Diet post cancer

Marynb

From reading past posts, it seems that many us were treated at the best cancer hospitals in the country. So, I am wondering whether any of these hospitals have spent anytime instructing patients on the relationship between diet and cancer prevention. The hospital I am being treated at does not approach the subject at all. I really want to be proactive and make changes to my diet to ensure a longer and healthier life.

Has anyone recieved instructions on diet from the cancer centers that treated them?

mp327

Diet instructions
I received absolutely none. I asked my colorectal doc what I should be eating and she said "Anything you want!" I asked my med onc about sugar and it's relationship to cancer and he said it was essentially BS. I also asked him if a margarita now and then would hurt and he said absolutely not. I worked for an internist for 6 years and I can assure you that there is little if any time spent in medical school teaching doctors about diet and its role in preventing disease. I think the best advice comes from our grandmothers--eat your fruits and veggies and don't eat too many sweets. Everything in moderation. I eat pretty much what I want, as I know I will die someday, as will we all. I don't want to look back and wish I had eaten more ice cream. That's just my take. Some people are into juicing, supplements, blah, blah, blah. I want to enjoy my life and a big part of that for me is enjoying food. While I try to eat as healthy a diet as possible, I would not be able to stick to it 100% of the time.

Marynb

mp327 said:

Diet instructions
I received absolutely none. I asked my colorectal doc what I should be eating and she said "Anything you want!" I asked my med onc about sugar and it's relationship to cancer and he said it was essentially BS. I also asked him if a margarita now and then would hurt and he said absolutely not. I worked for an internist for 6 years and I can assure you that there is little if any time spent in medical school teaching doctors about diet and its role in preventing disease. I think the best advice comes from our grandmothers--eat your fruits and veggies and don't eat too many sweets. Everything in moderation. I eat pretty much what I want, as I know I will die someday, as will we all. I don't want to look back and wish I had eaten more ice cream. That's just my take. Some people are into juicing, supplements, blah, blah, blah. I want to enjoy my life and a big part of that for me is enjoying food. While I try to eat as healthy a diet as possible, I would not be able to stick to it 100% of the time.

Diet post cancer
Thanks for the response. I am wondering if that is typical. I, too, want to enjoy my life....but I want it to be long and healthy and I would gladly give up anything at all if it is not contributing to longevity and good health. I want to be around for my daughter. Maybe others got a little more guidance than we did? There must be some source of scientific information about the role of diet on cancer.

BC331

Marynb said:

Diet post cancer
Thanks for the response. I am wondering if that is typical. I, too, want to enjoy my life....but I want it to be long and healthy and I would gladly give up anything at all if it is not contributing to longevity and good health. I want to be around for my daughter. Maybe others got a little more guidance than we did? There must be some source of scientific information about the role of diet on cancer.

Marynb
I'm just at the beginning of my journey, but I asked the doctor the same questions and basically got the standard food guide answer. A friend sent me the following website page.
http://kriscarr.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/crazysexymanifesto.pdf
It's interesting and I've heard similar from other sources - cutting out dairy, refined sugars and high fat foods. Who knows though. Seems the rules keep changing. Im just trying to eat as clean as possible. Whole foods, non GMO, lots of veg and fish and lean meats etc.

Angela_K

Marynb said:

Diet post cancer
Thanks for the response. I am wondering if that is typical. I, too, want to enjoy my life....but I want it to be long and healthy and I would gladly give up anything at all if it is not contributing to longevity and good health. I want to be around for my daughter. Maybe others got a little more guidance than we did? There must be some source of scientific information about the role of diet on cancer.

Diet
Although my specific oncologists weren't outspoken regarding diet, there are MD's out there who are vocal about a proper "cancer" diet to help with healing and further prevention. I find it very easy to eat clean simply because it makes me feel sooooo much better than when I consume sugar and wheat, which are proven to lower your immune system and cause inflammation in the body. I guided myself by doing a tremendous amount of research via the internet and books. I think we have to take it beyond "everything in moderation" and educate ourselves. Broaden our thinking! Disease in America is due primarily to the American diet. Healthcare reform starts in our own kitchens. Do we want to be part of the problem or part of the solution?

I do apply the 90/10 rule (90% I eat pretty clean) . . .but I tell you, there is a GREAT difference in how my body responds and I have not had ONE cold since treatment ended almost two years ago. Plus, there is not doubt that I am doing everything in my power to have a super-strong immune system. I am one of the juicers that Martha speaks of and through research and application have found green juicing to be an optimal way for my body to get concentrated nutrients. It's not hard. And I assure you that on my deathbed I won't be wishing I had eaten more ice cream.:)

You might start with Dr. Andrew Weil, MD (http://www.drweil.com/) by taking a look at his anti-inflammatory food pyramid. He also has books on the market that are all worth reading.
Another resource is Dr. Roby Mitchell, MD (http://www.drfitt.com/BALi-Eating-Plan_c_142.html) and his BALI eating plan.

Chinese medicine is another area to explore and the The China Study is valuable reading. http://www.thechinastudy.com/

I also have taken it upon myself to better educate my own oncologists and am happy to report that my rad onc now prescribes the BALI eating plan to all of her patients. You must remember, nutrition and prevention is not a key focus in western medical schools. Treating symptoms is. These doctors are so very busy with their practices that they don't have time to seek outside information on their own. So, much like drug reps, when I do get in front of my doctors, I optimize my time with them by sharing solid science. But it's proven science from our gardens, not a pharmaceutical lab.

I applaud you on your quest for cancer diet information. We have to take responsibility and be proactive in our healing and self care and help spread that message. And on a final note, I do enjoy my food . . .I am a fresh/clean food caterer by profession, having launched my business just a couple of weeks ago and had a hugely successful Thanksgiving run. I am determined to show my community that we can use our local resources and eat and party fresh! https://www.facebook.com/pages/Fresh-Bites-on-the-Concho/209530905848357?fref=ts

Blessings to you.

Angela

Marynb

Angela_K said:

Diet
Although my specific oncologists weren't outspoken regarding diet, there are MD's out there who are vocal about a proper "cancer" diet to help with healing and further prevention. I find it very easy to eat clean simply because it makes me feel sooooo much better than when I consume sugar and wheat, which are proven to lower your immune system and cause inflammation in the body. I guided myself by doing a tremendous amount of research via the internet and books. I think we have to take it beyond "everything in moderation" and educate ourselves. Broaden our thinking! Disease in America is due primarily to the American diet. Healthcare reform starts in our own kitchens. Do we want to be part of the problem or part of the solution?

I do apply the 90/10 rule (90% I eat pretty clean) . . .but I tell you, there is a GREAT difference in how my body responds and I have not had ONE cold since treatment ended almost two years ago. Plus, there is not doubt that I am doing everything in my power to have a super-strong immune system. I am one of the juicers that Martha speaks of and through research and application have found green juicing to be an optimal way for my body to get concentrated nutrients. It's not hard. And I assure you that on my deathbed I won't be wishing I had eaten more ice cream.:)

You might start with Dr. Andrew Weil, MD (http://www.drweil.com/) by taking a look at his anti-inflammatory food pyramid. He also has books on the market that are all worth reading.
Another resource is Dr. Roby Mitchell, MD (http://www.drfitt.com/BALi-Eating-Plan_c_142.html) and his BALI eating plan.

Chinese medicine is another area to explore and the The China Study is valuable reading. http://www.thechinastudy.com/

I also have taken it upon myself to better educate my own oncologists and am happy to report that my rad onc now prescribes the BALI eating plan to all of her patients. You must remember, nutrition and prevention is not a key focus in western medical schools. Treating symptoms is. These doctors are so very busy with their practices that they don't have time to seek outside information on their own. So, much like drug reps, when I do get in front of my doctors, I optimize my time with them by sharing solid science. But it's proven science from our gardens, not a pharmaceutical lab.

I applaud you on your quest for cancer diet information. We have to take responsibility and be proactive in our healing and self care and help spread that message. And on a final note, I do enjoy my food . . .I am a fresh/clean food caterer by profession, having launched my business just a couple of weeks ago and had a hugely successful Thanksgiving run. I am determined to show my community that we can use our local resources and eat and party fresh! https://www.facebook.com/pages/Fresh-Bites-on-the-Concho/209530905848357?fref=ts

Blessings to you.

Angela

Angela
Hi Angela,

Thank you! This is exactly the information I am looking for. I really want to feel better. I am right at the stage that the diarreah is ending, for the most part, and I can add more vegetables and fruits.....cautiously. Spinach is sitll not digested. I bought a book by Dr. Furhrman...Super Immunity, but it does not specifically deal with cancer. What kind of juicer do you use? I will try to find those books. It seems really incredible to me that the best cancer centers in the USA do not deal with diet! Really incredible!

I really wish we had a business like yours in my area. I also think, why can't there be restaurants that serve only clean organic food? Even a fast food restaurant that deals only with clean food.

I have always tried to eat healthy foods and never did like junk food. I was raised eating mostly whole foods and that is what I like to eat. I have a lot to learn, but I am going to start today! It is no longer acceptable to me to put garbage and toxins into my body. I have had cancer twice. I want to be healthy. I can tell you, for 100% certain, that if my life is cut short, on my death bed, I will not be wishing I ate more ice cream! I want to be well.

Thanks!

Mary

Marynb

BC331 said:

Marynb
I'm just at the beginning of my journey, but I asked the doctor the same questions and basically got the standard food guide answer. A friend sent me the following website page.
http://kriscarr.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/crazysexymanifesto.pdf
It's interesting and I've heard similar from other sources - cutting out dairy, refined sugars and high fat foods. Who knows though. Seems the rules keep changing. Im just trying to eat as clean as possible. Whole foods, non GMO, lots of veg and fish and lean meats etc.

BC331
Thanks, I have downloaded this into my ipad. Love it! I am determined to get healthier than ever and take on the food poisoners. I don't want to be intolerant, but these days it is hard for me to watch people putting garbage into their bodies. Change is difficult. With cancer on the rise, I am just shocked by the lack of attention paid by what we are putting into our bodies with no real knowledge of how it is effecting us. I think if we are going to fight cancer, we need to start there.

When my grandparents lived, there was no processed food. There were small farms and local producers. They did not live in a world of chemical food. Their wisdom is great, but not enough to know what to eat in 2012.

Thanks for the info. It is a good start.

Angela_K

Marynb said:

Angela
Hi Angela,

Thank you! This is exactly the information I am looking for. I really want to feel better. I am right at the stage that the diarreah is ending, for the most part, and I can add more vegetables and fruits.....cautiously. Spinach is sitll not digested. I bought a book by Dr. Furhrman...Super Immunity, but it does not specifically deal with cancer. What kind of juicer do you use? I will try to find those books. It seems really incredible to me that the best cancer centers in the USA do not deal with diet! Really incredible!

I really wish we had a business like yours in my area. I also think, why can't there be restaurants that serve only clean organic food? Even a fast food restaurant that deals only with clean food.

I have always tried to eat healthy foods and never did like junk food. I was raised eating mostly whole foods and that is what I like to eat. I have a lot to learn, but I am going to start today! It is no longer acceptable to me to put garbage and toxins into my body. I have had cancer twice. I want to be healthy. I can tell you, for 100% certain, that if my life is cut short, on my death bed, I will not be wishing I ate more ice cream! I want to be well.

Thanks!

Mary

In West Texas, restaurants pride themselves on enormous and ridiculous portion sizes, but it's based on demand. Cost is another factor in restaurants "going organic." I work with local organic farmers when I can and use the absolute freshest ingredients without preservatives. I have learned to make my own mayonnaise and yogurt and other condiments. My biggest customers are health conscious young moms in their 30's who are well educated and want clean food for themselves and for their young families. Education is key. Change consumer habits, the food industry will follow suit. Next on my agenda? Starting a grass roots movement to begin sustainable gardens on our school campuses.

I strongly believe that one person CAN make a difference. I can stir the pot and get some attention and I'm sure lively debate going. I can press for change. You see, I don't care who I upset anymore. I'm not content with status-quo. It's not good enough for me, my children or my future grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Drug companies hate the idea of people educating themselves and becoming healthy, and then God forbid, VOCAL about it. I don't think the American population quite understands what HUGE, HUGE, HUGE profits drug companies make off of us being sick. Again, the health care reform starts in our own kitchen and with our own choices at the grocery store and with the restaurants we frequent.

geneviasue

Juicing or Smoothie Making
Mary,

I thought I would share what I know about some equipment (juicers). We bought and was using a NutriBullet religiously before my diagnosis in Sept. We had it about 3 months. We love it and it's inexpensive enough for most any home. Like, $120. The Vitamix is really good too. It's capacity is larger and has more options which comes with a price tag of about $400. I wouldn't do anything where you have fiber garbage afterwards. That byproduct is where the good stuff is. The Nutribullet and the Vitamix are emulsifiers which means you consume everything you add: stems, seeds, skins and all. My husband still does the NutriBullet every morning but because it's 50% greens, I've halted them during treatments.

In the 3 months I did use the Nutribullet, I had noticed a huge impact to my energy level and my digestive tract. I had GURD but my heartburn had stopped. My skin was better. All around positive impact to my body. I'll definitely go back to it as soon as I can.
Gigi

Marynb

geneviasue said:

Juicing or Smoothie Making
Mary,

I thought I would share what I know about some equipment (juicers). We bought and was using a NutriBullet religiously before my diagnosis in Sept. We had it about 3 months. We love it and it's inexpensive enough for most any home. Like, $120. The Vitamix is really good too. It's capacity is larger and has more options which comes with a price tag of about $400. I wouldn't do anything where you have fiber garbage afterwards. That byproduct is where the good stuff is. The Nutribullet and the Vitamix are emulsifiers which means you consume everything you add: stems, seeds, skins and all. My husband still does the NutriBullet every morning but because it's 50% greens, I've halted them during treatments.

In the 3 months I did use the Nutribullet, I had noticed a huge impact to my energy level and my digestive tract. I had GURD but my heartburn had stopped. My skin was better. All around positive impact to my body. I'll definitely go back to it as soon as I can.
Gigi

Juicing, etc.
Thanks, Gigi. I hope that you are doing well. I saw the nutirbullet at Bed, Bath and Beyond for about 100. That seems like a pretty good option for me right now. I am glad to hear that it worked so well. That would be a good Christmas gift to myself. I have the Jack LaLane juicer, but it is a pain in the neck to clean and leaves substantial residue.


Thanks for the info.

Marynb

Angela_K said:

In West Texas, restaurants pride themselves on enormous and ridiculous portion sizes, but it's based on demand. Cost is another factor in restaurants "going organic." I work with local organic farmers when I can and use the absolute freshest ingredients without preservatives. I have learned to make my own mayonnaise and yogurt and other condiments. My biggest customers are health conscious young moms in their 30's who are well educated and want clean food for themselves and for their young families. Education is key. Change consumer habits, the food industry will follow suit. Next on my agenda? Starting a grass roots movement to begin sustainable gardens on our school campuses.

I strongly believe that one person CAN make a difference. I can stir the pot and get some attention and I'm sure lively debate going. I can press for change. You see, I don't care who I upset anymore. I'm not content with status-quo. It's not good enough for me, my children or my future grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Drug companies hate the idea of people educating themselves and becoming healthy, and then God forbid, VOCAL about it. I don't think the American population quite understands what HUGE, HUGE, HUGE profits drug companies make off of us being sick. Again, the health care reform starts in our own kitchen and with our own choices at the grocery store and with the restaurants we frequent.

Angela
I read today that the American cancer society attributes as much as 80% of cancers to the American diet. In cultures where red meat is conusmed, cancer rates are significantly higher. I am determined to wade through the information to figure out what to eat to get healthy. I think that the information is available, but the American public has adopted a willful blinders approach. Change is difficult. I made a decision that I really don't want to spend time with people who do not adopt a healthy lifestyle. With cancer on the rise in America, I just have to wonder, what is it going to take? I am waiting for an entrepreneur to do for healthy food what McDonald's did for fast junk food. The market is there for it, especially in the Northeast and on the west coast.

It sounds like you are onto a great business idea. Maybe you could franchise it? Food for thought....and life!

Thanks for the info.

Mary

Angela_K

Marynb said:

Angela
I read today that the American cancer society attributes as much as 80% of cancers to the American diet. In cultures where red meat is conusmed, cancer rates are significantly higher. I am determined to wade through the information to figure out what to eat to get healthy. I think that the information is available, but the American public has adopted a willful blinders approach. Change is difficult. I made a decision that I really don't want to spend time with people who do not adopt a healthy lifestyle. With cancer on the rise in America, I just have to wonder, what is it going to take? I am waiting for an entrepreneur to do for healthy food what McDonald's did for fast junk food. The market is there for it, especially in the Northeast and on the west coast.

It sounds like you are onto a great business idea. Maybe you could franchise it? Food for thought....and life!

Thanks for the info.

Mary

Red meat isn't the culprit as much as grain-fed, hormone injected red meat is. More interesting reading? Grass fed, hormone free beef and wild game vs. "the other." I come from a family of hearty, meat eating ranchers and change hasn't been easy on some but they're coming around. We now try to view any kind of meat as a "side" or accent rather than the main course. We fill up on vegetables and fruit in season. We've started turning our own livestock out on grass rather than feeding them grain and are learning more about conservation as it applies to range grasses.


As far as the juicers, there's a lot of info out there and I encourage you to read up about juicers that best maintain enzyme integrity for whatever you choose to juice. Here's a start.

http://www.discountjuicers.com/bestjuicer.html

I don't know if I can actually cut off people who won't easily adapt to a healthier lifestyle because that would require a divorce and a loss of a close circle of girlfriends. lol. But I can set an example and show them that eating clean just may be easier and more satisfying than they ever thought. Baby steps.

lizdeli

Marynb said:

Juicing, etc.
Thanks, Gigi. I hope that you are doing well. I saw the nutirbullet at Bed, Bath and Beyond for about 100. That seems like a pretty good option for me right now. I am glad to hear that it worked so well. That would be a good Christmas gift to myself. I have the Jack LaLane juicer, but it is a pain in the neck to clean and leaves substantial residue.


Thanks for the info.

The China Study
I also didn't receive any specifics about diet from my doctors. I cut out most processed foods and limit my sugar intake. I did this after doing some reading on my own after treatment. The China Study, written by T. Colin Campbell, Ph.D. is a very comprehensive study of the relationship between diet and disease. It is worth reading if anyone wants to pursue understanding the potential relationship between the two.
Liz

Marynb

lizdeli said:

The China Study
I also didn't receive any specifics about diet from my doctors. I cut out most processed foods and limit my sugar intake. I did this after doing some reading on my own after treatment. The China Study, written by T. Colin Campbell, Ph.D. is a very comprehensive study of the relationship between diet and disease. It is worth reading if anyone wants to pursue understanding the potential relationship between the two.
Liz

Liz
Thank you. i will read this. Thank God for google! Lol.

Jo Joy

Diet Documentary
There is a documentary called "Forks Over Knives" that talks about this very subject.You can get it from Netflix or I have seen parts of it from youtube. You can go to the website forksoverknives.com to watch the trailer. The website also has recipes and resources.

There is a book that I have purchased from Amazon called "The Cancer-Fighting Kitchen" written by Rebecca Katz and another book called "Anti-Cancer: A New Way of Life" that talks about mind, body, spirit and living a cancer free life. It covers diet as well as dispelling fear and anxiety.

On the West Coast we have more options for clean and organic. There is a food chain that is spreading here in CA called the Veggie Grill. All I can say is yummm. They have the best mashed cauliflower potatoes! Cauliflower is a huge cancer fighting vegetable and this is the only way I can eat it.

Right before I was diagnosed I had spent the last year getting back to goal weight on Weight Watchers. I lost 35 lbs over a years time. This is the third and last time that I am getting to goal weight. Never again will eat an unhealthy diet. For me there was a mind shift. Since I am currently going through treatment I can't eat vegetables and salads like I was before. I am actually missing eating fresh veggies and fruit! That is something I thought I would never do.

My basic diet is veggies and fruit with an occasional chicken or fish thrown in. I have for the most part stopped eating beef and pork. In fact beef hamburger now gives me the runs whenever I eat it. I have filet mignon about twice a year at places I know that make a to die for filet. That is a long way for a gal raised on a horse ranch where we would raise our own beef and my family had meat and potatoes at every meal!

Angela_K

Jo Joy said:

Diet Documentary
There is a documentary called "Forks Over Knives" that talks about this very subject.You can get it from Netflix or I have seen parts of it from youtube. You can go to the website forksoverknives.com to watch the trailer. The website also has recipes and resources.

There is a book that I have purchased from Amazon called "The Cancer-Fighting Kitchen" written by Rebecca Katz and another book called "Anti-Cancer: A New Way of Life" that talks about mind, body, spirit and living a cancer free life. It covers diet as well as dispelling fear and anxiety.

On the West Coast we have more options for clean and organic. There is a food chain that is spreading here in CA called the Veggie Grill. All I can say is yummm. They have the best mashed cauliflower potatoes! Cauliflower is a huge cancer fighting vegetable and this is the only way I can eat it.

Right before I was diagnosed I had spent the last year getting back to goal weight on Weight Watchers. I lost 35 lbs over a years time. This is the third and last time that I am getting to goal weight. Never again will eat an unhealthy diet. For me there was a mind shift. Since I am currently going through treatment I can't eat vegetables and salads like I was before. I am actually missing eating fresh veggies and fruit! That is something I thought I would never do.

My basic diet is veggies and fruit with an occasional chicken or fish thrown in. I have for the most part stopped eating beef and pork. In fact beef hamburger now gives me the runs whenever I eat it. I have filet mignon about twice a year at places I know that make a to die for filet. That is a long way for a gal raised on a horse ranch where we would raise our own beef and my family had meat and potatoes at every meal!

Forks Over Knives
Thanks for reminding me that I haven't seen this yet. Have heard from many people that it's worth the watch. Congratulations on your weight loss and getting healthy. It is certainly a mind shift! And once you're head is there, it's pretty easy!

I read where you've cut back on vegetables during treatment. I juiced, where the pulp was removed completely. My body was able to tolerate it well sans the fiber and I was getting optimal nutrients. Just thought it might be worth exploring for you.

Blessings to you on your road to healing.

Angela

mp327

Angela_K said:

Forks Over Knives
Thanks for reminding me that I haven't seen this yet. Have heard from many people that it's worth the watch. Congratulations on your weight loss and getting healthy. It is certainly a mind shift! And once you're head is there, it's pretty easy!

I read where you've cut back on vegetables during treatment. I juiced, where the pulp was removed completely. My body was able to tolerate it well sans the fiber and I was getting optimal nutrients. Just thought it might be worth exploring for you.

Blessings to you on your road to healing.

Angela

Diet
I'm sorry if I implied that diet does not matter! It totally does and I believe the healthier the diet, the healthier the person. I, myself, just can not follow such a strict regime that I never have foods that aren't good for me. I am a natural born lover of food and was raised in a family that loves to eat. Old habits, such as that, are hard for me to break. I would say my diet is healthy about 85% of the time.

eihtak

Diet....
I think its important to do what we can to keep all disease at bay and this includes what we put in our bodies. I try to eat a well balanced diet with emphasis on fruit and vegetables and lean protiens. Most of my dairy is from yogurt, but I also enjoy cheeses and ice cream in moderation. I have a colostomy and my digestive system has a mind of its own. I have to be very disciplined when and what I eat to absorb as many nutrients as possible. That being said, some people can go over board in their diets. Keep in mind all the environmental and genetic issues that also invade our bodies. I think a healthy diet( again fruits and veges ), exercise, meditation to reduce stress, prayer, and a little luck of the draw is what will keep me alive and well for as long as God has planned.

Angela_K

mp327 said:

Diet
I'm sorry if I implied that diet does not matter! It totally does and I believe the healthier the diet, the healthier the person. I, myself, just can not follow such a strict regime that I never have foods that aren't good for me. I am a natural born lover of food and was raised in a family that loves to eat. Old habits, such as that, are hard for me to break. I would say my diet is healthy about 85% of the time.

Diet
I know, Martha! Following the 90/10 rule works well for me and around the Holidays that rule slips . . .like last week . . .and that's OK! My body quickly remembers why I don't eat like that all the time. Ugh! I don't know anyone, with the exception of my daughter, who eats 100% super clean 100% of the time. (Paleo dietitian and Cross Fit trainer as "hobby" and an industrial engineer by profession.) She's an admitted overachiever, putting it mildly!

Angela_K

eihtak said:

Diet....
I think its important to do what we can to keep all disease at bay and this includes what we put in our bodies. I try to eat a well balanced diet with emphasis on fruit and vegetables and lean protiens. Most of my dairy is from yogurt, but I also enjoy cheeses and ice cream in moderation. I have a colostomy and my digestive system has a mind of its own. I have to be very disciplined when and what I eat to absorb as many nutrients as possible. That being said, some people can go over board in their diets. Keep in mind all the environmental and genetic issues that also invade our bodies. I think a healthy diet( again fruits and veges ), exercise, meditation to reduce stress, prayer, and a little luck of the draw is what will keep me alive and well for as long as God has planned.

Diet
I understand with the exception of the 'overboard' comment. If it works for them, who are we to say that it's "overboard?" More power to them! (Plus, I would think a super clean diet would only help combat the environmental and genetic issues? But that's just me.)

eihtak

Angela_K said:

Diet
I understand with the exception of the 'overboard' comment. If it works for them, who are we to say that it's "overboard?" More power to them! (Plus, I would think a super clean diet would only help combat the environmental and genetic issues? But that's just me.)

Balance
You're right, its really all abot balance. The more good we can do will help to balance what is out of our control. I guess by "overboard" I meant those people who are adding mental stress to their lives by often feeling they are missing something they enjoy, or denying themselves a little "treat" once in a while. I have a friend who is a cancer survivor but she is kind of obsessed with everything she eats to a point where she may have a problem. Hopefully most people just find a healthy balance that does work for them!