Any vegans?

I've made a lot of changes in my diet since I finished bc treatments in 05.  Back then, I wouldn't have known how to be a vegan.  Nowadays, much of what I eat is vegan, but I'm definitely an omnivore.  If I felt inclined to be a vegan full time, I would at least know what to have for dinner.  And I would know to supplement with B12.  I think vegan diets can be successful, but I think those who are successful need to be exceptionally well informed about the nutrients of foods.  Kris Carr's new book Crazy Sexy Diet is excellent if anyone wants a good book about going vegan. 

I was vegan for a little over a year after diagnosis and through treatment. It is hard work, and I have a family of 5 to feed. I wish I had cooking classes near me. I have added eggs and occasionally fish back in and started b12 supplements. I had been really tired all the time, blood counts were severely anemic. Once I added an occasional egg in...boom! My counts were normal and I felt much better. I know that we can get all the protein we need from plants, but wow!!! It's not easy!! Hats off to anyone able to keep this lifestyle going!!!

I LOVE Kris Carr, and Schreiber too. I have incorporated lots from these folks into my lifestyle now!

Am hearing from more and more cancer survivors that they feel so much better doing vegan. Some with very good results in slowing even reversing their cancer though they are doing a combination of things, like herbs though you have to do the research to know which herbs are best for you in  your situation (Have to consider other meds you're on and conditions you have)

Here's a summary of what I learned from what I thought was good research on vegan and cancer:

Basics on Poultry: Rich in rich in arachidonic acid, which converts inflammatory molecules that fuel tumor growth and metastasis. (Carcinogenesis. 1999;20(12). Like red meat, poultry boosts estradial, especially bad for breast, ovary, cervix and uterus cancers.

Good news om Omega- 3s. Studies show they can reverse tumor metastases (Eur J Nutr 2007 Aug; (46) and tumor resistance to radiation or chemotherapy (Anticancer Res. 1994; 14(3A). And enhance effectiveness and minimized toxicity of some chemos (Clin Cancer Res 2001; 7 (7). 

Omega-3 sources: Deepwater northern ocean fish such as salmon, cod, haddock, mackerel and sardines. Extra benefit: Get protein while reducing iron, cholesterol and estradiol, which studies show cancer feeds off of. Walnuts, walnut oil, flaxseed oil.

Good news on Omega-9's: Suppress cancer growth, particularly breast cancer gene HER2 (Ann Oncol 2005, Mar;16)

Omega- 9' sources:  found in monounsaturated fatty acids like olive oil

Bad news on Omega-6's: Converted to pro-inflammatory fatty acids, stimulating new blood vessels that allow tumors to grow and spread (Nutr Cancer 37 (2). Omega 9's c an also stimulate production of tumor-promoting growth factors and activate a gene leading to cancer cell growth (Cancer Res 1997; 57 (2).

Omega-6 source: deep-fried foods processed meats, batter-coated foods, French fries, sauces, gravies, margarine, mayonnaise, salad dressings, regular ice cream, corn oil,. Beef, milk, cheese, pork, whole eggs, poultry

Specifics on why dairy, specifically milk, may poorly impact outcome for cancer survivors:

Milk contains high levels of calcium which ties up body's vitamin D which appears to control cancer dell division.

High levels of lactose and other sugars which raise blood sugar which can fuel cancer cell growth.

IGG-1, a tumor growth stimulator studies link to poorer outcomes with hormone sensitive cancers such as prostate and breast upper digestive tract and

Dairy alternatives: Shakes made with whey (which inhibits cancer cell growth) or nondairy ice cream or mayonnaise, calcium-fortified soy milk or oat milk, rice- almond- and soy-based cheeses. Eggs whites or occasional whole eggs from chickens raised on omega-3 diets

Other good sources of calcium: Orange juice or canned sardines with bones or canned salmon, vegetables, legumes, cooked beans like white, soy, navy and great northern.

Bad news on sugar: Cancer cells consume more glucose than healthy cells and studies suggest controlling blood sugar and consequently controlling glucose can affect outcome for cancer patients (many studies, including Journal of Bioenergetics & Biomembranes 1997; 29 (4)

High-sugar foods to avoid: Refined carbohydrates, which can cause insulin resistance which fuels cancers including breast and colon (J Nutr Biochem 2006 Mar; 17(3) Breast cancer survivors in remission with the highest insulin levels were twice as likely to have recurrence and three times as likely to develop metastases as women with lower glucose levels (J of Clinical Oncology)

Refined carbs include: potato  chips pastries, cookies, white bread, crackers pastries

Alternative, good carbs: Whole grains like brown rice, buckwheat, whole grain bread, wild rice, rye, whole-wheat pasta, and barley

Lots of good sites on cancer-fighing diets. Here's one of them:

http://www.eattodefeat.org/

Also, if you ladies get a chance, would you visit my site www.1UpOnCancer.com/ There's more on diet and herbs and other things we can do for ourselves.

Take care!
Rachel

Well ferret mom, that eases my guilt a bit. Sometimes I feel that by not being raw totally, I am risking recurrence. Today, I woke up and ate a girl scout cookie. It didn't taste good and made me a little sick and I was beating myself up about it...so I am glad I read your experience!!