For cancer patients hoping to overcome their diagnosis, they must seek out what can only be described as a clean and simple yet specialized diet; one that is alkaline with zero inflammation properties or synthetic hormones, while also being hypoallergenic and low in simple sugars.
At New Hope Unlimited, we understand that everyone’s medical history and journey with their disease is unique, so why should treatment be anything less? That’s why our team creates individualized approaches that factor in the type of cancer each patient is up against, previous treatments or medications used, as well as how far along cancer has progressed. This way, patients can rest assured knowing their path forward is not one-size fits all endeavor; instead receiving an honest chance at tackling this fight on every front possible.
From dietary advice adjusted according to a specific cancer’s unique needs, all the way to creating balanced nourishment plans based on overall health status – by combining these solutions into one comprehensive package, we ensure that each patient gets the individualized care they deserve.
Read on to get an idea of how leaders in alternative cancer therapies integrate these elements to optimize treatment outcomes and quality of life.
Ideal Diet for Your Cancer Type
Understanding your cancer’s metabolic profile is crucial in determining which nutrition strategy offers the best chance for treatment success.
- Diet for Glucose-Fueled Cancer (Glycolysis)
Sugar plays a key role in cancer development and progression, especially in early-stage cancer. Cancer cells use simple carbohydrates such as glucose and fructose as fuel, which make them difficult to treat, as carb-rich foods create an acidic environment that further facilitates tumor growth. Making dietary changes is more critical for anyone looking to take proactive measures against cancer.
Certain malignant (cancerous) cells that form in the lungs and kidneys appear “addicted” to sugar, according to a 2020 study. If you have lung or kidney cancer or have a risk of developing either disease, consider adding these to your diet:
- 8-12 servings of good carbohydrates, such as fresh and organic vegetables
- Low-sugar fruits like strawberries, peaches, honeydew melons, oranges, and others
- Small servings, around 2-3 times a week, of complex carbs with slow insulin release responses, including gluten-free whole grains and legumes
If you combine these nutrients in one meal, you can create an amino acid profile as well-rounded as one from animal protein sources.
- Diet for Glutamine-Fueled Cancers (Glutaminolysis)
Triple-negative breast cancer, prostate, lung, and pancreatic cancers, as well as lymphoma and glioblastoma, are examples of malignancies that become more aggressive and metabolically complex as they advance and spread to other areas of the body. These cancers also prefer glutamine as their fuel source.
Glutamate or glutamic acid is an independent amino acid and glutamine is the main byproduct of glutaminolysis in cancer cells. The conversion of glutamine into lactate is possible through different metabolic pathways, which is essential to support fatty acid production. Cancer cells also use glutamine breakdown to manufacture their own DNA and organelles, as well as to produce glutathione, which, at elevated levels, makes tissues resistant to chemotherapy drugs, oxidation, and lactic acid.
Glutamine is an abundant amino acid in your bloodstream and is necessary to maintain nervous, intestinal, and immune system health. In layman’s terms, starving your body from glutamine can have a negative influence on protein metabolism, immune status, and disease outcome.
The most effective approach is to obstruct cancer’s glutamine uptake, which you can target naturally when you eat these during cancer treatment or recovery:
- Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), which is an abundant source of the amino acid Theanine
- Curcumin or turmeric root, which contains properties that may impede both glutamine uptake and malignant cell transportation pathways
- Ursolic acid found in berries, oregano, rosemary, and basil may inhibit both malignant cell transportation pathways and glutamine levels
Many scientists also recommend avoiding foods high in glutamate – which is a form of amino acid unbound to proteins and is more bioavailable for cancer cell uptake. The primary sources of free glutamic acid are parmesan cheese, tomato sauce, nutritional yeast, starchy vegetables, and fermented foods, among others. Many protein and collagen powders also contain free glutamate, so ensure to choose branched-chain amino acid-based formulas instead.
- Diet for LDL Cholesterol and Saturated Fat-Fueled Cancers (Lipogenesis and Fatty Acid Oxidation)
If you have melanoma, glioblastoma, pancreatic cancer, prostate cancer, cervical or endometrial cancer, or triple-negative breast cancer, following this diet may improve your prognosis.
Cancer cells require LDL cholesterol to build their fatty membrane. While they can produce their own cholesterol through different pathways, cancer cells acquire it mostly through the food we allow to enter our bodies. An excess of saturated fat from animal sources such as poultry, lamb, beef, venison, and dairy products in your system may impact your health for the worse. For example, LDL cholesterol can accumulate on the walls of your blood vessels. This buildup called plaque can cause heart disease and stroke.
The key, as always, is moderation. You may eat up to seven eggs a week from a free-range or organic source.
In addition, choose healthy fats sourced from:
- Plant-based options, including nuts, seeds, olive oil, coconut oil, etc.
- Squalene is an abundant compound found in olive, shark, and amaranth oils, and to a lesser extent, in rice bran and wheat germ. This nutritional compound has an effect that inhibits cancer cells on a specific pathway from generating their own cholesterol
Fueling your body with plant-based sources of protein, good carbohydrates, and healthy fats can help you maintain a better macro-level environment for starving cancer cells. As a bonus, these beneficial nutrients also support improved liver function and balanced cholesterol levels.
Reiterating the Role of Nutrition in Cancer Recovery and Prevention
Having a nutrition plan based on your specific cancer diagnosis can be an empowering experience, allowing you to take control of your healing journey. By focusing on removing or reducing food sources that nurture tumor growth, in general, adding these nutrients to your diet may help you battle cancer:
- A generally low glycemic diet
- Balanced consumption of fiber-rich whole grains
- Reduced intake of sugary fruits, such as lychees and mangoes
- A diet high in fresh seasonal veggies, spices, and herbs
- Controlled serving of organic eggs each week
Your immune system is the soldier in your battle against cancer. It takes charge of both fighting and healing, so ensure to supply it with an optimal fuel source.
Here at New Hope Unlimited, there is no universal or standard treatment plan. Whether you are seeking alternative treatment options for skin cancer, head and neck cancer, or liver cancer, we mold our plans based on each particular patient’s case. If your doctor has diagnosed you with a life-draining malignancy, contact us today for alternative treatment options tailored according to your exact needs.
