the minerals magnesium and potassium. Dandelion and parsley have natural diuretic properties. The toxic side effects of cisplatin, a type of chemotherapy often used in lung cancer treatment, can be reduced with the intake of gingko, milk thistle and quercetin. Carl O. Helvie, R.N., Dr.P.H. 58 years as a nurse practitioner, educator, author, and researcher with national recognitions. Currently hosts holistic health radio show and resides in Hampton, Virginia. You Can Beat Lung Cancer is published by Ayni Books, ISBN: 978-1-78099-283-9 (Paperback) £15.99 $26.95. |
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