The truth is that I didn’t change my diet radically. I was already following a healthy diet consisting mainly of organic foods, no alcohol or tobacco products. After doing much research, I simply supplemented it with the following:
Fresh Wheatgrass. I took a daily dose of 2 shots every morning on an empty stomach. Squish it around in your mouth before swallowing it.
Since it’s not always feasible to get access to fresh wheatgrass juice, I would get a week’s supply of frozen wheatgrass shots from a local health food store. To defrost the shots, remove from the freezer the evening before and put in the refrigerator. The wheatgrass shots will be defrosted by the next morning.
Fresh Homemade Juices. Daily green juices made with fresh organic Kale or any dark leafy type of vegetable. To add sweetness, I would add an apple or carrot. A lemon can also be squeezed in. as well To add variety; I would have fresh beet juice mixed with apple. I would often get asked if the vegetables needed to be organic. In my humble opinion, yes. Otherwise, your freshly made juice will be seasoned with pesticides.
Reduced sugar intake. Some studies show that sugar feeds cancer so I reduced my sugar intake. I never consume sugar substitutes such as Equal or Splenda. Here's a recent news story about the hazards of diet soda.
Increased Body PH Level. There is plenty of research showing the link between acidic pH and cancer. When your body cells and tissue are acidic (below pH of 6.5 - 7.0), they lose their ability to exchange oxygen, and cancer cells are able to thrive. On the other hand, when your body cells and tissue are alkaline (above pH of 7.0) cancer cells find it difficult to survive because of the high amount of oxygen present.
- You can test your body pH level with a pH test kit, available at your nearest health food store or online. Here's an example of the test kit.
- Drink more alkaline water. You can purchase alkaline water from a health food store or vitamin store.
- Eat foods with high ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity) value. The foods we eat can play a role in increasing or decreasing body pH, and some foods can be more alkalizing than others. Eating more alkaline foods helps shift your body’s pH and oxygenates your system.
- Reduce stress factors. Prolonged stress has been linked to cancer. Prolonged stress is known to cause a depletion of adrenaline in the body’s cells. Depleted adrenaline results in a build up of glucose (sugar) in the body’s cells, and restricts oxygen to cells, causing a break in the krebs cycle (known as the citric acid cycle) of the cell and cell mutation.
Consulted a “Wellness” Doctor. This type of physician practices what is known as “Functional Medicine” which focuses on the cause of the disease and underlying deficiencies and insight into the patient’s overall health and wellness? Now, I must forewarn you that unfortunately, most health insurance companies don’t cover these types of doctors. This is hard to believe with the current trend towards “consumer healthcare plans” and “wellness” programs offered but hopefully that changes one day. However, I must tell you that this is the best money I ever spent. If you think about it, most of us consistently stay up-to-date with the maintenance of our cars. If we neglect the routine oil changes and maintenance, the car suffers resulting in additional repairs that may have been otherwise prevented.
Yet we often put our own preventative health maintenance on the back burner.
Vitamin D3. Studies show a linkage to low vitamin D associated with increased risk of cancer. I discovered I had low Vitamin D3 on a routine blood test.
Chlorella. Chlorella is a type of algae that grows in fresh water. It is used for preventing cancer, reducing radiation treatment side effects, and stimulating the immune system.
Spirulina. Spirulina is a type of blue-green algae that is rich in protein, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that can help protect cells from damage. It contains nutrients, including B complex vitamins, beta-carotene, vitamin E, manganese, zinc, copper, iron, selenium, and gamma linolenic acid (an essential fatty acid). I did not take this while I was undergoing chemotherapy. Once I completed the series of chemo treatments, I started taking this supplement.
Saventaro. Also known as “Cat’s Claw”, Saventaro enhances natural immunity and modifies the acquired immune system. In addition, research studies have shown that the use of cat's claw for irritable bowel syndrome, heart attack, stroke, Crohn's disease treatment and digestive disorders is safe and effective. I did not take this while I was undergoing chemotherapy. Once I completed the series of chemo treatments, I started taking this supplement.
I would like to note that this is the regimen I followed based on research and consulting with subject matter experts. The regime outlined above is not only applicable to someone with cancer but to anyone looking to incorporate preventative maintenance into their health plan.
To quote Hippocrates: “Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food”.