The Best Foods for Cancer Patients

A diet that focuses on a variety of vegetables, fruits and whole grains can be beneficial to cancer patients because many of these foods are known to boost immune function while helping to detoxify the body. Freshly extracted juice blends that include carrots, broccoli, celery, parsley, oranges and lemons are also ideal due to the fact that they avoid the digestive process and instead deliver nutrients directly into the bloodstream.

Stevia Extract

Stevia is an herbal sweetener that is 100 times sweeter than table sugar, yet does not cause blood sugar levels to rise. Nobel prize winner Otto Warburg discovered that cancer cells no longer metabolize oxygen for their energy needs as healthy cells do, but instead they feed on the fermentation of glucose (sugar). For this reason, Stevia may be the ideal sugar substitute for those who are fighting cancer.

Broccoli

Broccoli is rich in anti-cancer minerals, calcium and sulfur. Calcium is important in fighting cancer because it counters acidity in the body. An acidic environment is a breeding ground for cancer. Broccoli also contains lutein (an anti-cancer carotenoid), sulfurophane (a potent cancer-fighting enzyme), and d-glucaric acid (which may activate a tumor suppression gene.)

Celery

Celery alkalinizes the bloodstream and purifies the blood. It also improves digestion, aids kidney, adrenal and liver function, while it enhances the activity of white blood cells. Celery may halt cellular fermentation, while promoting carbon dioxide elimination. Celery is a natural diuretic, and an excellent source of magnesium, iron, calcium, potassium and vitamins A, C, E and B-complex.

Carrots

Carrots are the best natural source of beta carotene, a form of vitamin A that is critical for proper immune function. Beta carotene is also a powerful antioxidant and can dissolve the protective coating of cancer cells so the immune system can destroy them. Carrots are also a good dietary source of antioxidants, vitamins B1, B2, B6, K and folic acid.

Parsley

Parsley is rich in iron, calcium, potassium, vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, B-complex and has thrice the vitamin C as oranges by weight. The high level of potassium found in parsley is believed to be responsible for its ability to stop tumor growth. Parsley is one of the richest sources of the antioxidant glutathione, which helps bladder, kidney, liver, lung, stomach and thyroid functions--all essential to proper detoxification of the body.

Lemons

Lemons are a rich source of vitamin C and potassium. They also contain citric acid, which lowers the viscosity of the blood by taking water from the body tissues. In doing so, it prevents fermentation of the cells. Fermented cells are a breeding ground for cancer. Lemons also contain citrin, which helps the blood flow freely through even the tiniest capillaries.

Garlic and Onions

Garlic and raw onions are both excellent sources of sulfur. Sulfur aids in the removal of poisons from the body and serves as fuel for the cell's energy-producing mitochondria. Garlic is also a good source of anti-cancer minerals selenium and germanium, and raises the body's level of glutathione transferase, a liver enzyme known to detoxify the body of carcinogens. Add crushed, fresh garlic to your meals whenever possible. For the full effects of the active compounds, wait 15 minutes between peeling and chopping the garlic.