The Pancreatic Cancer Diet
Diet is very important for maintaining good health. This is especially true with trying to prevent pancreatic cancer. A pancreatic cancer diet is a regimen designed to reduce one's risk of developing the disease, and if the condition does develop, it is a diet aimed at slowing and even reversing the effects of pancreatic cancer.
The best form of pancreatic cancer diet is one designed to prevent the disease. Prevention is especially important, for the survival rate after being diagnosed with the condition is very low. The first step in this diet is to decrease the amount of red meat consumed, especially if it has been charred or grilled. Just as important is greatly restricting fat intake. Saturated and Trans Fats are of course the types to avoid most zealously. You should also avoid sugar and processed foods. Sugar weakens the body's immune system, and processed foods contain harmful chemicals and lack beneficial nutrients.
Next, you should increase your intake of vegetables and fruits. Studies have found that eating at least 3 servings of vegetables greatly lowers a person's risk for developing pancreatic cancer. A serving consists of ½ cup of other vegetables, 1 cup of leafy greens, and ½ cup of cooked legumes, such as beans or peas. Experts recommend that you eat nine servings of fruit a day. The following constitute one serving: 1 banana, 1/2 cup dried fruit, 1 cup 100% fruit juice, and 1 medium piece of fruit. Other foods with high fiber (whole grain and nuts) are also highly beneficial. Fiber aids in preventing cancer, because it grabs toxins and moves them quickly from the body. This helps prevent cells from mutating into tumors. These foods also contain vitamins and minerals such as vitamin C and folate. These are important for a healthy immune system, among other things.
However, if you are diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, there are dietary measures you can take. Some studies have found that a pancreatic cancer diet based mainly on vegetables, fruits, whole grains, nuts, legumes, and seeds, low in poultry and red meat, and including a small amount of seafood and diary products improves some people's struggle with pancreas cancer. The high fiber content and extremely low pollutant and toxin intake work to cleanse the body, giving it the chance to heal. As cancer progresses, and in the face of fatiguing treatment, it is important to keep your weight up. This can be difficult, given that cancer cells steal energy, and chemotherapy and radiation cause symptoms like nausea. Small snacks and meals high in nutrients and energy (yogurt, dry fruit, chocolate, and dairy products) eaten throughout the day may be easier to eat than the standard "three squares." Large amounts of nutritional and energy supplements, taken with medical supervision, have also proved helpful in combating pancreatic cancer. And in a small study, researchers found that taking 8 to 10 grams of vitamin C per day worked very well in increasing cancer survival rates. People who did not take the vitamin lived 6 months, while those who did take it live about 6 years. Quite the increase! A pancreatic cancer diet can go far in preventing pancreas cancer - just a few changes to your diet may keep you cancer free. And eating the correct diet if you are diagnosed can greatly improve your chances of survival. As you've heard for years, a good diet can do wonders for your quality and quantity of life.
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