HEALTH & FITNESS

BALANCED DIET FOR CANCER PATIENTS

2009-04-14T19:44:00.000-07:00

A good diet is low in fat, cholesterol, sodium and sugars; and high in vegetables, fruits, beans, nuts and whole grains. Eating well can make a real difference in your health and longevity.

Diet

Some foods actually contribute to the development of cancer; other foods lessen the risk. Research has proved that about 90% of colon cancers and 35% of most of the other cancers are dependent on our diet. So diet play an important role in the prevention and control of cancers.

Fat

Limit your daily intake of all kinds of fat especially saturated fats to not more 20% of the total food calorie intake. Fats contained in food can be either saturated or unsaturated fats . Unsaturated fat don't contribute to cancer and may in fact have some anticancer properties while saturated fats may promote cancer and raise cholesterol levels. So limiting your diet to unsaturated fats, found in plant foods, such as legumes; vegetable oils that are high in monounsaturated fats, such as olive, peanut and canola oil and seafood, such as salmon and tuna, that is high in omega 3 fatty acids can be of great benefit. Avoid oils high in saturated fats such as palm, coconut, cotton seed oil; red meat like beef, pork, lamb etc. Instead of frying, try to use low fat cooking methods such as steaming, baking etc as far as possible.

Vegetables and fruits

Eat more vegetables and fruits. Having five servings of fruits and vegetables particularly dark green and dark yellow vegetables like spinach, broccoli, beans, carrots and other vegetables like cabbage, soybeans, cauliflower, brinjal, onions (red), peppers, garlic, sweet potatoes, tomatoes etc. and fruits like grapefruit, grapes, lemons, mangoes, oranges and papayas are beneficial for preventing cancer. Eat fruits with out peeling the skin if possible and make sure the fruits and vegetables are fresh.

Green tea : Green tea has been shown to inhibit the growth of cancer cells, possibly because of a phytochemical it contains called catechins.

Fibre

A high fibre diet protects against cancer. Increase your fibre intake to at least 25grams a day. Fiber moves potential carcinogens through the intestines faster, decreasing the contact time between carcinogens and the intestinal wall. High fiber food include wheat bran, kidney beans, potatoes, whole wheat, whole grains, legumes, whole grain bread, prunes etc. Eating beans regularly and brown rice, brown bread etc. instead of white bread and rice can meet the fibre requirements you need. Insufficient consumption of fibre may lead to the development of Colon cancer and increase levels blood cholesterol.

Antioxidants

Eat a diet high in antioxidants. Fruits and vegetables are the main sources of these naturally occurring antioxidants. Antioxidants prevent free radicals reactions and faulty metabolism in the cell which makes the cell becoming carcinogenic. They also protect the membrane of intestinal cells. Vitamin A, Betacarotine, Riboflavin, Selenium, Zinc, Foliate, Vitamin E etc. have antioxidant properties. Cancers of the mouth can be avoided by having the food which contain antioxidants.

Vitamin Supplements

Vitamin C: Daily intake of 1000 to 2000 milligrams of vitamin C may have anticancer benefits. Vitamin C improves the immune system and blocks the formation of carcinogens made from nitrates and nitrites found in foods like processed meat. Main sources of vitamin c are citrus fruits and fresh vegetables.

Vitamin D: Vitamin D suppresses the formation of new blood vessels that promote the growth of tumors. It is of great benefit for the cancers of the breast, prostate and colon. The dietary sources are fish, oil, egg yolks and dairy products. 10-15 minutes a day of exposure to sunshine also is an essential source of vitamin D. Vitamin E also has anticancer properties.

Salt

Cut down the overall salt intake. Most foods are salted during cooking and manufactured foods like pickles contain a lot of added salt. You must try to reduce the amount of salt while cooking. Cut down on snacks with a high salt content like crisps or salted nuts.

Alcohol

Limit alcohol consumption. Intake of alcohol may lead to several cancers like mouth, throat, larynx, esophagus, pharynx, stomach, rectum, breast, liver cancer etc. One drink a day for women and two for men or lesser should be the limit to reduce cancer risks. Alcohol may contain carcinogens that can damage the DNA of cells. For example Beer and red wine contains carcinogens like nitrosamines and tannins respectively.

Note : All statements given are only for information purpose. We are not responsible or liable for any problems related to the utilization of information on this site. We suggest that you consult a qualified doctor before trying any alternative health care remedies.

EASY WAYS TO LOSE YOUR WEIGHT

2008-11-22T06:31:00.000-08:00

Simple Slimming

Spring is right around the corner and retailers have already begun stocking their floors with warm-weather goods -- including swimsuits. Besides looking great on the beach, commonsense tells us that one of the best things you can do for your overall health is to drop a few pounds. Or maybe more than a few pounds.

Being overweight significantly increases your risk of heart disease, diabetes, stroke, high blood pressure, cancer ... the list seems almost endless. Plus, if you do get sick or need surgery, being overweight can make any treatments riskier.

Start sending your scale numbers in the right direction: down.

You know the drill when it comes to losing weight -- take in fewer calories, burn more calories. But you also know that most diets and quick weight-loss plans have about as much substance as a politician's campaign pledges. You're better off finding several simple things you can do on a daily basis -- along with following the cardinal rules of eating more vegetables and less fat and getting more physical activity. Together, they should send the scale numbers in the right direction: down.

1. Once a week, indulge in a high-calorie-tasting, but low-calorie, treat. This should help keep you from feeling deprived and binging on higher-calorie foods. For instance:

Lobster. Just 83 calories in 3 ounces.
Shrimp. Just 60 calories in 12 large.
Smoked salmon. Just 66 calories in two ounces. Sprinkle with capers for an even more elegant treat.
Whipped cream. Just 8 calories in one tablespoon. Drop a dollop over a bowl of fresh fruit for dessert.

2. Treat high-calorie foods as jewels in the crown. Make a spoonful of ice cream the jewel and a bowl of fruit the crown. Cut down on the chips by pairing each bite with lots of chunky, filling fresh salsa, suggests Jeff Novick, director of nutrition at the Pritikin Longevity Center & Spa in Florida. Balance a little cheese with a lot of salad.

3. After breakfast, make water your primary drink. At breakfast, go ahead and drink orange juice. But throughout the rest of the day, focus on water instead of juice or soda. The average American consumes an extra 245 calories a day from soft drinks. That's nearly 90,000 calories a year -- or 25 pounds! And research shows that despite the calories, sugary drinks don't trigger a sense of fullness the way that food does.

4. Carry a palm-size notebook everywhere you go for one week. Write down every single morsel that enters your lips -- even water. Studies have found that people who maintain food diaries wind up eating about 15 percent less food than those who don't.

5. Buy a pedometer, clip it to your belt, and aim for an extra 1,000 steps a day. On average, sedentary people take only 2,000 to 3,000 steps a day. Adding 2,000 steps will help you maintain your current weight and stop gaining weight; adding more than that will help you lose weight.

WATERMELON MASK - For a natural face lift

2008-10-05T06:18:00.000-07:00

Everyone eats fruits but do you know they can also be used as cosmetics.If you want a natural face
lift then just scoop out two cups of melon flesh into a bowl, remove seeds,strain the pulp through a
coarse sieve. Pat on the thick juice on your face;lie down and relax for 10 minutes.The juice cleanses the skin and tightens the pores.Rinse off and repeat whenever you feel the need for a natural face lift.

MISSING BREAKFAST CAN LEAD TO

2008-10-05T05:58:00.000-07:00

Have you anytime missed your breakfast?

weight gain
poor concentration
mood swings
hyperactive and disruptive behaviour
poor energy levels
cravings and snacking
headaches
more illness such as cold and flu

HAIR REPAIR - Get rid off DANDRUFF

2008-09-28T06:10:00.000-07:00

There is a simple technique to remove dandruff.
Take 1/4 kg of coconut oil in a bowl.Take 2 to 3 lemons.
Make juice out of them and filter it to remove the seeds.
Add this lemon juice to the oil and boil it gently till lemon
juice completely evaporates.Pour it in a bottle.Let it cool down.

Apply it weekly twice on the scalp.Apply at night.
Rub it on the scalp nicely.In the morning take a shower
bath using shikhai or kunkudu kaya.
This will make your hair get rid of dandruff.

FACE MASK - Reduces your age spots

2008-09-26T21:26:00.000-07:00

This face mask is very effective and
is much cheaper than similar commercial treatments.
2 egg whites
2 tablespoon runny honey
1 tablespoon almond oil
Juice of 1 lemon
Whisk ingredients together,then brush
onto clean,damp skin,avoiding the eyes.
Leave for 15 minutes.Rinse.

FRUITY GLOW

2008-09-26T07:53:00.000-07:00

Everyone likes mangoes but - Do you know
KING OF FRUITS can also be used as a cosmetic.
The vitamin 'A' fortified juice brings on an instant glow.
Apply mango juice with a cotton ball to your face.Wash off
in 10 minutes for an instant glow on your face.

TEETH WHITENER

2008-09-26T07:41:00.000-07:00

Shelling out money on teeth whitening treatments.
Instead, try this:Combine 1 tablespoon bicarbonate
of soda with 1 teaspoon of fine sea salt.Dip a
moistened toothbrush directly into the mix and
gently brush-don't scrub-your teeth.Use no more
than once a month.