Therapies based on diet

What it is: Cancer Council recommends people with cancer follow the Australian Dietary Guidelines, which give advice on what you need to eat and how much. The guidelines recommend eating a wide variety of foods from all five food groups every day:

• plenty of vegetables of different types and colours, and legumes/beans
• fruit
• grains, mostly wholegrains, such as breads, cereals, rice, pasta, noodles, polenta, couscous, oats, quinoa and barley
• lean meats and poultry, fish, eggs, tofu, nuts and seeds, and legumes/beans
• milk, yoghurt, cheese and/or alternatives – mostly reduced fat.

Why use it: A balanced diet will help keep your body healthy and contribute to your wellbeing.

What to expect: For some people, it is not always possible to eat well during treatment. You can work with an Accredited Practising Dietitian who can ensure you meet your nutritional needs, give you tailored advice on your nutrition and coping with any eating problems you may experience, and assist in managing side effects.

Evidence: There is clinical evidence to show that eating a healthy, balanced diet can reduce people’s cancer risk and help people recover from cancer treatment.

What it is: This is part of a broad field of health care that focuses on the foods you eat and how they affect your health and wellbeing. This approach recognises the role of food as medicine and that the nutritional needs of each person are different.

Why use it: A diet tailored to your unique needs and your body’s specific requirements may help you achieve optimal health.

What to expect: A naturopathic nutritionist develops a treatment plan that is focused on a diet of nutrient-rich food. You will be encouraged to avoid or limit artificial flavours and chemicals. You may also be prescribed specific herbs or supplements.

Evidence: Clinical evidence supports the use of a healthy diet for good health.

During treatment some people follow a restricted diet, which may stop  them getting enough nutrients for their body to work properly.

Gerson therapy – This involves drinking fresh juice several times a day, taking supplements, and having coffee enemas. There is no scientific evidence that Gerson therapy is an effective treatment for cancer, and evidence shows that coffee enemas can be dangerous if used excessively.

High doses of vitamins – Some people believe that taking high doses of certain vitamins will strengthen the body’s immune system during cancer treatment. However, there is little evidence to support this claim. In fact, many vitamins and minerals can be toxic at high levels, and may affect how chemotherapy, radiation therapy and other medicines work.

Alkaline diet – This diet claims eating high alkaline foods such as green vegetables, fruits, oily fish and nuts lowers the acidity levels in the body. A low acid level is said to stop cancer growth, but there’s no evidence to support this claim.

Macrobiotic diet – Generally, this diet consists of wholegrains, fruits and vegetables, and soups made with legumes and fermented soy (miso). This diet may cause you to lose weight. There is no evidence this diet cures cancer.

Keep your complementary therapists and other health professionals informed about any special diets you try before, during or after cancer  treatment. Being informed about your diet will help them give you the best possible care.