Tim & Tiffany's Nutrition Blog

Nutrition for Mesothelioma Patients

Tim & Tiffany — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 23:23:03 GMT

Nutrition for Mesothelioma Patients

The National Cancer Institute has stated at least 35 percent of all cancer cases are linked to poor nutrition. Though mesothelioma is not a cancer that is related to poor nutrition, improving nutritional intake can help mesothelioma cancer patients fight the progressive disease.

The main cause of mesothelioma is exposure to a naturally occurring mineral called asbestos. The cancer develops in the mesothelial cells that make up the lining of the lungs, heart and abdomen. Like many types of cancer, it is most treatable when caught early. The symptoms of mesothelioma can take anywhere from 20 to 50 years to become noticeable and by the time the cancer is diagnosed, it is usually in advanced stages making it more difficult to treat.

Eating a balanced and healthy diet is vital to help prevent cancer and other health problems. Although there is some debate as to exactly which foods are best in certain quantities, the fundamental guidelines for a healthy diet are fairly simple; avoid all junk foods, eat in moderation, and pay attention to the effects of various foods on the body.
In a lot of cases, no matter how well one eats, cancer may still develop for a number of reasons. But even if cancer develops in a healthy person, an ongoing healthy diet is vital to the healing process. Vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates, lipids (fats) and proteins all play key roles in a healthy human body. The body cannot successfully fight cancer without the right balance of nutrients. In addition, malnutrition causes the body to be susceptible to infection. Many cancer patients do not pass away from the cancer itself, but rather a medical condition stemming from the body’s weakened state.

In addition to improving possibilities of survival, correct dietary care can help relieve the painful or uncomfortable symptoms of cancer. This obviously depends on the type and stage of cancer, but improving symptoms can improve quality of life—even if the cancer is severe. One of the most common side effects of cancer and cancer treatment is nausea. There are a number of dietary changes you can make to help this problem. Dry grain products like crackers and toast can help settle an upset stomach. Bland foods will also help with nausea, as well as acid reflux problems.

Low white blood cell count is another common trait found in cancer patients, which elevates the risk of developing an infection. To avoid this side effect, a number of changes can be made in the foods you eat. It is vital to avoid bacteria, which is common in foods that are spoiled or not prepared well. Avoid buffets when eating out, wash your hands before preparing meals, avoid raw meats and fish (like sushi), and throw away any foods that are bruised or damaged.

For many people, avoiding certain foods cannot decrease the chance of developing cancer. Cancer is a complex medical condition, with many factors playing various roles in development and treatment. However, most patients will undoubtedly benefit from a better diet in a number of ways. In addition to eating a balanced diet, use the following tips to help strengthen the body’s ability to function well and fight disease:

• Avoid alcohol in excess amounts.
• Monitor weight carefully, not only being sure to stay trim, but also being sure to avoid becoming too thin.
• Learn about safe food preparation techniques.
• Cut the "bad" fats from your diet, opting instead for "good" fats, such as olive oil.
• Choose fruits and vegetables daily (these food groups should represent the bulk of your diet, approximately 50 percent).
• Avoid processed foods, like prepackaged meals.
• Make healthy choices when eating out, opting for low-carb or vegetable-based meals when possible.
• Monitor the types of fish you eat, choosing species low in mercury.
• Buy products that are organic.
• Do not eat fast food.
• Cut tobacco products out of your life.
• Take a multi-vitamin every day.
• Include adequate amounts of fiber in your diet.

Response to email

Tim & Tiffany — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 19:56:49 GMT

I've been running around so much I simply hadn't seen this email, but appreciate your help. And, thanks in advance for any information that you in the group can provide. I'm totally new to the concept of raw foods and wanted to know what particular books (or websites) have you found to be especially helpful. Likewise, which foods to be most nurishing (or healing)? I started to read about some "superfoods" and want to know if you had any experience with them.

Lastly, what equipment (kitchen aids) do you find most valuable? ...Some folks say you only need a blender, and some say you must have a food processor. Others say get a dehydrator. What are your thoughts?

You definitely need a blender, pricey, but we got a Vita Mix, it's great... Also check out our blog, lots a links etc.. Small, but getting there....

http://nutrition.timmaxey.com

Tiffany and I would both say, it's about the food, not the supplements... You can get almost everything you need from food & water, like spring water. If you do distilled, you will have to take some trace minerals...

One of the best, in our opinion, for almost all the "vitamins" you need, get some Royal Jelly (Fresh Royal Jelly Bee Pollen, Propolis,
Korean Ginseng, by YS) http://www.yahwehsaliveandwell.com/ysroyaljelly.html

Here's what we did:

1. Went to a nutritionist and did a 3 week cleanse (we ate only "salad" type foods and a almost raw protein shakes did take some supplements, if interested we could help) The first 3 to 5 day was the HARDEST thing we EVER did! It was HORRIBLE! It was like getting off drugs or something. Your body will retaliate, the sugar in it will cause withdraws, it sucks! Sorry, but that is why we met with a nutritionist, she helped us through what was going on with our minds and body. After about 5 days your body is like, "ok, I'm getting into this", then you feel AMAZING!

2. We ate/eat only Organic, and we do about 75% raw. I.E. for us, breakfast is mostly raw, shakes etc. then different snacks etc.. Dinner is where we have about 75% raw vegs or whatever, then we may have rice, sometimes fish or meat. We eat meat about 1 or 2 times a month...

3, Don't deprive yourself (after number 1) but don't go back to traditional sugars, sugar is cocane. Try raw chocolate, raw cane juice type treats, raw honey. One of our favs is raw chocolate powder, pumpkin seeds, walnuts, raw honey, bananas with ice all mixed up in out vita mix, ummm yummy chocolate shake!

4. We stay away from dairy and wheat about 90% of the time. (we eat spelt breads) We do get an organic or natural pizza from time to time, and Julies Organic chocolate ice cream (refer to number 3). Dairy and wheat has gotten myself, my daughter who had first stages of asthma, my son off all of meds. We take no more meds for sinuses, allergies, etc.. no enhaler for my daughter or alergy shots anymore, it's all about the food... We threw away all percription and over the counter meds over a year ago and it feels great not to be a SLAVE to them...

Hope this doesn't scrare you...

You did want a book email correct? :-)

Do you feel weird?

Tim & Tiffany — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 04:46:49 GMT

Do you feel like you are weird because you are trying to eat more healthier? I got an email the other day from someone I know who sent me a great article:

http://www.webmd.com/mental-health/anorexia-nervosa/news/20001117/orthorexia-good-diets-gone-bad

So what constitutes orthorexia?

Are you spending more than three hours a day thinking about healthy food? (WHAT???, Come on!)
Are you planning tomorrow's menu today?(WHAT THE? My mom use to plan for the whole week! Come on!)
Is the virtue you feel about what you eat more important than the pleasure you receive from eating it? (I don't know about virtue, well I do, but the deer and organic steaks sure do taste great to me! So does the raw chocolate shakes!?)
Has the quality of your life decreased as the quality of your diet increased?(YES, from others who think you are weird! Come on!)
Have you become stricter with yourself?(Self control is bad? Come on!)
Does your self-esteem get a boost from eating healthy? (uh, yeah, you feel better, you have more energy...) Do you look down on others who don't eat this way?(if you do you do have an issue, No!)
Do you skip foods you once enjoyed in order to eat the "right" foods? (umm, yes because we don't want to go back on drugs and meds)
Does your diet make it difficult for you to eat anywhere but at home, distancing you from friends and family.(not really, unless family don't except it)
Do you feel guilt or self-loathing when you stray from your diet?(Not at all!, if anything we feel like crap, headaches, not sleeping as well, sinus problems, etc)
When you eat the way you're supposed to, do you feel in total control? (ummm, Come on!)

Something to think about, but come on!

Let me talk about something. I cannot believe how much crap we have gotten as a family because we chose to eat more fruits and veggies! It amazes me the animosity towards it! We have heard comment after comment on how weird we are as a family because we do not eat wheat, do not eat dairy, and eat meat only 2 or 3 times a month. What? you got be kidding me!

I had people tell me and Tiff that we should not deprive our children of the McDonalds, the going out to eat, etc... I tell them, you want my daughter to go back onto inhalers, allergy meds, and my other children, nasal sprays, antibiotics every other month for no reason, etc.? If we eat the "old" way as a family, this will happen to our children, it was happening!

Do they understand that we as a family DO NOT use any drugs anymore and that really all we are doing is staying away from foods that give us sensitivities and or allergies?

Come on!

I love eggs

Tim & Tiffany — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 04:28:32 GMT

Really, really weird thing has happened. I really enjoy eating eggs again. I know I wrote a blog a while ago about not liking eggs, but for some reason I've been enjoying them...

I just wanted to let everyone know, eggs are pretty cool!

Sleeping at Night

Tim & Tiffany — Mon, 10 Dec 2007 07:04:55 GMT

I wanted post something I did about sleeping. All the talk about prescription drugs and all the drugs available to help a person sleep, one can get very overwhelmed on what to do.

FIRST OF ALL, DON'T TAKE A DRUG!

Change the way you eat, I use to, at least three to four times a week, take over an hour to get to sleep, and wake up about two to three hours later and be awake for another hour or so before trying to go back to sleep. That SUCKED!

After eating mostly raw and organic, jumping on the rebounder, etc... I really do not have the problem. I did, however, about a month ago, taking a long time to go to sleep and was wondering what I was doing wrong. I figured out I wasn't jumping like I should and not eating my greens as much, also, in my opinion, it was this RAW Power protein shake I was taking, also....

I AM SOLD. I take Peppermint Oil put a VERY little on my finger and run my finger up and down my pillow, then lay down and breath in the "fumes" in most of the night. I seem to fall right asleep and sleep deep. Tiffany even started it and she loves it now too, so maybe it will help you? Cool thing about essential oils, and oils like peppermint or spearmint, they are cool to "try" and won't hurt you. (Consult an herbalist if you are taking prescription meds, I ain't no specialist)

Check this link out: http://www.aromaweb.com/articles/aromatherapyandinsomnia.asp