Episode 8. How to approach Nutrition and Cancer?
This episode talks with Greta Macaire, a registered dietician, who explains how nutrition plays a role during cancer treatment and preventing cancer or cancer recurrence
Specifically we discuss:
What are basic Principles of Nutrition and cancer?
Keeping up with nutrition needs during cancer care:
Eat frequent small meals
Prioritize Nutrient Dense foods
Improving overall health
Plant based diet (does NOT mean vegan or vegetarian)
2/3 of the time eat fruits/vegetables
4 different colors of foods a day- increases vitamins, nutrients, phytochemicals
90/10 rule- 90% of the time eating nutrient rich foods
Should you eat organic food?
Foods to prioritize: EWG.org - Dirty Dozen of organic foods
Foods to avoid?
Fast foods, processed foods, red and processed meats (smoked, cured, salted have carcinogenic preservatives)
Sugar sweetened drinks, Alcohol
Does high sugar intake cause cancer to grow?
Maybe? But it seems best to have a slow release of sugar with fiber rich foods
But the body need carbohydrates for healthy cells as well
Supplements?
Nutrients are better absorbed in full forms in fruits and vegetables themselves
Make sure the supplements are pure- USP or MSF certified
Greta Macaire, MA, RD, CSO
Greta Macaire is a dietitian who specializes in oncology. She provides tailored nutrition plans that support individual goals and that optimize wellness and quality of life by taking into account the person's overall health, specific cancer, nutritional needs during treatment and eating patterns. She is a certified specialist in oncology nutrition, the highest credential given to registered dietitians for this area of expertise.
Macaire received her bachelor of science and master of arts degrees in nutrition and dietetics from San Francisco State University. She completed her dietetic internship through San Francisco State University and the San Francisco Veterans Affairs Health Care System.