I’m a nutritionist for cancer patients

A nutritionist who specializes in cancer patients has revealed the dietary advice she gives her patients to avoid developing the disease.

Nichole Andrews has worked with survivors for 12 years, developing meal plans during and after treatment to limit the risk of the disease returning, but she says her advice also applies to the general public.

The recommendations, many of which might surprise readers, including avoiding supplements and protein bars, come amid a mysterious rise in early-onset cancers.

Andrews, a dietitian from Washington, revealed her top dos and don’ts on TikTok.

AVOID:

Green powders

Green powders are regularly marketed as a way to “meet nutritional needs” and “fill gaps” in the daily diet.

But Andrews is against them, warning that they often exclude vital fibers that patients need to fight cancer.

She said: “I would never buy these green powders and try to consume them as fruit and vegetables.

“The fiber is removed, there are no fluids in it, sometimes it is enriched with strange herbs that can damage your liver.

“Just eat fruits and vegetables, avoid those green powders. »

Many studies have linked a diet low in fiber to a higher risk of cancer, particularly of the colon.

Experts say this could be because patients who eat less fiber have more inflammation in their digestive systems, which increases the risk of damaging mutations in cells.

There is currently little research linking green powders to a higher risk of cancer, but tests suggest they may contain cadmium, a known carcinogen.

Supplements

Nearly six in ten Americans take supplements,

But Andrews suggested there was a downside to the $50 billion industry.

She said most people don’t need to take vitamins because they get enough through food and elsewhere.

This means that many people may consume it unnecessarily, risking an overdose.

Because the supplement market is not well regulated, many available pills also tend to contain too many nutrients.

“Supplements (may) increase (the) risk of cancer due to (the) high-dose supplements, more than 200 percent of the daily value,” she warned.

High doses of supplements like vitamin B3 have been linked to a higher risk of brain cancer, while others, like vitamins C and E, have been linked to faster tumor growth.

But others have been suggested to have the opposite effect, including articles that say taking calcium reduces the risk of colon cancer.

Andrews recommends that people ask their doctor before using supplements to find out which ones are right for them.

She said supplements are best used in cases where blood tests have detected a nutrient deficiency in the body that cannot be resolved through diet changes.

Alcohol

On average, Americans drink about four alcoholic drinks each week, with one in five binge drinking each month – or five or more drinks per night.

But studies have linked alcohol consumption, regardless of quantity, to a higher risk of cancers, including breast, liver, throat and mouth.

Ms Andrews said: “I never drink alcohol, any type of alcohol, none. Alcohol increases the risk of six cancers, regardless of consumption. No alcohol.’

In the body, alcohol is broken down into acetaldehyde, a known carcinogen that can damage the DNA of cells.

This has been linked to the cancer surge in Iowa, which has the second fastest growing rate in the United States.

And in Canada, authorities are so concerned that they are now recommending that people consume only two alcoholic drinks per week. U.S. officials say they could follow suit.

Processed meats

Deli meats, bacon, hot dogs and even prosciutto often have added nitrates and nitrites to keep them fresh longer.

But these chemicals have been linked to cancers by scientists, who found that they react in the body to form compounds known to cause cancer in animals.

Ms Andrews said: “I don’t make my sandwiches with processed meats.

“I cook the chicken in advance, cut it into slices and use it for my sandwiches or wraps. Processed meats increase the risk of colorectal cancer.

“Use fresh meat, canned tuna is good, or vegetarian sandwiches.”

Previous studies have warned that eating just 2 ounces (50 grams) of processed meats per day – or two slices of ham – increases the risk of colon cancer by 50 percent.

Protein-rich cookies, donuts and chips (although they do NOT increase cancer risk)

High-protein snacks were also mentioned, although Andrews said that was only because they should still be considered treats.

“It’s always donuts, cookies and chips,” she said.

“These foods are good, they do not increase the risk of cancer.

“But if you want to go protein, I always choose protein powders, protein shakes, animal proteins or plant proteins.”

“If you want a donut, have one.” But don’t say, oh, because it has protein, it’s a better choice.

Her concerns likely revolve around the fact that these bars are still relatively high in calories, with a “healthy” protein bar containing more fat and sugar than a Krispy Kreme donut.

It comes amid concerns about the obesity epidemic in the United States, where an estimated one in three adults in the country are considered obese.

AND OTHER LIFESTYLE TIPS:

Avoid the Keto Diet

She also gave a number of other tips to help someone prevent cancer, including avoiding the keto diet.

Followers of this diet get all their energy from fats and proteins and avoid carbohydrates altogether.

An estimated seven percent of Americans follow this plan.

But in lambasting this, Andrews said: “Our bodies are built so that 50% of our calories come from carbohydrates, because that is our body’s preferred energy source. It’s also your brain’s preferred source of energy.

“So if you have brain fog every day or want to heal your brain, eat carbs.”

Experts say following a keto diet for a short period of time can help fight cancers, with studies showing it can shrink pancreatic and colon tumors.

But over longer periods of time, some doctors have suggested it could damage DNA and cells and increase the risk of cancer – although their claims are not supported by large peer-reviewed studies.

Exercise 150 minutes per week

Andrews also trumpeted the World Health Organization’s recommendation of at least 150 minutes of exercise each week.

She also said people should move repeatedly throughout the day to reduce their risk of cancer.

“I don’t just exercise and sit the rest of the day,” she said, “it’s important to get 150 minutes of exercise a week to reduce the risk of cancer” .

“But it is also recommended to sit less and move more to reduce the risk of cancer.”

“All those other hours of sitting are going to increase your exercise risk.”

Previous studies have linked prolonged periods of sitting to a higher risk of cancers, including colon, ovarian, and endometrial.

This may be because the body maintains a higher blood sugar level during these periods for longer, increasing the risk of cell damage.

Sleep seven hours a night

The CDC says everyone should get seven to nine hours of sleep each night, and Andrews echoed that sentiment.

“I’m not sleep deprived. At least seven hours of sleep every night.

“It balances your hormones and helps your cells rebuild and your muscles rebuild.” If you are undergoing cancer treatment and your body needs to repair itself after cancer treatment, you need to sleep.

She said getting more sleep could also balance hunger hormones, ensuring someone is not driven to overeat and is not at higher risk of obesity and related diseases.

Have breakfast

Having previously campaigned for cereal brands, Andrews says she doesn’t skip breakfast and advises others to do the same.

“I don’t skip breakfast,” she said. “it’s such an important meal of the day.”

“Waking up every day and feeling hungry in the morning is a sign of a healthy metabolism. People who eat breakfast also have better weight.

“They’re at a healthier weight, they’re having a better time with weight loss, I’m not skipping breakfast.” Every day I wake up, I eat lean proteins, whole grain carbs, fruits, but I never skip breakfast.

Don’t fall for organic labels

Andrews says she always buys conventional fruits and vegetables, rather than organic types when possible.

“The nutritional difference is no different between organic and conventional,” she said, “(and) organic products also use pesticides.”

“I always buy conventional fruits and vegetables unless there is no other option, because I would rather buy a few fruits and vegetables than nothing.”

Several studies have shown that organic foods are no more nutritious than their conventional alternatives, likely because they are grown in the same soil.

The USDA also says products that use synthetic pesticides — such as glyphosate, atrazine and malathion — can still be labeled as organic, even if the pesticides are linked to a higher risk of cancer.

As such, she suggested that organic foods did not offer a lower risk of cancer compared to conventional types.