Nutrition

Dietary restriction is important because it limits the nutrients that supply the rapid cancer growth. Based on this concept, at Ixtapa, we limit total calorie intake, carbohydrate intake, and the intake of the amino acids phenylalanine, tyrosine, and methionine. Cancer patients should eat no more than 1,500 calories per day (the less they consume, the better short of exhibiting immune suppression from malnutrition). Carbohydrate intake should be no more than 40% of the total calorie intake. The amino acids mentioned above should be restricted, especially until the patient has shown to either stabilize the cancer or go into remission. This restriction can be accomplished by avoiding meat products, beans, nuts, seeds, and whole grains. The protein intake will be replaced by whey protein, at 30 grams per day and a proprietary amino acid formula which is depleted in the above-mentioned amino acids. At our Ixtapa facility, we ensure that our cancer patients are provided with foods and meal replacements that are consistent with the above-mentioned concept.

Natural Foods & Supplements

Blueberries

These amazing berries are on anyone's list of super foods. Recent research shows that they're brain food -- feeding blueberries to rats actually slows their age-related mental decline. Blueberries contain pterostilbene, a plant compound recently shown to have cholesterol-lowering properties. Their ORAC value (antioxidant rating) is the highest of any fruit. And blueberries are rich in fiber. Tip: Try them frozen. They taste like sherbet!

Guava

Among the super foods of the world, guava is a sleeper. With a taste that's been described as "part strawberry and part pear," one low-calorie cup of this vitamin-rich fruit contains a whopping eight grams of fiber. And in one widely used test of antioxidant power, guava scored second only to blueberries, right behind kale. Guava also contains cancer-fighting lycopene.

Kale

Kale is a member of the brassica family -- vegetable royalty that boasts cabbage and broccoli among its relatives. It's rich in potent cancer-fighting substances called indoles, and loaded with bone-building vitamin K. Kale has the highest antioxidant rating of any vegetable and is ridiculously low in calories. Try it tossed with olive oil, a few dried cranberries and some pine nuts.

Sardines

These little fish are the best kept secret in the world when it comes to health foods and the secret weapon of travelers looking for a cheap, portable, easily available source of protein. Sardines are rich in omega-3 fats, and one of the least contaminated of any seafood since they rank so low on the food chain. Eat them out of the can or throw them on some salad.

Apples

The juicy red or green apple's reputation for keeping you out of the doctor's office is well deserved. Loaded with pectin (an important fiber), apples are one of the best sources of boron, a little-known nutrient that helps support strong and healthy bones. An apple with a glass of water is a great natural appetite suppressant. Highest antioxidant value: Red Delicious

Coconut Oil

This superb oil has been long neglected as a healthy oil because it contains saturated fat. But not to worry: The saturated fat in coconut is a very healthy kind called MCT (medium chain triglyecerides) which is easily burned by the body for energy. Coconut oil also contains lauric acid, a natural anti-viral and anti-microbal. And today's excellent virgin coconut oil -- unlike the inferior products of a few decades ago -- doesn't contain trans fats.

Green Tea

A superstar beverage if there ever was one, green tea helps with weight loss and helps fight against cancer. It contains EGCG, a catechin (plant compound) which stimulates metabolism and has anti-cancer properties to boot. Green tea also contains theanine, a natural relaxant which helps explain why the caffeine in green tea doesn't make you nearly as jittery as coffee.

Flaxseeds

Flaxseed oil is one of the only plant sources of omega-3 fats, but the flaxseeds themselves provide the added benefit of fiber along with omega-3. Flaxseeds can be thrown on salads, tossed into smoothies, or sprinkled on vegetables. They also contain lignans, a group of plant nutrients that have been studied by the National Cancer Institute for their cancer preventive properties.

What is the Raw Food Diet?

A raw foods diet consists of unprocessed and uncooked plant foods, such as fresh fruit and vegetables, sprouts, seeds, nuts, grains, beans, nuts, dried fruit, and seaweed that have not been heated above 115 degrees Fahrenheit (46 degrees Celsius). Heating food above 115 degrees F is believed to destroy enzymes in food that can assist in the digestion and absorption of food. Cooking is also thought to diminish nutritional value and are harmful to the body, whereas uncooked foods provide living enzymes and proper nutrition. Proponents claim that there are many benefits to the diet, including weight loss, more energy, clear skin, improved digestion and improved overall health. Many people clarify that they eat a "high raw" or a certain percentage raw, such as "75% raw".

What are the Benefits of the Raw Food Diet?

Proponents of the raw food diet believe it has numerous health benefits, including:

Increased energy
Improved skin appearance
Better digestion
Weight loss
Reduced risk of heart disease

The raw food diet contains fewer trans fats and saturated fat than the typical Western diet. It is also low in sodium and high in potassium, magnesium, folate, fiber and health-promoting plant chemicals called phytochemicals. These properties are associated with a reduced risk of diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. For example, a study published in the Journal of Nutrition found that consumption of a raw food diet lowered plasma total cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations.

What can I eat?

Unprocessed, preferably organic, whole foods such as:

Roots, root vegetables and squashes
All raw fruits and vegetables
Fresh herbs and raw spices
Beans purified water
Young coconut milk
Nuts and seeds
Dried fruit
Seaweeds
Sprouts
Grains

What are organic foods?

Organic foods are produced according to certain production standards. For crops, it means they were grown without the use of conventional pesticides, artificial fertilizers, human waste, or sewage sludge and that they were processed without ionizing radiation or food additives. For animals, it means they were reared without the routine use of antibiotics and without the use of growth hormones. In most countries, organic produce must not be genetically modified. What cooking techniques are used? Specific cooking techniques make foods more digestible and add variety to the diet, including: Sprouting seeds, grains, and beans

Juicing fruit and vegetables
Soaking nuts and dried fruit
Blending
Dehydrating food

Also drink fresh fruit and vegetable juices and most people include a limited amount of foods that have undergone some processing, as long as the processing involves does not involve heating the food over 115 degrees. Some of these processed raw foods include:

Cold pressed oils
Raw nut butters
Fermented foods such as miso, kimchee and saurkraut
Pure maple syrup
Raw soy sauce (nama shoyu)
Dried fruits and vegetables
Vinegars and foods cured in vinegar

Side Effects

Some people experience a detoxification reaction when they start the raw food diet, especially if their previous diet was rich in meat, sugar, and caffeine. Mild headaches, nausea, and cravings can occur but usually last for several days.

Precautions

The raw food diet may not be appropriate for certain people, such as:

Children
Pregnant or nursing women
People with anemia

People at risk for osteoporosis - A Washington University study found that people following a raw food diet had lower bone mass. Bone turnover rates, however, were similar to the group that ate a standard American diet. Considerable time, energy, and commitment is needed to be healthy on the raw food diet. Many of the foods are made from scratch. Some ingredients may be hard to find, such as Rejuvelac (the fermented liquid drained from sprouted grains), sprouted flour, date sugar, young coconut milk, carob powder and Celtic sea salt. People must be aware that certain nutritional deficiencies can occur on the raw food diet, including:

Calcium
Iron
B12 – The Journal of Nutrition study found that a raw food diet increased levels of homocysteine due to vitamin B-12 deficiency.
Protein
Calories

Critics of the raw food diet say while it’s true that some enzymes are inactivated when food is heated, it doesn’t matter because the body uses its own enzymes for digestion. In addition, cooking makes certain phytochemicals easier to absorb, such as beta-carotene in carrots. Another critique is that the human body has changed in response to eating cooked foods. Some of these changes are that are jaws and teeth have become smaller, our stomachs have shrunk, and our small intestines have grown longer, lengthening the digestive surface area. According to other alternative diet theories, such as macrobiotics, Ayurveda, and traditional Chinese medicine, a raw-only diet may not be appropriate for people living in colder climates or for people with certain constitutional types.

Nutrition Facts

Get a Boost

When you need extra energy to get through a long, busy day, protein will perk you up. Nor-epinephrine and dopamine found in protein-rich foods, increase concentration and alertness.

Sources: Beans, lean poultry, red meat or cheese. Have a grilled chicken sandwich or turkey chili for lunch to power you through the afternoon.

Just Chill

If anxiety is keeping you up at night, a small, carbohydrate-based snack may be just what you need to relax and ease into sleep. Serotonin has been shown to have a calming effect, and production can be boosted by eating carbohydrates.

Sources: A small bowl of fiber-rich cereal with skim milk before bed can help give you a good night's sleep.

Don't Worry, Be Happy

Nervous about attending that party or your upcoming date? Foods that stimulate the release of dopamine may produce pleasant feelings, translating to a more approachable persona.

Sources: Bananas, milk and leafy greens. For a quick pick-me-up, try blending skim milk, ice and a banana for a delicious smoothie.

Let's Get it On

Kids, stress and busy schedules are all common causes of bedroom boredom. A little bit offolate and zinc could go a long way to spice up your sex life. Folate boosts the production of histamine (an essential ingredient for orgasm in both sexes), while zinc helps to increase sperm count.

Sources: Asparagus and orange juice both contain folate, and consuming just one oyster can give you your daily requirement for zinc.

Ditch Depression

Fish is more than just brain food. Recent studies have shown that the Omega-3 acids found in fatty fish may help ease symptoms of depression by raising the levels of serotonin in the brain.

Sources: Fatty fish, such as salmon, herring, tuna or sardines. Make a tuna fish sandwich for lunch, have sushi for dinner or try tossing a few anchovies onto your pizza.

Banish Bad Moods

Hostility, anger, and grumpiness are the essential ingredients of a bad mood. Several studies have linked low levels of selenium with tendencies towards anxiety and irritability, so load up on this nutrient to shake your foul mood.

Sources: Sunflower seeds, whole grain cereals and Brazil nuts. Combine sunflower seeds and Brazil nuts with raisins and almonds for a mid-afternoon snack.

"The best interest of the patient is the only interest to be considered."