Issue link: http://viewer.e-digitaleditions.com/i/85232
078: health&wellbeing To add or not to add... ...another pill into the WORDS BY: JAMEE BARAGH As much as we would love there to be a specific food, diet or supplement that could cure cancer and prevent recurrence, unfortunately there is not. There are many complementary and alternative therapies which make claims that by following a special diet, it will cure disease. However, caution must be taken when researching these therapies as many of these 'diets' have not been scientifically tested which is why they are often referred to as unproven. There is an abundant amount of information available promoting 'special diets' that promise cocktail mix? positive results, often offering false hope. Alternative diet's, such as megadoses of vitamin or mineral supplements or highly restrictive diets such as the Max Gerson or Ian Gawler diet, can be potentially harmful and consequently are not recommended. The former have potential risks of toxicity due to the high doses consumed, where interference with other medications or treatments is also possible. Restrictive diets such as the latter, can induce or exacerbate malnutrition in people with cancer. There are certain dietary factors that may play a part in preventing cancer such as avoiding high consumptions of processed meats, however, there is no diet, food, vitamin or supplement that can cure cancer. Based on scientific evidence, patients are encouraged to follow a healthy balanced diet, including a variety of different foods to help ensure you are receiving adequate amounts of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Patients undergoing cancer treatments have higher nutritional requirements than that of the general population, so we encourage people have 5-6 small meals and snacks each day (especially if you are troubled by a poor appetite) to help