The health, spiritual and physical well being information expressed on this Internet website, in the personal blogs stored and the articles posted to its pages, and the “chat” of others, are all based solely on the personal experience of the authors and contributors. It is intended as solace, to inspire you to think about your condition and your treatment, and to take control of your life in a meaningful way.
The website is not intended to be, and should not be relied upon you as, a medical manual.
Moreover, the information should not be used for diagnosis or treatment, or as a substitute for professional medical care for any person who has cancer or may have cancer.
Fish Oil 101
Okay — put on your biochemistry hat for a minute. Don’t turn away. If I can understand this, so can you. As Kris Carr says in her terrific book Crazy Sexy Cancer Tips (1), you have to send yourself to “cancer college” the minute you or your loved one is diagnosed with cancer. Knowledge is power. So, with a nod (and a cite) to Ms. Carr, think of this post as “Fish Oil 101.”
Love Your Fat
Even though we have been taught to hate fat, the body needs fat. Fats store nutrients and accumulated fat is burned for energy. There is, however, good fat and bad fat and — in the case of Omega 3 (the fat found in fish oil, nuts and seeds) — “essential” fat.(2)
Essential fats, or “essential fatty acids” (EFA) are nature’s primary healing fats. Omega 3, one of the most potent and pure forms of EFA, is a strong antioxident, an anti-viral and anti-fungal powerfood. Omega 3’s are the world’s best anti-infection agents.
Omega 3, and EFA in general, is absolutely essential for the storage of nutrients in the body. The body does not manufacture an EFA so you have to eat food containing EFA to have them in your body. Id.
Well, you might ask,we know we want to stay healthy but why are EFA’s essential for people with cancer? Good question. It requires a little explanation.
Coping with Chemo’s Powerhouse Veggie Smoothie Recipe
SMOOTHIE BASE:
1 package tofu (we like Mori-Nu Extra-Firm Silken Tofu)
6-8 baby carrots or one large carrot
1 cup whole milk
2-4 scoops of Weight Gain powder. We recommend Naturade.
VEGETABLES:
1 cup orange juice
3/4 fresh or frozen unsweetened apple juice
1 cup chopped vegetables (such as celery or tomatoes) or frozen fruit
Optional nutritional supplements*
Coping with Chemo’s Powerhouse Fruit Smoothie Recipe
SMOOTHIE BASE:
1 cup coconut milk
1 cup whole milk plain yogurt
1 frozen banana
2-4 scoops of Weight Gain powder. We recommend Naturade.
FRUIT:
1 cup orange juice
1 cup frozen orange slices
1 cup frozen pineapple
Optional nutritional supplements*
Hitting the Nutritional Trifecta: Calories, Protein and Energy
The Powerhouse Smoothie
How cancer patients react to chemotherapy greatly effects their odds of beating the cancer. This is true because one of the major side effects of chemotherapy is the loss of appetite. Staying strong and keeping the weight on are key to coping with chemo.
Chemo wreaks havoc on the body and most people under treatment don’t feel like eating much. The smell of food cooking makes many nauseaus and the food itself has a metallic taste. Some people even get mouth sores making chewing a painful process.
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