Unconventional Diets in Cancer Care

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Dixon, S. (2016). Unconventional Diets in Cancer Care. Today's Dietitian.18(12) 42
http://www.todaysdietitian.com/newarchives/1216p42.shtml

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An unfortunate diagnosis of cancer comes with questions and uncertainties regarding medical and nutritional therapy. Oncology dietitians have come with numerous unconventional nutrition and dietary approaches to help aid in overall energy intake that which is secondary to nausea, vomiting, lack of appetite, malabsorption, and constipation can all contribute to declining nutritional status. Ketogenic diets have been approached for patients battling cancer due to the research stating that cancer cells use large amounts of energy derived from glucose. By restricting dietary carbohydrates in cancer patients, there is a secondary force for the body to use fats and ketones for energy which may improve outcomes of cancer. In addition to the ketogenic diet, many dietitians are trying high-carbohydrate and plant-based diets. Dr. Dean Ornish investigated the use of a low-fat vegan diet in men diagnosed with a less aggressive form of prostate cancer. Studies showed that a low-fat vegan diet along with stress management was estimated to help these men either avoid or delay conventional treatment for at least two years by making simple dietary and lifestyle modifications. Its important to realize that there are numerous dietary approaches for individuals battling cancer that patients want to try. Although no one diet has been proven to help all cancer patients, dietitians work to find what works best for each individual in their practice.

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