Using Diet to Fight Cancer

by Diane Lofshult

Food for Thought:

When first diagnosed with cancer, many people feel helpless about their ability to fight the disease. In addition to trying conventional therapies like radiation and chemotherapy, cancer victims can make some practical and proactive lifestyle changes to live longer and healthier lives.

For example, health experts recommend increasing physical activity; reducing alcohol intake; avoiding saturated, trans and hydrogenated fats found in processed foods; switching to olive or canola oil; increasing fiber intake; reducing meat intake; replacing diet soda with juice or green tea; using low-fat dairy products; and increasing the amount of omega-3 fatty acids and soy foods in the diet.

Now two new resources are available to augment this advice for those battling cancer.

A Dietitian’s Cancer Story (Swan Press) tracks the personal struggle of author Diana Dyer, RD, in battling cancer for a third time. The book describes how she used diet to minimize her chances of another recurrence of the disease. The American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR) benefits from part of the sales of the book, which can be ordered from AICR at (800) 843-8114. Dyer’s website (www.cancerrd.com) offers 2 weeks of healthy menus, along with specific recipes.

Nutrition for the Person With Cancer: A Guide for Patients and Families is a similar publication, available from the American Cancer Society by calling (800) 227-2345.