Cancer, Grit, Perseverance & Foods that Help

When clients share their stories, an alliance happens. 

Clients have an uncanny ability to be teachers to the teacher and students at the same time,  It’s an exchange where one’s experience informs the sharing of history, evidence, research, case studies, and the healing tapestry of food and nutrients.                                                                 

Patients do the work, they persevere, they have or get grit… people will always be in debt to those who are willing to make the health journey. They show the rest.

Clients continue to inspire me everyday. This is one account, common ground of the inspirational and courageous women I’ve met with. 

A woman with breast cancer reports, she does the research and then sits still with God to see where her peace lies. No matter what anyone else would choose, this woman makes her choices and is focused and ready to take on this battle. She’s gathering up her support. She has an oncology medical doctor that has studied holistic and nutritional medicine. She is now embarking on a treatment that is blending the art of conventional medicine with centuries old, yet now well studied nutrition and lifestyle medicine. 

This gal has moxy… she talks about how she threw herself headlong into cleaning out her pantry, tossing old grocery lists for new, and setting about a new way, with new foods, new cookbooks, a new garden.                                                                  She is learning how to make simple meals with foods known to help our body fight this unwelcome intruder.

Potent foods to help rid cancer, especially cancer stem cells. As data emerges, this list grows!

• berries

• broccoli

• cabbage

• capers

• carrots

• cauliflower

• cherries

• citrus fruit

• garlic

• ginger

• grapes, red, black

• green tea

• kale

• lavender

• leafy greens

• legumes, beans

• mint, basil, oregano, thyme, turmeric root,

• mushrooms

• onion

• plums

• radishes

• rutabaga

• seaweed

• sweet potatoes

• tomato

• wild fish, sardine, salmon, cod, halibut

In the world of nutritional science we are learning about foods that help kill cancer cells (apoptosis) including cancer stem cells everyday. We are encouraged by current research on food and nutrients that nurture our natural healing systems, provide physical stamina during treatment, lessen potential side effects, and minimize muscle loss. 

In the midst of her journey, this woman's strength is her faith and her enthusiasm now is for seeking information, the "how to" of eating and living well, of equipping her body to rise up to this challenge, knock out the cancer and heal her vessel. 

By some measures this woman is thriving, she shares that treatment has been completed. She is physically tattered but not broken. Her spirit is soaring, she is on to the necessary steps to rebuilding her health. In the most laid bare sense, she is bent on healing physically and emotionally.  

This is just one accounting of many clients describing that even during their most difficult days, they are in another sense moving forward, thriving, making life changes. 

You likely know someone who has had cause to transition into a healthier way of living and thinking. 

Next time you speak with them, ask if they have a new favorite meal. Watch as their eyes light up to reveal a hint of satisfaction. You see, part of their journey now, is to pass on the wisdom they have gained along the way. 

Here’s to courageous people that go before us. To herb gardens, nature's wisdom, and good food.  To farmer’s market finds, tomatoes and squash, a handful of herbs and a spritz of good olive oil. Here’s to a square of really good dark chocolate.     

For your health, Debra