Overview

When I started chemotherapy, the most significant lifestyle change I made was to my diet. Before treatment, I generally ate healthily and was extremely active, but the demands of chemotherapy required a more focused approach to nutrition.

I want to note that I am not a nutritionist. However, I consulted with two excellent nutritionists: one affiliated with my treatment center and another specializing in Eastern medicine practices, such as acupuncture, herbs and supplements. Both were well-versed in curating diets specific to certain types of cancer, and their advice aligned remarkably well. I also did a lot of research on my own and continue to learn new things every day.

Here is my dietary playbook during chemotherapy, and I am still maintaining today.

Key Goals

1. Adopt a Keto Diet:

   • Objective: Reduce carb and sugar intake. Carbs convert to sugar when digested, providing fuel for cancer cells. Reducing carb and sugar intake can help starve cancer cells by depriving them of their primary energy source.

2. Increase Calories with Healthy Proteins and Fats:

   • Objective: Regain weight and build strength.

3. Focus on Healthy, Non-inflammatory Ingredients:

   • Tool: Bobby Approved App for guidance.

     • Download on the Apple App Store

     • Download on Google Play Store

A Deeper Dive into My Approach

1. All or Nothing: I fully committed to these changes, though this level of commitment may not be necessary for everyone. It's crucial to understand that what you put in your body matters immensely. However, sometimes an all or nothing approach can cause extra stress, which is also not good. I would recommend finding a balance between what you and your body can handle and the amount of stress it causes.

2. Minimal Adjustments: If you’re not ready for a significant change, try starting by eliminating added sugars and high-inflammatory foods. Changing your diet entirely quickly is not easy, especially in the first month or so.

Dietary Guidelines for Fighting and Preventing Cancer

Following a specialized diet can help manage the side effects of chemotherapy, support overall health, and potentially slow the progression of cancer. These guidelines can also benefit anyone looking for a healthier lifestyle.

Please note that I am not a doctor or nutritionist; always consult with a healthcare professional before making significant dietary changes.

Clean, Healthy, & Organic Ingredients

• Why: Using clean and healthy ingredients ensures that your body receives the necessary nutrients without harmful additives, pesticides, or preservatives. This can support overall health, reduce inflammation, and help the body better cope with the stress of cancer treatment.

• How: Choose organic, non-GMO produce when possible. Opt for grass-fed, free-range meats and wild-caught fish. Eliminate processed foods and read labels to avoid additives and preservatives. Focus on whole, natural ingredients to provide your body with the best possible nutrition. Over time, you will get to know the brands, foods, and ingredients that are good. While you're learning, the Bobby Approved App (download link above) is extremely helpful. My wife and I both still use it anytime we are checking out whether or not a new product is good because, unfortunately, many brands and items that claim to be healthy are still full of hidden harmful ingredients. We were shocked when reading the ingredient labels of things we had bought for years, thinking they were healthy when they really weren’t.

Combine Carbs with Protein and Fat

• Why: Combining carbs with protein and fat slows the absorption of glucose into the bloodstream, preventing spikes in blood sugar. This can help maintain stable energy levels and reduce the availability of glucose, which many cancer cells thrive on.

• How: Pair fruits with nuts, add avocado to toast, add cheese to whole-grain crackers etc.

Avoid Inflammatory Seed Oils

• Why: Some seed oils (soybean, corn, canola, sunflower, safflower) are high in omega-6 fatty acids, which promote inflammation and oxidative stress, potentially accelerating cancer progression.

• How: Avoid processed foods containing these oils and choose whole, unprocessed foods. Use healthier fats and oils like butter, coconut oil, ghee, avocado oil and olive oil for cooking. Use olive oil or avocado oil raw at low temperatures, as these oils are healthy and suitable for most cancers.

Avoid Smoked/Cured Meats

• Why: Smoked and cured meats contain nitrates and nitrites, which can form carcinogenic compounds. Grilling meats can also produce harmful compounds like heterocyclic amines (HCAs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs).

• How: Opt for baking, steaming, or sautéing meats. If grilling, heavily season meats and vegetables to create a protective barrier and reduce carcinogen formation.

Increase Seeds and Nuts

• Why: Seeds and nuts like chia, hemp, flax seeds, and nuts are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and antioxidants. Omega-3s have anti-inflammatory properties and may help inhibit cancer cell growth.

• How: Include these as snacks, in smoothies, or as toppings for salads and yogurt.

Opt for Natural Sweeteners

• Why: Natural sweeteners like monk fruit do not raise blood glucose levels, making them a better option than sugar for managing energy levels and reducing cancer cell growth potential. Coconut and date sugar should be limited, but since they are natural sugars they are not as harmful as artificial sweeteners. Stevia and erythritol are also okay, but are not as natural as the other options.

• How: Use natural sweeteners in place of sugar in beverages, baking, and cooking.

Increase Vegetables and Berries

• Why: Vegetables and berries are high in phytochemicals and antioxidants, which can help kill cancer cells and reduce inflammation.

• How: Incorporate a variety of colorful vegetables and berries into your diet daily.

Red and Blue Fruits/Vegetables

• Why: Red and blue fruits and vegetables are rich in polyphenols, which have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that can help protect against cancer.

• How: Include beans, onions, garlic, apples, beets, celery, spinach, and kale in your meals.

Cabbage Family

• Why: Cruciferous vegetables like brussel sprouts, cauliflower, broccoli, arugula, spinach, kale, and watercress contain sulforaphane and other compounds that have been shown to inhibit cancer cell growth.

• How: Add these vegetables to salads, stir-fries, and soups.

Avoid Certain Vegetables

• Why: Peas, corn, lima beans, and potatoes are higher in starch and can raise blood sugar levels more than other vegetables.

• How: Limit these vegetables and choose lower-starch options like leafy greens and cruciferous vegetables.

Add Spices

• Why: Many spices contain phytochemicals that have anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties.

• How: Use spices like turmeric, ginger, garlic, cinnamon, and cayenne generously in your cooking.

Limit Caffeine Intake

• Why: Excessive caffeine can interfere with sleep, increase anxiety, and potentially affect the effectiveness of some chemotherapy treatments.

• How: Aim to limit caffeine consumption to one cup or less per day. Choose alternatives like herbal teas or decaffeinated beverages to stay hydrated without the extra caffeine.

No Alcohol

• Why: Alcohol can weaken the immune system, interfere with chemotherapy drugs, and increase the risk of cancer recurrence.

• How: Avoid alcoholic beverages and opt for water, herbal teas, or sparkling water with a splash of lemon or lime.

Solid Fats Over Liquid Fats (Specific to Pancreatic Cancer)

• Why: Solid fats like butter, coconut oil, palm oil, and ghee are stable at high temperatures and less likely to oxidize compared to some liquid fats. Oxidized fats can contribute to inflammation, which is detrimental to cancer patients. Additionally, pancreatic cancer cells have ridges where liquid fats can get trapped and be absorbed by the cancer cells, potentially aiding their growth.

• How: Use these fats for cooking and baking. Although olive oil and avocado oil are considered healthy for most people, they are not ideal for pancreatic cancer due to their lower stability at high temperatures and potential absorption by cancer cells. Avoid foods that have oil listed as the first ingredient, such as certain salad dressings.

By adhering to these dietary guidelines, you can support your body's fight against cancer, manage chemotherapy side effects, and promote overall well-being.

Consult with healthcare professionals and make adjustments based on your unique needs and responses. And remember, always trust your instincts and listen to your body. What works for one person might not work for another.

Daily Hydration

• Water: Lots of water.

• Electrolyte Mix: A healthy, non-Gatorade mix was a game-changer for my energy levels. My favorite was the Strawberry Limeade from Flavcity.

More Coming Soon

I have a lot more to share, so please sign up for email notifications, or follow my Facebook or Instagram page, to see when I post more resources.

Resources Coming Soon:

1. My Favorite Products

2. Top 10 Cancer-Fighting Superfoods

3. Sample Chemo Week Diet Plan

4. Favorite Keto Dessert Recipes

… and so much more.