The correct diet to follow when diagnosed with cancer
Dietitian, Kulani Mtileni suggests sticking with a balanced diet that includes lots of lean proteins, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy products.
POLOKWANE – Dietitian Kulani Mtileni, founder of Polokwane Dietitians located on Grobler street, says many cancers have a nutritional or dietary component that one will have to follow.
“The strongest evidence regarding specific foods decreasing the risk of certain cancers is related to the consumption of fruits, vegetables, whole grains as well as anti-cancer ‘colour foods’ such as dark green (spinach), yellow (pepper, paw-paw), orange fruits or vegetables, garlic and legumes,” he said.
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He further explains that phytochemicals, which are food ingredients that occur naturally in fruits, vegetables and whole grains protect against micro-organisms and serve as antioxidants.
Kulani adds that calcium and vitamin D3 are food sources that are beneficiary for the body to function well when diagnosed with cancer. These include:
• Dairy products.
• Coenzyme Q10 food sources: fish, peanuts, spinach.
• Glutathione and selenium (this improves immune cell function): lean meats, potatoes, onions and garlic.
• Vitamin A, B6, vitamin C, E, K, Zinc: liver, bananas, fish, oranges, grapefruit, lemons, cranberries, watermelon, tomatoes and lettuce.
• Polyunsaturated fats: corn and soy.
• Herbs and spices: cayenne pepper, ginger and cinnamon.
“When one has cancer, stick with a balanced diet that includes lots of lean proteins, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy products. Try to limit your sugar, caffeine, salt, and alcohol intake,” he concluded.
