Nutrition for cancer prevention and during treatment

Reverse color flowers - N. Carlson

The following links provide guidelines on nutrition to prevent cancer and eating well during various types of cancer treatment.  Basic summary: Drink water, eat colorful fruits (blueberries and raspberries) and vegetables (carrots and kale). Stay away from grapefruit (often interferes with chemo effectiveness). Avoid processed meats and trans fats. Eat good lean protein. Try to stay active and maintain a healthy weight. Eat walnuts, flaxseed, garlic and winter squash. Drink red grape juice and green tea,   Be wary of unregulated dietary supplements.   The article on nutrition during cancer treatment had specific suggestions for different types of cancer treatments and the most successful ways of spacing out eating.

Be aware that there are side effects to consuming foods.  As an example, both garlic and tumeric are blood thinners and can cause problems with bleeding during surgery.  Doctors often recommend not consuming these foods and other blood thinning drugs up to two weeks prior to surgery.

Please consult with your doctor or clinical dietician to make sure your diet works with your current cancer treatment. 

Healthy Eating and Activity for Living pdf (HEAL WELL)

American Cancer Society Nutrition and Exercise Guidelines

American Institute for Cancer Research Dietary Guidelines

Nutrition for the Person with Cancer During Treatment (ACS)

Anti-Cancer Vegetable study

NCI garlic information

WebMD garlic information