Juicing During Chemo

cami82

Hi All,

My mom is starting chemo tomorrow for MBC - I was planning on bringing my juicer home to help her get some good nutrients. It just occurred to me to wonder if this is ok given all the precautions that need to be taken during chemo. Has anyone juiced during chemo, or heard that its a good or bad idea? I plan on washing the heck out of everything beforehand. Thoughts? Thanks.

MelissaDallas

Antioxidants feed cancer cells too. Most oncologists tell you not to take supplements during chemo/rads. They also think blood sugar levels are related to cancer risk/development. Most juicing, at least if a lot of fruit, carrots, beets, etc is just like mainlining a ton of glucose/carbs with no fiber to slow down the blood sugar spike. I'd ask because of the raw fruit/veggies too

cami82

MelissaDallas - great point, thanks for your response. I'll definitely ask her oncologist before doing any juicing.

kira1234

Just posting straight from a reputable cancer site.

http://www.dana-farber.org/Health-Library/Juicing-...

HelenFaith

At my cancer center I meet with the dietitian and she was extremely excited that I make veggie smoothies 3 times a day, but first they wanted to know what I put in them. The only precaution they had was to wash produce with vinegar to kill bacteria My oncologist and the dietitian told me to add 2 tsp of L-Glutamine to my drinks twice a day as well as take B6, B12, Calcium and Vitamin D. My smoothies typically include all organic Kale or Collard greens, one fruit to sweeten it, almond milk, greek yogurt, hemp seeds or chia seeds (soaked in yogurt and almond milk for about 15-20 mins) and use a vegan (no soy or dairy) protein powder, L-Glutamine and ice to chill and thicken. The diet my dietitian told me to follow is a veggie packed diet that also include fruits, especially fruits that aide in anit-inflammatory and lean proteins. I have eliminated unhealthy carbs, fats and all sugars but the sugars from fruits and veggies. My MO just told me again today before chemo that my body is amazingly strong, my side effects have been tolerable and my blood counts have been the best she has seen. I feel the difference when I follow this diet as compared to the days I slip a little because I want to have a little treat which the MO has said is okay to give myself a treat once a week, but I feel the difference, so I am doing even less of that.
I am sleepy right now, but I will find the book the dietitian (she just battled breast cancer herself) recommended for me and some of the other online sites she gave and post them here for you.
You seem like a loving daughter and that support will make such a difference for your mama.