Is there an ultimate diet for health, energy and disease prevention?
FindingBecky
Posts: 4 Member
I'm here on MFP mostly to lose weight, but as a 2-time cancer survivor, I also have an interest in knowing how to eat in the most healthful way possible from here on out. At this point I'm following a balanced, mostly-from-scratch diet that doesn't exclude any food groups, but have to admit that I'm fascinated and confused by how ketogenic dieters and plant-based dieters both claim to have the ultimate approach to lowering disease risk and improving physical function, despite these diets being almost diametrically opposed. Then there are the intermittent fasters, the gut health contingent, the paleo folks, and so forth. Thoughts? Experiences? I'm interested in knowing why you chose the path you chose, and what your results have been like, both physical and mental. Thanks in advance!
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I don't think there will ever be an answer to that question. My way of eating evolves continually. Who knows if it makes me healthier, who knows if it makes me get cancer or stops me getting cancer. I figure I just make the healthiest choices based on my idea of what that actually means at the time, and hope for the best. I'm going to die of something at some time, I may as well enjoy the food I eat whilst I'm here; I spent a couple of years stressing about every morsel I put in my mouth, and eating only what I perceived as healthy. It made me the unhealthiest I've ever been...14
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I think "enough of everything you need every day, but over time, not too much of anything" in any way you like, is the ultimate diet, and at the same time explains why so many different approaches may work.
For me, shutting down the noise and listening to my personal needs, has helped me find a diet that makes me feel good, physically and mentally, and easy to stick to.12 -
Great responses! I like how you both think.1
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My mom's friend followed a paleo diet after going into remission for breast cancer, and I *believe* it was recommended to her by a naturopathic doctor. Unfortunately the cancer returned and is in her bones. She has now been instructed (by a naturopath) to eliminate most animal products and primarily follow a plant-based diet.
I have read a lot about the effects that a plant based diet can have on reversing disease and contributing to overall health, but I'm also vegan and recognize that I'm biased towards those studies because of it. Anyway, you might find the documentary "What The Health" to be of interest. It's on Netflix and Youtube.1 -
theplainvegan wrote: »My mom's friend followed a paleo diet after going into remission for breast cancer, and I *believe* it was recommended to her by a naturopathic doctor. Unfortunately the cancer returned and is in her bones. She has now been instructed (by a naturopath) to eliminate most animal products and primarily follow a plant-based diet.
I have read a lot about the effects that a plant based diet can have on reversing disease and contributing to overall health, but I'm also vegan and recognize that I'm biased towards those studies because of it. Anyway, you might find the documentary "What The Health" to be of interest. It's on Netflix and Youtube.
She should be listening to her oncologist.26 -
FindingBecky wrote: »I'm here on MFP mostly to lose weight, but as a 2-time cancer survivor, I also have an interest in knowing how to eat in the most healthful way possible from here on out. At this point I'm following a balanced, mostly-from-scratch diet that doesn't exclude any food groups, but have to admit that I'm fascinated and confused by how ketogenic dieters and plant-based dieters both claim to have the ultimate approach to lowering disease risk and improving physical function, despite these diets being almost diametrically opposed. Then there are the intermittent fasters, the gut health contingent, the paleo folks, and so forth. Thoughts? Experiences? I'm interested in knowing why you chose the path you chose, and what your results have been like, both physical and mental. Thanks in advance!
IMO, the reason they believe that is because of one or two studies that would support it, while ignoring the specific parameters behind those studies and if it's even possible to be replicated. For example, many who follow keto believe it can prevent cancer... But most of the research, at least from what I have seen, would suggest it may improve your chance of living with certain types of cancer (largely brain) if you follow keto and go through treatment. The bigger problem is, people associated treatment with prevention. And that just isn't how it works.
Ultimately, being a healthy weight and exercise will improve your health the most (no matter the diet you follow) but genetics is a *kitten*. At best, you can get a very wholesome diet but if genetics is out for you, diet won't do much. It's why young fit people still die; in fact, one of my wife's friends brother just did. He was very lean, muscular, non smoker, non drinker, 35 years old and exercised almost daily.2 -
RuNaRoUnDaFiEld wrote: »
She should be listening to her oncologist.
I agree, I've never asked why she doesn't turn to her oncologist for advice about diet. I personally consult my physician when I have questions related to nutrition.2 -
There is no one diet. Cultures from all over the world have thrived off of very different diets. The human body is amazingly adaptable. Your best bet would be to include eating plants and animals, nuts & seeds, eggs & fish. Have the majority of it be plant based.7
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I believe the best diet is one you can live with.
I eat 7-8 servings of different fruit and veg a day, hit around 70-90g protein a day, most from lean sources. I hit my fat goal every day and take a multi vit for any micros I might be missing.
Other than that I eat and drink what I like, life's too short to sweat every little choice.4 -
theplainvegan wrote: »RuNaRoUnDaFiEld wrote: »
She should be listening to her oncologist.
I agree, I've never asked why she doesn't turn to her oncologist for advice about diet. I personally consult my physician when I have questions related to nutrition.
Side note, unless your physician is trained in nutritional science, they probably know very little. Most have zero education in this science. You'd be better off getting a referral from a dietitian.17 -
Lots of fruits and veggies, low sugar (cancer cells like sugar), green tea. Check out the blog Crazy, Sexy Cancer by Kris Carr (I think that's her name) and you can see her thoughts. Best of luck.1
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Lots of fruits and veggies, low sugar (cancer cells like sugar), green tea. Check out the blog Crazy, Sexy Cancer by Kris Carr (I think that's her name) and you can see her thoughts. Best of luck.
Cancer cells thrive on glucose (which is a sugar) but it's also what your body runs on, even if you have a very low sugar diet; your body creates glucose through glucenogenesis (coversion of fats/proteins into sugar). That's the basic misinterpretation that occurs with those who follow LCHF/Keto diets. The exception is your brain can run on ketones which is why some cancers can be improved with treatment when following ketogenic.12 -
Nope does not exist. Ideal is a wide variety of foods containing a mix of both macro and micronutrients. That said avoiding heart disease vs cancer ECT some very contradictory studies have been done on some narrow populations that show for x disease you may want more or less of y food. But they are slight trends in limited population and none of them prevent all disease. So eat a mix of delicious nutritional foods.2
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The best healthy eating plan is one that you can keep doing indefinitely, keeps you lean (has appropriate calories to keep you in the normal body fat range), is not stressful for you (stress increases chance for certain illnesses and modifies risk taking behavior), and preferably one that has plenty of vegetables. How you handle the rest doesn't have too much of an effect. Consistency and sustainability are the most important aspects of any plan. Not drinking excessively, not smoking, not suntanning too much, exercising...etc are some other behaviors that go along well with a healthy diet.1
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A well-rounded diet that you enjoy seems to be the consensus here. I would avoid soy, though, as it mimics estrogen.0
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There is no "diet" that helps. You should know that. cancer doesn't care who it picks on, doesn't matter if you are fat, skinny, just right, cancer just does. not. care.
You can be living the healthiest lifestyle in the world, eating veggies, doing it "right" if you are going to get it, you'll get it.
Of course if you are reading this and you are under 26, and have not had a HPV vaccine, what are you waiting for? Get to the Dr and get it! Mine was caused by HPV, its the fastest growing strain, HPV positive. Go get the vaccine!
If I have scared some into doing it, GOOD, because I wouldn't wish this on my worst enemy.9 -
Have a read about "life extension diets". Then forget all about it and eat a balanced diet that has all your micro nutrients, exercise regularly and enjoy life.5
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Interesting--all I can say is that here, in Italy, a nutritionist was asked that question on TV. His response was: to eat a little of everything (not always the same things). That way you spread the risk. I thought that made sense.4
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I think the answer to this question is not just going to be different for different people, it HAS to be different for different people. Some people have specific health issues that necessitate dietary guidelines to maintain their health, but that for someone else would be detrimental to their health. As far as cancer prevention . . . . well, there are several zones of people around the world who have way above average health and longevity. To the best of my recollection, the main thing those zones have in common is eating fresh foods (little or no preservatives) and little or no ADDED sugar. Another common factor was regular consumption of so-called "superfoods" like olives, leafy green vegetables, etc. Personally, I eat Keto style for my own specific health issues. I try to consume protein that is fresh and lots of leafy green vegetables and healthy fats. I am not always successful. Whatever way of eating you choose to follow, preparation is key. Good luck.4
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FindingBecky wrote: »I'm here on MFP mostly to lose weight, but as a 2-time cancer survivor, I also have an interest in knowing how to eat in the most healthful way possible from here on out. At this point I'm following a balanced, mostly-from-scratch diet that doesn't exclude any food groups, but have to admit that I'm fascinated and confused by how ketogenic dieters and plant-based dieters both claim to have the ultimate approach to lowering disease risk and improving physical function, despite these diets being almost diametrically opposed. Then there are the intermittent fasters, the gut health contingent, the paleo folks, and so forth. Thoughts? Experiences? I'm interested in knowing why you chose the path you chose, and what your results have been like, both physical and mental. Thanks in advance!
Interesting question.
I am pretty skeptical of any claims that there's a best diet, and to a certain extent I think health improves when people are not stressed, active, and at a healthy weight. Some people find it much easier to eat well and in a calorie-appropriate way when doing very low carb, whereas others find plant-based an easy way to eat (and same with IF). A lot of these things also come with a belief system that helps people stick to it by giving them a broader story or group -- having a reason is always a hard thing when the initial motivation wavers some and it gets easy to say "just this once."
My personal feeling, which is based somewhat on looking at blue zone diets and some other information, as well as what seems to be broadly agreed upon (David Katz's research and so on) but is also just intuitive, so I'd never claim it's right, is to look at what seems to be in common: be active, eat appropriate calories, don't smoke, don't drink to excess, get enough sleep, don't endure unnecessary stress (including about diet), eat enough vegetables (I'd say lots), eat fruit if you enjoy it, eat enough protein (this is more debatable, I know, but I find it easier to eat right if I do, and as a woman getting older anything to help with muscle mass is important to me). Beyond this, I think it makes sense to focus on whole foods (although this also just may be something that helps me eat better and not too much), and whether it's things with more fat (the low carb folks) or things with more carbs (the starch solution or plant based folks), I doubt it matters all that much, if all else is equal and you get in a decent amount of vegetables and don't overeat.
I think a lot of foods (fine in moderation) are obviously easy to overeat and take over too large a percentage of many contemporary diets in industrialized societies, and those including things like fast food (based around a burger or chicken and fries), sweet treats (sugar and fat, mostly), snack foods (fat, carbs, and salt, mostly), and just sugar (soda, energy drinks). By cutting out these foods a lot of these diets cure the issue of people overeating these things, at least so long as they stick to it. I don't think a diet high in high fat and carbs foods and low in vegetables is bad for you because "carbs," but I do think some end up fixing that issue and eating a better diet because they effectively remove the high fat and carbs foods they were eating when going low carb. I'd say blaming "carbs" is a wrong understanding of what happens in most such cases, but the subsequent diet may be more healthful (at least if more vegetables are added -- in my personal view, anyway!).5 -
In a word, NO0
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livingleanlivingclean wrote: »I may as well enjoy the food I eat whilst I'm here; I spent a couple of years stressing about every morsel I put in my mouth, and eating only what I perceived as healthy. It made me the unhealthiest I've ever been...
I think this is really important too. For me, I experiment in part to see what makes eating well (and a big part of that is not gaining weight) easier for me, and also not stressful. I eat a lot of whole foods because I enjoy eating that way more, but if that's stressful I'd say there should be other options to consider. I also like to eat what's in season, and if I started freaking about whether broccoli was superior to cauliflower or kale over spinach and not making decisions based on enjoying food and variety I'd try to check myself. I think part of health is enjoying oneself.1 -
I'll put my two cents. . I think organic food as much as possible, no hormones, no antibiotics as much as possible. Leafy greens, variety of fruits and vegetables, nuts, seeds, avocado for healthy fats. Try to eat as little as possible things with preservatives, artificial colorings and ingredients. Drink teas, coffee, kombucha, milk, mineral water, plain water, avoid sodas and artificially flavored drinks. Eat everything in moderation, meaning from every food group, not excluding anything.0
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Lots of fruits and veggies, low sugar (cancer cells like sugar), green tea. Check out the blog Crazy, Sexy Cancer by Kris Carr (I think that's her name) and you can see her thoughts. Best of luck.
so eat foods high in sugar, fruits; but at the same time avoid sugar because cancer cells???5 -
I'll put my two cents. . I think organic food as much as possible, no hormones, no antibiotics as much as possible. Leafy greens, variety of fruits and vegetables, nuts, seeds, avocado for healthy fats. Try to eat as little as possible things with preservatives, artificial colorings and ingredients. Drink teas, coffee, kombucha, milk, mineral water, plain water, avoid sodas and artificially flavored drinks. Eat everything in moderation, meaning from every food group, not excluding anything.
organic foods and vegetables are still treated with pesticides and what not...
most organic foods are just a ploy to get more money out of you...6 -
Also, i think being active and fit is important. Not to the point of hurting yourself and wearing your body down, but in moderation as well.1
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OP - here is my suggestion, as a former cancer survivor. Get your body weight to a health weight, find some form of exercise that you enjoy, make sure that you are getting sufficient nutrition, and make sure that you are following up with your oncologist and physician for regular check ups...12
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I'll put my two cents. . I think organic food as much as possible, no hormones, no antibiotics as much as possible. Leafy greens, variety of fruits and vegetables, nuts, seeds, avocado for healthy fats. Try to eat as little as possible things with preservatives, artificial colorings and ingredients. Drink teas, coffee, kombucha, milk, mineral water, plain water, avoid sodas and artificially flavored drinks. Eat everything in moderation, meaning from every food group, not excluding anything.
organic foods and vegetables are still treated with pesticides and what not...
most organic foods are just a ploy to get more money out of you...
That's not true. When something says organic it has to have something like 90-95% of product must be made with no synthetic additives (pesticides, dyes, chemical fertilizers and without genetic engineering) and the remaining percentage must be only used with things off of a certain list. It may be a ploy to get more money, but it does have more "value" in terms of what you are getting which is why it costs more.
I think you may be confusing it with "natural" which is more of a loose term.2 -
OP - here is my suggestion, as a former cancer survivor. Get your body weight to a health weight, find some form of exercise that you enjoy, make sure that you are getting sufficient nutrition, and make sure that you are following up with your oncologist and physician for regular check ups...
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RAD_Fitness wrote: »I'll put my two cents. . I think organic food as much as possible, no hormones, no antibiotics as much as possible. Leafy greens, variety of fruits and vegetables, nuts, seeds, avocado for healthy fats. Try to eat as little as possible things with preservatives, artificial colorings and ingredients. Drink teas, coffee, kombucha, milk, mineral water, plain water, avoid sodas and artificially flavored drinks. Eat everything in moderation, meaning from every food group, not excluding anything.
organic foods and vegetables are still treated with pesticides and what not...
most organic foods are just a ploy to get more money out of you...
That's not true. When something says organic it has to have something like 90-95% of product must be made with no synthetic additives (pesticides, dyes, chemical fertilizers and without genetic engineering) and the remaining percentage must be only used with things off of a certain list. It may be a ploy to get more money, but it does have more "value" in terms of what you are getting which is why it costs more.
I think you may be confusing it with "natural" which is more of a loose term.
They can still use natural pesticides for organic and even so. But if you consider the latest and largest meta-analysis on organic done by Stanford, it doesn't appear to really have any benefit in terms of health when it comes to consuming it. If you like it for taste or whatever, it might be a different story. But I believe taste is more influenced by where it's grown and the soil from there, as compared to something being organic or not.
https://med.stanford.edu/news/all-news/2012/09/little-evidence-of-health-benefits-from-organic-foods-study-finds.html9
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