Nutrition Cancer Prevention

Which diet is right for you?

Many people wonder which diet is best for them based on what they are told be friends, a healthcare provider, what they hear on TV, what they read on the internet, or what is suggested by a loved one. Here at the Stram Center we recommend a variety of diets for our patients depending on their individual needs. Read below for an explanation of the dietary approach of the Stram Center! Also learn about the pros and cons of the most common diets recommended to our patients.

Seeing the Gift with Cancer

Does that title surprise you? What goodness could possibly come from the devastating news of a cancer diagnosis? In my twenty plus years of clinical practice in adult oncology, I have seen the full spectrum of patient emotions and journeys—leaving some patients feeling defeated, yet others empowered.

I have learned, and witnessed, that curing may not always be possible, but tremendous healing can be.

Let me tell you about Mary. I met Mary when she was 60 years old.She sat in my office at our initial consultation, with newly diagnosed metastatic breast cancer.Mary was angry, bitter, frightened, and deflated—all at once.As a busy, “Type A”, highly successful real estate agent, she said, “I don’t have time for this #!%&* cancer!!”Her career was her life—unmarried, no children, no hobbies, no religious or spiritual support, and estranged from many family members.

As she cried, both sad and angry at the same time, I held her hand and told her I would do my best to get the cancer into remission.I tried but unsuccessfully fought off my gut instinct that was telling me I needed to take a “leap of faith” with her.I said, “Mary, I would like you to meditate on what gift this cancer is providing for you.”She was at once stunned, and then with a slightly nervous smile Mary said, “Ok I will do it.”

That was ten years ago.Mary had from that moment found her inner strength.She re-created the story of her life.She slowed down the intensity of her real estate work.She regularly meditated and journaled, and joined a meditation group.She ate healthier foods and exercised more, often taking walks in nature.Mary reunited with family members and friends whom she previously discarded—they could not believe her transformation.Her smiles and laughter melted away her angry brow.Mary’s cancer responded quite well to various hormones and chemotherapies, often with few if any side effects.

In late 2013, Mary’s cancer had become resistant to conventional therapies, and she weakened.She passed away peacefully surrounded by family and friends, almost ten years since her diagnosis.

I remember that at my final visit with her, Mary had appeared withered and pale, yet she maintained a warm glimmer in her eyes and a welcoming smile.Mary said, “I want to thank you for asking me to look for the gift my cancer was giving me…I found it.”I asked, “What was the gift?”She responded, “The gift was the message to slow down, to see what really had value in my life, and to feel joy—joy I couldn’t feel before the cancer came.You know, I wasn’t really living before the cancer arrived.That cancer allowed me to truly live.”As my eyes filled with tears, I smiled, and I held her hand.

New One-on-One/ Hands-on Cooking Classes

Let Eric Sharer, MPH, RD, CSO, CDN teach you how to meet your unique nutritional needs with personal cooking and nutritional instruction.

What Is Integrative Oncology?

Integrative Oncology focuses on nutritional, herbal, and mind-body therapies that can complement standard cancer treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation in order to strengthen the immune system, minimize side effects, and improve quality of life, encouraging the best overall outcome.

Strawberry Spinach Salad

Enjoy the nutritious and delicious summer bounty with this amazing salad. Eat in season and try to eat as local as possible when choosing your produce to ensure the most intact nutrients and fresh produce. Alter this recipe with whatever produce you have present, such as using different greens, different berries, or adding in your favorite garden produce.

Soy, Almond, or Coconut Berry Yogurt

Research has shown that diet can play a big role in men’s health. Numerous studies have found that diets high in saturated fat such as animal protein, poultry, and various dairy products, and low in dietary fiber, can increase risk of various diseases and disorders such as heart disease, Erectile dysfunction, various cancers including colorectal and prostate cancer, and diabetes. Several studies also have found a link between dairy consumption and increased risk of prostate cancer. In recognition of Men’s Health Month, try this delicious non-dairy yogurt recipe which is rich in dietary fiber, dairy free, and low in saturated fat if you do not use the coconut milk yogurt. Enjoy this for breakfast by adding fiber rich foods such as ground flaxseed or your favorite nuts/seeds.

Southwestern Quinoa

Enjoy this tasty recipe for a gluten free, grain free, dairy free side dish or starch accompanyment to any lunch or dinner.

Spaghetti Squash with Red Lentil Tomato Sauce

In recognition of Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month it is important to embrace a healthy lifestyle as research is very supportive of the impact of lifestyle, especially diet on colorectal cancer risk. An overwhelming amount of evidence has found a strong connection between red and process meat intake with increasing colorectal cancer risk. There are several possible causes for this risk including that red and processed meats are high in potentially harmful substances such as saturated fat, an overabundance of essential amino acids and other nutrients that promote cell growth, and potentially carcinogenic compounds such as nitrates, heterocyclic aromatic amines (HCA) such as PhIP, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), which are formed during the processing or cooking of meat. Red and processed meat also lacks protective compounds that have been found to have preventative effects on cancer, such as fiber, antioxidants, and phytochemicals (plant chemicals with cancer fighting properties). For this reason it is recommended that people consider decreasing their intake of red and processed meat while increase their intake of plant based foods. Plant based foods such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, legumes, and grains have many protective components as they are rich in fiber, antioxidants, and phytochemicals. See below for a recipe full of fiber, antioxidants, phytochemicals, and plant based protein.

Butternut Squash Soup

While a thanksgiving meal can be an elegant celebration of family and friends, it can be stressful for the person cooking the meal. Making a nutritious soup a day or two before the celebration can free up the stovetop or oven for making other recipes. Simply reheat the soup several minutes before the meal and serve. It can be used as an appetizer or an accompaniment to a meal. A butternut squash soup is a delicious as well as nutritious way to add color and variety to your meal. Butternut squash and other orange starchy vegetables are rich in Beta-carotene, an important phytochemical (disease fighting compounds found in plants). Below is additional information about the health benefits of beta-carotene, as well as a delicious Butternut Squash Soup recipe.

Baked Stuffed Apples

Apple desserts such as apple pie, apple crisp, apple cobbler, or even baked apples are typically rich in ingredients that can increase our cancer risk, and lacking in protective compounds. Indulge in this tasty dessert and protect your body from cancer at the same time!