(hla)  WITH the widespread exposure of radiation and proliferating stress levels in our busy society today, more people are diagnosed with cancer. The Leukemia Research Foundation claims that someone is diagnosed with blood cancer every four minutes and is expecting more than 201,870 new cases this year in the United States. Leukaemia is a group of cancers that result in high numbers of abnormal white blood cells  count. Sufferers are prone to bleeding, bruising, fatigue, fever and an increased risk of infections. It is conventionally treated with chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapy and bone marrow transplant.

This is only the statistics for blood cancer alone. Imagine the statistics for all types of cancers combined.



It is important to note that both conventional and natural medicine proponents are of the view that cancer can depend on the genetic codes and also the exposure to radiation and chemicals. Diet therefore plays an extremely important role during a cancer treatment and should not be taken lightly of because "You are what you eat!"



What to avoid?
1)  Stay away from radiation as much as possible. This includes your mobile phones, wireless internet connection, nuclear power plant etc.
2)  Limit your consumption of processed food. Eat as much natural organic foods as possible. Many chemicals are used these days in order to preserve food items. Go organic.
3)  Reduce stress and unhealthy practices. Stress is the breaking link that causes all diseases. Regulate your lifestyle so that you face life with a relaxed and open mind. Stay away from smoking and alcohol.



The recommended diet for Leukaemia patients

Alkaline Diet
Former Professor of Chemical Pathology at South Africa's University of Pretoria Serfontein is of the opinion that it is important for any cancer patient to maintain an alkaline diet as cancers cannot survive in an alkaline environment with an average pH of 7.8 or higher.

While many conventional medicine supporters are ready to debunk his theory, many have tried the alkaline method and succeeded in beating cancer. In his own words, an alkaline diet is "better than any treatment" in stopping the spread of cancer.

Although it is scientifically impossible for the body to be completely alkaline as the body requires some levels of acidity to digest food and perform other functions, maintaining a diet as alkaline as possible would probably reduce the levels of acidity to its minimum so that it can no longer feed cancer cells.

In order to do so, people have resorted to drinking a teaspoon of baking soda in the morning or in the night, drinking water from alkaline filters and started the habit of drinking lemon water throughout the day.

Although lemons are a citrus fruit, it has an alkalising effect once it has been fully metabolised in the body and its minerals dissociated in the blood stream, thus raising the pH of the body tissue above 7 (alkaline).

An interview with former breast cancer patient, Patty Kizar from San Diego, is one of the many evidences that an alkaline diet helps curb the spread of cancer cells.



Food recommended for cancer patients
Apples, pears, papaya and melons are deemed excellent anti-cancer fruits as they are low in acid. Citrus fruit are generally not recommended except for lemon (as it has an alkalising effect on the body).

The research at Cornell University in the United States discovered that apples have inhibited mammary tumours in rats.  One or two apples should therefore be consumed every day if possible along with the peel as it is rich in quercitin, which is a plant flavonoid with potent antioxidant action. Remember to wash the apples thoroughly however to clear the wax and any traces of chemicals on the peel. If possible, always opt for vegetables and fruits that are grown organically.

Curcumin (or generally known as Turmeric) however is known for its anti-carcinogenic and anti-mutagenic properties. Researchers who published their findings in the Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry found that the compound decreased brain tumours in 9 out of the 11 studies examined by 81%. Cancer Research UK agrees the early research trials surrounding Curcumin is showing some promising results. (Click here to read more about the health benefits that Turmeric offers).

Cancer patients are best served warm and fresh food. Green leafy vegetable soup is highly recommended. Nutrients are most rich in unprocessed food. While cancer patients may consume potatoes, they are best taken steamed and not fried.

Ayurveda highly recommends the consumption of Ghee for all types of blood cancers (e.g. Leukaemia). Leukaemia patients often have their tridoshas (Kapha, Pitta and Vata - the 3 types of energies that circulate within the body that govern physiological activities) vitiated. Ghee is therefore excellent to pacify both the Pitta and Vata doshas as it eliminates the heat and dryness, improves digestion and nourishes the tissues.

Coconut water should also be regularly consumed to help reduce the body heat. This is particularly useful for patients who have undergone or are undergoing chemotherapy. Ayurveda also suggests that cancer patients do their best to maintain a vegetarian diet. Non-vegetarian patients are however allowed to drink chicken soup with small chicken chunks if the patient is very weak. Otherwise, excessive consumption of meat will increase the Pitta level, which is deemed the root cause of the disease.

Cancer patients are also recommended in Ayurveda to choose wheat and a mixture of grain breads (or chapatti) over rice.



Food to be avoided by cancer patients
As per Ayurveda (Traditional Indian Medicine), cancer patients should consume both nuts and dates in moderate quantities. Patients should also avoid chillies and take other spices in moderation. It is also recommended that cancer patients stay away from greasy and sticky food such as bananas, yoghurt, lady's finger, cheese, sweets, milk, processed food, noodles, pasta, and preserved and canned food. Although mushrooms are rich in protein, it increases the fire element in the body and should be taken very sparingly. If the patient is not protein deficient, it is best to avoid mushrooms altogether and find better alternatives.