Gillian McKeith's Food Bible (116 page)

AVOID

Meat, especially red meat, processed meat products such as sausages, and well-done/charred meat, as it contains more cancer-forming compounds than lightly cooked meat. People with bowel cancer are best to avoid meat altogether and eat mainly plant-derived sources of protein instead. Good sources of these include tofu, beans, whole grains, quinoa, nuts, seeds, eggs (no more than five a week) and plain live yogurt.

Foods high in saturated fat such as full-fat dairy products (butter, cream, and cheese).

Foods that contain toxic trans fats such as hard margarine, cookies, and anything that has been deep-fried.

Refined grains such as white bread and white rice, as they are devoid of fiber.

Refined sugar and all foods that contain it, as some studies have reported associations between sugar intake and bowel cancer risk. Opt for fresh and dried fruit (unsulphured) instead.

Processed foods, as these will add toxicity to your body and contribute little nutritional value.

Alcohol. Several studies have found a link between alcohol intake and an increased risk of rectal cancer. Beer appears to be the worst for increasing precancerous changes in the colon, probably due to cancer-promoting chemicals in it known as nitrosamines.

Caffeinated drinks including coffee and black tea. Instead, drink grain coffee substitutes, green tea, which contains an antioxidant compound called
epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), and herbal teas like nettle, fennel, chamomile, peppermint, ginger, and rooibos.

HERBS AND SUPPLEMENTS

Garlic. Studies have found people who eat more garlic have a lower incidence of bowel cancer, so taking it in supplement form may be worthwhile.

Reishi mushroom (can be taken in capsule form) for its anticancer and immune-boosting effects.

Vitamin C has been demonstrated to reduce the risk of bowel cancer in women, but not men. However, being a common antioxidant nutrient, its supplementation is recommended in both sexes.

Vitamin E. Some studies have shown that people who take vitamin E supplements may have a decreased risk of precancerous colon polyps and bowel cancer, compared to those who do not supplement with it. This is likely to be due to its antioxidant effect.