The raw food diet is popular among those trying to stave off or overcome cancer. The theory is that fruits, vegetables, seeds, nuts and sprouts lose many of their benefits with cooking. However, there are arguments for including some cooked foods into the diet, which can lack vitamins such as B12. A raw food diet will build immunity but likely be insufficient in protein, potentially leading to bone loss. As always, discuss your individual dietary needs with a licensed nutritionist on the oncology team.
Definition
A raw food diet can consist of any food items eaten in their original state. Most raw food diets follow a strict intake of only fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds and sprouts, while other diets of this nature allow the addition of raw milk, meat and eggs and dehydrated fruits, vegetables and grains. The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center says that dehydrated foods are allowed only if they are treated at a temperature below 105 degrees Fahrenheit.
Benefits
Raw foods are believed to be "alive" because they are not processed, preserved or, if they are labeled organic, grown with pesticides. Proponents of this type of diet promote the idea that enzymes found in fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, sprouts and so forth, are retained only if they are not cooked; the cooking process depletes most of these enzymes, they say, leaving the food nutritionally empty. The Breastcancer.org organization defends the nutritional quality of raw foods; however, it stresses that more research needs to be done to substantiate claims about curative properties for cancer.
Deficiencies
Eating a diet without significant sources of protein, iron, calcium and vitamin B12 can lead to malnutrition and bone loss. According to Breastcancer.org, raw foods, especially organics, have been proven to deliver more nutritive value, yet the absence of dairy, soy or lean meats can be significant in terms of obtaining overall health and wellness. Stomach acids will still destroy plant enzymes from the raw diet and will need to be replenished and supplemented, especially for cancer patients.
Suggestions
Breastcancer.org suggests a combination diet of raw foods and cooked meat or egg products. Raw meat and egg products are known for feeding bacteria and could ultimately compromise the cancer patient beyond treatment. Nutritional supplements and additional proteins that are fully cooked can complement the raw diet for optimum benefit. For cancer patients, it can be important to build the immune system using raw fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds and sprouts, says the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center. Yet according to the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, protein intake is often vital to increase muscle mass and build the stamina and strength required for the cancer patient to withstand chemotherapy and radiation treatments.
Food-Borne Illness
Food-borne illness is a threat posed to all individuals, healthy or otherwise. Proper food handling, cooking of meat and pasteurization are imperative to maintaining a good digestive system. In cancer patients, Duke Medicine suggests that a food-borne illness not only can compromise the immune system but also can lead to increased bouts of diarrhea, electrolyte imbalances and even premature death. If you insist on a strict raw diet, avoid purchasing bruised or damaged fruits or vegetables, keep foods cold or frozen until use and wash your hands before and after each item is prepared, as well as the cutting board you use. In addition, use hot, soapy water with diluted bleach to clean surfaces and take precautions with drinking water.
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