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Foods to Enhance Cancer Prevention & Survival

Q. I will be starting chemotherapy for breast cancer. What can I do to improve my chances for the best result? I am especially interested in healthy anti-cancer foods.

I don’t just want to be passive in my treatment!

A. We applaud your initiative. Cancer treatments often involve surgery, radiation or chemotherapy. Diet may seem inconsequential compared to those powerful treatments, though we think it is important for post-treatment survival. The American Cancer Society has just issued guidelines to encourage more attention to diet and exercise to reduce the likelihood of recurrence.

We have developed a list of anti-cancer foods such as garlic, leeks, Brussels sprouts, scallions, cabbage, beets and broccoli. For delicious recipes incorporating these healthful vegetables we are sending you a copy of our book, Recipes & Remedies From The People’s Pharmacy.

You will find the following favorite anti-cancer recipes:

  • Leek & Sweet Onion Frittata (page 129)
  • Roasted Brussel Sprouts (page 150)
  • Quinoa Radish Salad (page 140)
  • Shrimp & Grits (page 111)
  • Grilled Tofu & Avocado Salad with Blood Orange Vinagrette (page 123)
  • Bitter Melon Stir Fry (page 112)
  • Cabbage Curry (page 115)
  • Coleslaw with Mint (page 145)

And here iare the highlights for our Beet Juice Smoothie recipe (page 34). Not only does it have anti-cancer properties but it has anti-inflammatory benefits, is good for your brain and should help lower blood pressure to boot.

  • 2 cups beet juice
  • 1 cup apple juice
  • 1 cup carrot juice
  • 2 Tbsp. fresh ginger, peeled & grated
  • 1 cup crushed ice
  • 1 tsp. fish oil
  • 4 Tbsp. whey powder

Puree all ingredients in a blender till smooth.

Makes at least 3 to 4 servings.

If you would like to order Recipes & Remedies From The People’s Pharmacy at a 25% discount, click here.

We think that limiting sugar intake is advisable because it can stimulate growth factors that may encourage abnormal cell proliferation. Cutting back on sugar can be challenging but it is worth the effort!

Some dietary supplements may interfere with the effectiveness of chemotherapy, so we suggest you check with your oncology team before adding any supplements to your regimen.

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About the Author
Terry Graedon, PhD, is a medical anthropologist and co-host of The People’s Pharmacy radio show, co-author of The People’s Pharmacy syndicated newspaper columns and numerous books, and co-founder of The People’s Pharmacy website. Terry taught in the Duke University School of Nursing and was an adjunct assistant professor in the Department of Anthropology. She is a Fellow of the Society of Applied Anthropology. Terry is one of the country's leading authorities on the science behind folk remedies..
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