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Pre Cancer Treatment

How Did I Manage My Diet?

Each individual’s nutritional needs varies. What worked for someone does not mean it is suited for everyone.

Before starting on a certain type of diet, bear in mind what other health related issues we need to consider. Because it may need to be adjusted based on a person’s nutritional needs. It is always best to be supervised by your doctor and a registered dietitian. Find that team who will listen to your concerns and are willing to work with you and walk you through the process.

How did I manage my diet?

Before I get to start changing my eating pattern and diet. I’ve researched on a specific diet which I am interested in. With research and the clinical advice that I received from the dietitian, nurse, and doctor, I combined these resources and applied it to my lifestyle. I want to be proactive on my treatment path, because it is my LIFE I am dealing with and I felt responsible to maintain a better quality of life. The information and resources are easily accessible to everyone at this tech savvy world. Take your good judgement when considering an information that will be beneficial and will improve your situation.

Two months before my cancer treatment, I eliminated animal protein in my diet and replaced it with plant based protein. I was on a vegan diet. While on this type of diet, I am also applying Alkaline Diet on my food choices.

The objective of following an alkaline diet is to limit the intake of acidic foods, and take in more alkaline foods to maintain a strong immune system. You want to avoid acidic foods which triggers inflammatory response to your body. Inflammation is a normal bodily function, as it is often our body’s response to damage or invader. However, chronic inflammation can contribute to progressive tissue damage and may inhibit other bodily functions from working properly if inflammation is chronic.

The goal is to tame the inflammation. Keep a low CRP, NF-KB, Homocysteine. While increase your NRF-2, and Methylation. Drinking organic coffee or green tea,  eating blueberries, maximize your fat soluble vitamins – such as Vitamin A,D,E,K2, avoiding alcohol but drinking red wine in small amount and in moderation is acceptable, avoid stress and increase mindfulness through meditation, these are some practices that we can adapt into our daily living.

What are these scientific term means?

CRP- inflammatory protein

NF-KB – inflammatory nuclear factor kappa B

NRF-2 – protein that are responsible for antioxidant and detox pathway. It calms inflammation levels.

Methylation- biochemical superhighway that helps protect DNA, brain, and GUT from inflammation.

Homocysteine – inflammatory amino acid

How can we tame inflammation?

Eating rich in plant-based foods and gluten-free foods such as vegetables, fruits, nuts, legumes, herbs, and spices. Vitamin A, D, E,K2 decreases levels of inflammatory protein CRP. Phytochemicals in plant-based foods may also help prevent cancer and damage your cells’ DNA. Phytochemicals are substances that give plant foods their flavor, color, fiber, and texture – such as strawberries, blueberries, carrots, sweet potatoes, turmeric, olive, asparagus, spinach, onions, garlic, mushrooms, nuts, cinnamon, flax seed, dark chocolate, and coffee are some of the examples.

Gluten is a protein found in grains such as wheat, barley, rye, and a cross between a wheat and a rye called triticale. Avoiding gluten foods can help in managing inflammation. Grains, starches or flours that can include in a gluten-free diet are : amaranth, arrowroot, buckwheat, flax, millet, quinoa, soy, rice.

Please refer on the chart for Alkaline Diet food reference
Alkaline/Acid Food Chart

 

 

Resources:

By Joanne Hung

A BSN-RN with some Interior Design background who loves arts and being artsy.

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