The Keto diet includes 70% fat, 30% CHO and proteins. More studies are needed to confirm whether it is good for cancer patients. It could be beneficial for GBM. A cancer patient must consult his dietician before opting for the keto diet.
Milk, sugar, meat, processed foods, gluten, and refined products should be avoided by cancer patients.
People on dexamethasone need to eat a low salt/ sodium, potassium-rich diet, including proteins. If a patient feels hungry and is overweight or gaining weight, he should choose low-calorie but high-protein foods. He should take fruits and vegetables for high fiber. For carbohydrates, one should select unrefined cereals and millets like oats, ragi, pearl millet, buckwheat, etc. Pulses, grams, and dals should be taken for high protein, low-fat food. For snacks, one should opt for fruits, vegetables, and nuts whenever hungry. Patients should avoid processed, high sugar and fat foods.
For an anti-cancer diet, a vegan or vegetarian diet is the best, as processed foods will increase the inflammation in the body. On a vegetarian diet also, try to consume A2 milk.
Dr Nathan focuses on the Keto diet. It may be suitable for a few cases but not good for all patients. We prescribe a balanced plant-based diet, personalised for each individual. It is based on medication.
Patients usually get overwhelmed when given a diet that includes many changes and supplements while already having so many medicines. Medicines cannot be stopped or delayed at any cost without consulting with the treating doctor. But diet and supplements can be included in daily routine gradually. It is better to make small changes regularly and incorporate the new diet slowly. It will help the patient to adapt to the changes well.
It is better to substitute sugars with naturally sweet foods, like dates, figs, stevia, seasonally available fruits, etc. Natural sweeteners taste good and are good sources of minerals like iron, calcium, and phosphorus and are rich in antioxidants. If you have sugar cravings, these substitutes can be used. In case you are attending a function and want to try a little, then yes on rare occasions it will not harm you to have sugar. It is okay to have sugar occasionally but keep in mind that it is easier to break a habit than make one. However, if the patient has diabetes, it is better to avoid sugar.
Juices are allowed in a combination of fruits and vegetables, like red juice made with carrot, beetroot, and pomegranate, or vegetable juice like green juice, which includes green leafy vegetables added with amla and turmeric root and pepper. These juices are high in antioxidants, rich in fiber, and have anti-cancer properties.
The diet will take some time to adapt to, depending upon your current diet pattern, which you follow. The diet will boost your health and improve your treatment outcome. It is better to do one small change and continue the same till you get adjusted to it before moving on to another one. This will make it easy for you to adapt.
Cancer patients can take besan as it is high in rich proteins and amino acids. It helps repair and grow muscles and cells. 100 gm of besan contains 20 gm of protein. Rich in fiber and other minerals, its nutritional value increases when combined with other cereals. A cancer patient can also consume steel cuts oats. It helps them with comorbidities like diabetes and hypertension to maintain their sugar levels and manage heart health.
By consuming a good number of fruits and vegetables as they are high in ph and avoiding non veg items. Reducing sugar & caffeine and having lemon and water in the morning are also helpful. Exercising also helps in increasing the ph of the body.
All types of millets are suitable for cancer patients in summer. You can soak the millets overnight for easy digestion. You can add buttermilk in besan sattu, water or coconut water with sabja seeds. In summer, opt for jowar and ragi. These two millets keep you hydrated on the hot summer days and help bring your core temperature down.
Fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts and seeds, and oats are good for lung cancer patients.
Dietary carbohydrates with a higher glycemic index are associated with an increased lung cancer risk. Refined carbohydrates from soft drinks, white rice, and white bread are positively associated with cancer risk. A lung cancer patient must avoid these foods.
Some of the LFT ranges may change during liver metastasis in breast cancer. In such cases, fat should be restricted in food.
Foods rich in vitamin E, C, and D should be included. Pineapple, alma, oranges, guava, capsicum, green leaves, and cabbage can be included in the food. Getting sunlight for 20-30min helps to manage Vitamin D deficiency.
Juices, conjees, smoothies, and soups are good. You may need to take a supplement for protein.
Take rest, do lite exercise, include more proteins in your food, and check for micronutrient deficiency, as it can cause muscle weakness.
Patients on radiation therapy need a higher-calorie diet to make sure that the food they can eat provides the body with enough energy to promote healthy tissue growth.
Radiation to the abdomen area may cause bloating or swelling of the belly. To avoid this, monitor your intake of gas-producing foods such as beans, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, corn, leafy greens, and beans. Avoid sodas, sparkling waters, and other carbonated beverages. Select foods lower in dietary fiber.
Yes, spinach and carrot juice can be given along with the fiber if the patient is on chemo or radiation; the vegetables and green leaves can be cooked and then juiced. To make it more palatable, some drops of lemon and pepper can be added to other vegetables like beetroot and apple. Combining fruits and vegetables will increase the glycemic index, which will help to control blood glucose levels.
Homemade peanut butter is advisable if the patient is not allergic to peanuts. Otherwise, you can opt for organic peanut butter available in the market. It is a good source of high-quality vegetable protein, fiber, minerals, and vitamin E, which helps manage weight and cardiovascular disease when taken in moderation.
Cachexia is a condition where a drastic unintentional weight loss happens. Increase the calories and proteins in your diet. Give special emphasis on including tofu, lentils, peanuts, and different seeds like sesame seeds, melon seeds, flax seeds, etc. They contain glycine, arginine, omega 3 fatty acids, and glutamine that help prevent cachexia. It is advised to check for magnesium deficiency, which can lead to loss of appetite and muscle weakness.
Try not to be on an empty stomach as it can induce the feeling of nausea and vomiting. Take small meals at regular intervals. Viewing a large amount of food can again induce nausea. Avoid foods that can increase symptoms like lactose and gluten.
Eat and drink slowly. Take your time and chew your food well. Drink plenty of fluids like water, clear juices without sugar, and soups. A lemon shot made with the juice of a lemon and dry ginger powder helps subside nausea. Use ginger in cooking. It can also be added to your tea and lemon juice. Eat a light snack before going for chemotherapy, especially dry snacks. Avoid deep-fried, spicy, and strong-smelling foods. Take foods in normal or cold temperatures instead of hot.
Avoid being on an empty stomach for too long. As soon as you get up, have a dry snack like a biscuit (gluten-free/sugar-free) to help with nausea. Lemon shot and ginger also help prevent nausea. Do not take a large quantity of food at a time, have small meals at regular intervals. Sip slowly on smoothies and juices with the help of a straw to ensure some nutrients are going in. Stay away from the kitchen while the food is being prepared, and have bland foods that do not give a strong smell, as strong smells can induce nausea.
Constipation is a condition when passing stool becomes difficult and painful. If a cancer patient suffers from constipation, he should choose high fiber foods, such as whole grains, fruits, vegetables, nuts, and beans. Some fruits like prunes and raisins and juices, such as prune or apple juice, can also help. Keep sipping on hot beverages, such as herbal tea, and ensure that you drink enough water.
Good physical activity is important for a proper bowel movement. Move more if you can walk, stretch, or do yoga. Studies have shown that lack of proper sleep can also cause constipation.
A GBM diet should have low carbohydrates; ensuring a diet that does not have refined carbohydrates and has a small number of millets will provide the same. Some nutrients like vitamin A, D, E, and nutraceuticals like EGCG, curcumin, and phytochemicals have been proved to prevent GBM and help slow the growth of cancer. It is generally better to avoid dairy products irrespective of which type of cancer and include A2 milk or plant-based milk.
The other inflammatory food products like meat, sugars, milk, and gluten have to be avoided.
Fruits contain fiber also which prevents the quick absorption of sugars and is a rich source of antioxidants like phytochemicals that help prevent cancer. So, including fruits is good. But in case you have other comorbidities like diabetes, it is better to check with your dietitian.
Killing cancer cells is not related to acidity. Some spices give relief from acidity like ajwain, sonf, etc. Chilies are the ones that have to be avoided during acidity as they can induce it further.
Ideally, water can be consumed after or before a gap of 30 minutes from taking food. In the case of medication, it will depend on the medicine when it has to be taken. For example, medication that reduces acidity has to be taken half an hour before food, the same goes for thyroid medications. Enzyme medication can be taken with food.
Yes, you can take plant-based curd or A2 curd even in the evenings. It can be consumed at room temperature.
It is better to avoid sugars entirely. Instead of sugars natural sweeteners like stevia, dates, figs, and palm jaggery can be used. Even for birthdays, gluten-free cakes made with natural sugars are available nowadays which can be taken. If that cannot be arranged then a very small quantity on rare occasions can be consumed.
Not all medications can be added to foods, some medications react with food, so have to be taken on an empty stomach, for e.g., thyroid medication. These medications can be crushed in water and given. But nutraceutical supplements can be added to food. A lot of common medicines are available in the form of dispersible tablets that dissolve in water or in the form of syrup that your doctors will prescribe.
To prevent bloating, always sit in an upright position while eating. Chew your food well and do not eat very fast, as this will lead to you ingesting a lot of air along with food that will add on to the gas. Do not lie down soon after having a meal, instead take a short walk. Some people will be prone to gas formation when they eat specific foods, so maintain a diary to note down which foods when consumed caused more gas or bloating, this will help you know which foods to avoid. Spicy meals and dairy products can induce bloating and gas problems. But some foods helps relieve gas and bloating:
o Ajwain (carom seeds) can be consumed with palm jaggery or the same can be added to boiling water and consumed throughout the day. Just chewing on carom seeds will also be helpful.
o Hing (Asafoetida) can also help prevent gas formation, add these in gas-forming food preparation for example in dals, potatoes, etc.
o Add plenty of prebiotics, present in onion, shallots, garlic, beans, and legumes, and probiotics, present in plant-based curd, kefir, ragi ambali, etc., to improve the gut microbiota.
CBD is safe to use under the guidance of a qualified doctor who is a medical cannabis expert. The medicine is not the same as ganja as it is taken from different species of plant similar to marijuana. The medication made from the plant is grown by the Indian government and can only be bought from them, and our CBD medication is produced in a government-approved AYUSH licensed factory. Hence, it is more authentic. CBD helps relieve pain, improve appetite, and reduce the growth of cancer cells. You can know more about the same here: https://zenonco.io/products/medizen-medical-cbd-4000-mg/
The anti-cancer diet is a vegetarian diet and the importance is given to the ingredients used in the food preparation. There are a lot of healthy options available around the world. In fact, in cities like Dubai / Germany / UK / Singapore, a lot of additional options will be available. Our diet plans are also region based. We try to give alternatives to those food items which are not available.
Papaya leaf extract is beneficial in increasing the platelet count, 2 tsp can be consumed twice a day. But ensure that the leaves are washed well and blanched (immersed in hot water for some time). Kadha (concoctions) made of Parijat Leaves, Papaya Leaves, Durva Grass, and Tulsi leaves can be prepared. For the concoction, 4 to 5 leaves can be boiled in water. These concoctions can be used in rotation. One variety each week on an empty stomach.
It is important to increase the vitamin C-rich foods in the diet, this nutrient is available in amla, guava, and citrus fruits like orange, lemon, etc. It is also important to avoid any raw food items when WBC levels are low. Any fruits which have thicker skins can be consumed instead of thin-skinned foods and all foods should be well cooked.
-High fiber foods like vegetables, fruits, whole grains, nuts, and seeds.
-Calcium-rich foods like lotus seeds, sesame seeds, A2 milk, and green leaves.
-Avoid processed and refined foods like packed food, maida, and its products.
-Avoid red meat and alcohol.
-If the patient has any other comorbidities, he needs complete meal planning. You can reach out to me for this.
-Sugar, tea, ordinary milk and milk products cause inflammation in the body. Switch to A2 milk and milk products or replace them with Soy milk, almond milk, and sesame seed milk.
-Try different cold-pressed oils, and use them in rotation to get the benefits of the nutrients.
-If the patient is suffering from HTN, processed foods like papad should be avoided.
Bati should be avoided as it is made with wheat, an inflammatory food.
Buttermilk and curd are a good source of probiotic that helps to manage gut issues like diarrhoea.
Milk, coffee, and tea should be avoided.
Fruit juices with fiber should be avoided.
Fermented foods like idli, dosa, dhokla, kimchi, kombucha, ragi ambli, rice ambli can be included in food.
Almond milk smoothie with peeled and cooked apple, barley water, buttermilk, moong dal water, and coconut water help control diarrhoea.
Cows that produce both A1 & A2 protein are called A1 cows and cows that only produce A2 protein are called A2 cows. A1 cows are also called hybrid cows originated in the USA, North Europe, and Australia. Jersy, Holstein Friesian, Ayrshire, and British Shorthorn are examples of A1 cows. A2 cows are of Indian origin. A2 cows are Gir, Red Sindhi, Sahiwal, Kankrej. A1 cows are fed on grains and A2 cows are fed only on grass. A2 milk is easy to digest. It does not cause inflammation.
Lab tests are available to test the purity of A2 milk. However, there is no home test method to test the purity of milk..
The triple-negative patients should follow an anti-cancer diet that includes anti-inflammatory foods, and antioxidant-rich food. He can avoid wheat, sugar, meat and processed foods.
Wheat is an inflammatory food. It has a protein called gluten, which is not good for health. It should be avoided by cancer patients. It increases the growth of cancer cells. Instead of wheat, opt for millet in the form of rice /idli/dosa / rotis like jowar, bajra, ragi, etc.
A2 milk or plant-based milk like almond milk, soy milk, peanut milk, and sesame milk can be consumed.
Pure vegetarian food is good for cancer patients, if there are drastic changes in the weight, only eggs and oily fish are recommended as per the patient’s condition.
Small frequent meals are recommended for healthy individuals. It is good for better digestion. It helps in stabilising blood sugar levels. Small frequent meals help in increasing the energy level.
Yes, lobia is good for cancer patients as its high in protein, fiber, and other minerals which help in maintaining weight, helps in relieving constipation. If any gastric issues soak lobia for 8-10 hours and while cooking adding a bit of jeera or hing will give better result.
All green leaves, broccoli, cabbage, dates, figs, whole grains, nuts help. For better absorption, include vitamin c rich vegetables and fruits like amla, lemon, oranges, bell peppers. Cooking these foods in quality iron utensils will give better results.
Palm jaggery, dates, dates syrup, coconut sugar, and figs can be used instead of sugar and stevia.
It is a specific case where we need to check all the blood parameters before advising the diet, as there would be a requirement for regular monitoring, tolerance of food also needs to be addressed and there would be restrictions for simple carbs, and fatty foods.
There is not enough evidence or studies on whether the flaxseeds are a risk factor for Er positive. Flaxseeds can be consumed in moderation to get the benefits like soluble fiber, omega 3, protein, and micronutrients.
There is not enough evidence or studies on whether the flaxseeds and other seeds are a risk factor for Er positive. Flaxseeds can be consumed in moderation to get the other benefits like soluble fiber, omega -3, protein, and micronutrients.
Berries are a great source of antioxidants, such as anthocyanins, ellagic acid, and resveratrol. It helps to improve blood sugar and insulin response. It is high in fiber, provides many nutrients, reduces inflammation, lowers cholesterol levels, and protects against cancer. In addition to protecting your cells from cancer, these plant compounds may reduce cancer risk.
Yes, they can have raw papaya as the enzymes break down proteins, which helps the gut soak up more nutrients. Antioxidant beta-carotene, found in ripened papayas, may reduce cancer risk. Patients with comorbidities like diabetes should consume ripe papaya in moderation. Bananas are a great source of ascorbic acid, folic acid, vitamin A precursors, many minerals (e.g. potassium, magnesium, iron, and calcium), and many other essential phytochemicals having strong antioxidative properties.
Yes, Moringa powder or leaves is a good option provided if the patient has no renal problems. Moringa extracts contain niazimicin, which is a compound that suppresses the development of cancer cells. It contains Vitamin A good for the eyes, vitamin B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin) that helps during mouth soreness, B3 (niacin), B-6 folate and ascorbic acid (vitamin C). It also has antioxidants that help in the absorption of iron, calcium, potassium, iron, and phosphorus zinc.
Yes, they can have raw papaya as the enzymes break down proteins, which helps the gut soak up more nutrients. Antioxidant beta-carotene, found in ripened papayas, may reduce cancer risk. Patients with comorbidities like diabetes should consume ripe papaya in moderation.
All nuts and seeds are good when consumed in moderation. Daily one fist full of mixed nuts and seeds can be consumed by the patients. Soaking nuts reduces phytic acids and improves the absorption of important nutrients and minerals, such as protein, iron, zinc, and calcium. It reduces tannins and polyphenols, anti-nutritional enzyme inhibitors. And removes gas-causing compounds. It improves texture and decreases cooking time. It can be consumed as mid-morning or evening snacks.
I would say no to Alcohol, as it causes inflammation and toxicity in the body. When a patient is diagnosed with stomach cancer it is advised to stop taking alcohol immediately.
There is no restriction for tomatoes. Lycopene, present in tomatoes, is associated with a 31% reduction in pancreatic cancer risk among men. It helps maintain healthy blood pressure and reduces blood glucose in people with diabetes. Tomatoes contain carotenoids such as lutein and lycopene. These also protect the eye against light-induced damage. The Ph of the stomach is already low; when consumed, tomatoes in moderation do not alter the Ph.
The therapeutic properties of curcumin include antioxidant, antiarthritic, anti-amyloid, anti-ischemic, and anti-inflammatory effects. In breast cancer, curcumin delays or prevents tumour growth, malignant progression, and spread. It has been shown to have protective and therapeutic efficacy against cancers of the skin, oral cavity, lung, pancreas, and intestinal tract, and to suppress tumour angiogenesis and metastasis.
It is good to eat proteins from natural sources, like rajma, chana, lobia, dals , pulses, sattu, beans, besan. Make sure that all your meals and snacks contain protein. if the protein requirement through the natural food is not met, then consult your Onco Nutritionist for the right supplement and dosage.
Yes, you can have groundnuts in moderation if you are not allergic. Groundnuts are an excellent source of plant-based protein, offering 25.8 g per 100 g of peanuts, or around half of a person’s daily protein needs. The fats in groundnuts are monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids, healthy fats. Groundnuts are a good source of dietary fiber. They contain manganese, which helps in maintaining bone health.
Take papaya leaf extract twice a day. Take vitamin C rich food, amla, guava, parijat leaves, papaya leaves, durva grass, tulsi leaves. Take 4-5 leaves to prepare kadha – each variety for one week – on an empty stomach, and repeat the cycle.
The Patient can follow an anti-cancer diet. She should increase her protein consumption and include antioxidant-rich foods which are available in plenty of fruits and vegetables, especially in the variety of colored fruits and vegetables. She should take spices that have antioxidant properties like garlic, cinnamon, etc. Cut down on your meat and meat products, gluten, and A1 milk if you are using them. A2 milk, plant-based milk, and millets can be included in the diet. Include a lot of probiotic foods like millet, hambali, plant-based curds, and kefir. These are common tips to be followed, if you need a personalised diet plan, we can help you with that, where your current health status, type of cancer, biochemical parameters, comorbidities, and current medications will be considered before planning the diet.
Yes, fermented foods like idli, dosa dhokla kimchi, and kombucha can be included in the meal. During fermentation, the lactic acid bacteria synthesise vitamins and minerals, produce biologically active peptides with enzymes such as proteinase and peptidase, and remove some non-nutrients. Fermented foods provide many health benefits such as antioxidant, anti-microbial, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, and anti-atherosclerotic activity.
Yes, Ayurveda and medical treatment can be taken together. As Ayurveda has no side effects, it eliminates cancer from the root and increases immunity. It helps kill cancer cells.
Cabbage, broccoli, and cauliflower offer cancer preventative and therapeutic benefits. isothiocyanate, sulforaphane, and the polyphenol, quercetin, effectively reduce tumor growth and enhance the sensitivity of the cancer cells to current chemotherapeutics.
There are different types of Ensure powders for different conditions like diabetes, lactose-free, and gluten-free. If you are taking it, please consult your doctor or dietitian for better guidance.
Turmeric contains curcuminoids, which are bioactive compounds, and curcumin is one of these curcuminoid compounds. While turmeric contains only 2 – 9% curcuminoids, curcumin has 75% of these active curcuminoids.
Yes, ER-positive breast cancer patients can take naturally available vitamin C-rich fruits and vegetables like 100 gm amla has 252 mcg, guava has 222mcg, capsicum has 90mcg. These are higher concentrations of Vit C than the hibiscus petals tea which has only 18.4 mcg.
No, please avoid it. Mathha is made with milk and sugar and sugar cane juice also has sugar.
Honey is not a good option, we have other natural sweeteners like dates, figs, stevia, and palm jaggery which are also rich in micronutrients like magnesium, iron, and zinc. Along with egg whites, he can consume dals, legumes, pulses, dry fruit, and plant-based milk like almonds, and soy. Include proteins in every meal and snack so that the daily requirement of proteins is met.
Mangoes are good when consumed in moderation if the sugars are in control for diabetic patients. You can have a few pieces of mango for a mid-morning snack. Take 1 Tsp of flax seeds before consuming the mango pieces, which may improve blood sugar control, and insulin sensitivity.
Potatoes contribute important nutrients to the diet including potassium, vitamin C, and dietary fiber. It has a good concentration of antioxidant phytonutrients, including vitamin C, carotenoids, and polyphenols. These compounds can help repair cells damaged by oxidative stress, which can contribute to a number of chronic diseases like cancer. If the patient has any gastric issues, then they need to be avoided.
Yes, they can have stevia, as it is plant-based. Bye stevia leaves and make powder at home, this will be more beneficial. The natural sweetener tastes 200 to 300 times sweeter than table sugar. Stevia is a “zero-calorie,” has a health benefit as a sugar alternative for people with diabetes.
No, please avoid maida as it is a by-product of wheat, and it’s processed so all the nutrients are lost like Fibre and riboflavin. It affects our digestive system, increases the risk of diabetes, inflammation, and weight. It also affects gut health and heart health. You can use its healthy alternatives like soy flour, ragi, almond flour, millets like bajra and jowar.
One can have amla in any form like pickle, chutney, dried form, juice. Vitamin C in amla is retained to some extent even after heating or cooking.
I do not think it tastes good. You can try it, if you like, you can have it.
When pre and probiotics are consumed regularly, they directly produce essential nutrients like folate and vitamin B12. In contrast, others degrade antinutrients such as oxalates, which would otherwise bind up calcium and other minerals in the gut.
If you are planning to eat out, opt for soups and salads before placing an order for the main course. Always customise the diet by choosing healthy cooking options like grilled or baked instead of deep-fried foods, and carry some healthy snacks while travelling like dry fruits, lotus seeds, and fruits so that you don’t end up eating junk food.
Yes, dal and unpolished rice, brown rice, and millet rice are always good as it is our staple food. Dals are also rich in proteins and amino acids when combined with cereals their nutrient value increases. To make it well-balanced one can add a few salads or some vegetables.
Yes, mustard oil is good when it is cold-pressed. However, refined oils are processed and most of the nutrients are lost while refining, always using different oils in rotation to get all the benefits of other nutrients.
There are two types of olive oils available, pomace and extra virgin oil. Pomace oil can be used for cooking and extra virgin oil is used for dressing for the salads.
If the patient is undergoing chemotherapy and if the blood parameters like TLC are normal they can be well cleaned in hot water fruits and vegetable smoothies.
If you follow for a lifetime, it is well and good as there would be very fewer chances of cancer recurrence. When you eat healthy, your immune system will be protected from other health issues.
Both salts are good as pink salt is low in sodium and rich in other micronutrients like magnesium which is good for heart health and white salt is iodized which prevents thyroid issues.
Omega 3 fatty acid-rich foods are good for short term memory loss. It is found in fish (salmon), tuna, mackerel flax seeds, krill, chia, kiwi fruit, butternuts, walnuts curcumin-turmeric, flavonoids -cocoa, green tea, ginkgo tree, citrus fruits, bright color vegetables (purple, red, yellow) dark chocolate etc. Saturated fat-butter, ghee, coconut oil, vitamin B12 are also beneficial in this case.
Eat 5-6 small meals instead of 3 big meals throughout the day. It is better to eat with friends or family or watch television while eating to take your mind off your lack of appetite. Keeping an eating and drinking schedule will also be helpful; you can set an alarm that reminds you to eat. Always keep snacks next to you during chemotherapy or while in bed. If loss of appetite is due to lack of taste, adding spices to your dishes will improve your appetite. Spices are also loaded with antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties. If it is difficult for you to eat vegetables and fruits, then these can be taken in smoothies, soups, and juice and sip it throughout the day.
Avoid being on an empty stomach for too long. Have a dry snack like a biscuit (gluten-free/sugar-free) to help with nausea as soon as you get up. Lemon shot and ginger also helps prevent nausea. Do not take a large quantity of food at a time, have small meals at regular intervals. Sip slowly on smoothies and juices with the help of straw to ensure some nutrients are going in. Stay away from the kitchen while the food is being prepared, and have bland foods that do not give a strong smell, as it can induce nausea.
A2 milk can be taken and with the same milk curd and paneer can be prepared. Plant-based milk can also be used from the same.
Wheat contains gluten which can cause inflammation. Hence, it should be avoided. Instead, millets like Ragi, Buckwheat, Kodu millet, etc., can be used. If you are out and options are fewer, you can choose unpolished rice, but if that is also not available, you may have rare occasions.
It is better to continue on millet as it does not cause inflammation and has healing properties. Taste is acquired; it is good to bring about a change slowly and give him time to adjust to it. It will work. Even if you have recovered from cancer, you will be in the remission period, where there is a chance of relapse. So this period is equally important to follow an anti-cancer diet.
Yes, both are good. But wheatgrass is a good source of potassium and is not advised in renal problems where potassium is high. It is also a good source of Vitamin K. People taking Warfarin/Coumadin should avoid it.
A Ryles tube diet can include clear juices, soups including veg and dal soups, barley water, plant-based milk, or A2 milk, etc. But since it is difficult to meet the nutritional requirements with a liquid diet for a long time, consult a dietitian/doctor to recommend a nutritional supplement. For PEJ feed where the feed will be directly given into the jejunum, A2 milk also should not be provided, as it cannot be digested there.
For pancreas cancer, the inflammatory foods are sugar, gluten, non-veg, and A1 milk; these should be avoided. Additionally, pancreatic cancer patients do not tolerate food well. In such cases, a calorie and protein-dense liquid diet is given till the intolerance subsides. Then gradually, move to semi solids or solid foods. In solids, start with soft semisolids like millet khichdi, pongal, curd rice, etc. Some patients may have uncontrolled sugars, due to which carbohydrates and high glycemic load goods will have to be restricted.
Juices can be made with raw vegetables and fruits, provided you are not taking chemotherapy or radiotherapy where your WBC and platelet levels are low. In that case, you will have to blanch the vegetables, i.e., dip them in hot water, wash them, and then use them. Some fruits like apples and plantain can be steamed and consumed. While selecting fruits, you can choose locally available fruits with thick skin, e.g. watermelon, muskmelon, orange, pomegranate, etc.
It has a high quantity of carbohydrates, so it cannot be given to people with carbohydrate restrictions, like in the case of diabetes. It can be mixed with flaxseed powder or sattu powder and made more nutritious.
Tea does contain anti-nutritional factors that prevent the absorption of iron. So, in case you have low RBC and haemoglobin content, then try to avoid tea. You can have green tea. But if you crave the same, then you have it with A2 milk and keep a gap of half an hour before and after consuming the tea and food.
Yes, it will help improve intestinal function, and studies have found that it improves sleep.
Cancer cells utilise our body’s proteins, but we cannot cut down the protein from our diet. If we do that, cancer cells will take the protein stored in our muscles, and our body will waste it away. So it is important to maintain the protein content in the diet. As the metabolic rate increases in most cancers, so does the protein requirement.
There are a lot of companies that produce A2 milk and do home delivery, especially in the metro cities. Bangalore has 3 to 4 companies that do home delivery for A2 milk.
Yes, they can consume both, provided the sugar levels are in control. Grapes and watermelon have a moderate glycemic load, which can increase the sugars.
All inflammatory foods like gluten, milk, sugars, refined products, meat and meat products, and processed foods must be avoided. As the pancreas is involved, if there are issues with sugar control, carbohydrates have to be cut down accordingly. There might be issues with digestion that might differ from patient to patient. So, a personalised diet plan is prescribed, considering the patient’s current health condition, cancer type, medications, and biochemical parameters.
Yes, seeds are a good source of fibre, protein, magnesium, phosphorus, etc. It can be added to your smoothies and fruits. Seeds powder can be added to dosa batter or chapati dough.
There are plenty of vegetarian items available with good protein sources like rams, dals, sprouts, legumes, lentils, nuts, and seeds. These can be included in the diet to achieve the protein requirement.
Brown sugars are similar to refined sugars and will be absorbed readily. It can cause inflammation; natural sweeteners like dates, stevia, and figs are a better option.
Diet plans are customised as per the patient’s condition, medication, type of cancer, and tolerance to the food. But as in any cancer, the diet will be devoid of any foods that can cause inflammation like gluten, milk, meat and meat products, refined products, sugars, and processed foods. It is always recommended to give foods rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory, spices like garlic, cinnamon, cumin, and fruits and vegetables, especially colourful fruits and vegetables.
These are good alternatives to normal milk. But preference is given to plant-based milk that fulfils the protein requirement also. So, milk made out of seeds and nuts will be preferred, e.g., Sesame seed milk, almond milk, peanut milk, soy milk, etc. Oats milk may not have enough proteins compared to others. In the case of soy milk, it is better to be avoided by patients who are ER/PR +ve, and who have hormone-based cancers, like thyroid cancer.
Jowar roti is millet, but it does not have any healing property, unlike some other millets like Kodu, Buckwheat, Barnyard, proso millet, etc. So even though there is no harm, it is better to include the other millets in the diet to get the full benefit.
Eggs can cause inflammation depending upon factors like if the person is obese or overweight and the present disease condition. But if extreme weight loss or albumin levels are low, eggs are suggested on a case-by-case basis. Also, eggs do contain vitamin D, which has anti-inflammatory properties. In the case of fish, depending on protein requirement, it can be suggested, but preference is given to oily sea fishes as they are a good source of Omega 3 fatty acids.
Take a pitcher and fill it with water. Then slice lemon, cucumber, and ginger, add a few pieces of these along with a few basil leaves and leave it overnight (8-9 hrs at least).
Sip the water throughout the day.
Ghee can be taken in moderation, especially if cholesterol is high and if you have heart disorders. Daily consumption of 2 to 3 tsp will not harm as long as the total oil consumption is not very high. Ghee is also a good source of fat-soluble vitamin-like vitamin A. Saturated fats up to 7 % are allowed in the diet since the anticancer diet is devoid of any meat and meat products and processed foods. Adding ghee to your diet will not increase the saturated fats levels more than recommended.
Avoid high fiber and bulky foods, such as raw vegetables and excess fruits. Sugars can induce diarrhoea, and so can oily, fried, and spicy foods, milk, alcohol, and caffeinated drinks; hence, they are better to avoid. Easy-to-digest foods like steamed apples, congee, millet khichdi, curd rice, stews, etc., are better options. Increase the consumption of fluids with electrolytes, such as coconut water, ORS, broth, lemon juice with salt, and diluted and stained fruit/vegetable juices. Always carry a water bottle to stay hydrated. Including probiotics such as plant-based yoghurt, kefir, and fermented foods in your diet will also help.
All inflammatory foods like gluten, milk, sugars, refined products, meat and meat products, and processed foods must be avoided. As there are Mets in Iliac bone, it is important to check the calcium and vitamin D levels; in case of deficiency, it has to be corrected with supplementation. Sesame seeds, ragi, and green leafy vegetables are good sources of calcium. Vitamin D will be available by exposing skin to sunlight in the mornings.
Haldi we consume for the curcumin, which is the active antioxidant present in Haldi. Curcumin in turmeric is not readily absorbed. It needs a fat medium, and pepper can also increase its absorption. So, it can be added to milk with pepper which will increase its absorption.
