You have probably heard before that breakfast is the most important meal of the day.  Research shows that adults who eat breakfast feel better emotionally and physically.  They also tend to weigh less than those who skip breakfast.  Eating a nutrient-rich breakfast will help you maintain weight and may help provide nutrients that can decrease your risk of developing cancer.

Breakfast helps your body refuel your body to help you make it through the day.  There are many nutrients found in typical breakfast foods that can provide benefit for cancer prevention.  Below are foods that are typically eaten at breakfast and may decrease your risk of developing cancer.

Fiber:  High fiber foods like oatmeal and whole wheat muffins contribute to your recommended 25 - 30 grams of fiber a day meal plan.  Fiber has been shown to reduce your risk of developing colon cancer and other chronic diseases like heart disease and diabetes.

Phytochemicals:  Fruits and vegetables that are added to a well-balanced breakfast are loaded with phytochemicals that may reduce your risk of breast, prostate and colon cancers.  Fruits and vegetables also are high in fiber, vitamins and minerals which keep your body healthy and can reduce your risk of developing cancer. 

Protein:  Breakfast foods also can be a great source of healthy food proteins like cheese, peanut butter, egg whites and dairy.  Protein will provide the necessary amino acids to build healthy cells and maintain strength. 

Need some healthy breakfast recipes?  Check these out:

Power Up with Breakfast

American Institute for Cancer Research:  Breakfast

American Cancer Society:  Breakfast Burrito

The coconut is a complex food in many ways:  It is a seed, a nut and a fruit - and categorizing coconut isn't the end of its complexity.  The dried, unsweetened coconut flakes can provide 393 calories, 10 grams of fiber and about 4 grams of protein (in what serving portion??).  Unfortunately, about 85% of the calories in the coconut come from saturated fat.

Maintaining Weight:  Many cancer patients struggle to maintain their weight or to prevent weight loss during treatment.  The coconut is a high-calorie option that can be added to your daily meal plan.  Research is trying to determine if the saturated fat found in coconuts truly is bad for us; and most experts still recommend that coconuts should be consumed in moderation, especially after the desired weight has been attained.

Staying Hydrated:   Coconut water is a great option to help you stayed hydrated.  Coconut water has fiber, electrolytes and vitamin C.  Maintaining your fluid intake of about 64 ounces a day (that's about 10 cups) is necessary to prevent you from becoming dehydrated.

Regular Bowel Movements:  Shredded coconut is a high-fiber food that is good for patients suffering from diarrhea during cancer treatment.  For many patients, it is a gentle, natural alternative to add bulk and to decrease the incidence of diarrhea.

Coconut can be a good addition to your diet while receiving cancer treatment.  Add some shredded flakes to your oatmeal or grab a bottle of coconut water and drink in the rich tropical flavor.  Eating coconut after treatment is appropriate when eaten in moderation as part of a healthy diet.

A research article published in the April 2012 issue of Cancer Prevention Research reviews past research articles to determine if there really is any benefit to supplementation or dietary intake of Vitamin E.  While there have been many research studies looking at the benefits of Vitamin E for cancer prevention, the evidence thus far has been inconclusive.

Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin that has been under investigation for health benefits since its discovery in 1922.  Unlike the other fat-soluble vitamins (A, D and K), 90% of Vitamin E in the body is stored in our body fat.  We do know, through scientific research, that Vitamin E does help boost the immune system and is a powerful antioxidant.  But does it help decrease your chance of developing cancer?

The article suggests that Vitamin E can be helpful but also may be harmful.  Based on their review, taking a supplement of Vitamin E is not beneficial.  In one study, taking a supplement of Vitamin E increased the risk of developing prostate cancer.  There is a chance that it may depend on the type of Vitamin E supplementation, as there are different forms of Vitamin E.  In general, Vitamin E supplements are not recommended.

Unlike Vitamin E supplementation, the intake of Vitamin E from food sources may be beneficial for cancer prevention, but more research needs to be done to confirm this.  It is recommended that including foods with natural Vitamin E as part of healthy diet will provide the best benefits.  Good sources of Vitamin E include flaxseed, peanuts, hazelnuts, almonds, sunflowers, sunflower oil, safflower oil, broccoli and spinach.

As with many research studies investigating the benefits of herbs and supplement, recommendations will change over time.  At this point, the best benefit from Vitamin E comes from the food that you eat.  So, follow the current MyPlate and gain the best chance to reduce chronic disease.

If you watch popular daytime talk shows - or simply walk down the aisles of a health food store - you most likely have heard of the "Super Food" called acai berry.  Acai berry (pronounced: ah-sigh-EE) is widely available in several forms, including capsules, purees, juices or pulp.

Acai berry is a fruit of the Amazon palm tree grown in the rainforests of South America.  The acai berry claims to induce weight loss, speed up metabolism and improve energy and cardiovascular health.  Some sources claim that acai berry can reduce the risk of cancer.  

Acai berries are packed with Vitamin A, Iron, Calcium and several antioxidants.  According to Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database, acai pulp has shown to reduce fasting glucose and total cholesterol levels in overweight patients. By consuming foods high in antioxidants such as anthocyanins and flavonoids, this can help decrease the damage on our bodies caused by free radicals that are produced during oxidation.  Factors that cause oxidation are pollution, cigarette smoking, radiation and digestion of food. 

Claims that acai berry can decrease the risk of cancer are not entirely false.  High levels of anthocyanins (antioxidants) have been shown to possess anti-cancerous properties.  However, acai berries are expensive and unnecessary.  You can achieve the same effect by purchasing your favorite berry (i.e., strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, cranberries) and incorporating high antioxidant foods into your daily diet.  Remember, everything in moderation!

There are many different types of cancer that require surgery either before or after treatment.  It is important to maintain good nutrition after surgery in order to help your body recover and to decrease your risk of infection.  In some cases, good nutrition following surgery can help to increase your energy as well as help you tolerate cancer treatments.

In general, patients benefit from small, frequent meals throughout the day.  Eating foods that are low-fat, low-sugar and bland may be better tolerated in the days following surgery.  These foods include toast, crackers, broth soups, pudding, custard and mashed potatoes.  Keeping a food diary can help you monitor which foods you tolerate well and those that may cause pain, nausea, diarrhea or other abdominal discomfort.

There are some foods that tend to cause more complications following surgery.  Dairy foods can often cause nausea or diarrhea after surgery.  This tends to be temporary but may last a few weeks after surgery.  In place of traditional dairy foods try soy milk, soy yogurt, almond milk or rice milk.  Other foods that cause abdominal discomfort include spicy and acidic foods.

In some cases, a specific diet is recommended.  For cancer patients who have surgery on the head, neck, esophagus, pancreas, stomach, intestines and colon, specialized diets often are necessary.  Contact a Registered Dietitian about a meal plan specific for your type of surgery. 

Specific foods included daily can help you recover:

• Omega-3 fatty acids: Omega-3 fatty acids help reduce inflammation which will help you recover faster. Include fish, olive oil, flaxseed oil or ground flaxseed into your daily meal plan.
• Protein: It is important to get enough protein daily, but make sure not to get too much. Talk to a Registered Dietitian about how much protein you should be getting daily. Choose poultry, fish and egg whites. You may also choose to drink a protein-rich multivitamin shake daily.
• Fluids: It is very important to maintain hydration following surgery. Aim for at least eight, 8-ounce glasses of fluid daily. This could include water, 100% fruit juice, sports drinks or decaffeinated tea. Caffeinated and acidic drinks (orange, grapefruit and tomato-based) may not be well tolerated immediately following surgery but can be added in gradually.
• Soluble Fiber: Soluble fiber that is found in oats, barley, grits, applesauce, bananas and graham crackers are easy to digest and help get your intestines moving as they should.

Join us on  April 18, 2012 from 9:30am to 10:30am outside the Combs Building to learn cooking techniques from Chef Combs and Chef Roth.

Special emphasis will be provided on improving the flavor of foods that may be affected by certain cancer treatments.

This month we will highlight:

• Citrus Fruits
• Yogurt
• Salmon
• Strawberry
• Watercress

Many cancer patients require surgery to remove the cancer cells and surrounding tissue in the course of their cancer journey.

The location of the tumor will influence how great an impact the surgery will have on your health and recovery, and some surgeries may have an even greater impact on the body due to the area that is removed.  These areas include the mouth, throat, esophagus, stomach, intestines and colon.  If you are having surgery on any of these areas of the body, your nutrition before and after surgery is of even greater importance.

Preparing for surgery with good nutrition will give you the best chance for a quick recovery and minimize certain surgery side effects, regardless of the type or location of the surgery.

Preparing for Surgery:

• Push Protein - Increase the amount of protein that you eat as soon as you are scheduled for surgery. Include high-quality proteins like fish, poultry, nuts, seeds and eggs.
• Omega-3 Fatty Acids - Omega-3 fatty acids help to decrease inflammation in your body, which is helpful in preparing your body for the stress of surgery. Add foods like walnuts, ground flaxseed or fish.
• Fruits and Vegetables - Fruits and vegetables are filled with antioxidants and phytochemicals that are essential for health. Prior to surgery, these nutrients will help reduce your inflammation and help you recover from surgery faster.
• Avoid Certain Foods - Some foods actually can increase your inflammation, which will keep you from recovering as quickly from surgery. Limit or avoid high-fat foods like desserts and fried meats or cured meats.

Preparing for surgery with a healthy diet will help prepare your body for the stress of surgery.  Come back next week for tips on healthy eating after surgery.

Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE MicrosoftInternetExplorer4

Cooking with Fresh Herbs

Zing into SPRING with us by tasting & learning how to prepare delicious, home-cooked meals using fresh herbs!  

Get the skinny on recipes, cooking techniques, health benefits, and herb garden tips!

Executive Chefs Chris Roth and Pete Combs will lead a cooking demonstration in the Combs Building lobby.  The idea is to help educate cancer patients (really all patients, staff and clinicians) to some great and easy ways to incorporate highly nutritional fresh produce into their diets...and make it delicious!  This first demo will focus on the use and benefit of fresh herbs.  In addition to the demo and food samples, we will be sharing educational information on the nutrition of the recipes, copies of the recipes, and fresh herb samples so patients can go home and re-create the dishes themselves.

We hope to see you there!

National Nutrition Month occurs every March as a nutrition education and information campaign sponsored by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. It's designed to focus attention on the importance of making informed food choices and developing sound eating and physical activity habits. The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics uses the 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans to encourage a return to the basics of healthy eating. 

People undergoing treatment for cancer also can benefit from following the principles of MyPlate.

Make Half Your Plate Fruits and Vegetables

Fruits and vegetables contain phytochemicals. It is believed that phytochemicals can slow or stop tumor growth, inhibit cancer cell growth, lessen inflammation and prevent some tumor formation. 

Make at Least Half Your Grains Whole Grains

Whole grains are rich in fiber, minerals, vitamins and phytochemicals.  Fiber is especially  important in protecting against colorectal cancer.  It also can protect against cancers of the mouth, pharynx, larynx, esophagus, colon, rectum and stomach.

Decrease Your Intake of Added Sugar

Sugar alone does not promote cancer. Large amounts of sugar, however, may indirectly raise cancer risk in two ways:

1. Diets high in sugar may lead to elevated blood sugar levels, which can raise insulin levels. Routinely high levels of insulin may increase the risk of colon cancer and other cancers.

2. High sugar consumption may increase cancer risk by leading to weight gain, as high- sugar foods typically are high in calories, and a high-calorie diet leads to excess weight. Excess weight is linked to greater risk of several types of cancers.

Water is an essential part of the human body, making up of two-thirds of our weight. It lubricates our insides, regulates our temperature through sweating, and it helps prevent constipation by keeping our intestines moving along. Water is necessary for every cell and every organ to function properly. Without enough water intake, we run the risk of dehydration.

Dehydration, a serious condition, can cause dry mouth, headache, dry skin, low blood pressure, fever, constipation, dizziness and even death. For people going through cancer treatment, these symptoms may be worsened if even slight dehydration occurs.

The recommended amount of water daily is six to eight 8-ounce glasses for adults. This may be especially beneficial for the cancer patients to help manage their symptoms and to maintain hydration. Common side effects of cancer treatments include dry mouth, thick mucous and taste changes. Consuming enough water before, during and after treatments may help relieve some of these symptoms.

Many foods that we eat contain water. For patients who have difficulty swallowing or who become full easily, it may be difficult to reach their water goal. Here is a list of foods that contain high amounts of water:

1.      Fruits-apples, applesauce, cherries, fruit cocktail, grapefruit, mandarin oranges, peaches and pears

2.      Vegetables-asparagus, 3-bean salad, baked beans, beets, potatoes (baked or mashed) and cruciferous vegetables such as spinach, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, cauliflower, kale, cabbage and bok choy

3.      Others-turkey, any juice, milk, yogurt, hot oatmeal, cream of wheat, pudding, gelatin and rice

Adequate water intake, whether it be from plain water or from food, is important for all people to prevent dehydration.

Special to Markey Menu by Julie McQueen, Eastern Kentucky University Dietetic Intern.

A patient recently asked whether or not she would benefit from taking wheatgrass.  Wheatgrass is a popular ingredient among many smoothies and shakes in health food stores, and some believe that the high chlorophyll content can help treat many types of disease, including cancer.

Like many supplements in the market, there is not enough scientific evidence to support any claims that wheatgrass will provide a benefit to the body at any time, but the benefits of wheatgrass, in relation to cancer or cancer treatment, have not been investigated and have no support from research.

When considering adding a dietary supplement to your cancer treatment, it is important to consult your doctor or registered dietitian.  Many dietary and herbal supplements are not safe to be taken during cancer treatment. 

The evidence for dietary supplements is not strongly supported by scientific research.  At this time, health professionals agree that maintaining a healthy diet that includes a daily variety of fruits and vegetables is important.  While there is some research on populations that could benefit from a dietary supplement, patients undergoing cancer treatment are not included in this group.

Below are some reliable Websites for information on specific dietary and herbal supplements:

American Cancer Society

Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics

National Cancer Institute

National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine

Fiber has been in the news lately due to a new study that suggests a high fiber diet may decrease your risk of breast cancer.  Fiber has been investigated throughout the years for its ability to decrease the risk of colorectal cancer.  Many experts believe that a high fiber diet will significantly reduce your risk of colorectal cancer and that it may even reduce the risk of mouth, pharynx, larynx, esophagus and stomach cancers.

Fiber is a carbohydrate found in plant foods that cannot be digested by your body.  Fibers found in plant foods can either be soluble or insoluble.  Soluble fiber includes foods like oatmeal, barley, dried beans and some fruits and vegetables.  Insoluble fiber includes whole grain, the strings of celery and the skins of corn kernels. 

Fiber has been shown to help control weight and reduce the risk of developing diabetes and heart disease.  Foods that are high in fiber also tend to be lower in fat and calories while also being more filling.    Fiber's ability to control weight may be the factor that helps to reduce the risk of developing many types of cancer that can be affected by body weight.

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics recommends 28 grams of fiber daily for women and 30 grams of fiber daily for men.  However, they do state that once you are over 50 years old your fiber intake should be around 21 grams a day for women and 28 grams a day for men.  Keep in mind that the more fiber you add to your diet, the more water or fluids you need to drink.

Adding more fiber each day can be easy - if you are meeting your daily goal of 5 - 9 servings of fruits and vegetables as recommended by the American Cancer Society and the American Institute for Cancer Research.  Fruits and vegetables are high in fiber and can be a great way not only to add fiber to your day but also to get cancer-fighting phytochemicals.  See the blogs from February 2011 for more information on phytochemicals found in fruits and vegetables.

Many cancer patients and cancer survivors experience fatigue.  While the exact reason for fatigue has not been discovered, most doctors and researchers believe that the treatments, as well as the aggressive cancerous tumors, are major factors.  Additionally, individuals tend to eat less during cancer treatment, and that can affect fatigue.

While fatigue is a common side effect, there are ways to manage fatigue with nutrition and exercise.  These five tips can help manage fatigue:

1. Be physically active.  Moderate physical activity, such as walking, can help reduce fatigue.  Aim for at least three hours of moderate activity each week to help boost your energy level.  Start with short time periods of light activity and gradually move up to more moderate activities.  Not only will exercise help increase your energy level, but it also will improve your appetite.

2. Conserve your energy.  While this might sound like a contradiction to the first tip; the idea is to conserve your energy during times when you are not participating in moderate physical activity.  For example, rather than standing up for long periods of time preparing food, have convenient healthy snacks available.

3. Drink your fluids.  Drink at least 8 cups a day of water, 100% fruit juice or milk.  You might also drink milkshakes or nutritional shakes if you need to gain weight.  Caffeinated beverages  often are not encouraged.

4. Include protein.  Protein is important for rebuilding and repairing cells in your body.  Protein foods include dairy, meat and beans or legumes.  Each individual has different protein requirements.  To determine what your protein requirements are, contact a Registered Dietitian.

5. Eat your fruits and veggies.  Experts agree that eating 5-9 servings of fruits and vegetables daily provides a wide variety of vitamins and minerals.  Not only do fruits and vegetables contain necessary vitamins and minerals, they also contain antioxidants and phytochemicals that will help reduce your fatigue.

Nutritional supplements and shakes can be necessary for many patients during cancer treatment due to involuntary weight loss and poor appetite.  While these products can help provide additional calories and protein in your diet, they often are too expensive to purchase for many individuals.

Nutritional supplements and shakes are not covered by insurance for individual consumption; and, because many patients need to maintain their wait by drinking two or three shakes a day, this can become costly.  Below are some tips and resources to help you purchase nutritional supplements.

Compare prices.  For the most part, nutritional shakes found in the grocery store and pharmacy are the same.  They all add calories, protein, vitamins and minerals to your diet and can help maintain weight.  Compare the cost of each brand to see which product may be the most economical.  For differences between these products, visit my blog dated 12/14/11.

Clip coupons.  Most companies that make nutritional supplements will have coupons available.  Your registered dietitian may also have coupons or special deals available for you.  You also can search the Internet for coupons for your favorite supplement.

Oley Foundation.  The Oley Foundation is an online, non-profit organization that helps provide patients supplements and tube-feeding supplies.  Their Website has a list of donated items that can be ordered by e-mail.

Patient Assistance Applications.  Nestle and Abbott, who make Boost and Ensure, respectively, have patient assistance applications that can assist with nutritional supplements.  Your physician, nurse, social worker or dietitian can help you fill out the application.

Community Resources.  Some local community hospitals, as well as God's Pantry, also may have nutritional supplements.  While you may not be able to get the products for free at your local hospital, you may be able to purchase it at their reduced rate.  For other resources in your area contact your dietitian or social worker.

Nutritional supplements can be beneficial for individuals undergoing chemotherapy and radiation therapy. The side effects of these treatments cause many patients to eat less, and the patients will need to find calories and protein from other sources.

There are many brands and types of nutritional supplements or shakes.  Trying to determine which shake is best can be difficult.  Keep in mind that all pre-mixed oral supplements are lactose-free; however, they may have milk protein in them.  Read the label's ingredient list to find out.

Below are some of the most familiar supplements on the market today.  As with all supplements, talk to your physician or dietitian before starting to drink them.  Also, make sure that they are not replacing meals; they should be taken in addition to regular food.

• Boost: Boost can be found in many different locations. If you have lost a lot of weight you may want to choose the Boost Plus rather than regular Boost.
• Boost Breeze: This shake is best for individuals who don't like the creamy taste or texture of Boost. This is a juice-based supplement. The only downside to this product is that it does not have as many calories or protein as a Boost Plus.
• Boost Glucose Control: This supplement tastes similar to Boost but is made for diabetics. Its primary purpose is to provide extra calories and protein without as many carbohydrates.
• Carnation Instant Breakfast: This product comes in a powder or a pre-mixed shake. The powder can be added to milk, coconut milk or water. It tastes more like a malted drink.
• Carnation Instant Breakfast VHC: This product is pre-mixed and has 560 calories per can, which is one of the highest calorie shakes you can buy. Available only in vanilla, it usually has to be special ordered.
• Diabetishield: This is a juice-based supplement that is made for diabetics. It can be a good alternative for individuals but has to be special ordered.
• Enlive: This product is a juice-based supplement similar to Boost Breeze but is made by a different company. It can be found at some pharmacies but many times has to be ordered.
• Ensure: This product can be purchased in many different forms including Muscle Builder, Immune Health, Clinical Strength and Plus. For individuals who have lost a lot of weight, the Clinical Strength or Plus options are best.
• Glucerna: This product is a supplement made for diabetics to provide them calories and protein without added carbohydrates.
• ScandiShakes: This powder can be added to any liquid. This supplement provides the most calories per serving of any oral supplement. However, it has a high amount of trans and saturated fats; so, is not beneficial for long-term use.