Diet

[ZenaJ]

Hi ladies,

Hope you are all well today. Just a quick question. Are any of you vegetarian or vegan? I'm thinking of going that way but want some advice.

Thanks, Zena x

[Zena41]

Me too. Not sure why. Just heard about red meat and processed food not good for cancer sufferers

X

[ZenaJ in reply to Zena41]

Yes they make it sound as if being a vegan means you won't get cancer xx

[Lyndy]

Hi Zena

I have been vegetarian for more than 50 years (now 58). I love my veggies but it clearly doesn't work as an anti cancer strategy!

Generally I am trying to be good about my protein and vitamins but I do get anemic very easily. Happy to answer qs if you have them xx

[ZenaJ in reply to Lyndy]

Thanks Lyndy. My son has been a veggie since he was 7. When he came home from school and said he wasn't going to eat meat any more I thought it was a fad but he's 31 soon and still a veggie. The only difference in meals that I did was to put veggie sausages under grill instead of meat etc. We ate the same meals with slight variations.

In saying that I don't know much about vegetarians. I try to eat more veggie meals than I did. I rarely eat red meat. I call myself a vnv, very nearly vegetarian.

My daughter has been vegan since April but I can't see myself going without cheese and eggs. It's just taking that final step.

Do you think it helps in any way other than saving an animal? (I couldn't eat a lamb so why can I eat a steak pie?) I need something to give me that final push.

Thanks for your help. Zena xx

[Lyndy in reply to ZenaJ]

As I say I'm not convinced that it necessarily protects from cancer...but it is more environmentally friendly and tbh I couldn't eat meat now. Sometimes I think there's confusion between actions that you might take over a lifetime that might lower your risk of cancer and things you might do once you have cancer.

Personally I am trying to exercise and eat well but not do anything too drastic xx

[ZenaJ in reply to Lyndy]

I agree Lyndy. Having read what people are saying I don't think it's any protection from cancer at all. I think it's either in your genes or just unlucky. There's no reason why any of us shouldn't get cancer and it seems that more and more people are getting it and all different cancers at that. Perhaps it's because we're living longer or too much processed food. Who knows? xx

[Lily-Anne]

The research says that vegans are more prone to cancer than vegetarians. Take Barry Gibb for example. That cutting out dairy is counter productive but cutting out or reducing red meat intake is a good move.

I rarely eat meat but do like a steak but not while in chemo.

Personally I think there is no rhyme or reason to who gets cancer. I'm a random event apparently. My parents ate meat every week, mum loved maltesers, dad smoked neither had cancer nor did anyone in their families

Fresh food and no take aways I think are key. However I read an article that said you have to have been a vegetarian your whole life to be protected which to me equals nobody can conclude either way. I have a diploma in health and nutrition and we studied so many food groups. Funny enough I wrote about diet and cancer in my blog because it's such a hot topic

LA xx

[ZenaJ in reply to Lily-Anne]

Thanks Lily-Anne.

I've been out today and bought all fruit, veg, cheese and salad. We'll be healthy this week if it kills me and without meat. I get so confused with all the 'proof' because it seems that what's good for you one day isn't the next. Perhaps it's too late for me being 65 but it can't do any harm.

I agree with you about the cancer protection. I've seen people that go to the gym every day (I never go) eat well and still become ill and others smoke, drink and have take outs all the time and they appear fine.

Did you see the twins on TV a few years ago? One had a bad heart and was a real couch potato. He lived in UK but his twin lived in New Zealand and was a health nut. When they contacted the twin in New Zealand to advise him to get his heart checked it came back that he had exactly the same problem as his brother. Must be in the genes.

All the best, Zena x

[yewbarrow]

I have been 99 per cent veggie for around 10 years. The only time I'm not is when I feel it's"a nuisance" to hosts if I'm eating at someone's house.

HOWEVER, having a cancer diagnosis totally changes my flexible attitude 1) I have to be true to myself even if it's a nuisance and 2) having cancer made me confront death and the fact that I didn't want to die so why on earth would I kill another living creature? So nothing to do with health, but very good reasons to me personally.

Good luck whatever diet you choose!! Xx

[ZenaJ in reply to yewbarrow]

I'm definitely going to try to be veggie. I can't bear the thought of killing a pig, for instance. If I had to do it myself and butcher it there's no way it would happen so why should I accept if when someone else kills it for me.

I expect I'll cave in a couple of times but I'm certainly going to give it a try. We've got a really lovely vegetarian restaurant near us as well so this will help. It's not as if I've got to give up rum and chocolate. xx

[Naimish]

Well..... we are vegetarians since birth and Gauri has not even tasted an egg! I did indulge in meat eating for a while but completely gave it up since July 1980. So, food has no preferences for cancer. I would think that to meat or not to meat is personal choice. Human teeth are comprised of canines, so does it mean that the human species was meant to eat meat?

Naimish

[ZenaJ in reply to Naimish]

I really don't know Naimish but my daughter insists that our teeth are not made for meat eating. As usual it all depends on who you talk to and this is what I find confusing.

I've decided to try to be a veggie as it can't do any harm. I've got a cupboard full of spices that I could use in cooking if I only knew how to put them all together to make something worth eating. I'm not much of a cook but I'm improving.

Thanks for your reply.

Best wishes, Zena x

[moonbeam1962 in reply to Naimish]

I don't believe we were meant to eat animal flesh.

[ZenaJ in reply to moonbeam1962]

When did you decide this moonbeam? Was it school or your parents or did you research it? Have you ever eaten meat?

Best wishes, Zena

[moonbeam1962 in reply to ZenaJ]

I decided 4 years ago after watching videos' on FB. Since then I have realized we are really not meant to murder animals for our eating pleasure. Animals have feelings and emotions and the caring God we serve would not be so cruel as to want them to go through what they do. Sorry I could go on and on. I also feel so much more healthier since going Vegan. Wishing you the very best.

[ZenaJ in reply to moonbeam1962]

Thanks moonbeam. When I watch elephants and see them cry it shows how 'human' they are. Not that we eat elephants. I think we could learn a thing or two from them.

It's only been one day but it's an achievement of sorts. No meat today and I haven't got any in the house.

Best wishes, Zena x

[antheamary]

Hi i have just been on a cancer information day. The dietician was adament that there is no particular food that causes cancer. She advocates the 5 a day healthy eating everything in moderation. What they did say was exercise is very important. Good luck.

[ZenaJ in reply to antheamary]

Thanks Anthea. When you think about it during the war when everyone was on ration the nation was never healthier or that's what they led us to believe. I agree moderation is the key. I'm going to give being a veggie a chance and see how I feel. The exercise thing varies. Some days I do lots of walking and play badminton but others I sit about a bit too much. I hoola hoop most days. We can only do our best.

Thanks for your advice, Zena

[SCWI]

Hi Zenaj

I was advised to have a largely vegan diet by my holistic doctor. I think the reason for it is that eating a plant based diet alkalises the tissues of the body. Cancer likes an acid environment to thrive. However alkalising the body is not a simple matter, for instance most fruits are acid except for bananas, melon, persimmon, figs and papaya. You also need to avoid tomatoes, vinegar, fruit juices, citrus, and wine, black tea coffee and chocolate. Dairy is not good for hormone driven cancers as it is designed for baby animals and contains growth factors. It is not easy to eat like this and it's difficult when you go out or on holiday and temptation is everywhere! I do eat organic fish maybe a couple of times a week and chicken on Sunday. I eat maybe two eggs a week too. Lots of juicing vegetables. Asian based vegetarian food is ideal using lots of spices, coconut milk and pulses. Deliciously Ella's latest book has some good recipes like this. Eating a rainbow of colours is also good advice. If you are going to do it, try and change your diet in easy stages. A visit to a good nutritionist would be advisable to make sure you are covering everything you need, and supplements may be needed. Ps. Deep yoga type breathing exercises and meditation are helpful in creating an alkaline environment in the body. Good luck, Sophia x

[ZenaJ in reply to SCWI]

Thanks for the advice Sophia. I don't like many fruits, usually only blueberries and blackberries with the occasional melon. I don't drink coffee or tea but I do drink wine and eat chocolate although I'm going to try dark chocolate which apparently is better for you.

If I wasn't so lazy in the kitchen there would be a big improvement. I hate spending hours chopping, peeling and cutting up food that takes five minutes to eat.

I would have to see a nutritionist privately as I've tried on the NHS and was told there aren't any available. I doubt I could afford their fees.

I sound very negative now but I'm not really. I'm going to have all salads, veggies and good things this week. At least it's a start.

Best wishes, Zena x

[Chieftart]

I support everything Sophia has outlined above. I am also coming to a conclusion that whilst an alkaline diet helps our bodies function at a level which will do us good, the best tool we have in our toolbox is a positive mindset. Not easy to draw on when things look bleak, but guided meditation and yoga helps put you in tune with your inner self. Miracles happen so maybe try this too! Best wishes, Deb x

[ZenaJ in reply to Chieftart]

Thanks Deb. I have one of the most positive attitudes you could come across, thank goodness. As far as yoga. I'm the most inflexible person you could come across. I can't even touch my toes. I suffer with a bad back sometimes and tried palates and enjoyed that. The lessons stopped and I didn't go again.

I think I'm so lucky to be a half full person. It sounds like you are too.

Best wishes, Zena x

[Chieftart in reply to ZenaJ]

Haha love your honesty Zena! Just try the deep breathing of yoga, let your mind drift and see where it takes you. No bending necessary 😄There are some fantastic guided meditations on YouTube too for those who prefer to just sit! Deb x

[ZenaJ in reply to Chieftart]

This could be where I go wrong. I just can't sit and do nothing. I have to knit/crochet or play games on my ipad. I can't let my fingers rest. I just pray I don't get arthritis in my fingers, it's bad enough having it in my knees. Keeps me up at night.

I'll try to 'turn off' and do some relaxing but I'm not optimistic and as I'm not starting with the right frame of mind I'm not helping myself.

Best wishes, Deb.

Zena x

[koffeekat99]

I think it comes down to what you expect. As a few people have already said, diet has not necessarily made any difference to whether someone gets cancer or not. So if the intention is about not having cancer then changing diet doesn't seem to be the answer that some internet sources would have you believe.

However, if you want to feel as well as you possibly can, then that's a different matter. I changed my diet post surgery because I found that I didn't feel like eating stodgy foods. As a result I've ended up with a much higher fruit/veg diet (previously I ate 5 a day, now I'm more like 8-10 a day), with lower carbs and no refined sugar. I do still eat meat as I've always been prone to anaemia and on occasions when I've not eaten meat I've really struggled (although I try to have one day a week without meat). I don't have much dairy, but never have done as I don't like it!! My energy is not at the levels it was pre cancer but I think that my energy levels are probably the best they can be. I do think this is down to diet and lifestyle.

Along with changing diet, I walk the dog, do gardening and attend regular yoga classes. All help raise my feeling of wellbeing. Sometimes half an hour of warm sun on the skin really does raise the mood and the energy levels. Also as people have said above, it's partly about trying to get a positive mindset with an aim to feeling as well as we can.

After cutting out sugar I found that responding to food cravings was a lot more clear. Now I can tell if I need a particular type of fruit or veg, or that I do need more carbs on a particular day.

I think looking at the food you are eating and consuming it in as close a state to nature as possible is probably the only 'food rule' I aim for, i.e. a handful of blueberries is much better for you than a blueberry muffin, a chicken breast is better for you than a chicken drumstick, etc. I decided to try to eat organically as much as possible and have a good local organic supplier for my fruit and veg to top up the stuff I grow myself.

Saying that, I'm not averse to a slice of fruit crumble and custard occasionally. Mmmm custard.

Ultimately you have to do what's best for you. We're all different and we all have different dietary needs. I'd say aim for whatever means that you can feel the best you can.

X

[ZenaJ in reply to koffeekat99]

Thanks Katfish, sounds like you've got it nailed. I keep changing my mind every two minutes. One minute I'm definitely going to be veggie the next I'm not. But, in saying that, I'm going to be vegetarian for a week and see what happens. It might take a lot longer for good effects, I don't know. I can't imagine going without certain things so I'm not going to.

I've already cut down on fats and sugars compared to years ago anyway. I think there's quite a bit of sugar in rum and other than when I'm on chemo, I don't think I will stop drinking it any time soon. I only have one or two a day and sometimes none at all so it's not the end of the world. I sometimes think the way I talk about rum it sounds like I'm an alcoholic.

I agree with everyone that diet hasn't got anything to do with my cancer and I'm just aiming to be healthier overall. We should all do that.

I have noticed when I go out for a meal there's very little veg on the menus. They don't seem to be able go beyond peas and a salad is a couple of leaves and a tomato. I don't like raw tomatoes and you'd be amazed at how many things come with them even when it's not on the menu.

Here I go again, moaning. Overall, I think I'm doing okay and glad to hear so many others of us are as well.

Best wishes, Zena x

[Yoshbosh]

Hi Zena,

I love these threads because I always learn a lot from them. I've cut back on dairy, sugars and processed meats/food.

I saw a nutritionist who recommended going for 10 portions of (mainly) veg per day, so I now eat a big box of crudités with houmus (sp?!) every day, make different vegetable soups, and see each meal as a fruit/veg opportunity. Some days are better/easier than others, but I am far more mindful of what I eat...although on holiday at the moment so have probably eaten too many chips and ice creams!

Good luck to your veggie voyage!

Yosh x

[ZenaJ in reply to Yoshbosh]

One day complete and it's as if I want a medal. ha. ha.

When I eat so many fruit and veg it doesn't leave room for anything else so I sometimes feel as if I've missed a meal. Daft isn't it?

Enjoy your holiday and don't worry what you eat. Not on holiday.

Zena x

[rijkje]

Hi Zena. If you have netflix watch a documentary called "What the health" You'll never want to eat meat again.

[ZenaJ in reply to rijkje]

I haven't but it could be what my daughter watched that turned her vegan overnight. The things she tells me make sense.

Thanks rijkje,

Best wishes Zena x

[rijkje]

You are a 4 year survivor? Is there anything in particular you can put that doen to? I'm only 2 years and already had 1 recurrence and CA125 going up again😣

[ZenaJ in reply to rijkje]

I'm sorry you've had recurrence. I'm so lucky. I put it all down to being positive. There's no reason really just some are lucky and others not so. I always feel guilty when I hear others haven't been so lucky.

Wish you the best, Zena xx