Food as a weapon against cancer

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Two out of every three people diagnosed with cancer today survive at least five years, and the right food may have a lot to do with winning that battle.

It's called Magic Mineral Broth and this batch is in the making. Julie Burford oversees a group of teens prepping meals for people dealing with diseases like cancer.

Julie Burford, head of Ceres Community Project, told ABC30, "The treatment process itself is very destructive of people's ability to eat."

Nutrition can't be put on the back burner during treatment. Broths and purees can go down easy, even with side effects like fatigue, nausea, mouth and throat soarness.

Burford said, "When they are going through retirement they have a more intense need for nourishment than at any other time."

The Magic Mineral Broth can help hydrate the body. It's also an excellent source of magnesium, potassium and sodium. Physical therapist Kathleen McDonough MA, PT, PMA-CPT says even the smallest dose is good for you.

McDonough told ABC30, "It's just so packed with nutrients, even if you can take just one bite its better than most foods."

For patients looking for the best nutritional bets to ward off disease, experts say almonds, apples, blueberries, broccoli, beans, salmon, spinach, sweet potatoes, tomato juice and wheat germ are among the best choice. Many of these are high in vitamin A, vitamin C and antioxidants.

McDonough told ABC30, "Good healthy nutritious whole foods support the healing process, no matter if it is an orthopedic problem or cancers."

And that's why these kids continue to cook up concoctions to conquer cancer.

People with cancer often need more protein than usual to help heal tissues and fight infection. Eggs, lean red meat, fish and nuts are good sources of protein.

For more information, contact:

Julie Burford, Program Manager
Ceres Community Project
PO Box 151049
San Rafael, CA 94915-0149
Phone: 415-785-3115
julieb@marin.ceresproject.org