Bladder Cancer Advocacy

Winter 2010- You Are What You Eat

We are learning now that what you eat—and what you don’t eat—can have a powerful effect on your health, including your risk of cancer. Without knowing it, you may be eating many foods that fuel cancer, while neglecting the powerful foods and nutrients that can protect you. Changes in your diet, along with other lifestyle modifications, might help you minimize your risk of disease or possibly slow or stop cancer from developing.

There are many books and on-line articles written about healthy eating and its relationship to cancer.  We encourage you to explore them to find the dietary and lifestyle changes that are right for you.

In the meantime, here are some suggestions from a variety of sources:

The American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR) says to:

• Eat more of a variety of vegetables, fruits, whole grains and legumes such as beans.  At least 2/3 of your plate should be filled with vegetables, fruits, whole grains and beans.
• Limit consumption of red meats (such as beef, pork and lamb) and avoid processed meats
• Limit consumption of salty foods and foods processed with salt (sodium)
• Avoid sugary drinks.  Limit consumption of energy-dense foods

You can find a wealth of specific information at this site.

In his book “Anticancer: A New Way of Life,” Dr. David Servan-Schreiber, the noted neuroscientist, physician and author, (himself a cancer survivor) developed these additional tips:

• Spice it up:  Add turmeric (with black pepper) when cooking.  This yellow spice is the most powerful natural anti-inflammatory agent.  Also, add Mediterranean herbs to your food:  thyme, oregano, basil, rosemary, marjoram, mint, etc.  They don’t just add flavor, they can also help reduce the growth of cancer cells.

• Go fish: Eat fish two or three times a week and look for the varieties that contain less mercury and PCBs than other fish (sardines, mackerel and anchovies have less mercury and PCBs than bigger fish like tuna, swordfish and shark)

• Use only olive and canola oil in cooking and salad dressings.  Don’t use soybean, corn and sunflower oils…they are too rich in omega-6 fatty acids

• Instead of coffee or black tea, drink three cups of green tea per day.

And noted physician, author and talk-show host Dr. Mehmet Oz, director of the Cardiovascular Institute and Complementary Medicine Program at NY Presbyterian Hospital, has developed a shopping list of anti-cancer fighting foods to help to help you get started:

Blueberries, Garlic, Yogurt, Onions, Green Tea, Carrots, Rainbow chard, Sweet Potatoes, Tomatoes, Squash, Tempeh, Broccoli, Flaxseed, Beans, Quinoa, Curry

Remember though, no diet or lifestyle can guarantee you will live your life cancer-free.  Nor should dietary changes take the place of your conventional medical care. However, adopting a lifestyle that includes healthy eating and exercise can help to keep your body and spirit as strong as it can be.