Read All About It

Q's & A's About Nutrition, Volume IIBy Phylis B. Canion

AuthorHouse

Copyright © 2011 Dr. Phylis B. Canion
All right reserved.
ISBN: 978-1-4567-6783-9

Chapter One

Q:

I am a cancer survivor and see lists from time to time of what foods I need to avoid, but very seldom do I see a list of what foods are recommended. Do you have a "top ten" list of the best of the best that a cancer survivor should eat?

A:

The National Cancer Institute estimates that roughly one-third of all cancer deaths may be diet related. Many of the common foods we eat contain cancer fighting properties from antioxidants to phytochemicals rather than the genetically modified processed foods. While there isn't a single element in a particular food that does all of the work, eating a variety of the best foods can help immensely. Here are some recommendations; Avocados are rich in glutathione, cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cabbage, kale, Brussels sprouts and cauliflower have a chemical component called indole-3-carbinol that have the ability to convert cancer promoting estrogen into a more protective variety. Cruciferous vegetables also contain two important antioxidants, leutin and zeaxanthin that can play an important role in the diet of individuals with prostate cancer. Flax, which contains lignans is also high in omega-3 fatty acids, and garlic which has immune enhancing allium compounds. Certain mushrooms like shiitake, maitake, reishi, and coriolus versicolor can stimulate the production of interferon in the body as many studies have indicated in Japan. Nuts contain quercetin, while lemons, oranges, papayas and raspberries contain limonene, vitamin c and anthocyanins that are all antioxidants. Sweet potatoes and carrots contain beta-carotene and my all-time favorite and very popular in South America is tapioca, which is derived from the cassava plant and is very rich in nutrients. Decaffeinated green tea contains polyphenols which can be a relaxing benefit to the system. A few other tips; do not over cook your food, avoid the microwave, drink plenty of alkaline water, chew your food at least fifteen to twenty times before swallowing, avoid caffeine, get a good night's sleep and take your vitamins every day which can help build your immune system! Cancer is a disease of the body, mind and spirit. A proactive and positive spirit will help the cancer warrior be a survivor.

Q:

What are the most important toxins to avoid during pregnancy that may contaminate my food and water?

A:

While it would be nearly impossible to avoid exposure to all toxic chemicals, there are chemicals that can be easily avoided during pregnancy to protect the mother and baby. The worst chemicals with the most common exposure that awareness can help eliminate are Perfluorooctanate or PFOA's, Perfluorooctane Sulfonate, or PFOS's, Phthalates and Bisphenol A, more commonly referred to BPA. PFOA's and PFOS's exposure can be eliminated by avoiding the use of non-stick cookware, microwave popcorn bags, packaging for greasy foods in the food line and further exposure can be prevented by avoiding the use of stain proof clothing, carpet and fabric protectors and flame retardants. Phthalates are commonly found in hairsprays, cosmetics, perfumes, shampoos, conditioners, lotions and hair growth stimulators. (Phthalates are also in plastic toys that children chew on). BPA's are commonly found in plastic containers such as water bottles, sippy cups, pacifiers, plastic gallon milk bottles, and food and drink cans that have a plastic liner on the inside. As I always recommend, it is important to read the label on any product that you purchase, regardless if it is a food/ consumable product, clothing or toy and look for the above PFOA, PFOS, or BPA to be listed in the laundry list of ingredients. Also, look at the bottom of any plastic product to check out the number in the recycle triangle and avoid it if the number is a three, six or seven!

Q:

Can you share with me any secrets on cooking venison and wild game? My wife would appreciate it very much!

A:

Water is your best friend when cooking game meats. Venison tends to dry out quickly since it contains less fat and should never be overcooked. The flavor of wild game can be improved by soaking the meat in a solution of one half water and one half vinegar for one hour before cooking. This acts like a marinade and a tenderizer. To make juicy game burgers, simply add one third cup of cold water per pound of meat before mixing and grilling. For your meatloaf, just rub a small amount of water on top. And the suggestion you are waiting for, and your wife will appreciate the most, use a small can of ginger ale to cook your wild game in to eliminate that gamy flavor!

Q:

I am positioning myself to begin a weight loss program after the first of the year and have read some articles on the benefits of Leptin and weight loss. Can you explain?

A:

Your appetite is controlled by hormones. Jeffrey Friedman, M.D., a professor at Rockefeller University, discovered a hormone called leptin, that sends a crucial signal to your brain that allows you to control your eating. According to Robert J. Rowen, M.D., your fat cells make leptin in proportion to the amount of energy they have stored. Therefore, if your cells have plenty of calories in reserve, the cells will produce leptin to send the signal you are full. When the system is working properly, leptin turns off your appetite. However, when the system is out of balance, the lack of leptin will cause the exact opposite- a voracious appetite. To explain a bit further, there are two different types of cells in the hypothalamus, a region of the brain directly connected to the pituitary, where one cell stimulates your appetite while the other suppresses your appetite. It is the job of leptin to activate the appetite suppressing cells unless the cells have been damaged. You are wondering how these cells are damaged? The most common food additive that destroys these critical cells in the hypothalamus is Monosodium Glutamate or MSG. To begin your new eating regime, I recommend you eliminate products that contain these ingredients that may contain MSG; plant protein extract, soy protein, yeast food, whey protein, soy sauce, yeast extract, natural flavors, gelatain, barley malt, broth, bouillon, calcium caseinate, carrageen, autolyzed yeast, hydrolyzed oat flour, hydrolyzed vegetable protein and these are just for starters since there are over forty food ingredients that can contain MSG. It is simpler to look for products that state they are MSG free.

Q:

What does Fair Trade Certified mean that is listed on more and more product labels?

A:

Fair Trade Certified, which began in the mid 1990's, was developed to help consumers support products that are produced on farms that have been certified to provide fair wages, safe working conditions (where forced child labor is prohibited), equal opportunity for advancement, and that healthy working and living conditions are provided for all employees. Fair trade also means environmentally sustainable production and harvest practices and respect for cultural heritage. Current fair trade certified labels can be found on coffee, tea, herbs, cocoa, chocolate, fresh fruit, rice, sugar, flowers, honey and vanilla!

Q:

I love bananas but if I eat too many I seem to have stomach issues, either diarrhea or constipation. Can you please enlighten me on bananas!

A:

Bananas can actually cure...