Support through diet.

Jess' question made me think I would share some of the things I do to try to stay well, just in case it helps anyone else.

When I was facing a hospital admission - right at the beginning, I was concerned about hospital acquired infection (which I needed like a hole in the head on top of oc!). On the radio I heard of a study in which elderly patients in hospital were give probiotic yoghurt drinks, and it made them much less likely to pick up these infections. Whilst researching why on the web, I came across 'Transfer Factors' which are a serious boost to the immune system. They are not cheap, but I went through surgery, 6 months of chemo, and nearly 2 years since, with no infections - not even the common cold despite friends and family having the usual bugs. I think I will take TFs for the rest of my life.

I also stopped drinking the coffee that I lived on, and changed to green tea. It wouldn't be my choice in taste terms, but it is a potent protection - I think of it as daily chemo. It might not be to your taste, but the slight bitterness can be alleviated with Xylitol (not sugar - bad for cancer), or agave syrup, and I put milk into it when I feel like it, although I think this depletes the benefits somewhat. I'm a vegetarian anyway, but eating as many raw and not over cooked vegetables - preferably organic or home grown- is sensible, and I now make jams and cordials with Xylitol, and homemake wines with v little sugar. Sourdough, homemade bread is wonderful, and so rewarding to make, and has become our staple. I grown black currants, red currants, goji berries, and raspberries and strawberries when the slugs and birds don't get them first.

I always thought I ate well, but I am so much more careful now. Oh, and dairy products are fine as long as they come from grass fed cows. I have a local organic, grass fed delivery weekly - it is worth seeking out.

What do others do?

Isadora.

[Gilly46]

I echo your thoughts on how important diet is Isadora and just wanted to add that white tea has all the benefits of green but without the bitter taste!Dairy is really something to think about,in China breast cancer is called a rich womens disease as they can afford to eat dairy products,its virtually non existant in the poorer diets of veg.and fish.Wil def.look into the grass fed!

love Gillyxx

[wendydee]

I agree, I have definitely changed my diet, eating mainly vegetarian meals, although not exclusively so. Meat is an occasional event. I eat as many organic fruit and veg as I can. I also cut out caffeine ( a coffee is a VERY occasional treat now!) I drink a lot of organic Rooibosch tea which, once you get used to the change, is as good as other teas. The carcinogens in our household products are another story .... I am using almost exclusively white vinegar, borax, e-cloths, soda, except for washing powder when I use ecover or similar. I know that a lot of the chemicals in household cleaners and air-fresheners are highly toxic. We will never know how much all this helps, as a lot of scientific studies say it makes no difference, but my instinct says otherwise!

[Gilly46]

Hi Wendy,

Im with you on the chemicals!! All the perfumes deod.,makeup,shampoos and on and on without even thinking about the 1000s of other chemicals we are subjected to every day! Science can say what it likes,no one could ever convince me that its just as healthy to eat food srayed with poisonous pesticides as without! And dont get me started on animal growth hormones!!Like you say instinct tells all!!

[heatherb]

hi Isadora

starting back up chemo july 5th..so very interested to read your ideas on diet etc and Transfer Factor..which i have looked up ..and keen to try as would hope to stay as infection free as poss !

is it good for all or is there 1 for cancer just...plus which suppliers you use

many thanks

heather b x

[Hidden in reply to heatherb]

Hi Heather,

TF is an immune system booster, not specifically for cancer prevention, but the immune system is the first line of defence against cancer cells growing, so it makes sense to me. As far as I know, 4Life is the only supplier.

I.

[heatherb]

dear Isadora

thank you for your reply

i have ordered my first month's supply 4Life thro a London supplier ..seems to makes sense to me..so was pleased to read your comment as had not heard about them ..did look up on the internet first for info..and will also see if there is an organic grass fed supplier near me

hope all goes well with you

Heather x

[Hidden in reply to heatherb]

Hi Heather,

Do 'Riverford' cover your area (riverford.co.uk). Their dairy products are from grass-fed, organically farmed cows.

I.xx

[LouiseOvacome My Ovacome Team]

Re Chemicals - I recall a year or so back that Coop announced that they were undertaking a significant exercise to withdraw many of the chemicals which will be banned from the EU in 10 years time. See here:

co-operative.coop/food/ethi...