For medical practitioners of conventional medicine, good nutrition is seen not as the cure but merely to serve as source of the nutrients that are essential to a healthy recovery. Common cancer treatments such as radiation and chemotherapy, as well as surgical procedures take their toll on the human body, which is why doctors and nutritionists advise their patients on the kinds of food to eat.
On the other hand, proponents of alternative medicine view proper nutrition as one of the ways to treat cancer. Because of the many essential nutrients present in different types of food, they can help reduce side effects, boost energy levels, and keep a patient healthy while undergoing treatment.
Raw Food Treatment
This approach believes in the capacity of raw, uncooked foods to fight serious diseases such as cancer. For instance, fruits and vegetables contain potent substances that can either kill cancerous cells or prevent them from further spreading.
When raw food is mentioned, it is important for people to understand that it means any food that is eaten without cooking so it does not lose whatever nutrients it contains. It does not cover all foods, but instead applies to specific fruits and vegetables that contain potent nutrients.
Proponents of this approach prefer that fruits and vegetables are juiced or eaten as they are rather than be cooked, grilled, or boiled.
Super Food
Although many doctors do not recommend relying solely on food to treat illnesses, many doctors would like to point out the potency of some food over the others. One particular food that has a potential to aid in cancer treatment is garlic. It is reported to have the ability to neutralize carcinogens and boost the immune system to help fight cancer.
Ketogenic Diet
All cells survive by processing glucose. If you deprive your body of glucose, normal cells usually switch to ketone bodies, which are broken down from fatty acids and can be used as alternative fuel for the body. Cancer cells, however, cannot make this transition as they are solely dependent on glucose to fuel their activities. So the idea is to avoid glucose and skip on sugars, salts, and junk food. Patients will then increase their intake of natural proteins such as lean meat as well as natural fats such as avocados and nuts.
Ultimately, while there is still no strong evidence that a particular food can cure cancer, there is no doubt that there are many nutrients in certain foods that can help cancer patients cope with the disease and improve any chances of recovery.
