Dietary Regimens This section briefly reviews what is known about the role of specific complemetary and alternative dietary regimens on the course of cancer. Only selected regimens that are commonly used or advocated for cancer survivors are described. Fasting Therapy Fasting involves deliberately avoiding food, sometimes for long periods of time. Fasting is believed by its advocates to be an effective way of enabling the body to rid itself of toxins while promoting healing. There is no evidence to support fasting as a healthy practice during cancer therapy or beyond. In fact, fasting can be a very risky practice during the cancer treatment phase, when there is an exceptionally high need for calories and nutrients. Juice Therapies Juice therapies promote the use of fresh fruit and vegetable juices as primary sources of nourishment. Advocates say that this practice also stimulates the immune system, reduces blood pressure, and aids in the detoxification of the body. While the many health benefits of fruits and vegetables are well documented, recommendations specific to juice therapy are not. Juices should not be used as exclusive food sources, but are excellent sources of micronutrients when combined with a balanced diet. Survivors can comply with the ACS recommendation regarding consumption of at least five servings of whole fruits and vegetables daily for cancer prevention by the practice of juicing. One caveat about juicing should be raised: Commercially prepared unpasteurized juices and ciders may contain pathogenic bacteria, which can be especially dangerous for some cancer survivors.31 Vegetarian Diets Vegetarian diets include many health-promoting features, as they tend to be low in saturated fats and high in fiber, vitamins, and phytochemicals (e.g., flavonoids, etc.). It is not possible to conclude at this time, however, that a vegetarian diet has any special benefits for the prevention of cancer recurrence. Vegetarian diets differ with respect to specific features, although all avoid consumption of red meat. The greater the restriction of food groups in a particular diet, the more concern there should be about preventing dietary deficiencies. Strict vegetarian diets that avoid all animal products, including milk and eggs, should be supplemented with vitamin B12.99-104 Macrobiotic Diets Macrobiotic diets are vegetarian in the sense that they minimize consumption of animal products except for a small amount of white fish. Macrobiotic diets are based on whole grains and cereals, vegetables, sea vegetables, beans, fermented soy products, fruits, nuts, seeds, soups made from these ingredients, and teas.99 Individualized diets are based on whether a cancer is classified—according to the Eastern classification system—as being “yin,” “yang,” or “neutral.” Macrobiotic diets can be consistent with a healthy diet, but survivors consuming a macrobiotic diet should take care to consume adequate calories and to obtain sufficient nutrients. While some research supports the health benefits of macrobiotic diets, outcome studies in cancer have been limited and remain controversial. There are no data to support the claim that a macrobiotic diet reduces cancer incidence or recurrence to a greater degree than simply following ACS dietary guidelines. Remember we are NOT Doctors and have NO medical training. This site is like an Encylopedia - there are many pages, many links on many topics. Support our work with any size DONATION - see left side of any page - for how to donate. You can help raise awareness of CAM.