vegan diet and cancer

I just read an article about this in a magazine.  Went to central market today to buy all the stuff to make the green juice....worth a shot and I like fresh juice and the food....not sure I can go totally vegan, but I can do way better. I also read it  would help with weight gain....really put on the pounds with having lap band removed due to diverticulitis during initial radiation and the the inactivity that came during my treatment.  Looking forward to hearing any experiences with this type of eating/lifestyle.

Definitely read the Anti Cancer: The New Way of Life.  I have completely changed my diet over the last couple of years.  I really don't find it difficult as I love fruits and veggies.  Turmeric is a daily staple too.  I hope it helps. I know that there are many vegans who have ended up with bc.  But maybe they would have had it sooner or more aggressive without the good diet.  I don't know.  I only know that it is the little control that I have left and it isn't going to harm me.  Pretty much everything I put in my body, I consider to be my medicine.

I don't juice but I would think it is healthier than NOT eating the proper foods.  However, I have learned that the production of certain chemicals rely on chewing.  For example, broccoli releases two enzymes, that are  normally contained in separate cells, when the broccoli is chewed.  The chewing combines them and creates another enzyme which is considered to be important in fighting cancer.  If the broccoli is juiced, the enzyme created loses its potency before you are able to drink the juice.  I don't know if this is true for a lot of foods too.

I'm trying to keep away from red meat as much as possible - no chicken, but some seafood - only wild caught, however. i will eat the occasional hamburger but only organic. very little dairy- some skim milk, but virtually no cheese, no yogurt (just don't like the stuff).

it's so hard to keep up on it all, and maintain it, and AFFORD it!! jeesh. my grocery bill has exponentially increased since i decided to only buy organic meat/dairy/produce, and yeah i know i'm worth it, but still.

i'm trying a flourless/sugarless diet, with mixed success. damn, i miss sugar!

We have a shaker of half ground turmeric and black pepper.  I put it on my veggies every meal and in our homemade soups (which we eat a lot of).  My dh puts mustard on our salmon while grilling.  Very good.  I will eat chicken occasionally, but only organic.  We are lucky enough to have an organic farm around the corner from us.

I would suggest adding green or white tea to your diet.  It is very good for us and good to drink too. 

Speaking of pasta, I substituted my reg pasta with a brown rice pasta.

Believe it plays a factor not the total picture, but it plays a factor.

As far as price goes yes it's costly to eat well, but I use coupons for common items to have more funds for quality veggies, produce and meats. Another trick, I have reduced the amount of body products I use that has spared more money for specialty items.

Elmcity69: ME TOOOOOO! I miss it so bad

I am worried to about lack of protein.

I don't know if this is bad but I had dates and I seeded them and placed walnut haves in them. Yum. I am making a pot of pintos now.

Maybe online loose tea could be found just need to make sure about the stevia, huh.

I like this thread!!! I have just been diving into nutrition.

Pip57,

Did u say that pepper is needed for absorption of tumeric? Oh my! Do other types of pepper work? I put funeral in --- oh my the "intuitive" speller on my phone--- I put tumeric in with my jalopeno pepper laden pot of pintos. Beans and rice = good source of protein.

Pip I am going to use the Turmeric pepper mixture Thanks

Sagina, l

I have heard of agave. I am liking food unsweetened more and more. I am going to see the onc and wondering how I going to have a nutritionally sound diet while on chemo. Pretty sure I will have a round or two--- depending on what the onc says and for sure rads. I have finished the box of dates and now I won't have dates for awhile. I have been trying to keep my diet alchaline.

I'm vegetarian, but not vegan (yet!) although I followed a vegan diet strictly during Lent last year, so I learned a lot about how it's done... just wanted to recommend Kris Carr's "Crazy Sexy Diet" book because I'm reading it now and it is motivating, education, and fun all at once!  She advocates an alkaline vegan diet and has kept her cancer (not bc, other cancer affecting her liver/lungs) at bay for years now.  She refers to the book "Anticancer" several times in her book as well.

Just thought I'd pass it along in case you are looking for additional motivation ~ the book also has some recipes in the back... I have not tried them yet.  

Sagina, I should warn you that Kris Carr has a potty mouth!  But I find her entertaining... 

I spelled alkaline wrong--- spelling shame. Ok. No raw food during chemo. What the heck. I am going to have to go up a couple of notes and see what the name of the book is again. Ibwant to remain healthy but not put myself at risk for infection from raw food. I am goingnto get that book. Tomorrow is my first consult with my med onc. Boy o boy. At keast I am moving more into the action phase ... I've been in the post surgery phase for awhile. Thanks for the great ideas ladies