Nutritional therapy and good nutrition are helpful for cancer patients in all stages of cancer and treatment. Oncological therapy is optimized by the positive effects of healthy eating habits by patients. Medicine is increasingly incorporating dietary plans into their traditional treatments that focus on killing cancer with treatments like chemotherapy.
The Role of Phytochemicals
Phytochemicals cooperate to ward off cancers like mesothelioma and other diseases. They can strengthen the immune system, slowing down the rate of growth of cancer and preventing certain types of DNA damage that can cause cancer.
Many phytochemicals have dual roles as antioxidants. Antioxidants are substances found in foods that help quench the damage done by free radicals- molecules that are created by oxidation and randomly damage healthy cells. Blocking this kind of damage may help in protecting us from diseases like cancer.
There isn’t one phytochemical that works like a magic bullet to defeat or prevent cancer. But incorporating them into a healthy diet with plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, and whole grain breads does hold the promise of providing some protection from cancer, based upon the latest research.
Oregon State University’s Linus Pauling Institute recently conducted a study showing that sulforaphane can selectively target and destroy prostate cancer cells, without damaging healthy ones. Sulforaphane is a phytochemical in cruciferous vegetables like broccoli. Other studies suggest it has the same potential for breast cancer.
There are a variety of cruciferous vegetables besides broccoli that also supply good doses of cancer-fighting sulforaphane. They include watercress, arugula, chard, kale, radishes, and other types of leafy greens.
“It is well documented that sulforaphane can target cancer cells through multiple chemopreventive mechanisms,” the study authors wrote. “Here we show for the first time that sulforaphane selectively targets benign hyperplasia cells and cancerous prostate cells while leaving the normal prostate cells unaffected.”
“These findings regarding the relative safety of sulforaphane to normal tissues have significant clinical relevance as the use of sulforaphane moves towards use in human clinical trials,” they stated.
Cautions About Supplements
It is better that you get cancer-fighting compounds like pytochemicals into your diet naturally by eating foods that contain them, rather than supplementing. Some pill forms of supplements are poorly absorbed by the body, and function better when working together with other nutrients.
Also, when you get your phytochemicals in supplement form, you may be missing certain other needed compounds that are only present in the source food. These may compliment the phytochemicals, or even offset negative effects seen when they are taken alone.
Watch Your Weight
Being overweight or obese is a known risk factor for developing diabetes or cancer. It is important that you keep your weight within reasonable limits. Be sure to eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetable, nuts, whole grains, and healthy fats. The whole grains will ensure you get plenty of fiber to help your digestion, maintain healthy blood sugar levels, and feel full longer. Nuts and fish will help you get essential omega-3 fatty acids into your diet.
By: Jillian Mckee of The Mesothelioma Cancer Alliance






















