New Anticancer Diet

While many anticancer diets exist, Dr. David Servan-Schreiber says he's created not just a new diet, but a "new way of life" to consider in your plight against cancer. Servan-Shreiber's new anticancer diet promotes your body's natural defenses while working to boost immunity and reduce inflammation. Understand that there is no known cure for cancer, and there is no alternative approach to treating cancer that can definitively cure the illness. The anticancer diet is intended as complementary care. Seek medical expertise before making lifestyle changes.

Sugar

One of the fundamentals of the anticancer diet is the avoidance of refined sugar. In the 1920s, German biologist Otto Heinrich Warburg discovered the dependency of cancerous cells on glucose consumption. Thus, it is important to maintain stable blood glucose levels. Servan-Schreiber also explains that elevated blood glucose can trigger overproduction of insulin, which can lead to inflammation. Because of this, the anticancer diet recommends reducing your consumption of sugar and refined flours.

Grass-fed Meats

Servan-Schrieber explains that naturally grass-fed cows consume a balanced diet of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. Omega-3s are believed to reduce inflammation and prohibit cancer cell growth. However, since the 1950s, many farms have feds cows a diet made primarily from corn, soy, and wheat products. These foods are rich and omega-6s, but are deplete in omega-3s. The combination of excess of omega-6s and hormones given to some cows to stimulate milk production are believed to accelerate inflammation and cell growth. The anticancer diet recommends choosing grass-fed, hormone-free, organic meats whenever possible.

Chemical Toxins

Servan-Schreiber points out the extensive use of chemicals in the production of foods. He explains that many people are sensitive to these chemicals and that the build-up of chemicals can play a role in cancer growth. Examples of chemicals in foods include pesticides sprayed on foods, contaminated water and added preservatives or coloring agents. Chemicals in the environment include those found in certain plastics, dyes, detergents, glues and cigarettes. The anticancer diet suggests minimizing exposure to toxins by eating natural, organic foods whenever possible and decreasing household use of products containing toxic chemicals.

Cancer-Fighting Foods

The anticancer diet lists several "cancer-fighting" foods to be included into the program. While there is no scientific evidence to support the claim that these foods actually "fight" cancer, they do contain health-promoting properties that could boost your body's natural defenses. These foods include: green tea, tumeric, garlic, onions, leeks, shallots, chives, mushrooms, cruciferous vegetables, carotenoid-rich fruits and vegetables, certain herbs and spices and citrus fruits.

Mind-Body Connection

Emotional balance is an important component of the new anticancer diet. While it is difficult for research to prove an emotional connection to the growth of cancer, it is known that prolonged stress can inhibit immune function and weaken your body's natural defenses. Servan-Schreiber explains that stress can cause hormonal release, which may increase inflammation. It is important to understand that the factors that contribute to cancer are extremely varied and no one should ever blame themselves for the disease. Rather, it is worthwhile to understand the value of confronting emotions and utilizing stress-releasing techniques, such as laughter, journaling, meditation or yoga.

Considerations

The anticancer diet is not intended to replace conventional approaches of treating cancer, such as chemotherapy, radiation and surgery. Rather, this diet and lifestyle program is intended to complement treatments that are recommended by your physician. As Servan-Schreiber explains, your health should not depend on any one aspect of your life or your body, but on the relationships and balance between them. Also, keep in mind that the practices outlined in this program will not benefit every person the same. You should always speak with your physician before making any lifestyle adjustments that could affect your care.