Whether you're in remission or you've recently been diagnosed with cancer, maintaining a healthy diet is critical to your recovery and well-being. For some aggressive cancers, like mesothelioma, the treatment is equally as aggressive and alleviating symptoms from such treatments is paramount to help a patient feel well. Vegetarian, vegan and low-carbohydrate diets have long been very popular ways to do this. However, studies are now showing that a gluten-free diet may also help in the fight against cancer.

Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, rye and spelt. It is also frequently a source of allergen cross-contamination in many foods. Current statistics show that only five to ten percent of Americans suffer from some form of intolerance to gluten. In spite of those numbers, though, many researchers believe that the vast majority of Americans have trouble with gluten, whether or not they have any obvious symptoms.

Even for people with uncompromised immune systems, gluten has been found to have many negative effects on health, digestion and nutrient absorption. Inside the digestive system, gluten forms a thick, paste-like substance that smothers the lining of the intestines. It is believed that this can significantly hinder the availability of nutrients from food. This one fact alone makes a strong case for avoiding gluten during and after cancer. Adequate nutrition is considered an essential part of cancer therapy and recovery.

In individuals with sensitivity to gluten, it can cause serious immune dysfunction. The body interprets the protein as an invader or foreign substance and reacts accordingly. When this happens, the immune system unwittingly attacks the body because there is no real pathogen to fight off. Theoretically, this can increase cancer susceptibility. When the immune system is occupied with one task, the body is left vulnerable to other illnesses.

In order for a gluten-free diet to be truly effective, it is necessary to avoid all traces of it. This can be more difficult than it seems. Here are some tips that can help.

Read Labels Carefully

Most food manufacturers clearly mark wheat and gluten in their ingredients lists. If there is a potential for cross-contamination, there is also likely to be a warning beneath the ingredients. Furthermore, some products labeled as gluten-free are subject to contamination and carry warning stating so.

Beware of Hidden Sources

Foods like oats, brown rice syrup, MSG, malt and some flavorings are often hidden sources of gluten.

Avoid Dining Out

Choosing from a restaurant's gluten-free menu doesn't guarantee safety from gluten. You never know how the ingredients were manufactured. It also doesn't ensure that the staff will use the appropriate caution against cross-contamination.

There are many gluten-free alternative recipes to satisfy your every craving. Below is an easy gluten-free chocolate chip cookie recipe from the Food Network.

What you'll need:

• 8 ounces unsalted butter
• 11 ounces brown rice flour, approximately 2 cups
• 1 ¼ ounces cornstarch, approximately ¼ cup
• ½ ounce tapioca flour, approximately 2 tablespoons
• 1 teaspoon xanthan gum
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 ounces sugar, approximately 1 ¼ cups
• 1 whole egg
• 1 egg yolk
• 2 tablespoons whole milk
• 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
• 12 ounces semisweet chocolate chips

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°.
2. Melt the butter in a heavy-bottom medium saucepan over low heat. Once melted, pour into the bowl of a stand mixer.
3. In a medium bowl, sift together the rice flour, cornstarch, tapioca flour, xantham gum, salt and baking soda. Set aside.
4. Add both of the sugars to the bowl with the butter and using the paddle attachment, cream together on medium speed for 1 minute. Add the whole egg, egg yolk, milk and vanilla extract and mix until well combined. Slowly incorporate the flour mixture until thoroughly combined. Add the chocolate chips and stir to combine.
5. Chill the dough in the refrigerator until firm, approximately 1 hour. Shape the dough into 2-ounce balls and place on parchment-lined baking sheets, 6 cookies per sheet. Bake for 14 minutes, rotating the pans after 7 minutes for even baking. Remove from the over and cool the cookies on the pans for 2 minutes. Move the cookies to a wire rack and cool completely. Store cooked cookies in an airtight container.

These cookies make an absolutely delicious gluten-free treat for any occasion!

When diagnosed with cancer, a patients diet and eating habits are one of the many things that change drastically. It’s important for a cancer patient to be aware of their diet and start to incorporate the types of foods that will benefit them in their fight against cancer. To avoid things such as cachexia and anorexia, which are problems faced by many cancer patients, a healthy diet is imperative in helping the body to heal efficiently.

While going through chemotherapy or radiation treatments, patients are often told to eat an extra amount of calories to ensure their bodies remain as strong as possible. With an arsenal of healthy recipes comprised of superfoods, this makes it easier on both the patient and the caregiver. One of these superfoods is kale. According to MindBodyGreen, Kale is being called “the new beef”, “the queen of greens” and “a nutritional powerhouse" with it's many wonderful health benefits.

Kale is a quite versatile vegetable with many options for cooking and as well as many wonderful recipes it can be used with. Below is a delicious Baked Pasta with Kale recipe:

What you will need to make this deliciously healthy pasta dish:

• 1 pound of whole-wheat pasta (your choice)
• 1 pound bunch of kale, stems discarded and leaves cut into 2-inch pieces.
• 3 tablespoons of olive oil
• 1 onion chopped
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 14 ounces of diced tomatoes
• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 1 cup non-fat ricotta cheese

Directions:

1. Heat oven to 350 degrees F. Cook the pasta according to the directions on the package. Add the kale during the last 3 minutes of cooking. Drain the pasta and kale and return it to the pot.
2. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and remaining 2 tablespoons of oil to the skillet. Season with ½ teaspoon of both salt and pepper and cook. Keep covered, stirring occasionally until tender, 6-8 minutes.
3. Sprinkle the flour over the onion mixture and cook, stirring for 1 minute. Gradually add 1 cup of water. Simmer stirring occasionally until slightly thickened. Stir in crushed red pepper.
4. Add sauce to pasta and kale and toss to coat. Add tomatoes and ricotta.
5. Transfer the pasta mixture to a 3-quart or 9- by 13-inch casserole dish. Bake until heated through and golden brown, 20 to 25 minutes.

This dish is incredibly healthy and a great option to cook ahead and eat throughout the week. Enjoy!

Being diagnosed with cancer can be one of the scariest things that a person has to deal with. Regardless of your age, gender, or religion, cancer doesn't discriminate. All of the unknowns, millions of questions, and constant uncertainty can consume the mind and really affect a persons well being. It is important to not let a cancer diagnosis define you and cause you to lose interest in the things you once loved and lose sight of your hopes and dreams. Here are some tips to keep in mind and help guide you:

Hold onto Your Interests

Don't allow your cancer diagnosis to take over who you are and what you enjoyed doing before finding out you have cancer. As long as you are able to, make time for your hobbies. If you enjoy doing crafts and creating DIY projects, be sure to make that a priority on your schedule. If reading novels is something that makes you happy and you are well enough to do so, be sure to include it in your daily routine.

Keep Your Friends and Family Close

When going through this difficult time it is not uncommon for your mind to be bogged down with things like what will happen at your next doctor's appointment or when your next round of treatment will be. It is important to keep your friends and family close. Spending time with loved ones may be just what you need to aid you in keeping your mind in a positive and hopeful state.

Let Go of Fear & Stay Positive

One of the most powerful feelings that a cancer diagnosis can bring is fear. Its important try to let go of fear and all of the "what if's" that a person may be thinking upon being diagnosed with cancer. Living every moment and embracing every single day can really have a positive effect on your mind and body. Focusing on positive thoughts will help put you in a place of hope and optimism.

Follow Your Dreams

Being diagnosed with cancer shouldn't be a reason to stop following your dreams. Regardless of your age, if you have hopes, dreams and goals for your life and your future, don't lose sight of them. Whether your goal is to be a writer, to start your own business, to earn a college degree, or to travel the world. Don't let a cancer diagnosis put those dreams to rest. Continue to stay on track and try your best to think of your diagnosis as a bump in the road.

A cancer diagnosis is not something that anyone expects to receive from his or her doctor. But if it does happen, it's important to not let cancer consume your entire life and take over everything that was. Take these tips into consideration and remember; you were you before you had cancer and you will continue being you after cancer.

The holiday season can fill up the stomach with delicious treats, hearty meals and expedient amounts of seasonal goodies. However, if you are on a nutritious diet plan, eating right during the holidays has to be a mission. For certain groups of people, it's a necessity to eat a healthy meal. For example, cancer patients currently in treatment and survivors can't overindulge during the holiday season, because cakes and sweets provide little nutrition. Caregivers need to pay close attention as well in order to enable and support their loved ones during the holiday season, when certain foods are more tempting than others. The following are some good and bad foods for nutritional eating this season.

The Good Stuff

1. Cruciferous Vegetables
Cruciferous vegetables are highly nutritious for everyone, but especially for those with cancer because they contain phytonutrients. These types of vegetables are even better for breast cancer patients or those concerned about breast cancer because they help produce healthy estrogen. Cruciferous vegetables include broccoli, broccoli rabe, brussel sprouts, cabbage and kale.

2. Dark Green, Leaf Veggies
These types of vegetables have a plethora of vitamins and taste delicious in holiday dishes. These include spinach and kale.

3. Ginger
Some sweets are okay for cancer patients, but make sure you eat the right kinds of cookies. Ginger contains anti-inflammatory properties, which help quell side effects from cancer treatment like chemotherapy. Ginger ale or ginger supplements are best for helping with these side effects.

4. Candy Canes
Peppermint hard candies and peppermint tea relieve dry mouth but also help with nausea. Some studies have shown that the oil in peppermint can reduce spasms in the esophagus. This can help with dehydration among many other side effects that cancer patients face.

5. Protein-Rich
Eggs, beans and legumes are great to eat for cancer patients because they contain protein. These kinds of foods help immune systems, improving the healing process and cell repair. They also contain vitamin B, which helps with energy and skin.

6. Fatty Fish
According to studies by the journal Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarker and Prevention, women who ate fatty fish containing omega-3 fatty acids lowered their cancer risk but also decreased inflammation in cancer patients. Any holiday dishes with pollock, yellowtail, mahi mahi or salmon are great for this diet.

The Bad Stuff

1. Red Meat
When grilled, red meat creates something called heterocyclic amines (HCAs), which drive cancers. Red meat also contains amino acids that stimulate oxidation and insulin, both of which also produce cancer risk. Studies showed that women who ate well done meat three times a week increased their breast cancer risk by 400 percent. While turkey may be okay, stay away from steak and burgers this holiday season.

2. Processed Meats
Cured hams are off the diet plan this holiday. Unfortunately, research has shown that compounds in processed meats like bacon, ham, hot dogs and deli meats increase the chance of cancer-compounds in the body.

3. Vegetable Oils
You should take steps to prepare dishes without vegetable oils, including soybean, safflower, sunflower and corn, because they are high in polyunsaturated fats, which have been shown to increase oxidation in the body. Instead, cook and eat only foods made with extra virgin olive oil or canola oil.

4. Sweets
Many sweets contain preservatives, lots of sugar, and refined carbohydrates. These are dangerous for cancer patients on a regular basis. Once in a while, a sweet can be a treat, but cancer patients or those at risk should not indulge too much.

Whether dealing with skin cancer, lung cancer or mesothelioma, dealing with the uncertainty of this disease can be terrible. Even if you are in remission from your cancer, there is always the uncertainty of whether or not it will ever come back. Knowing that your cancer might appear again in your body can be extremely terrifying. However, it is important not to focus entirely on what may or may not happen. You have to learn ways to deal with the uncertainty of cancer so that you can live a normal and healthy life. Here are five ways that can help you deal with the uncertainty of cancer.

Learn Relaxation Techniques

Dealing with the uncertainty of cancer can leave you feeling very stressed, so you have to learn some relaxation techniques to calm yourself down. For example, you can practice deep breathing exercises. When you are in a quiet room, breathe in very deeply and fill your stomach with air. Then, slowly let the air out by exhaling. Doing deep breathing exercises should help relax you.

Eat a Healthy Diet

It is a good idea to eat a healthy diet. Eating a balanced diet will not only help you feel better; it will also improve your health and may prevent certain cancers from coming back. For example, breast cancer is more likely to reoccur in women who are obese and do not consume many fruits and vegetables. Make sure to fill your diet with vegetables, fruits, whole grains, lean meats and low-fat dairy products. Try to limit your consumption of junk foods like pizza, chips and cake.

Exercise Regularly

Although exercising is not proven to prevent or cure cancer, it can still reduce your anxiety, improve your mood and reduce symptoms of nausea, fatigue and pain. Try to exercise for 30 minutes each day. Do activities you enjoy like walking, biking or yoga. If you start to feel tired or weak as you are exercising, you should stop until you feel better.

Consider Counseling

There is no shame in seeking therapy if you are worried about your cancer. Talking to a professional counselor can help you express your feelings and learn how to cope with your anxiety. A counselor can help you gain control of your life and teach you different ways to deal with your cancer. You can also consider going to a support group meeting so that you can be around others who know how you feel.

Get Enough Rest

It is important to get enough rest at night. Allowing your body to sleep at least eight hours each night will help you recover from stressful events so that you feel better.

Dealing with cancer will not always be easy, but it does not have to make your life miserable. If you follow these tips, you will feel better about yourself and worry less about the uncertainty of cancer.

Using Proper Nutrition to Avoid Anorexia and Cachexia During Cancer Treatments

The mechanisms that suppress appetite in people experiencing cancer are complex and may severely impact their quality of life. Medications, anxiety, and the nature of how cancer affects the body in itself can all sway the desire and ability to eat. Any phase of a cancer patient’s journey should include good nutrition and awareness of the negative consequences of a body deprived of nutrients. Providing the body with adequate nutrition during times of anorexia, loss of appetite, and prevention of cachexia, the permanent loss of body mass, is an important strategy to maintain health during treatment and recovery from cancer. If the body isn’t strong enough, or weight loss is too great, cancer treatment may not be effective or the treatment may have to be stopped.

Prepare a Strong Body for Treatment

The apprehension of a cancer diagnosis alone may decrease or completely remove the desire to eat. Although this is a normal reaction to the threat of illness, the best strategy is to eat a healthy diet and prepare the body for the stress of treatment. Include fish in a diet rich in fresh vegetables and fruits. Providing the body tissues and muscle with essential proteins will increase the ability to tolerate medications, medical interventions and periods of anorexia. A healthy body can tolerate the stress of treatment better and progress to recovery.

Anorexia and Cancer Treatment

During treatment, the body may react to medical interventions with periods of anorexia. Chemotherapy affects the digestive system and may cause an upset stomach. Radiation, as experienced in patients with mesothelioma cancer, can turn off the appetite completely. Feeding the body while undergoing treatment may be very different than when not in treatment.

Alternatives: Protein Supplements

Unwanted weight loss is a serious threat to the cancer patient in treatment. Although natural food sources are best for nutrition, people may not tolerate whole foods during the treatment phase. Most nutritionists recommend protein powders and prepared supplements, including whey or soy protein. Depending on the therapy, patients may have difficulty chewing and swallowing food. Soft foods, such as, mashed potatoes, fruit-filled milkshakes, and yogurts can increase the protein stores and prevent the permanent loss of body mass, known as cachexia. The body has to be well nourished to withstand the impact of cancer therapies and medical interventions.

Alterations in Taste and Nausea

Patients have reported that chemotherapy and radiation treatments have made food tasteless or have induced nausea when they are presented with food. Adding spices and sweeteners may improve the taste in some individuals. Often, nausea is experienced from chemotherapies and toxic medications. People may tolerate dry toast, pretzels, crackers and sips of warm cola products at the bedside. Adding starchy foods sometimes helps to alleviate nausea, like potatoes, rice, and dry cereals.

Dangers of Dehydration

Cancer patients often lose their “thirst” mechanism. Drinking enough fluid is an integral part of nutrition during treatment. The blood vessels must be hydrated enough to dilute toxic infusions and circulate the medications throughout the body. Harmful toxins have to be flushed out of the system without harm to the organs. Some medications are toxic to the kidneys and liver. People in chemotherapy must be vigilant about hydrating the body and drinking enough fluids.

Nutrition in Recovery

Cancer patients that keep the body well nourished and hydrated, increase their completion of treatment and enter recovery. Avoiding cachexia, the permanent loss of body weight and muscle, is achieved by vigilance and nutrition persistence. Continue to provide the body with protein and use strategies that worked during treatment. Focus on healthy nutrition as the tolerance for high-quality foods and appetite return. Avoid commercially processed and fast foods that spike blood sugar and interfere with natural hunger cues. Maintain hydration as the body restores health during the recovery process.

Things Cancer Patients Should Consume

• Cancer patients should seek out beneficial fats and oils. People have been taught that high fat equals high unhealthiness, but good fats such as Omega-3 fatty acids and unsaturated fats actually have positive properties that can make people healthier. Fish, seeds, and nuts often contain these beneficial fats and should be consumed by cancer patients who wish to maintain their current weights.
• Vegetables, whole grains, and beans are excellent sources of the antioxidants and phytonutrients that help the body fight cancer. These foods are often high in fiber, meaning that the body can better digest food and eliminate waste--including harmful cancer-causing compounds in the body. Most vegetables and beans are also "whole foods," meaning that they are relatively unprocessed and are free of the preservatives and chemicals that are often present in other foods.
• Those going through cancer treatments should be sure to drink a lot of healthy liquids, especially water. Since water is essential for the transportation of nutrients, the elimination of bodily waste, and the stimulation of the immune system, drinking it is beneficial to all cancer patients. Juices and sports drinks may also be beneficial, particularly if the cancer patient has lost nutrients and electrolytes due to vomiting and diarrhea.
• Traditional breakfast foods such as eggs, yogurt, brightly colored fruits, and milk contain protein and nutrients that will be beneficial to most cancer patients. These foods are also easy to digest, making them desirable choices at any time of the day for those whose digestive systems react poorly to cancer treatments.

Things Cancer Patients Should Avoid

• Cancer patients should avoid eating any foods that their bodies cannot tolerate. Nausea and vomiting are common side effects of cancer treatments, so some patients will have difficulty with certain types of food. While eating healthy during cancer treatments is important, maintaining weight and nourishment is at least equally important.
• Those going through cancer treatments should avoid eating too much meat. Since meat is often high in saturated fat and low in fiber, it has few redeeming qualities in terms of cancer fighting. Red meat in particular should be avoided, and cancer patients should eat smaller than normal portions of other types of meat. An exception to this would many types of fish as it is often lean and contains healthy types of fat.
• Cancer patients should avoid taking risky supplements or eating too much of a good thing. Eating exorbitant amounts of a healthy food or going on a fad diet may do more harm than good. Patients should always ask their doctors before taking any supplements or embarking on any diets since doctors will be able to warn patients about the possible consequences of such actions.
• Cooking foods over high heat can increase the presence of carcinogens, so cancer patients should prepare their foods in healthier manners such as steaming, baking, boiling, and sautéing. Deep-frying is especially unhealthy. If cancer patients are still going to grill, they should try to cook their foods at a lower temperature so as to avoid the formation of carcinogens.
• In order to ease digestion, large meals should be avoided. Instead, patients should eat multiple small meals throughout the day. Healthy snacks are also beneficial in providing extra nutrients.

One point that doctors stress often is that all cancer patients are different. Some patients experience little nausea and can eat whatever they want to, while others may be constantly nauseous and may only be able to eat certain types of food. Finding the perfect cancer diet is quite often a work of trial and error, and each individual will have to work with his or her physician in order to discover the best personal balance.

Prayer

Although prayer may be the most obvious spiritual healing modality, many forget that asking for help from the prime creator should be the first step. After all, spiritual help from the source of life only makes sense. Certainly, pray for a complete healing, but realize that you are required to do your part with some introspective analysis. Set aside some time in a quiet location, where you will not be disturbed. Consider your daily life and what brings about any negative feelings or reactions. You will be looking for emotions, such as anger, frustration, stress, non-acceptance, shame. Not having the ability to forgive, yourself and others, is one of the most common negative parts of a person‘s makeup. These types of negative emotions can cause disease in your body.

Once you have identified these negative emotions and situations, ask to have them removed from you and to recycle the energy into light and love. Always be sure to send appreciation, as though the deed has already been done. Do your part to make changes, in your life that will work towards alleviating the problem. Also, keep your senses open for help and solutions that may be sent, per your request.

Energy Healing

There are many forms of energy healing. In most cases the healing is performed by another person, who has training or a natural ability. Basically, the healing is done by directing lighted energy towards the patient, which may include direction towards the physical, spiritual and emotional sources of the disease. In many cases energy healing can be done from a distance, as well as in person.

It is said by some healers that everyone has healing abilities in their hands. And, in fact, the well-known energy healing practice of reiki can be learned by anyone. Increased energy alignment is passed to the reiki student, by a reiki master, through a process call attunements. Some other energy healing modalities do not require the attunement process, but assist the student in becoming increasingly sensitive to healing energy. Reiki, and other types of similar healing practices can be used on oneself, others and others at a distance. The lighted energy used in this type of healing is said to be a universal life energy, referred to as chi, shakti or prana.

Whatever spiritual healing you choose to add to your daily routine, remember that mesothelioma is an aggressive cancer that demands a full spectrum of healing methods. Use these techniques to complement your cancer treatment and benefit from their palliative benefits.

Sources:

• http://cancer.gov/cancertopics/coping/life-after-treatment/page6
• http://www.livestrong.com/article/101865-effects-spirituality-cancer-patients/
• http://www.reiki.org/reikinews/cancertreatment2000.html