Whole Foods Diet
Diets should stress whole foods including whole grains, vegetables, fruits, nuts and seeds and moderate amounts of animal products, such as eggs, yogurt, fish, poultry and meat. Some patients will do better with the elimination of most, if not all, animal products. By eating whole foods such as whole grains, fruits and vegetables, you will insure sufficient dietary fiber.

Whenever possible, eat foods and drink beverages that have been grown without pesticides--so-called organic foods. Avoid foods that are highly processed and contain white sugar and starch (the refined carbohydrates), artificial sweeteners such as aspartame and saccharine, artificial colors and flavors, preservatives, hydrogenated fats and other artificial chemicals. Alcoholic beverages and caffeinated drinks, such as coffee, tea or soda, or should be drastically reduced or eliminated.

Exercise
Exercise is essential for any prevention or treatment program. It must be individualized to the person's level of health and fitness. Since oxygen is the single most important nutrient to survival, an aerobic exercise program, which improves oxygen usage, is recommended. Rapid walking, jogging, bicycling, swimming, Nordic track activity, rowing, aerobic dancing and other activities are great. Ideally, you should build up to a minimum of 30 minutes, at least every other day. This is of course impossible for the advanced cancer patient until he or she is well on the way to recovery. Stretching and limbering up exercises are also helpful.

Natural Sunlight
Indirect sunlight entering the eyes benefits the immune system and some time should be spent outside in the fresh air, preferably without eyeglasses.

Coping with Stress
Developing strategies for coping with stress or even thriving in a stressful environment, is essential for the cancer patient since receiving such a diagnosis is probably as stressful an event as one could experience. Relaxation techniques, meditation and visualization exercises are all useful. Both individual and group counseling based on the work of Bernie Siegel, the Simontons, LeShan and others are helpful to cancer patients.

Oral Nutritional Supplements
Oral nutritional supplements can play a major role in both the prevention and treatment of cancer. For those cancer patients receiving chemotherapy or radiation or those recovering from surgery, oral supplements can reduce side effects and speed the healing process. Anti-oxidant vitamins, such as vitamin C, beta carotene, vitamin A and vitamin E in moderate to high doses should be used by everyone, in my opinion. The B complex and especially folic acid play a role in improving energy and reducing cancer risk. Amygdalin, also known as Laetrile, is an extremely controversial nutrient that plays a role in both the prevention and treatment of cancer. The story of Laetrile can be found in the book and videocassette World Without Cancer and Ralph Moss's book, The Cancer Industry.

Oral minerals that should be considered are selenium, zinc, copper, chromium, molybdenum, manganese, magnesium, germanium and calcium. Proteolytic enzymes, such as bromolain and pancreatic enzymes, help to digest food when given with meals. When taken on an empty stomach, they help to dissolve the protective coating of cancer cells, making them more vulnerable to the body's attack. Flaxseed oil, a major source of omega-3 fatty acids, and primrose oil, a source of GLA, both have anti-cancer properties. Coenzyme Q10, benzaldehyde, choline and inositol and certain amino acids help to round out the program.