The Nutrition Handbook

Cancer Nutrition 
Stage Two:
Expedient Diet
Stage One:
Preventive
Stage Three:
Regenerative Nutrition

THREE STAGES IN A CYCLE OF NUTRITION AND CANCER

The following gives overall guidelines for maintaining a nutritional balance:
  1. Preventive Nutrition (when you feel well):
    • Fats or oils from fish, nuts and seeds need not be restricted. Saturated fats from meats, dairy products or hydrogenated oils should be restricted to less than 10% of total energy intake.
    • High in foods from plant sources such as whole grains, beans, starchy root vegetables, vegetables and fruits.
    • Reasonable in protein; two servings daily (about the size of a deck of cards) of fish, lean meat, poultry or one cup of mixed beans and rice.
    • Plenty of antioxidants and phytonutrients or botanical factors found in whole grains, beans, vegetables and many fruits. Dark colored items are richest sources. Eat some frequently.
    • Moderate quantities overall ? eat and stay active to maintain a steady weight.
    • Wide variety of foods, especially seasonal fruits and vegetables. Eat a minimum of 5 servings each day, 8-10 servings are recommended. 2. During Treatment (Expedient Diet)
    • Sufficient small, frequent meals to maintain body weight.
    • One more serving of protein; use protein powder for smoothies or include hard boiled eggs on salads or add egg whites, more fish and poultry at meal times.
    • Few dairy products due to possible lactose-intolerance which may develop; symptoms include with abdominal discomfort and diarrhea. Live culture yogurt or hard cheese usually OK.
    • Avoid gas-producing foods such as insufficiently cooked beans or excessive amounts of the cabbage family. Use digestive enzymes to reduce gas.
    • Avoid highly spiced foods, unless they agree with you.
    • Avoid more than RDA levels of antioxidant supplements.

  2. During Treatment:
    • Sufficient small, frequent meals to maintain body weight.
    • One more serving of protein; use protein powder for smoothies or include hard boiled eggs on salads or add egg whites, more fish and poultry at meal times.
    • Few dairy products due to possible lactose-intolerance which may develop; symptoms include with abdominal discomfort and diarrhea. Live culture yogurt or hard cheese usually OK.
    • Avoid gas-producing foods such as insufficiently cooked beans or excessive amounts of the cabbage family. Use digestive enzymes to reduce gas.
    • Avoid highly spiced foods, unless they agree with you.
    • Avoid more than RDA levels of antioxidant supplements.

  3. Regenerative Nutrition (as you Recover):
    • As for Preventive Nutrition but with an especial focus on the nutrients needed for regenerating the immune system, for instance Vitamins B, C, E, selenium and zinc. Try adding a tablespoon of wheat germ to your morning cereal.
    • At least 10 servings of fruits and vegetables each day. Try 100% fruit or vegetable juices but remember to wash all produce well.
    • Reintroduce milk and lactose containing dairy products slowly.
    • Include a daily antioxidant rich supplement.


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