***Special Diets for Special Conditions: An AntiCancer Diet

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Written by: David Russell, Ph.D., D.Sc

Special diets making claims about the health benefits of their protocols are very popular today. It can be confusing that new diet regimens appear all the time and that the whole field of nutrition seems to change its mind radically every year or so. What was “in” and healthy one year is now “out” and unhealthy the next.

Humans were created to eat a broad range of foods in order to maintain health. This is because each food substance has its own particular nutritive energies and qualities that nourish specific needs in our cells and tissues. Whenever we limit our daily nutrition through specialty diets, we are narrowing the scope of our nutritional metabolic elements—if we continue with these diets, we end up malnourished and our cell and tissue functions suffer.

In natural medicine, diet is an important part of the health protocols. In some cases, therapeutic diets that restrict some foods and increase the use of others is prescribed in order to re-establish the health of the body. These diets are, however, used only for short periods of time, and as soon as they have achieved their purpose, the patient is returned to a normal, broad diet. Therapeutic diets should only be prescribed by a natural health-care professional to avoid compromising your nutrition.

Following are dietary recommendations for osteoporosis and chronic fatigue syndrome, the latter of which also will enhance general immune functions. Good foods are listed in plain type; very good foods in italics; and especially good foods in boldface.

Anti-Cancer Diet

Reduction of Chemotherapy Effects and Radiation:

Hijiki/wakami/kelp seaweeds, wheat/barley grass supplements, fennel seed (chewed or prepared as tea), astralagus herb, aloe vera juice or gel, shark cartilage

Prevention and Treatment:

Garlic (for immune system enhancement—Peel 30 cloves of garlic and let them rest 15 minutes before further handling. Place in a blender or food processor, add a small amount of water, and blend using short bursts until homogenized. Add 1 part homogenized garlic to 20 parts water; drink two glasses a day. Refrigerate garlic for further use.

Vegetables—Garlic, cabbage, onions, carrots, tomatoes, broccoli, collard greens, sweet potatoes, kale, beans, cauliflower, any dark-green leafy vegetable, any yellow-orange fruit or vegetable, sprouts, beets, radish, asparagus, Brussels sprouts, turnip, cucumber (with peel), broccoli, bok choy

Fruits—All citrus fruits, apricots, peaches, red grapes; eat no fruits in the same meal with other foods, except meals or snacks consisting of only grains

Fish—Mackerel, salmon, sardines, herring, pilchard

Nuts—Brazil nuts, walnuts, almonds

Grains—Oats, rye, groats (kasha), barley, amaranth

Spices and Herbs—Anise, dill, fennel, coriander, marjoram, ginger, sage, saffron, thyme, rosemary, bay leaf, sorrel, turmeric, mint, oregano, basil

Other—Green tea, licorice root, wheat bran, shiitake/ling zhi (reishi)/maitake mushrooms, yogurt, olive oil, acidophilus milk products, kelp/hijiki/wakame seaweeds, wheat/barley grass, chlorella.

Avoid—Red meats, standard vegetable oils/margarines, excessive alcohol, excess salt.

You may respond to Dr. Russell below or email him at drussell@boomer-living.com

Tags: cancer diet, dietary recommendations, special diets