That's Fit

Many of us have heard of a cancer diet. That is, a diet that protects the body from cancer if it exists or if it may potentially exist in the future.

Items like blueberries, green tea, and other fruits and vegetables are responsible for reducing your overall risk of cancer, according to new research. While this sounds like "old wives tales" to many of us, it's because current society has been told that the only help for cancer is radiation treatment and surgery. It's pretty easy to see that's a reactive approach, not a proactive one.

Although the research stated that there was not really an "anti-cancer" diet, there are many who disagree with that statement. How about you?

Like Jacki referenced a few days ago, dietary changes are an important factor to consider when trying to combat cancer or prevent it in the first place.

The consumption of red meat, processed foods loaded with chemicals and other foods can lead to cancer according to some. While I believe that is very true, you may not. Respecting each other's beliefs is commendable.

But, if you're serious about avoiding cancer, eating and drinking things containing possibly harmful substances should be done in moderation. Are you comfortable ingesting a bunch of chemicals and non-natural foods on a daily basis? If so, more power to you. I won't be in that group, however.

Although cancer can be caused by a mix of lifestyle choices, nutrition, genetics and other things, eating right takes one of those variables out of the mix I believe. The side benefits are tremendous -- you feel better, don't get tired as fast and look good!

Preventing cancer by eating right and cutting down on chemical consumption is a smart move any way you look at it. After all, most processed food didn't exist until about 50 years ago, and now 99% of what's in your local grocery is processed in a factory for low price, colorful marketing and shelf life -- not for health (far from it).

Some folks that I speak with adamantly disagree that nutrition is a main cause of cancer (all kinds), but I have to disagree -- I think preventative nutrition is a key to preventing cancer. It's no solution, but it's a tool in that box that you have to use -- and I say use it.

Are you wary of some foods that contain possible carcinogens or other cancerous components? There are many in the field of holistic nutrition who banish almost all processed foods from their diets based on data (and beliefs) that many compounds inside many foods actually promote cancer.

Want to see one take on the top five cancer-causing foods most commonly consumed? Try this list on for size and see how many of these items you regularly eat.

Things like sodium nitrite and hydrogenated oils may make foods look and taste better -- but they are certainly not good for health in any way.

There are some custom diets that are geared for beating cancer, and others for preventing and dealing with diabetes. But are there custom, personalized diets that are in tune with each individual's metabolism that can really keep cancer at bay?

It's hard to stomach much food when undergoing radiation treatments for cancer, but a new Canadian study concluded that a diet tailored to individual needs may allow certain cancer patients to eat the foods that won't make them nauseous or otherwise sick to their stomachs.

The study focused on the unique taste and smell experience abnormalities some cancer patients undergo -- and then tailoring a diet plan to work around those factors so that the proper disease-fighting nutrition can be had without a patient becoming malnourished as cancer treatment continues.