Snack Therapy

Hey guys!  The weekend is almost here (or, depending on when you’re reading this, the weekend IS here)!  Can I get a “HOLLAAA?!”  No?  Okay, then.  As you read this, I’m either (a) getting ready to leave for the airport with Katie, (b) on the airplane, or (c) partying it up at BLEND.

So, since I’ll presumably be too busy to post a bunch (if at all), I’m going to post an article that David, a cancer support group and awareness program advocate, asked me share with you guys.  David is incredibly passionate about this work with the Mesothelioma Cancer Alliance and reached out to me a while ago about posting this piece.  Since I’m busy/lazy/forgetful, I’m just getting around to it now. (Sorry, David!)  But, seriously, this is a great read, so… uh… READ IT!

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Why Choose Holistic Diets When Recovering from Cancer

The holistic diet has been used by many cancer patients in recover for its healing effects upon the body and mind. The approach also helps to bring balance and detoxify the human body. There are a few different ways to take on the holistic approach, and whether you’re vegetarian, vegan or love meat, you can still get a great diet, heal your body naturally and gain a better harmony within yourself. However, there isn’t a strictly specific diet for everyone, but as long as you take in more nutrients and look for ways to remove harmful ingredients from your diet, you’ll have more energy, prevent chronic illness and even replace vital nutrients lost during treatments fro cancers such as mesothelioma or leukemia.

Starting the Holistic Method

Most doctors recommend first speaking with a nutritionist about your goals with the holistic method. The main point of this approach is to heal the body and mind. Beginning a holistic approach starts with what you put into your body. Those who are going start this diet need to start drinking purified water. Dehydration can interfere with the digestive process, which is one of the most essential parts of the holistic diet. Clearing the intestinal tract is essential to detoxing your body and starting to replace those missing nutrients.

Eat Natural and Organic Food

Meals should be planned around fruits, vegetables and protein sources that are natural, organic and not genetically modified. You want to avoid foods filled with pesticides, herbicides and processed foods that contain too many chemicals and toxins. Organic food locally grown provides richer nutrients and flavor as well. Local farmer’s markets probably have the best selection of vegetables and fruits in season. Fill your plate with dark leafy green vegetables; detox ingredients such as beets, apples, broccoli sprouts, flaxseed and chia seeds; and whole grains that will provide nutrients and fiber.

 Replace One Meal with Juicing

Juicing is a method in which nutrient-rich ingredients like kale, cucumber, ginger, apple, celery, mint and lemon are combined with a juicer, thus creating a liquid meal of all the essential ingredients. Many documentaries have studied the beneficial effects of juicing upon chronic illnesses, mental health and heart disease, such as “Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead.” It’s clear that juicing really depends upon raw food, which is another part of eating naturally and looking for the right ingredients.

In addition to eating naturally and organically, cancer patients should avoid eating high fructose corn syrup, refined sugar, artificial sweeteners, salt, coffee, sodas, trans fats and food additives like artificial colors, MSG and preservatives. In addition, food should be prepared with care and multi-nutrient supplements should also be taken to help with digestion. On the holistic diet, people begin to feel healthier, lively with more energy and even see a change in their skin. The long-term effects of this diet can prevent cancer, heart disease and release dependency upon a variety of medications.