During cancer treatment, consider cutting down caloric intake or practicing intermittent fasting, as this strategy reboots health defenses and can be an anti-cancer strategy by manipulating metabolism.
To support the growth of Akkermansia mucinophila, a gut bacteria linked to better immunotherapy responses, consume foods like pomegranates, cranberries, or Concord grapes, which prompt the gut to secrete healthy mucus.
Increase dietary fiber intake, aiming for at least five grams per day (e.g., one average-sized pear), to foster Ruminococcus bacteria in the gut, which has been correlated with a 30% decrease in mortality for melanoma patients on immunotherapy.
Restrict calories through intermittent fasting, such as skipping a few meals a week, to reboot health defense systems, starve cancer, call out stem cells, reboot the gut microbiome, repair DNA, slow cellular aging, and fortify the immune system.
Do not avoid soy due to the myth that it increases breast cancer risk; research indicates that for women at highest risk, including those with breast cancer, increased soy consumption is associated with a lower chance of death.
Do not avoid tomatoes due to myths about nightshades or lectins; studies show that men who eat two to three servings of cooked tomatoes per week have a 30% lower risk of developing prostate cancer.
Consume one kiwi fruit daily to fortify blood and neutralize about 60% of incoming DNA damage, or eat three kiwis daily to help repair damaged DNA.
Drink two to three cups of green tea daily, as studies show it can lower the risk of developing ovarian cancer by up to 50%.
Consume black tea to stimulate the release of stem cells from bone marrow into circulation, which then travel through the body to repair organs and promote regeneration.
While the body needs some sugar and can process natural sugars in fruits and vegetables, avoid added sugars found in candies, cakes, and sodas, as these easily overwhelm the body and are dangerous for health.
Recognize that every food decision impacts your health, either building it up or taking it down, so be mindful of what you choose to eat daily.
Understand that most natural foods activate multiple health defense systems, so consuming a diverse range of foods is beneficial for overall health.
Instead of focusing on eliminating foods, identify and lean into the healthy foods you already love, as many of these activate health defenses and are part of traditional food cultures.
Opt for organic coffee beans over conventionally grown ones, as organic plants produce more beneficial bioactives like chlorogenic acid in response to insect nibbles, in addition to having fewer pesticides.
Do not discard the stems of button mushrooms, as they contain twice as many beneficial compounds as the caps; save them to use in soups, salads, or stir-fries.
Consider consuming squid ink, found in dishes like squid ink pasta, as it has been shown to cut off the blood supply to cancer and preserve stem cells.
Incorporate tinned sardines into your diet for healthy omega-3 fatty acids, easily prepared with olive oil, pepper, and lemon for a quick Mediterranean meal.
Include Swiss chard and dinosaur kale in your diet, as they are good leafy green vegetables that provide wonderful dietary fiber and can be easily cooked into dishes like minestrone soup.
Enhance your food’s flavor and health benefits by incorporating a variety of spices and herbs like raspberry, basil, turmeric, and cinnamon.
Enjoy juicy pears and peaches, especially in the summer, as they are healthy and delicious fruits.
Visit drwilliamlee.com or follow @drwilliamlee on social media, and attend his free bi-monthly masterclasses to stay updated on new science regarding health defenses and beneficial foods.