Cancer has Cancer
 
So I do my best to inform myself about many other types of cancers, treatments and nutrition and anything that I feel is helpful for others.  I attended a presentation by Kristin Rigno, RD, CSO, LD, CNSC from Baylor Medical Center in Dallas.  Here are just a few recommendations from her point of view and the  American Institute for Cancer Research

Obsity and Cancer Risks-Higher risk for cancers:
Esophageal
Pancreatic
Colorectal
Breast (post-menopause)
Endometrial
Kidney

The AICR recommends at least these as 4 types of activities:
Household-Mowing the lawn, Vacuuming, dusting
Transport-Walking to and from work, stairs instead of elevator
Recreational-Walk after dinner, hike in the park
This type of activity can prevent colorectal and breast cancers.

Meats:
Eat red meats in moderations
-less than 18 oz./week
-use lesslean meats-3.5 oz. servings
-avoid high temperature cooking
-limit processed meats including smoked, cured, salted or nitrates added

Fats and Oils:
balance out the saturated and unsaturated fats
add omega 3
energy dense

Fruits and Veggies
Research has shown that fruits and vegetables protect against a range of cancers (including mouth, pharynx, larynx, esophagus, stomach, lung, pancreas, prostate).

They provide these 4 cancer fighting compounds:
1. Vitamins-Antioxidants
2. Minerals-Antioxidants
3. Phytochemicals-Antioxidants
4. Fiber

Antioxidants?
Antioxidants can prevent or even slow down oxidative stress or damage to cells that are introduced by free radicals.

Here's what vitamins can do for you:
Vitamin A-Citrus fruits, bell peppers, kiwi, strawberries
Vitamin C-Carrots, sweet potatoes, pumpkin, spinach, kale, green lettuce 
Vitamin E-Sunflower seeds, mixed nuts, whole grain products

Beta Cartene
Neutralizes free radicals which cause damage to cells
Can be made into vitamin A in the body

Minerals?
Selenium: gluthatione peroxidase garlic, celery, onions, broccoli, cabbage, whole grains, nuts, wheat germ
Zinc: enzyme co-factor legumes, whole grains, peanut butter

Phytochemicals?
Phyto in Greek means "plant"

Lycopene protects againts:
Prostate, breast, lung, stomach and pancreatic cancers and are found in tomatoes, watermelons, pink/red grapesfruits, apricots (processed forms of tomatoes (tomato sauce, paste or juice) are easier to absorb just be aware of how much sodium is added. 

Ellagic Acid:
Antioxidants, anti-mutagen and anti cancer properties.
Source: red fruits and berries, including grapes, raspberries, strawberries, blackberries, cranberries.


Antyocyanins:
Are powerful antioxidants and found in blueberries, berries, cherries, and red grapes.

Isothiocyanates:
They protect against some types of cancers (mouth, pharynx, larynx, esophagus, stomach, lung, colorectal, prostate, and bladder cancers.
Found in cruciferous vegetables, broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, kale, brussels sprouts, bok choy.

The benefits of fiber!
Fiber helps reduce the risk of chronic disease, promotes regular bowel movement, removes toxic waste from colon in less time, keeps optimal pH in the intestines, lowers cholesterol and regulates blood sugar.

How much do you need of vegetables and fruits a day? at least 5 servings, but a serving is smaller than you think!

How big is a serving? 
1/2 cup of vegetables raw/uncooked
1 cup of vegetable juice
1 cup of raw leafy greens 

1/2 cup of chopped fruits
1 cup of 100% fruit juice (no added sugar)
1/4 cup of dried fruits

The AICR new american plate consists of:
1/3 or less animal protein
2/3 or more vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and beans

Variety is important! No single

For more information please visit: www.aicr.org








 
 

Well if you haven't noticed by now, I'm "the one" with the letters C-A-N-C-E-R across my forehead.  I have searched out support such as from  http://cancersupporttexas.org/ for many reasons, not a close family relationship and I'm in a huge life transition having been diagnosed dead smack when everyone else is planning out life, getting married and having kids and a career. It didn't help that I was assigned a dark gray cloud to follow me and remind me that life is full of uncertainty, however once I took a hold and became proactive in my healing process after such a drastic psychological impact, I was able to look at uncertainty in a better light. That's the beauty of life is that it can be a fun adventure as long as we are willing to go along. These are a few things that I have used to help me get a better grip on my reality at the age of 29. 

Yoga- It helps with learning how to be aware of the breathing process and I have learned how to pace myself and relax.
Meditation-I only tried this once and it didn't really work for me, however this may work for you and help you. So I encourage you to try it if you are interested.  
Massages-A lot of times we carry our stress in different parts of our bodies and hold toxins.  I simply massage not only helps relax the mind, body and soul but it also helps with breaking up the toxins and getting them out of your body after chemo, make sure to drink plenty of H2O.
Reiki-I have not tried this yet, but will asap and report back on how my Charkas are!
Writing-I'm near the end of writing my book and it has been a process to revisit my life and put it in the past and move on. Start a blog, being open about my cancer diagnosis was something I was at first unsure about but it's been a little over a year now since I was first diagnosed and I have reached over 403,000 views and countless emails from people around the world. Being open and honest about my struggle has not only helped me but has helped more people that I will ever know. It's humbling.  
Painting-Cathartic is what it  has been for me to just stop my brain from thinking all the time and just let it out when I have no words to speak.
Professional Help-As much as many people don't like to admit this either, the numbers of psychological disorders are rising. As for me I'm pre-genetically disposed to this and have history of major depression, ADHD and anxiety. Not to mention the added stress of a little thing called, CANCER. If you need it, seek professional help out. I'm a huge supporter of NAMI and have family members that have been diagnosed with Schizophrenia, Bi-polar and Borderline Personality disorder. First off by going to see the "cucu doctor" it does not make you crazy or a bad person, you just have to learn how to better manage it.  For those that have anxiety and depression as a result of cancer you can work through these things. I'm not opposed to medications that can help me regain my natural balance and stabilize myself again.  Again it's all up to you on how you choose to look at it, A. a glass half empty, B. a glass half full or C. the glass spilling over! I'll take C please.
Networking-I have been inspired to keep moving forward with the support of many people I have only written to online but more times than not if you are looking for support in others diagnosed with cancer they are also looking for the buddy support. You're not alone and I can't say this enough, but I never have to explain why I have nourapathy to another cancer patient, they just understand. Plus it's an added bonus to make wonderful new friends who are just as strong or perhaps weak as you are. 
Humor-I have to humor myself and make fun of my situation sometimes, it doesn't hurt to laugh about life's BS. After all great comedy does come out of tragedy.
Life is full of choices and the outcome is based on how well we react or handle certain situations. ;-) 

Well kids that's all I got for now, I have to go drink some coffee and finish up on editing my book so I can get it published. 

P.S. Don't forget to LIVE LIFE 
 

Cancer has Cancer