Cancer-Fighting Cookbook
THE
EVERYTHING
®
CANCER-
FIGHTING
COOKBOOK
Carolyn F. Katzin, MS, CNS, MNT
Copyright © 2011 by F+W Media, Inc. All rights reserved.
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ISBN 10: 1-4405-0746-5
ISBN 13: 978-1-4405-0746-5
eISBN 10: 1-4405-0747-3
eISBN 13: 978-1-4405-0747-2
Printed in the United States of America.
10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
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This book is intended as general information only, and should not be used to diagnose or treat any health condition. In light of the complex, individual, and specific nature of health problems, this book is not intended to replace professional medical advice. The ideas, procedures, and suggestions in this book are intended to supplement, not replace, the advice of a trained medical professional. Consult your physician before adopting any of the suggestions in this book, as well as about any condition that may require diagnosis or medical attention. The author and publisher disclaim any liability arising directly or indirectly from the use of this book.
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CANCER-FIGHTING COOKBOOK
Dear Reader,
As a nutritionist who specializes in helping those who have been diagnosed with cancer I have learned firsthand how important food is during these challenging times. With a goal of easing unpleasant treatment side effects and building resilience, I have found some foods provide more benefit than others. Some are just comforting because they are associated with better times and coincidentally give you extra calories when you need them. Others have easy-to-digest nutrients that help you withstand harsh therapies. Although food alone may not be sufficient to combat cancer, eating well is essential for treatment to be of optimal benefit.
It is with great pleasure that I share with you what I have learned from thousands of people who have taken this journey of handling a diagnosis of cancer and who have benefited from eating as well as they can.
I have laid this book out in an easy to follow way so loved ones and caregivers may also find it useful. I invite you to be creative and adjust seasonings if your taste buds change. For example, some people find that broths and foods rich in the savory flavor of
umami
is appealing, whereas others prefer much blander tastes. You are unique, your eating history is your own and I hope that these menus, recipes and suggestions will help to ease your therapy as well as rebuild your health so your diagnosis is not a restriction and eating remains one of life's great pleasures.
Eat well and Be well!
Warmly,
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Dedicated to all the thousands of cancer patients and their families I have worked with who inspire and motivate me every day.
What Can I Eat During Treatment?
Super Foods That Help Fight Cancer
Foods to Be Cautious about or Completely Avoid During Treatment
Hygiene in the Kitchen During Cancer Treatment
9 Sandwiches, Wraps, and Savory Snacks
10 Vegetable Side Dishes and Vegetarian Entrées
YOU PROBABLY PICKED THIS book up because you or someone you love has heard those dreaded words: “You have cancer.” Remember, you may have been given a diagnosis of a condition called cancer, but it doesn't have you! This book is all about facing this challenge by mobilizing your body into fighting mode.
Cancer describes up to 250 different conditions with a similar origin. Each cell of your body has instructions that direct the lifespan and function of the cell and its environment. For example, a skin cell has a different function than a cell in your bone; however, they share the same DNA. If some damage should disrupt these instructions encoded in DNA (DeoxyriboNu-cleic Acid), and if this damage isn't stopped in its tracks, cancer may result. Every moment of your life, millions of cellular events are successfully prevented from progressing into a disease. As you age, some of these changes that don't cause cancer have become incorporated into your DNA and some may make your defenses less effective, which is why cancer is a disease more common in those over sixty years old. An exception to this is inheriting one or two copies of a defective gene like BRCA1 or 2 or p53. You have two copies of all of your genes, but if one copy is already compromised at birth there is a higher chance the other one will be altered by the random changes that occur throughout life than someone who has two copies that are both fully operational. These genes code for proteins important in protecting your cells from cancer. If one of these genes malfunctions, you have a higher risk of developing cancer.
Another aspect of risk involves lifestyle. If you are exposed to carcinogens or chemicals likely to cause mutations or deleterious changes in DNA, you are more likely to develop cancer as you age. Smoking is an example of this, as tobacco products contain many carcinogens. No amount of healthy eating will defend your body from the harm tobacco can cause — don't smoke!
There are some general guidelines for healthy eating that apply once you begin the fight against cancer, and there are some that are specific to you based on where your cancer has been discovered and how you are to receive your treatment. In this book, you will find recipes and eating suggestions to help you personalize your approach.
Many people are concerned about weight loss during treatment; however, weight gain may sometimes occur, especially with longer-term adjuvant therapies such as hormone-modulating medications like tamoxifen. Balancing your food intake with your calorie output isn't always easy when your energy is low yet you crave comfort foods. To help with this, there are some delicious options to help you modify your favorite recipes.
Fighting cancer with your fork will empower you. Let's get started!
